The second my eyes opened, Celine threw herself at me, hugging me so tightly I thought I might pass out again. "Irina, you're awake!" she squeaked, relief spilling over her face. I was stunned for a second, but eventually hugged her back.
"You scared us, passing out like that!" she said, still clinging to me. I blinked, taking in her words.
Then Aunt Rachel chimed in, a gentle but worried smile on her face. "Ezra ran inside with you in his arms, soaking wet from the rain! I was so worried about you, dear. Are you sure you're okay?"
I forced a small smile, brushing off her concern. "I'm fine, Aunt Rachel. Just… a bit tired, that's all. I haven't really been sleeping well lately," I said, trying to downplay the whole fainting-in-the-rain situation. In reality, I was losing sleep because I was terrified of getting murdered in this world! But of course, I kept that bit to myself.
My eyes shifted to Ezra, who stood silently, his face as blank as always. I just passed out, and this guy couldn't care less? I thought bitterly. His face showed zero worry. Not even a hint.
Then, in his usual icy tone, he said, "Maybe stop being so dramatic, passing out in the rain like that."
The nerve! I wanted to yell at him, maybe even scream. The audacity of him to talk to me like that, after everything! It reminded me of my past life, how I used to get sick and skip school, only to have my sister Ellyn accuse me of faking it. Here I was, once again, being doubted for something out of my control. And by my husband, no less.
"I'm not like you, Ezra," I muttered, trying to hide the annoyance in my voice.
Aunt Rachel, sensing tension, quickly stepped in, her voice gentle. "Ezra, please take care of her," she said kindly. He just gave her a stiff nod in response. Then, Aunt Rachel excused herself, leaving us alone with Celine.
Just as Celine was about to leave too, Ezra reached out and grabbed her hand. Celine froze, her eyes wide, quickly yanking her hand back like she'd been burned. "Why did you do that, Ezra?" she asked, looking genuinely shocked.
Ezra's face stayed unreadable. "Why did you come and hug *her*?" he asked, his voice calm but with a sharp edge.
I raised an eyebrow, *Excuse me? If you're going to talk about me, at least don't do it right in front of me!*
Celine looked at him, a bit defensive. "Is it wrong to hug her?"
"Yes," Ezra replied coldly. "It's very wrong. She's the one who's tormented you. Bullied you. She's not your friend, Celine."
Celine looked away, a flicker of guilt or hesitation in her eyes. "I should go… I have work to do," she mumbled, slipping away.
And just like that, it was only me and Ezra. I stared at him, exasperated. "What was that for?" I demanded. "Why do you have to bring that up?"
His cold gaze met mine. "Because of you, Celine's started keeping her distance. I don't want her getting close to someone like you."
I couldn't help myself. I gave him a half-joking smirk. "Maybe it's because I'm your wife?" I teased, trying to lighten the tension.
He didn't even crack a smile. Instead, he looked at me with a hard, emotionless stare. "After two years, I'll make sure to divorce you."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My mind blanked for a second. Divorce? He wasn't just cold-hearted—he was practically ice incarnate. He didn't stop there, though.
"And stop faking everything," he added sharply. "You're not weak, so quit pretending."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me speechless and seething.
*Wow.* That's seriously how he talks to someone who just passed out? Like it's *my fault* I fainted in the rain? I mean, excuse me, but it's not like I wanted to pass out! Besides, if he knew half of what Irina had been through, maybe he wouldn't be so quick to judge her. She'd endured so much—of course, her body had its limits.
And thinking about it… I actually met her, the real Irina. I didn't ask for this life, but maybe she's right. Maybe I could see her again if I pass out… which, honestly, felt weird to even consider.
I shook the thought from my head and lay back down, letting the exhaustion finally settle over me. I was drained. Absolutely drained.