I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 4

—Clink.

The sound of the medical equipment stopped, and the technician gave a light wave.

“All done. The full-body MRI shows no abnormalities either. You’re cleared for discharge.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Even though it was an accident, I had no fractures or bruises.

It felt like a miracle.

When I woke up in the hospital bed, I later learned it was the day after I’d been brought in.

Some time had passed since he’d broken up with me, and a lot had happened since then, so maybe that was why.

I could feel my wounded heart had healed, just a little.

Back in my bed, I thought back over the events of the day.

—When I bought tea from the vending machine, an extra one came out.

—By chance, every item in my lunch was my favorite.

—The moment I almost fell in the hallway, a staff member happened to pass by with a cart and caught me.

“Am I weirdly lucky or something?”

Ever since I swallowed that yellow capsule, a gentle warmth had been spreading deep in my chest.

—Maybe this is what “luck” feels like.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

On the screen was the account of the elderly woman I’d exchanged social media info with yesterday.

The initials “A.K.”

“I heard you’re being discharged.

If it’s all right, could we meet for a moment?

I’d like to thank you properly.”

A warmth spread slowly through my chest.

—Coincidence? Or is this “luck” too?

◇ ◇ ◇

I was officially discharged.

As I left the hospital, a black car was parked in front of the entrance.

The driver opened the door, and an elderly woman in a kimono stepped out slowly.

She gave a light wave, and the car drove off.

Noticing me, she waved and walked slowly toward me.

“Miss Miharu.”

I stopped in my tracks, my voice catching in my throat.

“I really wanted to thank you. Could you spare me a little of your time?”

Guided by the smiling elderly woman, I followed her to a nearby café.

◆◆◆

The interior was calm and classic in style.

The scent of wood filled the air, and the master showed us to a table for two.

It was as if he’d been waiting for us all along.

Shortly after we sat down, the elderly woman clapped her hands softly.

“Oh, that’s right. I haven’t properly introduced myself yet. My name is Ayano.”

“I’m Udo Miharu. A bit late, I know.”

We smiled at each other, and I felt the distance between us shrink just a little.

Before taking a sip from her cup, Ayano spoke quietly.

“You might think it’s nothing much… but you risked your own life to protect me. That’s something truly precious.”

My chest grew warm, and I couldn’t find the words.

“…But I… I’ve lost everything. I’m worthless.”

The truth slipped out.

Ayano took a sip of her tea and smiled gently.

“No one is worthless. Especially not you—the one who saved my life.”

Her gaze reminded me of Lady Aphrodite.

—”I look forward to seeing where you, who do not choose, will go.”

Deep in my chest, it felt as if two voices overlapped.

After a brief silence, Ayano spoke carefully, as if choosing her words.

“…Miss Miharu. You mentioned the other day that you left your job.”

“Eh, ah… yes. Actually, I was even engaged. And so… But I don’t regret it. Well, maybe I do…”

At my flustered reply, Ayano chuckled softly.

“It’s not an obligation, but if you’re interested, an acquaintance of mine is hiring. They’re looking for someone young. I’m sure someone like you could be a great help.”

“…Me?”

My voice cracked in surprise.

To hear that said about me, when I’d just lost everything.

“What do you think? Of course, I’m not forcing you. It’s just a matter of fate, if it’s meant to be. Fate—whether you seize it or let it pass ultimately depends on you.”

—”Fate.”

That word made my heart tremble.

“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to hear more about it.”

Before I knew it, I was asking.

Ayano nodded softly and set down her cup.

“Yes, let’s arrange another day. No need to rush. I’ll make sure we can discuss it in a way that suits you.”

Her voice was very gentle, as if quietly encouraging me.

—”I look forward to seeing where you, who do not choose, will go.”

Lady Aphrodite’s words echoed in my chest once more.

For the first time, I felt a tiny spark of “interest” in my own future.

◆◆◆

“Um, thank you so much for today!… And, well, you even treated me.”

“It’s fine. Please allow me to do at least this much. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Yes!”

We laughed together.

“I’ll call a car to take you home.”

“Th-that’s really not—”

“Don’t be shy. All right?”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

At my reply, Ayano gave a warm smile.

The car soon arrived in front of the café and picked us up.

I sat in the back seat next to Ayano.

Just like at the hospital, she had a faint, lovely scent.

The driver asked for my destination, and I gave him the address of my apartment.

He nodded and smoothly started the car.

After that, Ayano began to doze off beside me.

She must have been tired, I thought, and tried not to wake her.

Looking at her sleeping face, I felt truly glad that I’d acted instinctively back then.

◆◆◆

Twenty minutes later, the car arrived in front of my apartment building.

I gently woke Ayano and told her we’d arrived.

“I’m sorry. I ended up falling asleep.”

“Not at all. Thank you for coming all this way when you were tired, and for the ride home too.”

At my words of thanks, Ayano responded with a smile.

I got out of the car and bowed.

The driver took my luggage from the trunk and handed it to me.

“I’ll send you the details about the job via social media. Please wait for it.”

Ayano spoke to me through the car window.

“Yes. Thank you.”

The car window closed, and Ayano waved.

I waved back, and the car drove off.

“I wonder what kind of job Ayano’s introducing me to…”

Thinking that, I headed back inside.

Once again, a gentle warmth spread through my chest.

—Fate has only just begun.