Chapter 2
(Jacob's POV)
I stepped into the house and saw her—the girl I had only ever dreamed of.
Lisa.
The one I've always wanted in my life.
The moment we got engaged, it felt like a dream coming true.
I had never met anyone like her.
But when she looked at me, her gaze shattered something inside me. Cold. Distant. Like I was a stranger. I couldn't hold it, so I quickly turned my attention to a conversation with David.
My whole life had been consumed by the demands of medical school and my career. I never had time for love, for relationships, or even casual dating. But now, looking at Lisa, I believed it had all been worth it—if only she could love me back.
Her eyes, though... every time she looks at me with that hatred, it kills a little part of me.
I thought marrying her would fix things. I thought she'd eventually open her heart to me. So I asked David if we could move the wedding up, hoping love might grow with time. He agreed.
She always seemed so sweet—I didn't think she'd object to getting married in two months.
But when she collapsed, her body hitting the floor like her soul had left it...
It felt like my soul left too.
Two Months Ago
(Lisa's POV)
Today, I was finally going to meet the man my father had chosen for me—the one I was supposedly engaged to.
I had already decided I was going to end it. I didn't want a relationship, not now, not ever. I just wanted to be with my dad and follow in his footsteps.
When I walked into the restaurant, I spotted him—Jacob.
He looked like a good man. Respectable. Calm. But I couldn't let that distract me. I had to say what I came here to say.
"Hi, I'm Lisa."
"Hi, I'm—"
"Before you say anything," I interrupted, "there's no need for introductions. I don't want to be engaged, and I definitely don't want to get married. I already know I won't ever like you. I'm not the sweet girl my father thinks I am. In fact… I have three boyfriends, and I love all of them. Please, call off this engagement. I'll never be able to love you."
I didn't wait for a response.
"Enjoy your coffee. Bye."
I rushed out of the restaurant, breathless, feeling like I might faint any second.
Did I really just say all that?
Where did that confidence come from?
Somehow, I felt powerful. Scared—but powerful. Surely, that would be enough to make him back off.
I giggled nervously to myself.
He'll definitely call off the engagement now.
(Lisa's POV)
(Present Day)
I opened my eyes slowly, the smell of antiseptic in the air.
I was in a hospital.
Jacob's hospital.
"Where… where am I?" I tried to speak, but my voice was barely a whisper.
"You had a panic attack," Jacob said, stepping into the room. "Save your questions for later. You need to rest."
"I'm not talking to you. Where's my dad?" I asked, my voice cracking.
"He's just outside. Had to take a call."
I sat up slightly, the weight of everything crashing back onto me.
"Why are you doing this to me?" My voice trembled. "I asked you to call off the engagement. And now you're asking him to push the wedding forward? Are you out of your mind? Can't you understand that I don't love you? What have I ever done to deserve this?"
Tears streamed down my face. I was angry. Exhausted. Defeated.
Jacob stayed calm. His voice was quiet and soft.
"I can't just leave you alone. I promise, I'll call off the engagement as soon as David returns. But right now, please… just rest."
I turned away from him, staring out the window, wishing I could be anywhere but here.
Fifteen minutes later, my dad rushed in.
"Thank God, Lisa! I'm so relieved you're okay," he said, holding my hand. "I really have to leave tonight—this mission is urgent. But I'll stay in touch, my love."
"Dad, I don't want to get marr—"
I barely got the words out before he interrupted.
"Jacob, I'm leaving her in your care. Please take care of her. I'll call in two days."
He kissed my forehead and was gone—just like that.
I closed my eyes. If only Mom were alive. I had never felt her absence this painfully before. Right now, I felt like the loneliest person in the world.
"You need to sleep," Jacob said quietly. "We'll leave for home tonight. Hospitals don't suit you for long."
He left the room.
I reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, but my fingers brushed against a piece of paper.
Curious, I unfolded it.
My breath caught in my throat.
"If you want your father alive, don't let him go on the mission."
My vision blurred. My hands trembled.
Everything around me faded as a cold wave of fear washed over me.