Chapter 3

3

Our argument was so loud it drew a crowd of nurses, doctors, and nosey patients.

My primary doctor dispersed the onlookers and looked at Gideon with visible displeasure.

"Sir, this patient needs rest. Please stop causing a scene here."

The doctor helped me sit up and his face darkened when he saw the bruises on my neck. He quickly pulled back my blanket.

The sheets were already stained a bright, alarming red.

Gideon's face went pale. He tried to rush closer. "Why is she bleeding so much? What kind of hospital is this? Fix her!"

The doctor didn't hold back. He snapped at Gideon immediately.

"Don't you know a post-op patient needs peace?! You intentionally provoked her. Her stitches have ripped open, and there's a massive risk of infection now. Can you take responsibility if something happens to her?!"

He turned to the nurse. "Get the disinfectant and fresh bandages for Ms. Thorne, now."

Gideon went silent. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't find any words. He just stood there awkwardly.

I clutched the divorce papers in my hand and spoke weakly.

"Since you've signed, we can pick a time to go to the courthouse and finalize the certificate."

I didn't need his pity. This fake concern of his made me want to vomit.

"Lyra, can you stop bringing up divorce every time you breathe?"

Seeing that he was about to start another fight, the doctor barked at him, "If you aren't here to care for her health, please leave!"

Gideon shut his mouth instantly.

I sneered. "Why are you pretending to be a devoted husband now?"

Gideon was about to argue when his phone rang.

He looked conflicted, unsure whether to answer it or not.

I just kept staring at him. Finally, he spoke with difficulty.

"Lyra, Tessa might have something urgent for me regarding the company."

"Is she urgent to get back in bed?" I mocked him with a thin smile.

Gideon looked embarrassed as the doctor glared at him again.

He gritted his teeth and declined the call.

As expected, Tessa's messages started flooding in one after another.

Gideon looked down at them, his face turning whiter by the second.

Finally, he looked at me helplessly. "Lyra, Tessa isn't feeling well. I have to go check on her."

I burst out laughing. "Is she going into labor? Are you really that desperate, Gideon?"

"Lyra, this is a matter of life and death! Can you stop being so petty?"

"Life and death? You just said she wasn't feeling well. What, will she drop dead the moment you leave her side? If you care about her that much, why don't you marry her the second we divorce?"

"Lyra! I'm warning you, my patience has limits!"

The physical pain had already made me numb. Looking at Gideon now, I felt nothing but disappointment and ridicule.

"Gideon Blackwood, I'm giving you one last chance."

"If you walk out that door today, we are dead to each other forever!"