Chapter 4

I survived the night in the hallway, clinging to a pain pump, before finally getting scheduled for surgery.

I felt pain in both my body and soul, so much so that I was almost numb.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Sinclair, due to the comminuted fracture in your right hand and the delay in surgery, some muscle tissue has necrotized. You may not be able to lift heavy objects in the future.”

The doctor gave a wry smile.

“I know you’re also a medical professional, so… you probably won’t be able to hold a scalpel again.”

“Would you like to speak with Mr. Thorne? The Thorne family has always been a giant in the medical field. If you seek treatment abroad, there might still be a chance.”

I shook my head, looking at my bandaged right hand, which I couldn't even bend now.

“Can you please buy me a new phone? I want to call the police.”

Before I could finish, the door burst open.

It was Julian.

His originally grim, tense expression softened with a hint of surprise when he saw me, covered in bandages and hooked up to an IV.

He opened his mouth but still couldn’t speak.

So, he grabbed a paper and pen from nearby.

"I didn't know you were so seriously injured last night. I'll contact international specialists for your right hand."

I snorted, finding it somewhat amusing.

“No need. I’ll heal my own hand.”

Julian frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with my reaction.

I wanted to ask about the divorce, but then thought it wasn’t necessary.

Julian pulled out his checkbook from his inner jacket pocket, wrote down a figure, and placed it on the table.

"This is compensation for you. I hope you don't blame Willow."

When I saw Willow's name, I started to tremble uncontrollably.

“Get out! I don’t want to see you again, Julian Thorne!”

“What Willow? I will definitely call the police. I don’t lack money!”

I picked up the check from the table, tore it in half, and angrily slapped it onto Julian’s chest.

Julian froze, as if he’d never seen me lose my temper like that.

"I won't let you hurt Willow."

Those words pierced my heart like a thorn, impossible to extract.

Julian left, leaving me trembling from head to toe.

“Ten more days… Ten days, and we’ll have nothing to do with each other.”

“Ms. Sinclair, these are flowers Mr. Thorne sent for you.”

Julian had sent flowers for three consecutive days. I didn’t look at them, just mumbled a dry acknowledgment.

I leaned on a crutch, quickly packed my things, and prepared to leave the hospital.

As I pushed open the door, I realized that the entire hospital hallway was enveloped in a sea of flowers.

They were identical to the red roses Julian had been sending these past few days.

My heart skipped a beat. How did Julian know I planned to be discharged today?

But the next moment, the words of other patients in the hallway shattered my illusion.

“Mr. Thorne from Thorne Corp is so sweet. To make Dr. Evans feel comfortable, he sent flowers to all the patient rooms and redecorated her entire floor.”

“It must cost tens of thousands every day. Rich people’s romance is truly something else.”

“Shh! Lower your voice, Mr. Thorne’s wife is also hospitalized here.”

I steadied myself, my face pale, leaning against the wall, then let out a self-deprecating laugh.

A chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" broke out. I instinctively leaned over to look down.

That’s when I saw that the ground floor lobby had also been redecorated with vibrant red roses. Julian and Willow Evans stood in the center.

“Willow, will you stay with me forever?”

Julian knelt on one knee, saying those age-old lines.

Willow blushed shyly, accepting the ring box he offered. Everyone around them applauded and congratulated them.

Julian kissed Willow’s lips.

I instinctively touched my own lips. How long had it been since he’d touched mine?

In just over a thousand days, I couldn't even count anymore?

Next to me, Julian didn’t just seem to have selective mutism; he also had an extreme fear of germs.

At this moment, I felt as if the world was a massive, absurd play.

My ex-husband, who suffered from selective mutism, was publicly proposing to his ex-girlfriend.

Turns out, not being loved was the real sin.