Chapter 2 A MAN WHO RUNS FROM RESPONSIBILITIES

Jason wanted Ailee to feel calmer before meeting Jeremy. Not a single word came out of Ailee's mouth, Jason was reluctant to ask because he was afraid the woman would cry again. But of course, he couldn't understand what had happened.

Why did Jeremy suddenly decide to leave his best friend, when their wedding day was almost here? Damn you, Jeremy! How dare you leave Ailee alone, you are such a coward!

Jason cursed in his heart, he felt so annoyed and angry that the veins in his hands were popping out because he was gripping the steering wheel so tightly. The car they were driving turned and entered an elite apartment complex. They passed through an asphalt road specifically for vehicles and entered a parking lot in the basement of the apartment building. Jason parked his car and rushed out of the car. He opened the door for Ailee, who still looked unsteady from shock.

"Ailee, are you okay? Would it be better for me to meet him?" Jason looked at Ailee's face, which still looked pale.

"I-I'm fine, this is my problem, I am the one who has to find out the truth," Ailee answered with trembling lips. Jason couldn't bear to see Ailee, trying to steady her heart by biting her lip. He grabbed Ailee's fingers and held them tightly.

"Don't worry, don't panic, I will accompany you," said Jason in a very gentle voice. He immediately closed the car door and followed Ailee's steps. The woman tried to strengthen her steps and forced herself to walk, they entered the elevator, then Ailee pressed the button for their destination floor. The elevator moved up to the 37th floor, a silence enveloped the two of them.

Jason could see Ailee's face from the reflection on the elevator wall, her nervous and sad face was visible. Jason sighed, he looked at Ailee's fingers, which were still in his hands. Occasionally Ailee wiped away tears, which dripped again and wet her cheeks. He pulled Ailee's hand so that the woman's body turned towards him and immediately embraced her in his arms. He hugged Ailee so tightly and let Ailee cry on his chest.

"Cry if you want to cry, stupid," he said in a trembling voice, Aile let go of Jason's embrace and stared into his eyes.

"I can still survive, Jason. I'm sorry if I look fragile and annoying," she said while forcing herself to smile.

"It's you," Jason couldn't say anymore, he just stroked Ailee's long hair gently while wiping the tears from the woman's face. The elevator doors opened, and they immediately went to their destination apartment. Ailee pressed the apartment bell, she hoped that Jeremy would come out soon and give her an explanation. But there were no signs of anyone coming out from there.

Then she unlocked the door button of the house and pressed the password, the door opened, and she immediately stepped slowly and entered Jeremy's apartment, there was nothing left there. Ailee then rushed to open the bedroom door, then went through the bathroom and other rooms, then opened the balcony door. But she couldn't find Jeremy anywhere.

With shaking hands, Ailee looked for Jeremy's cell phone number in her cell phone contacts and then immediately called the man. However, the phone never connected, Ailee tried many times to call her again, but she only got through to voicemail. Ailee's knees felt weak, and she fell and sat on the cold tile floor, Jason was surprised to see this.

He immediately approached Ailee and hugged her body from behind. Ailee turned around and immediately hugged Jason tightly, tears spilling from her eyes instantly. Now she realized that Jeremy's message had not been a joke, the man had left her with their wedding plans. Her dream was broken in just one day, she couldn't understand whether she had done something wrong, so the man changed his mind and left her. Jason just let Ailee cry in his arms, he could feel every vibration of Ailee's body which felt so strong.

"Ailee, calm yourself," Jason ask as he stroked Ailee's hair and occasionally patted her back gently. His heart felt broken, when he saw the woman he loved crying bitterly, this was the first time he saw Ailee's truly 'broken' figure.

"I, I don't know what a mistake I've done, so he left me. Would it make sense to you, if he left me, just because he felt less ready for marriage? If that's the case, why did he propose to me and just leave me? Was he just intending to play with me all this time? What should I tell my parents and family?"

Questions by question flowed from Ailee's mouth, punctuated by endless sobs. Jason pondered, his gaze wandering, his heart feeling very hot. If Jeremy were in front of him right now, he can imagine that he would not let that man off easy. He would not hesitate to teach him a lesson.

I did everything I could to look after Ailee, ever since our time in college. I made sure that nothing and no one would hurt her. So why, at a time like this, is she being hurt by the person who should love her more than anyone else? Why is this happening?

For some time, they remained in the same position, until Ailee felt so exhausted that she began to cry and eventually fell asleep in Jason's arms. Jason looked at Ailee's face, which was messy from her tears, and then he gently smoothed her hair. He lifted her body and they left Jeremy's apartment, walking slowly.

Despite the whispers of the several people they passed by, Jason paid no attention to them. All that was on Jason's mind was to get Ailee away from that place as quickly as possible. He swiftly got into the car and gently placed Ailee inside. Once they arrived at the parking lot in the basement, Jason took a moment to stare at Ailee before quickly fastening his seat belt and taking the driver's seat. He started driving slowly, his heart filled with a mix of sadness and anger.

"That irresponsible man, how dare he leave Ailee and destroy her dreams. I can't even imagine what he's doing right now. Doesn't he feel the slightest bit guilty towards Ailee? Why would he propose to Ailee, only to leave her because he wasn't ready?" Jason asked himself so many questions that had no answers. He glanced at Ailee, who was still asleep. However, Ailee suddenly woke up and realized they were at an intersection near her house. She immediately panicked and grabbed Jason's arm.

"Don't take me back to my house, please take me to your place, Jason. I'm begging you," she pleaded with him.