Chapter 12 A Real Slap in the Face
Chapter 12 A Real Slap in the Face
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Alice knew that these two had grown up together and were more or less childhood sweethearts. They probably had a close relationship.
Of course, when “lovers” reunite, they would want to pour out their hearts to each other.
It would be a little inappropriate for Alice to stay.
So
“I’m going to take a walk while you guys talk.”
She turned and left as if she were just a doctor here to check on a patient.
Without giving them a chance to object, she walked out and even thoughtfully closed the door behind her.
Eric was speechless while the five brothers exchanged surprise glances.
They had expected Alice to make some kind of demands after saving someone’s life.
However, she just left.
A strange feeling settled in their hearts, something they couldn’t quite put into words.
Linda had been watching Eric the whole time and hadn’t noticed the shift in the brothers‘ expressions.
Her eyes were red, brimming with tears. With just a blink, they spilled over like a dam breaking, tugging at the heartstrings.
“Rick, I finally get to see you.”
Her words came out between sobs, barely coherent.
Eric remained silent as he rested his hands on the armrests of his wheelchair.
There was a small button on the armrest. One press, and he could leave.
Linda had to take several deep breaths to force down the emotions surging in her chest.
“Rick, don’t listen to what others say. She didn’t do anything to me. It was me. I slipped in the
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Chapter 12 A Real Slap in the Face
car.
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“Alice didn’t do it on purpose. Besides, I’ve already occupied more than 20 years of her life. It’s time to return everything to her.
“Rick, maybe we’re just not meant to be. I wish you happiness. That’s all I want.”
As she spoke, she stole a cautious glance at Eric’s legs.
He wasn’t in a comaanymore, true–but… he stillseemedcrippled.
Eric’s expression turned cold.
“She was the one who saved your life just now. If not for her, you’d be in a vegetative state.”
Linda was stunned upon hearing that.
W–what?
Nautayl
Eric had tobesayingthisoutofangerbecauseofthewhole bride–switchingsituation. He’s testing me.
Then she glanced around.
The expressions on the faces of the five brothers weren’t right either.
A chill ran down her spine.
Whatonearth had happenedwhen I had been unconscious“?
“Rick…”
Her voice trembled. “Are you blaming me for not marrying you? I….
Eric’s brows furrowed, his expression growing colder by the second.
“I just wanted to make things clear–what happened is in the past. There’s no need to bring it up again.”
He paused and added, “From now on, you can address me the same way your brothers do- Mr. Nolan. Or just call me by my name.”
With that, he pressed the button on the armrest.
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Chapter 12 A Real Slap in the Face
His wheelchair turned automatically and he exited the room.
Linda’s face turned pale as she watched him leave.
Eric had never spoken to her in such an aloof way before.
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They were barely a few feet apart in the same room, and yet it felt like they were separated. by a thousand miles.
Her heart felt hollow like it had lost its anchor.
She also felt panic, loss, unease, and even a hint of fear.
Linda’s entire body trembled uncontrollably.
Thankfully, Charlie reacted quickly and supported her.
“Linda, just take it as him falling for someone else.”
At those words, Linda’s tears flowed even harder.
“Charlie, how long was I unconscious?”
Charlie let out a long sigh. “Three days. Today is her homecoming visit after the wedding.”
Linda was shocked.
Hadn’ttheysaid I wouldwakeup as soon as Alice got married?
Why had ittakenthis long?
Seeing how anxious she was, Charlie began explaining everything that had happened over the past few days.
It must’ve been her! She knows medicine–she must be the one who kept me unconscious on purpose!”
Furious, Linda pounded her fists against the bed.
Thatbitch had alreadybeenmarriedto Eric forthreewholedays!
Andduringthosethreedays, she’dbeenusinghernewidentity as Mrs. Nolan
togetwhatevershewantedwiththeNolans!
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Chapter 12 A Real Slap in the Face
Sowhatifsheknew a bit ofmedicine?
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There were countlessbrilliantdoctors in theworld! Whatonearthdid Ricksee in her?
It had onlybeenjustthreedays!
Seeing how worked up she was, Gary could tell she was deeply upset.
He sighed and spoke in a low, comforting voice. “Eric may be awake now, but after being in a vegetative state for so many years, his health isn’t good. He might not even be able to
Charlie quickly picked up the thread, adding in a soothing tone, “Maybe he acted that way because he’s worried you’re still clinging to the past and refusing to
move on. He didn’t want you to waste your life waiting.”
Linda looked uncertain.
Is thatso?
Butstill…
Gary spoke again, “Linda, think about it. You two have known each other since childhood. That’s over a decade. How could he suddenly be so cold–hearted?”
In other words, Eric must have had his reasons and things weren’t as simple as they seemed.
Only then did Linda sigh in relief.
Charlie lowered his voice and tried to comfort her further.
“Back then, we all told you not to marry a vegetable. We only wanted what was best for
you.
“Linda, even though Eric is conscious now, his condition is still unstable. I don’t want you to overthink it.”
He paused, then made a firm promise with a solemn tone.
“If Eric really recovers one day, I’ll make sure that woman divorces him, and I’ll help you and Eric pick up where you left off. How about that?”
Linda finally smiled through her tears.
“Charlie, you’re the best.”
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Meanwhile, Alice wandered out to the hospital entrance aimlessly.
She had originally planned to head straight back to the Nolans‘ residence, but it wasn’t often she had a bit of free time, so she crossed the street to check out the cafe.
All she had wanted was a cup of coffee. But the moment she stepped in, she realized the place was packed and chaotic.
A fight had broken out.
One of the customers, Felicia, had dropped her coffee cup.
The
cup shattered on the ground, and now she was being asked to pay for the damage.
Instead of taking responsibility, Felicia turned it around and blamed the waitress.
One word led to another, and now the two were physically fighting.
Felicia’s hair was a mess and her clothes were partly torn. She looked filthy and wild.
The waitress was even worse. Her uniform was covered in shoe prints, clearly having been attacked for a while now.
And then, Alice’s eyes narrowed in recognition. She knew that waitress.
“Emma?”
Pinned to the floor, the waitress flinched at the sound of her name. She was so stunned that she didn’t even try to block Felicia’s incoming slap. It landed hard across her cheek.
Alice’s expression instantly darkened.
Back when she lived in the mountains, she often came down to buy supplies.
Emma Quintana’s family sold fruit, and she always saved the best for Alice, charging only the bare minimum.
Over time, the two of them had become close friends.
Now, seeing her friend being abused like this, Alice didn’t hesitate to storm forward. She grabbed Felicia by the collar and flung her to the floor.”
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“Is bullying someone fun? Great. Then let’s see how you like being bullied.”
With that, she kicked her.
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Felicia grunted in pain. “Who the hell are you? How dare you hit me? I’ll call the cops and have you arrested!”
Alice’s tone was icy. “Perfect. But before the police arrive, let’s settle what you owe my friend.”
She then swung her hand and slapped Felicia hard across the face.
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