Beyond the Divorce

I couldn't tell if he knew what he was saying.

"The car accident was my fault, and she ended up like that because of me. I wasn't a good husband. She became paralyzed, yet I fell in love with another woman..." Oliver admitted it with remorse.

"When I faced her, I felt guilty and conflicted. I struggled, and she tolerated my mistakes. I felt truly sorry toward her, but I can't deny that I love you—"

"Oliver!" Lauren interrupted sternly. "There's a higher power watching over us. Your wife is watching you, too. Don't try to redeem yourself with me. I'm not a savior. I'm just an ordinary woman trying to live her life. Spare me."

As Lauren spoke, she became increasingly agitated, suddenly sitting up from the bed. Her pale face twisted, and she clutched her chest.

Alarmed, I rushed forward. "Lauren, don't move. It's dangerous..."

Considering her fractured ribs and concussion, such sudden movements were undoubtedly risky.

"Haven't I made myself clear?" she said, raising her hand to stop me from getting closer. "My life doesn't revolve around you, and I won't be your accessory again. I have dignity, and I don't want to live as repressed as you.

"I won't let you remind me of my past actions. When I see you, it brings back the memories of my shame and the mockery from everyone in Foswood. Just fulfill your promise to your wife since you wanted that."

She paused and was gasping heavily, visibly in pain.

now, holding her other hand. It seemed like she found a pillar of support, so she continued, "Don't pull me into this shameful

deep breath and

of my life, and I'm no longer in my prime. If you want

had exhausted all her strength. Suddenly,

a

trickled

of

"Lauren..." Oliver sounded panicked.

exclaimed, "Lauren, please don't do this! Lie

could finish, she suddenly went

immediately pressed the call button, and Lauren

"Lauren!"

her back on