A Life Debt Repaid

She was certainly disenchanted with him after he abandoned her to save Noel. However, forgiveness notwithstanding, she could afford to listen to an explanation because they had been together for three years.

And yet, she felt that asking for one would only demean herself.

On the other hand, Kyle turned to look at the other man and paused because he was too good-looking. Kyle soon recognized him as one of the firefighters who had rushed into the hotel last night and saved Cordy. Still, he did not see his face clearly at the time and merely found his stature towering.

That was when Cordy said, “Let’s break up, Kyle.”

Kyle actually felt an aching over his chest as she declared the end of their three-year relationship, and he wheeled on her with a look of disbelief.

Overwhelmed with rage, he bellowed as he pointed at the other man, “Do you even know who he is, Cordy Sachs?! He’s just a firefighter! You’re dumping me for the likes of him?!”

John’s eyes twitched ever so slightly—there was contempt and coldness in his gaze.

However, he chose to remain there in silence, appearing to have no inclination to leave.

“You know very well why we’re breaking up!” Cordy’s cool tone was now showing a tinge of anger. “Everything was clear when you chose to save Noel last night, so don’t treat me like I’m an idiot!”

Kyle’s indignant expression stiffened right then, and he had no comeback against that.

He stayed silent for a while, myriad emotions tangling in his eyes, though he soon found solace.

“Maybe we never should have been together,” he said, looking at her with regret and misery. “You’re so strong and independent, Cordy… I felt inconsequential. I feel stressed when I’m with you. You never needed me.”

Cordy watched him in return, and she suddenly smiled despite the numbing pain she felt inside.

She met Kyle while they were abroad—she was working as a street musician. He had been young and innocent at the time, his smile was as warm as summer. Cultured and refined, he dropped a generous donation for her performance, and he would come by often to support her afterward.

As time went by, these strangers became lovers in another country.

a troubled past but he dismissed it, saying that he wanted a future with her.

as he graduated from university. Cordy returned with him as her career started to take off and both of them promptly joined Jessop Corp, working long nights together, going to various social events or to

on track and he used to be grateful, even vowing never to leave her… And now,

relieved. “Take care. You can come

snapped, her tone icy and taunting. “Remember this, Kyle Jessop—I was the one who dumped you! I earnestly wish you would

scolding left

for abandoning her last night,

no way to talk things out

her a long look, he then quietly said, “You

started to leave when he paused and turned toward John, who

the injustice. “They’re

not want another word from him. “Do I look like a loose woman, Kyle Jessop?!”

straightened his hair

his

suit yourself,” Kyle retorted and stormed off, leaving the ward in abrupt silence.

Kyle,” Cordy eventually said. “But may I ask you to leave, Mr. Levine?”

“Sure. Please get some

leave, he returned to put a stack of tissues near her bed while saying, “If a man feels stressed being with you, it is he who’s lacking—it’s

take as she suddenly found John different from

…

after he left Cordy’s ward and he whipped out his phone to make a call.

Levine?” The response

prepare another portion of food for the patient staying next to

“…Yes, Mr. Levine.”

up, he got a

the caller ID, he greeted, “Bob.”

heard there’s a fire in your hotel as soon as you return to