A Love to Forget novel Chapter 6

Esme stood frozen at the door as the conversation inside continued, completely unaware of her presence.

"Isaiah and Audrey—are they still at it? It's been, what, almost five hours?"

"Why rush? Isaiah's always been intense, and Audrey's got that pull. They won't be done until tomorrow."

"But they're being so obvious about it. I heard them going at it in the next room. I even heard the moans, but thankfully, I had the music turned up, so Esme didn't catch on. You have no idea how nervous I was."

"Why would you be nervous? If you were like me, you'd be used to it. Isaiah finally found a woman who is into him. He's not stuck on Esme anymore. We've got to help him enjoy his freedom, right? Let him have his fun!"

"Esme's attractive, but she's so uptight. Probably just lies there in bed like a blowup doll. I mean, who doesn't want someone more exciting, right?"

After that, Esme could not hear anything else. Her ears were ringing as she stumbled toward the door, lost in a daze. It seemed that everyone knew—everyone but her.

These "friends" were polite to her face, yet behind her back, they were helping Isaiah cover his tracks and shamelessly mocking her. Esme felt as if her heart was being torn apart, and the pain spread through her entire body.

The rain was pouring outside, but she did not notice. She walked on, like a soulless, lifeless shell, each step heavy with the weight of betrayal.

Esme walked straight to the immigration office, her appearance disheveled, and signed the papers. Then, she went home, locked herself in her room, and shut the world out.

...

The next day, Esme developed a high fever.

Isaiah returned to find her delirious and barely able to recognize anyone. He was terrified and rushed her to the hospital, nearly losing his mind in the process.