It Doesn’t Matter Anymore novel Chapter 21

Chose Her First So I Chose to Di

Chapter 21

My boyfriend insisted on hanging a small porcelain doll,a gift from his childhood friend, in the car, claiming it would keep us boyfriend insisted on hanging a small porcelain doll,a gift from his childhood friend,in the car, claiming it would keep us safe.During our road trip,an abrupt brake deployed the airbag,shattering the porcelain and grazing my face, making it difficult to see properly. Yet,my boyfriend answered a call and went off to rescue his childhood friend who was trapped by a landslide,leaving me stranded despite my pleas for him to stay.

“What’s more important, your face or her life?” he asked.

Luckily,a kind passerby took me to the hospital. That evening, when I finally reached our destination,I saw a social media post from him,holding his childhood friend close under a gazebo.

“Thank goodness for the porcelain doll;it kept her safe from harm, “he wrote.

I didn’t feel anger or sadness,just clarity.I liked the post,realizing it was indeed thanks to that doll that I finally saw our relationship for what it was.

The phone rang, and James’s voice came through with a hint of smugness, “The original hotel room was canceled, so I booked you another one.”

I mumbled a response, while my heart ached like it had been scratched by a cat.My luggage was still in his car; even if I wanted to leave immediately, I could only wait at the hotel.

He hurriedly added, “I left your suitcase in the lobby,pick it up yourself.”

I asked him,“What about you?”

“Lorelai was rattled by the landslide,so I’m taking her on a walk through the countryside.Stay at the hotel,“he replied,as if it were the most natural thing,not even asking about my face.Did it hurt?

I could hear rustling noises over the phone, and Lorelai’s overly sweet voice apologized, “Roselyn,I’m sorry.The landslide was terrifying,thank heavens James was there,though I didn’t expect him to leave you at the hospital just to get me…”

I could faintly hear James next to her scoff, “Why apologize? It was just some scratches. She won’t die.Besides,she’s fine

on her own.”

Lorelai’s voice softened with guilt, “It’s all my fault…that doll was my gift.Don’t blame James.”

“Why apologize to her?I said you did nothing wrong, “James interjected impatiently.

“If you keep talking like that, Roselyn might get mad, “Lorelai pointed out.

Listening to their conversation,I felt a cold smile form and replied flatly, “I’m not mad,enjoy yourselves.”

I hung up and went to grab my luggage, which was dumped in a corner, still covered in mud. The room he arranged for me was in the farthest,darkest corner,damp and poorly maintained.I fumbled for the light switch;the room was

basic, with a window that let in a draft.

I tried calling customer service,but no one answered. Since it was just for one night, I used a newspaper to block the window.After showering,I lay in bed scrolling through my phone when a message from Lorelai popped up.

“Roselyn,without your interference, James is having a blast!”

She bombarded me with photos. There they were,James and Lorelai,having the time of their lives,catching frogs and tadpoles,mud covering their clothes. James smeared mud on her face,making funny faces for the camera.They shared a wooden cup of spring water,happiness evident in their smiles.

She thought she could provoke me,but I just set my phone aside,staring at the ceiling blankly.I felt nothing.I remembered a trip with James six months ago when I took him fishing. He stayed in the shade,engrossed in his phone,barely glancing at me,dismissively saying, “They’re slimy,if you don’t mind,I do!If you catch a snake,don’t expect

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He Chose Her First–So I Chos…

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Chapter 21

me to help.”

Thinking about that, my facial wounds began to throb again,so I hurriedly tended to them as the doctor instructed. Early in the morning, James returned.

He tossed me a greasy takeout box,“Lorelai was worried you’d be hungry and made sure to get this for you.”

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