In the photo, Jerome rested his exhausted face on the edge of Jessica's hospital bed, while on her hand was a familiar ring. That ring was part of a couple's set, Jerome had one as well and had never taken it off.
I suddenly remembered the day Jerome swapped out our couple's ring for another design. It was the first time we had a heated argument. Later, Jerome explained it was a gift celebrating six years of love, but the women's ring had unfortunately been lost.
Turns out, it wasn't lost at all. I was so foolish, so easy to deceive. Thinking back, Jerome had started staying out late around that time. Everything had signs, but I had been too blind to see, clinging to a hope for miracles.
As I stared at the post, a comment section caught my eye. One username stood out, it was familiar.
It was Jerome's mom: [My sweet future daughter-in-law, my son is utterly devoted to you. Even I'm a bit jealous!]
A second later, I saw Jerome reply: [Mom, don't say that. I just see Jessica as a sister.]
Jessica quickly smoothed things over: [That's right. Jerome is so kind to all his employees. We all love him.]
Jerome's mom got the hint: [Alright, alright. When will you bring Jessica to visit our home? Mom will personally cook for her.]
I was too stunned to react. My fingers slipped and I accidentally liked the post while dropping my phone. I immediately retracted it, but it was too late.
Jerome's mom promptly messaged me: [Tania, don't misunderstand. I just feel bad for Jessica. She's so young to have this kind of illness, it's really heartbreaking.]
I didn't know how to respond. After all, Jessica and I shared the same disease. We both had KEN-type blood. Yet somehow, it felt like everyone had forgotten about me.
Jerome and even his mother, treated me this way. Once, I depended on Jerome's mom as if she were my biological mother. Because I no longer had a mother of my own.
Mom, am I really this foolish? I miss you so much. If you were still here, would there be someone to truly love me?
The intense pain brought me back to reality. Due to insufficient blood supply, my body began to break down and I was in critical condition. After struggling for a long time, I finally connected a call.
On the other end, Jerome spoke casually, "I can't come back right now. You've made it through so many times before, one more won't make a difference. Be good and hang in there."