Chapter 18
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In the quiet hospital room, Desmond sat deep in thought, his expression heavy.
“Cyanne, my mom has a bit of a temper. I hope you won’t take it to heart,” he said. “She’s always liked Avy. Now that Avy’s gone, she’s having a hard time dealing with it.”
Cyanne clenched her fists tightly, though she kept a smile on her face. “It’s fine. She’s your mother–an elder. I won’t take it personally.”
Seeing how understanding Cyanne was, Desmond couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.
He still had feelings for Lavender, but he knew she no longer belonged in his life.
He’d already hurt one woman–he wouldn’t hurt another.
“Cyanne,” he said, “once I’m discharged, let’s get married. Don’t worry–I’ll take responsibility for you.”
Cyanne was stunned.
Desmond might want to marry her now, but she had no intention of spending the rest of her life with a man who was physically broken. That wasn’t the future she wanted.
Still, she didn’t dare tear off the mask just yet. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Desmond, you just got divorced. Getting married so soon wouldn’t look good for you.
“I know you have feelings for me, and I do, too. There’s no rush–we can wait until things settle down.”
Desmond felt a warmth in his chest. Grateful, he said, “Cyanne, thank you. You’re the only
one who stayed.”
At a café, Lavender sat across from Desmond’s mother.
The older woman sighed again and again. “Dear, I heard everything about you and Desmond. You two grew up together… are you really-?”
Before she could finish, Lavender calmly interrupted, “Aunty Clarise, his childhood sweetheart was never me. It was always Cyanne.
“I tried for three years. But in the end, the one he loved was still her. I did my best.
“And besides,” she added, her voice steady, “I don’t love him anymore. Red is my husband
now.”
Clarise knew Lavender well. From the look on her face, it was clear–she’d made up her mind. The older woman could only sigh.
“That boy… No eyes at all, completely taken in by that wretched.”
Lavender took a card from her wallet and slid it across the table. “Aunty, I’m sorry about Desmond’s injury. This doctor specializes in treating leg injuries. He’s very good. You can reach out to him–just think of it as a small gesture from me.”
She didn’t do it for Desmond. She did it for Red.
After all, the Hacketts were still part of their social circle. There was no avoiding them.
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Clarise didn’t play coy–she took the card without hesitation. “Thank you, dear.”
“It’s such a shame…” She sighed again. “You were married for years, and still never had a
child.”
Lavender raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t Desmond tell you? I was pregnant just a month ago. I lost the baby.”
It was like lightning struck Clarise. “What… What do you mean? Oh, sweet child, could that happen to you?”
Lavender briefly explained the circumstances. When she was done, the older woman trembled with rage.
“Cyanne. It’s her again. Even if you’ll never be with Desmond again, I swear–I’ll never let that woman set foot in my family!
“Avy, dear, Desmond wronged you these past few years. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
This would likely be their last private meeting, but Lavender still nodded politely.
Clarise stormed out of the café, fuming with anger. Just as she left, Lavender said one last
message.
“Oh, and Aunty–Cyanne left the states back then ‘cause she found someone richer than the Hacketts. As for why she came back now–I honestly have no idea.”
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