The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 282

After Suzie gave birth, she had to recover while also caring for the newborns. Oliver would visit from time to time and often found her looking exhausted, as if she hadn't slept in days. He had expressed his desire to take care of her, but Suzie’s rejections were always clear.

Later, when the children were a bit older, he tried to find the right moment to confess his feelings, but Suzie had thrown herself completely into her work, using what little free time she had to be with her kids. Every time he asked her out, she said she was too busy.

Thinking about the distance she always maintained, how could he dare to confess?

But now, after Stella's analysis, a sense of crisis washed over him.

Oliver hesitated, then said awkwardly, “Stella, if I confess and she rejects me, I’m afraid… I’m afraid we won’t even be able to be friends anymore.”

Stella slapped her forehead in exasperation. “Seriously? Where’s the drive you have in your career? You’re so decisive and commanding in business, but you can’t even confess your feelings? How do you know she’ll reject you if you don’t even ask? And so what if she does? Is that worse than watching her marry someone else? I’m done. I’ve said my piece. It’s your decision.”

Oliver forced a wry smile. “You’re encouraging me to pursue her, but you just finished saying that all men are worthless. You’re going to corrupt her.”

Stella picked up a grape and tossed it at him. “You little brat, nothing’s even happened yet and you’re already blaming me. Watch out, or I’ll start sabotaging you.”

....................

“Helen…” Suzie choked out, tears instantly welling in her eyes. She squeezed Helen’s hand tightly, trying to comfort her. “Don’t be sad. I’ll find specialists for you. So many lung diseases are curable now…”

Helen waved a weak hand, a gentle smile on her face. “I’ve seen all the specialists. It’s already in the final stages… Oliver wasn't in town when I got the diagnosis, so only my husband and I know. Please don’t tell him yet. Whether the pain is drawn out or sudden, it’s still pain. I don’t want him to start grieving any sooner than he has to.”

Suzie wept silently, her mind flooded with memories of Helen’s warmth from her childhood. How could such a good person be afflicted with such a terrible disease?

“Don’t be sad, my child. Life and death are in the hands of fate, and I’ve made my peace with it. My only regret is leaving my son behind. He… I tried to introduce him to other women, but he told me he wouldn’t marry anyone but you. Suzie…”