Chapter 16: Regret and Turning Back?
Today was Mabel’s discharge day.
Marcus came to pick her up personally.
At the hospital entrance, Alijah handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“Maya, congratulations on getting discharged!”
were set, she was ready for outpatient recovery.
Mabel’s injury was a fracture. After the bones wer
She could return later to have the cast removed.
Taking the roses with one hand, Mabel smiled warmly. “Thank you both for coming to get me.”
She stepped closer to Marcus and gently hooked her arm around his
“Have you been waiting long?”
It was the hospital entrance, bustling with people.
Marcus pulled his arm back. “No.”
The three of them got into the car, with Marcus driving
Mabel, in high spirits, chatted non–stop along the way.
When she noticed Marcus seemed uninterested, she turned to Alijah instead.
As they drove past an amusement park, traffic slowed to a crawl.
“We’re already here why don’t we stop and play for a bit?”
Mabel’s suggestion instantly thrilled Alijah.
It had been nearly a month since he last visited an amusement park.
Back when Gemma was around, she only took him once a month, sticking to a strict schedule
And because of the doctor’s advice, he was limited to calm, safe rides.
It was stifling.
“Maya, can I ride the roller coaster?”
Mabel snapped her fingers with a smile. “Of course! I’m your fairy godmother–your wish is my command.”
Alijah was overjoyed
“Daddy, can we go?”
Marcus responded distractedly, “Sure.”
How annoying
He thought to himself.
If Gemma were here, she’d have immediately vetoed the idea based on Alijah’s health
As he parked the car, Marcus caught himself.
Why on earth was he thinking about Gemma?
He must be losing it.
Inside the amusement park.
Noah had the time of his life.
He tried almost every ride.
While Gemma was scared out of her wits.
By the time she got off the pirate ship, she was completely spent,
drenched her back.
She had always kept a respectful distance from adrenaline–pumping rides.
Alijah’s frail health and heart condition made them off–limits, per medical advice
Still, she used to long for these thrilling experiences when she first moved out of the small town.
For Alijah’s sake, she had pushed those desires aside.
Over time, the wildest ride she dared to try became the carousel
“Gemma, are you scared?”
Noah bounced up and down with excitement, already begging to try the drop tower next.
“How could I be scared?” she replied haughtily.
But her pale face betrayed her.
Brian grinned. “Noah and I are headed to that line over there. Can you grab us some drinks?”
Gemma jumped at the chance for an escape.
“Of course! Right away!”
Noah frowned. “Why do I feel like Gemma doesn’t want to come with us?”
“I’m not scared. I’m not avoiding it,” Gemma denied flatly. “I just prefer taking care of you.”
Brian chuckled knowingly. “Let’s go line up, then.”
With that, he hoisted Noah onto his shoulders and walked away.
Gemma heaved a sigh of relief.
She had dodged a bullet.
With some time to kill, she strolled around to clear her mind.
Suddenly, the sky lit up with fireworks.
“Wow, so beautiful!”
“Look! Blue fireworks!”
Gemma instinctively looked up.
Brilliant bursts of light scattered like golden rain, dazzlingly gorgeous.
“Whoa, those gold fireworks cost 100 grand apiece!”
“There’s another one!”
“Wow, is someone trying to impress their girlfriend? Even we mere mortals get to enjoy the show!”
Gemma’s neck began to ache from craning.
As lovely as fireworks were, she couldn’t keep staring forever.
She turned into a nearby restroom.
When she came out, she bumped into a familiar face–Mabel.
Mabel, still wearing her cast, didn’t expect to see her here.
“Well, well. Looks like you still can’t let Max go, huh? Following him all the way here?”
Gemma froze for a moment before glancing toward the distance.
Sure enough, Marcus was standing with Alijah, the two bathed in the glow of the fireworks behind them, both looking radiant.
She quickly turned back, unbothered, and shot back,
“You’re the one acting like a loyal puppy. Don’t assume everyone else is just like you.”
Mabel’s face darkened.
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Chapter 16: Regret and Turning Back!
Sour grapes, much?”
After a pause, Mabel smirked knowingly.
“Oh, I get it. You regret divorcing him, don’t you? Missing the mansion, the money–getting cold feet?”
Gemma looked genuinely surprised.
“So you DO care about the house and the cash. Wow, for a second there, I thought you actually liked him.”
Mabel sneered. “Don’t twist my words. I couldn’t care less about material things–I’m in it for Marcus himself!”
Gemma’s expression shifted to one of mock sympathy.
“Well… good luck with that”
If someone wanted Marcus’s wealth, they might manage.
But if they wanted his heart, they’d end up worse off than she did.
Mabel took Gemma’s words as defensive posturing and doubled down.
“Did you see the fireworks just now? Max played them for me.”
“Don’t be late for the official divorce.” Mabel added.
“I won’t, Gemma nodded, “And please make sure your hard–earned boyfriend to shows up in time.”
Gemma turned to leave.
“By the way,” Gemma paused, and said to Mabel, “The customer’s name is etched in the bottom right corner of each firework burst. Funny thing, though…
Her voice turned sharp.
“It’s not yours.
Mabel’s face went pale instantly.
After that exchange, Gemma felt great. When she returned, Brian and Noah had just finished their ride.
Noah wanted to try the wobbly bridge next
To prepare, Gemma bought a life jacket and a raincoat.
“Gemma, are you afraid of falling?” Noah asked, seeing how thoroughly she’d equipped herself.
“No, but I didn’t bring extra clothes for you. If you fall in, you’ll be freezing on the way home.”
Noah quickly put on the raincoat, accepting his fate.
Brian followed suit.
The three of them stood out in the crowd, dressed so uniquely,
“Maya, look, those people are wearing raincoats tool How silly.”
“They’re probably going to fall in. Let’s watch the show!”
Gemma recognized Alijah’s voice immediately. Her chest tightened.
Before she could dwell on it, there was a loud splash.
“Someone fell in!“.
