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.

I stepped forward now, holding her other hand. It seemed like she found a pillar of support, so she continued, "Don't pull me into this shameful situation, where I have to face society's mockery again. I could take it from them but not from you, Oliver!"

She took a deep breath and clutched my hand, clearly supporting herself.

"I can't tolerate your disrespect for me anymore. Let me go! I've given you the best years of my life, and I'm no longer in my prime. If you want someone as a trophy wife, there are plenty of young women flocking to you. Find them. I'm... not worthy of you."

Lauren looked defeated, like she had exhausted all her strength. Suddenly, streakMaterial © NôvelDrama.Org.

a

of blood trickled down from

the corner of her mouth.

"Lauren..." Oliver sounded panicked.

I exclaimed, "Lauren, please don't do this! Lie down... Oliver, call the doctor..."

Before I could finish, she suddenly went limp, collapsing into my arms.

Oliver immediately pressed the call button, and Lauren fainted.

"Lauren!"

We gently faid her back on the

hospital bed with Oliver's assistance. Her face was deathly pale, and the vivid streak of red became even

more conspicuous.

The doctor rushed in, examined her briefly, and said, "Take her for a chest X-ray immediately."

In a flurry, they wheeled Lauren away for the X-ray. I looked at Oliver, his rigid figure appearing even more isolated.

Lauren returned to the ward two hours later. Her condition was poor.

Her once stylish short hair was now messy, and her face was as pale as snow, accentuating her frailty. The person before me seemed entirely different from the elegant woman I

first met.

I couldn't help but recall the moment when the car overturned. She shielded me in her arms, protecting me with her own body.

Oliver remained standing by the bedside, watching the still-unconscious Lauren.