Healing After Heartbreak

It was my boyfriend's birthday, and I quietly headed to the hospital where he worked, carrying a gift I’d meticulously wrapped. I hid behind the curtain in his office, eager to surprise him. But then I overheard his hushed conversation with Grace Ford, the woman he seemed to cherish above all others.

"So, how do you plan to get Cora's eyes?" Grace asked, desperation lacing her voice.

Malakai replied coldly, "In three days, I'll stage an accident. As the attending physician, I'll ensure her eyes are transplanted to you."

My heart twisted painfully. Memories replayed of when he confessed his love for me, just after Grace injured her eyes to allegedly save him. His admiration for my beautiful eyes was nothing more than a calculated deception.

What Malakai didn't know was that I was the one who had truly saved him.

"I know it's unfair to her," Grace's voice trembled, "but I desperately want to see you again."

"I've been good to her just for those eyes. I'll give her some compensation afterward," Malakai reassured softly.

A sharp pang gripped my heart. Through the gap in the curtain, I saw Malakai lean in to kiss her. Grace blushed, looking almost innocent.

I stood there, frozen, feeling the blood in my veins turn to ice. Tears streamed down, soaking the gift box — an Omega watch he'd yearned for, bought with a year’s worth of savings. How bitterly ironic it was now.

"Let me take you home," Malakai said as he gently tucked a strand of Grace’s hair behind her ear.

"Are you rushing me out because you're scared Cora will find out?" Grace teased.

He hesitated. "I'm just concerned about your health. You should rest."

"Alright," Grace replied, carefree, turning away.

Malakai hurried to her side, guiding her out. Silence reclaimed the office.

I swallowed my aching heart and headed to Luella Snyder’s office, the head of nursing.

"Ms. Snyder, I'd like to apply for a two-year academic exchange at an out-of-town hospital."

She looked surprised. "Malakai was against you going, if I remember correctly. Did he change his mind?"

"This is my decision. He doesn’t decide my future."

"If you’re certain, make the most of this opportunity and fulfill the hospital’s expectations," she nodded, offering her support.

I thanked her and left. At home after work, I began packing when the doorbell rang urgently.

I opened the door to find Malakai standing there, his brow creased, voice frantic. "Why did you apply for the academic exchange?"

I replied calmly, "It's a rare chance, and I want to grow."

Malakai hesitated, disbelief in his eyes. "Cora, did I do something wrong to upset you?"

His nerves made me pause for a moment. Once, his affection had been so overwhelming I never thought of leaving to pursue my own dreams. Today, I realized those gestures were just part of his charade.

"I don't want my life to revolve around you anymore," I said with a faint smile.

Malakai’s frown deepened. "I