Beyond the Divorce

I reluctantly looked at Oliver, whispering, "Mr. Oliver, why don't you go home to avoid agitating her again when she wakes up? Her recovery is the most important."

Before potentially hurting him, I added, "Let's take things slowly. Give her some time to think things through."

Oliver stood motionless, gazing at the sleeping Lauren for a long time. Finally, he said to me reluctantly, "Thank you for your effort."

"This is what I should do," I replied lightly. "Give her some time. Perhaps she needs time to heal."

When I mentioned healing, Oliver understood what I was referring to. It was a wound in Lauren's heart. From her behavior today, I knew that the wound hadn't healed. At the slightest touch, it would still bleed. Oliver stepped back, but his eyes were unwilling to leave Lauren's face. I didn't know what kind of storm might be raging beneath his calm exterior.

Lauren's words had reflected her inner thoughts, pointing at Oliver's vulnerability. Only he knew how much pain he was in at this moment. Lauren's lashes trembled slightly, indicating that she was waking up, and Oliver turned and walked out of the hospital room. He did not say a word. I grabbed Lauren's hand as I let out a soft sigh.

Only then did I remember that Atlas still hadn't returned my call. I didn't know the situation on his end or if there was any news from Dylan.

Glancing at Lauren, who hadn't woken up yet, I quietly released her hand. She suddenly gripped mine. In a feeble voice, she said, "Don't... go."

I was startled and quickly looked at her. There was a hint of pain on her pale face, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

"I'm not leaving. I'm here." I quickly sat back down, wiping away her tears. "Why are you torturing yourself like this?"

live like that forever. I don't want to see him again."

said your ribs

again. Why

this?" I comforted

those were your

start a

"Okay," she obediently mumbled.

longer, but she seemed too weak and

left

because I was

a

out, I realized that Oliver hadn't left. His lonely figure leaned

startled him, but he soon straightened up. "How