But even as I stood there, I knew it wasn’t the end. I had crossed a line, and there would be no turning back. The police would come, and I would face the consequences. But for the first time in months, I didn’t care.
The door burst open, and a nurse screamed when she saw the scene. "Call the police!" someone shouted behind her.
I turned to the window, the cool breeze hitting my face as I stared out at the city. There was no place for me here anymore. Nothing left but pain and loss.
With one last glance at the mess I had made, I stepped onto the windowsill. A familiar male’s voice echoed in my mind one last time, but it felt far away, like a distant memory.
And then, I jumped.
Tick-tock.
I opened my eyes, feeling hot and uncomfortable.
"Brother, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know she was allergic to mangoes..." Amy’s voice came through, her tone fake and whiny.
"It’s okay, you didn’t mean it. Claire won’t mind," Steve said softly, as if I was the one who did something wrong.
I turned my head and saw Amy, pretending to be sweet and innocent, clinging to Steve’s sleeve. But her eyes betrayed her; filled with jealousy.
I glanced at the IV bag above me and then back at her. Anger rose inside me. Why was I reliving this horrible moment?
“Claire, you’re awake,” Steve said, rushing over. “How do you feel? Are you okay?”
Amy stood nearby, looking pitiful, but I could see the jealousy burning in her eyes. I had been so blind before, not seeing who she really was.
“Claire, it wasn’t on purpose. Amy didn’t know you were allergic to mangoes,” Steve said, trying to help me sit up. He was being gentle, but it made me mad that he always defended her.
Suddenly, everything came rushing back. I realized I had been sent back six months before the wedding. I had been given another chance.
Amy moved closer, fake tears in her eyes. “Claire, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know…”
Oh, you knew. You always knew.
I must have been blind to believe Steve and fall for his lies. Today had been my birthday in my past life, and Amy insisted on cooking for me. I didn’t want to let her, but she was Steve’s family, so I agreed. Then, after a couple of bites, I had an allergic reaction to the mango juice she secretly added, and I ended up in the hospital.
Worst of all, Steve convinced me to forgive her.
But not this time.
I pulled the IV out of my arm and got out of bed.