Chapter 30 What Happened to Yvette?
Steve was in a good mood today. As he was getting checked at the medical office, his phone buzzed nonstop. He browsed through the group chat, occasionally joining the discussion.
Looking up, he saw Albert just coming out from inside. Steve thought, ‘how does he always run into Albert everywhere? What bad luck.’
Albert walked with his head held high. His steps, though normal in frequency, were larger than usual. His pace was steady with a hint of urgency. As he got closer, Steve cautiously greeted him, "Mr. Valdemar."
Albert seemed not to hear him and walked straight past.
Steve watched his back and scratched the back of his head. Mr. Valdemar had been acting increasingly strange, lately.
Here, Albert was consumed by his own thoughts, completely oblivious to the recent episode that had unfolded.
His mind was preoccupied with one question: What had happened to Yvette?
Albert had limited knowledge and little interest in Yvette's affairs. She wasn't one to intentionally share details of her life with him. Thus, he had always enjoyed their relationship.
However, since Yvette became pregnant, their interactions have become more strained. He wondered if it was due to Yvette's hormonal changes.
Their relationship had become quite rigid. While they appeared closer superficially, in reality, even a simple phone call required a legitimate reason.
Leaving the building, Albert stood beneath a deserted tree. After pacing back and forth a couple of times, he finally decided to inquire about Yvette.
Just as he reached for his phone, an unfamiliar number called him. Answering it, he realized it was from an insurance company.
"Ms. Swift's compensation plan is ready. The portion of the medical expenses that were advanced will be fully refunded to her account. Since your number was left at the time, we contacted you," the insurance company representative said patiently.
The representative added, "I've sent the plan and the signature link to your phone. Please review it. If you agree, have Ms. Swift sign it and register her bank information."
Albert felt it was inappropriate for him to handle Violet's matters, so he declined, "Please get in touch with Ms. Swift directly. I'll send you her phone number."
After hanging up, Albert found the insurance company's number and sent Violet's phone number.
Just as he was about to close the chat window, he glanced at the minimized form and noticed a name that shouldn't be there.
Opening the form and scrolling down, he saw Yvette's name listed among the last few entries. Comparing it with Yvette's phone number, he realized it wasn't a case of a duplicate name. It was indeed her.
Albert frowned, confused and frustrated.
Was Yvette at the scene of the accident, too?
Recalling the time Yvette called him and the female doctor's words at the medical office, he instantly understood certain things.
She and Violet... Albert immediately called Violet, but the line was busy. It seemed the insurance agent was talking to Violet.
A minute later, Violet called him back.
Albert's initiative to call her surprised her. Her voice carried a girlish softness, and asked, "You called me?"
Albert asked directly, "On the day of the accident, did you go to meet Yvette?"
Hearing Albert's question, her mood instantly dropped. Violet asked, "Did she tell you?"
Violet's question confirmed Albert's suspicion. He controlled his emotions, but his expression still showed a hint of displeasure.
Seeing Albert's silence, Violet knew he was angry. She immediately softened, "I'm sorry, I didn't tell the truth. At that time, I really didn't want you to leave."
Both ends of the line fell silent.
Albert, usually calm and composed, didn't show his emotions. After a pause, he said, "Remember to handle the insurance company's matter. Take care of yourself."
His intention to end the conversation was clear. Violet, knowing his temperament, felt a heavy weight in her heart.
"Are you upset, Albert?" she asked quietly, pausing between each word. "Do you feel empathy for Yvette?"
Albert's gaze swept ahead. Calculating the timing, he recalled the day Yvette had called him; she must have been at the hospital, still pregnant. He hadn't gone. How had she managed it? Did she leave the hospital on her own?
The more he pondered, the heavier his chest felt. He tilted his head slightly, settling the guilt and worry within him, restoring his composure and restraint.
Albert curtly said, "That's it, I'm hanging up."
Ending the call, Albert glanced at the time. He still had time to make a visit to the medical center.
...
The accident must have scared Yvette quite a bit. Even after all this time, she still had nightmares at night.
She woke up several times during her sleep, and when she fell back asleep, the nightmares continued. The heavy feeling of suffocation hit her repeatedly, making her afraid to sleep.
After a day, she felt weak and had no appetite. Yvette wanted to buy a hot drink. Standing in front of the vending machine, looking at the array of products, she had a hard time deciding.
After looking around several times, her eyes finally settled on a can of coffee.
Before she could press the coffee button, a finger had already chosen strawberry milk for her.
Turning around, she saw the owner of that beautiful hand—Wyatt.
He was wearing a white shirt paired with a khaki trench coat, looking clean and elegant, like the male lead in a TV drama.
He took out the strawberry milk from the dispenser. "You look so pale, no coffee for you," Wyatt advised.
His domineering yet caring tone made Yvette feel a bit embarrassed. She took the strawberry milk, feeling its warmth in her hand.
Wyatt remarked, "Are you feeling unwell? I noticed you were distracted during the training session."
Yvette shook her head, denying it, and said, "I just stayed up late."
Wyatt chided, "Don't deceive me. Symons mentioned that you were in an accident a few days ago. Your husband didn't take care of you, you didn't go to the hospital, and you continued working."
Caught off guard by the revelation, Yvette's ears quickly turned red. She tightened her grip on the strawberry milk, pretending to speak nonchalantly, "When did you become so close to Symons?"
He replied, "One can become close with intent."
Wyatt smiled slightly, unabashedly revealing his affection.
Yvette couldn't handle his blatant admiration and turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.
She didn't want to get too involved with him. With a serious face, she said, "Stop joking. My husband will get angry if he finds out."
Seeing her serious expression, Wyatt also put away his smile.
He was much taller than Yvette. Leaning down, he spoke in a low voice, as if whispering in her ear, "I can tell at a glance that you two have problems."
Wyatt added, "You can't fool me; he doesn't treat you well at all."
He looked down at her. Although he didn't say anything more, she felt a sense of shame as if he had seen through her.
She stubbornly bit her lip, wanting to refute him but not knowing how.
Wyatt said, "Leave him. You two are not suitable."
For the first time, someone had clearly said these words to her. Yvette knew better than anyone that she and Albert were not suitable. But hearing these words still stung her.
She didn't want to admit that everything she had done for so long was just a joke in others' eyes.
Angry and ashamed, she looked up, her tone carrying a hint of defiance.
Yvette retorted, "And then? If I divorce him, will you marry me?"
