Chapter 4

Back at the hotel, I drew a hot bath, ready to wash away the stench of that run-in.

Just as I was about to step out, my phone buzzed incessantly.

It was my buddy, Dominic, spamming me with text after text:

*Holy shit! Bro, have you seen Eliana’s Instagram?!*

*She just posted a whole photo dump with that fitness influencer at the duty-free shop, throwing massive shade at you!*

*All these years and she still has all body, zero brain. Tell me you aren't still holding a candle for this chick. You gotta put her in her place!*

I opened the app, and sure enough, Eliana’s new post was blowing up.

Pictures of her and Troy with their fingers intertwined, throwing hand-hearts at the camera.

Right in the center was a flaunting snapshot of a shopping receipt from the luxury boutique—a total easily sitting in the six figures.

Caption: *[When I was blind, I couldn't see the venom in people's hearts. Now that my eyes are open, I finally see who truly loves me.]*

The comments were practically worshipping her:

*Queen moves! Got her sight back and upgraded immediately! Living the ultimate dream!*

*Dumping that toxic scrub was the best decision ever. Protect your peace, babe!*

*New guy is drop-dead gorgeous. A million times better than the ex. When are we getting an official intro?!*

I sneered. Petty shots like this didn't even scratch the surface.

Steam rose from the bath, suddenly pulling my thoughts back to a night just a month ago.

Back then, Eliana had gripped my hand tightly, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Sean... do you really think I'll ever be able to see again?"

I had sat on the edge of her bed, gently stroking her hair.

"There's been a massive medical breakthrough recently. Clinical trials are wrapping up. As long as the procedure goes smoothly, you could regain over eighty percent of your vision."

Eliana’s eyes had welled with tears, clinging to my arm like a helpless child.

"Really? I'll actually get to see the world again? I'll get to see... you?"

I’d hummed in quiet affirmation, about to suggest an early celebration, when her face suddenly fell.

"But a surgery like that must cost a fortune. How could we ever afford it? I haven't made a single dime in five years. You've carried everything on your back... you've already done so much for me."

I had gently covered her eyes, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Leave the money to me. You don't have to worry about a thing."

She’d thrown her arms around my neck, passionately pulling me into a deep kiss, clinging to me for dear life.

"I knew it. You truly are the greatest gift God ever gave me."

Hah. Looking back now, every second of it was just an Oscar-worthy performance.

After clearing my mind for half an hour, I dialed a number.

"Hey, Julian. It's me. It's time to collect on that surgery bill. Yeah, initiate the protocol we agreed on. Don't go easy on her."

"Sean, are you dead serious? Isn't Eliana the love of your life? If you pull this trigger, she'll never forgive you!"