When Love Breaks by Jack

“Greg!”

Gregory hurriedly responded, “I’m here.”

I was both angry and heartbroken.

He smiled at me, even though beads of sweat had formed on the tip of his nose.

When Dr. Andrews was treating his wound, I saw him wince.

He was trying to bear it, but some reactions are just involuntary.

I turned away, unable to bear watching him in pain and admittedly, a bit upset.

Gregory signaled Dr. Andrews to hurry up.

Once Dr. Andrews had skillfully finished up, he left Gregory and me alone in the room.

Gregory grabbed my hand, but I pulled away, only to hear him hiss in pain. I immediately turned back, “You okay?”

“Never better.”

Gregory wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into a hug.

I was about to protest when I heard his hoarse voice, “Jane, it hurts.”

I froze, knowing all too well this was one of his schemes.

“Serves you right.”

“Yeah.” Gregory played along, “I deserve it.”

“Then stop being mad, and take care of me, okay?”

“I’m so pitiful.”

Fine.

Seeing I didn’t respond, Gregory nuzzled into my neck, like a big dog seeking its owner’s comfort.

It wasn’t anger I felt, but deep concern.

Now, how could I resist him? I looked up at him, “No more next times.”

“Deal, I promise.”

headed home

unsatisfying, so we picked up

into a pistachio pastry Gregory offered, asking,

the aftermath

something I need to tell

I could continue, he guessed, “Advise Christine not

to win that bet about who gets married

can I ever

“What?” I asked.

spoke ill of Christine, you’d defend her. Why didn’t

“Because I know Dailey didn’t want Christine to move abroad. I didn’t want that either. You getting hurt

circumstances call

did hurt Christine, and

your bet

a

Shameless!

and

was already waiting at the door with apple

much better

Gregory, “Indeed, love

you returned, she

“Ramona…”

embarrassed, as if I couldn’t

it seemed

medicine. His expertise is

burst my bubble, “As long as

seeing you

“Alright.”

of my reluctance to

also put

exchanging a few more words, Gregory

Elmwood Villas, we saw Lucius, whom we

been taken

glanced at me,

him a cold look, “What, you forgot how to speak

Mr.

Gregory immediately understood, “Serious?”

lie to me on Gregory’s behalf and risk my anger, or

he’s hospitalized. Maybe he’s waiting

drew out his response with a

their performance

Lucius said his piece,