Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu) novel Chapter 58

Chapter 29 

Chapter 29 

Despite everything they had been through together, despite the heart–wrenching pain of separation, despite his love being genuine and unshakable–he had still chosen betrayal. 

He had chosen to hide it, believing his lies to be flawless. 

In the pouring rain, Ivan slowly raised his hand and slapped himself hard across the face. 

The fleeting clarity from the pain didn’t stop him. Instead, he continued, punishing himself with more blows, as if in a frenzy of self–loathing. 

Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, only to be washed away by the rain. 

His body swayed unsteadily before he collapsed heavily onto the ground. 

Elsewhere. 

Linda leaned against the window, listening to the pitter–patter of the rain. Her gaze was heavy, and the corners of her lips turned slightly downward. 

Rachel looked at her but said nothing, simply placing a cup of warm milk by her side. 

Linda picked it up with both hands, the warmth seeping through her palms into her cold body. She shivered involuntarily. 

Staring out into the pitch–black night, she spoke softly, “Rachel, it feels like my whole life has been about losing.” 

“Losing my parents, my grandmother, my child… and my love.” 

“If I really am the heroine of a novel, then how much must the author hate me to write a story so cruel, taking everything away from me?” 

Rachel sat down beside her, letting out a quiet sigh before pulling her into a comforting embrace. 

“Linda, you still have your dreams, your friends, and your freedom. We may not always keep the 

same things, but there are always things we can keep.” 

“No one can stay by your side forever, but someone will always be there for you.” 

“And in my case, I had to lose everything just to gain the freedom I wanted.” 

17 

Losing to My Substitute 

58.8% 

13 

Chapter 29 

Iyan opened his eyes again, finding himself in a hospital. 

He had passed out at the entrance of the nursing home the previous night, discovered by the night security guard, who had brought him here. 

The sharp scent of disinfectant filled his lungs.