Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 51

Dr. Evans stepped out, pulling down his surgical mask. Julian and Hester immediately rushed forward.

Dr. Evans let out a heavy sigh before addressing them. "Bella is out of danger, but we need to keep her under strict observation for the next couple of days. She absolutely cannot afford any more emotional distress."

A suffocating wave of anxiety lifted from Hester's chest.

Julian turned to look at her. "We need to talk."

Hester pressed her lips into a thin line and gave a stiff nod.

...

There was a small, quiet courtyard just outside the inpatient wing. Hester walked over to an empty bench and sank into it.

Julian watched her for a long moment before taking a seat right beside her. His gaze turned somber as it locked onto her. "Are you really determined to get a divorce?"

Hester took a deep breath, turning her head to meet his stare head-on. "Julian, do you really not know why I'm even willing to sit here and talk to you right now?"

Julian's jaw tightened. After a heavy silence, he murmured, "I understand."

Hester had no desire to prolong this agonizing proximity. "When is Bella's surgery?" she asked bluntly.

"It was originally scheduled for next Wednesday, but after this episode, Dr. Evans needs to reassess her condition and stabilize her first."

Hester fell silent. If they dragged this out any longer, she wouldn't be able to hide her pregnancy!

"I need you to play along for now," Julian's voice was low and gravelly. "When Grandma wakes up, we'll explain that the scandal was just a smear campaign orchestrated by corporate rivals. We'll tell her it was all fake."

He paused. "Once she gets through the surgery safely and the mandatory waiting period is over, I'll sign the final divorce papers exactly as promised."

Inside the private suite, Bella gripped Hester's hand tightly, her eyes rimmed with red. "Hester, sweetheart, I saw the news. No wonder you seemed so upset the last time we spoke. You foolish girl, why didn't you tell me what was going on?"

"Bella, the news is entirely fake." Hester looked at the elderly woman, forcing a reassuring smile to comfort her. "The company is launching a major new project soon. Those rumors were just a nasty smear campaign bought and paid for by our competitors to drag Julian's name through the mud."

"Are you sure?" Bella searched Hester's face, clearly still suspicious. "Hester, please don't lie to cover up for him. If he actually dared to betray you, you tell me right now. I'll make him pay for it!"

A heavy lump formed in Hester's throat, overwhelmed by the fierce protective love. A part of her desperately wanted to act like a child again, to collapse into the arms of the only person who truly cared for her and cry out all her grievances.

But she couldn't do that anymore. Bella was too old and too sick. She couldn't afford to break her heart.

"Bella, Julian and I are completely fine. The tabloids are just making up garbage for clicks."

Hearing this, Bella glanced between Julian and Hester before suddenly declaring, "If that's the truth, then I want to be discharged. I want to recover at home!"