Freya Leaves Her Cheater

When Nikolai returned with the spiced honey cake, I was on the couch applying some herbal ointment. The potent aroma filled the room, and Isla, hiding by the window, watched him with bright, alert eyes. Nikolai's face suddenly turned pale.

He hurried towards me, his voice sharp, "Freya, why are you using that ointment around Isla? She's pregnant and can't handle strong smells!"

Even then, Nikolai didn’t ask if my back was okay. All he could think about was Isla.

I looked up; his eyes were dark like ink, glaring at me angrily. When I didn't answer, he grabbed the bottle from my hand and threw it against the wall. The liquid splashed into my eyes, stinging sharply.

The pain hit me instantly. I covered my eyes and cried out.

"Be quiet, Freya! You'll scare Isla!" he shouted.

With that, Nikolai slapped me hard and hurriedly left with Isla, shielding her. The door slammed shut behind them with a loud bang. I wept silently, clutching my burning eyes and aching cheek.

Blind from the pain in my eyes, I had to call an ambulance. By the time I reached the hospital, my vision was nearly gone.

After examining me, Dr. Stanley Taylor said it was just a burn and would heal in a few days with regular medication. I was supposed to go home after getting the prescription.

But when he asked if I had anyone in the city to pick me up and I said no, he decided to admit me for a short stay.

Three days went by with no improvement in my eyes. I felt afraid and silent. My brother, Adonis, called to ask when I'd return to London. I dodged his questions, not daring to tell him the truth. He sighed, advising me to think things over, and didn’t push further.

After the call, I felt a wave of loneliness. I wanted to confide in him, but I didn’t want to worry him.

On the fourth day, while Nurse Rosalina Ramirez changed my medication, my phone rang again. My eyes were still in pain, so I asked her to answer it. Only later did I find out it was Nikolai, and Nurse Rosalina had explained my situation to him.

My chest tightened. Since that day, he hadn’t reached out at all. I was filled with resentment and had no desire to see him. I imagined he was busy taking care of Isla and wouldn’t care about me. Only then did I feel a sense of relief.

Since the day he hurt me, my love for him had completely died. Now, all I hoped for was a quick recovery so I could leave this city where he lives.