Chapter 71

Having cared for Cedric for two years, Liliana knew his health issues well. Before they were married, his demanding work schedule had led to severe stomach problems. Two months into their marriage, he had been hospitalized and put on a liquid diet for over a month. He hadn't lost any weight during his recovery, but she, who had nursed him day and night, had lost ten pounds. Under her care, his stomach issues had never returned.

"Mrs. Forrest?" Timothy's voice pulled her back to the present.

Her complicated expression hardened with resolve. Her voice was clear and steady as she said, "I'm not there."

"Then, when will you be back?" Timothy asked, feigning ignorance.

"Assistant Stanton, we are getting a divorce. I'm not coming back," Liliana stated, each word precise and deliberate, as much a reminder to herself as a statement to him. Her heart, which had started racing at the news of Cedric's illness, was beating uncomfortably fast.

Suddenly, a series of frantic noises came from Timothy's end, followed by a panicked shout. "Mrs. Forrest, he's coughing up blood!"

"How much did he drink?" Liliana shot up from her chair. "Take him to the hospital!"

"My car broke down! Please, you have to come back!" Timothy sounded desperate. "Even if you're getting divorced, you should at least talk it over in person! Mr. Forrest... Mr. Forrest!"

The line went dead after another chaotic shuffle.

The vast office was silent, but Liliana's mind was in turmoil. Her hands moved on their own, her brain no longer in control. What did it matter to her if Cedric lived or died? She wouldn't go back.

And yet, she was already packing her things. As she rushed out the door, she kept telling herself that Timothy was right. They did need to discuss the divorce in person. By now, Cedric must have the papers. He hadn't contacted her, and she didn't know if he'd signed them. Seeing him would be a good opportunity to find out. And even if he was drunk... he would sober up eventually. Maybe, just maybe, seeing her there, caring for him, would convince him to finally let her go.

She armed herself with a dozen excuses, all to mask the raw worry she felt for him.

An hour later, she was back at the

villa. Timothy's car was parked haphazardly in the driveway. The front door was wide open, and every light in the house was on. The moment she stepped inside, the overwhelming stench of alcohol hit. her. The familiar surroundings, unseen for days, brought a rush of suppressed memories to the surface. She pushed down the complicated feelings and hurried upstairs.

The ground floor was empty. The door to her and Cedric's bedroom was ajar.

"Mr. Forrest... Mr. Forrest," she heard Timothy's voice from inside.

She walked in to find him holding a warm, damp towel, a basin of water at his feet. A trail of water droplets stained the floor from the bathroom to the bed. He looked clumsy and overwhelmed.

"Mrs. Forrest!" Timothy's face lit up with relief. "You're finally back!"

Liliana rushed forward and took the towel from his hand. "I'll take it from here."

"Great!" Timothy turned to leave without a second thought. "Call me if he needs anything else."

His words made Liliana realize he was leaving for good. "Wait! Where... where is the blood he coughed up? Didn't you call an ambulance?"

Timothy paused at the door, his back to her. "It was in the car. I'm going to clean it up now. He woke up for a second and said he was fine, just needed to rest."

With a clatter of footsteps, he was gone.

Liliana stood there, clutching the towel, a few drops of water clinging to her pale, smooth skin. The light above reflected in her delicate

1.n

features. She stared blankly at the empty doorway, then back at Cedric lying on the bed.