Anna looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Gabriel," she said softly, a faint smile on her lips, though her heart still ached.
"Well then, let’s go home. There are many people waiting for your return," Gabriel said, offering his hand.
Anna nodded, her body still weak. With Gabriel's help, she rose from the bed and walked out of the room, leaving the space filled with painful memories behind.
Her emotions were mixed as they walked down the hospital corridor. At the far end, in the quiet hallway, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Pedro. Richa sat in a wheelchair beside him, glaring at Anna with a look full of pretense.
Anna felt a sudden weight press into her chest, but she kept walking, determined not to pay them any more attention. Her heart had become hard, unwilling to get caught in the same game that had once hurt her.
"Anna! Stop!" Pedro shouted, halting in his tracks. Their eyes met, but there was no warmth there. Only coldness and feelings that had long since died.
Richa, her voice feigned sweet, greeted her. "Secretary Anna? How are you? What a coincidence that you’re here. Are you feeling ill too?"
Anna felt her chest tighten hearing those words. Richa was always like this—full of pretense. Whenever she was around Pedro, she would try to be sweet and sympathetic, but underneath it all, she intended to stab Anna in the back.
"I heard you were angry because Pedro forgot your birthday. I'm sorry, Secretary Anna. I didn't know Pedro should have been with you. If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked him to come help me," Richa said, her tone sweet but laced with manipulation.
Anna stared at her sharply. "I don't care about anything anymore, Miss. That’s in the past. Now, Mr. Pedro and I are no longer together. So, there’s no need for you to feel awkward."
Richa feigned shock, "What?! Why? You and Pedro have been together for so long. Don’t misunderstand my relationship with Pedro. You shouldn’t leave such a good man, Secretary Anna. Don’t repeat my mistake and regret it for the rest of your life."
Those words nearly made Anna lose her patience. Richa, with her fake smile, was trying to control the situation as if she were the victim.
"The regrets you have will never be mine, Miss. Now, take back the trash you left behind! I’ve already discarded it," Anna said, her voice firm and filled with hatred.