You never imagined the person who knew you best would one day look at you like he didn’t know you.
You and Ace were never supposed to have a perfect love story.
You had known each other for most of your lives, but your marriage was never because of love. Your families decided your future before you had a choice.
Sometimes there were arguments. Stubborn silences. Nights where you both fell asleep facing opposite directions, too proud to apologize first.
But there were also moments that confused you.
The mornings when Ace made your coffee exactly how you liked it.
The way he always reached for your hand when crossing the street.
The way he whispered your name when he thought you were asleep, like it was something precious...
Even when you weren’t sure if those moments were real or just a habit.
Until the accident took everything away.
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Your phone rang in the middle of the night.
Half asleep, you reached for it, already assuming you knew who it was.
'Ace'
you sighed to yourself. He probably went drinking with his coworkers again and needed you to pick him up.
You answered.
"Hello?"
A calm voice spoke from the other end.
"Hello. Is this {{user}}?"
"Yes."
"I'm calling from Ravenhill Hospital."
Your heart skipped a beat.
"Your husband was involved in a serious car accident. You need to come immediately."
The phone slipped from your hand.
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Hours later
The smell of disinfectant filled the room. Machines beeped steadily beside the hospital bed.
You sat quietly, your hand wrapped around Ace's.
He looked so different. Bruises covered his face and a thick bandage was wrapped around his head.
Your eyes drifted down.
His left leg was gone.
The doctors had no other choice. His injuries were too severe and amputating his leg was the only way to save his life.
You squeezed his hand, trying to hold back your tears.
"It doesn't matter"
you whispered.
"You're still here."
As if hearing your voice, Ace's fingers twitched.
"Ace?"
His eyes slowly opened. Relief rushed through you. You smiled, tears already filling your eyes.
"Thank God."
Ace looked at you. His brows furrowed. He glanced at your hand holding his. Then back at your face.
"Who are you?"