Chapter 75 Relieving Sorrow with a Hug
Lauren, weakened by illness and torment, was getting thinner by the day, which pained Ethan to see. However, as a friend, he couldn't show too much concern for her and had to maintain a suitable distance.
To prevent Ethan from worrying, Lauren followed his arrangements and visited the doctor punctually every day.
As time passed, Quentin couldn't bear it anymore and came to the hospital to wait. However, Ethan was always present, watching them interact with a mix of anger and hesitation.
Noah knew Quentin's whereabouts like the back of his hand. As an emotional expert, he believed that if Quentin continued like this, Lauren would eventually leave him for someone else. So, as Quentin's good friend, he wondered when he should step in to help.
Quentin left the company and waited for Lauren at the hospital entrance. After a while, instead of Lauren, he was greeted by the cheerful Noah.
"Why are you here?" Quentin gave Noah a cold look, as if ready to chase him away.
Noah chuckled, "You're quite interesting. You don't work properly on weekdays at the office, so why are you here at the hospital entrance? Catching adultery in the act?"
"If you have nothing important to say, you can leave!" Quentin was quick to dismiss Noah after just a few words.
Noah decided to be more direct since he knew Quentin was stubborn. Seeing his good friend suffer from lovesickness, he couldn't stay silent.
"Unfortunately, someone's beloved woman is about to become someone else's wife. Even if you turn into the wife-watching stone here, it won't help!" Noah sighed beside him.
Quentin rolled his eyes at Noah, choosing to ignore him.
"Don't be so naive. I know more about relationships than you do. Think about it. which woman would like an iceberg? Which woman doesn't appreciate her lover's care and hugs? Just because you're a big shot CEO doesn't mean you're all that. If you want to please your wife, you have to be practical, or else you'll regret it!"
Noah's words seemed to resonate with Quentin, who indeed missed Lauren and their past days together. However, he couldn't bring himself to beg her to come back, as it didn't align with his masculine identity.
Noah seemed to understand Quentin's inner turmoil. "If you can't bring yourself to ask for forgiveness, don't say anything, just hug her. A warm embrace speaks louder than words."
Quentin frowned, wondering if hugging her would make him seem like a robber. Despite his reservations, his heart softened slightly.
Seeing Quentin's reaction, Noah knew his words had an impact. He pretended to leave but actually stayed hidden, observing Quentin's next move.
Half an hour later, Lauren arrived at the hospital as usual. Ethan, also as usual, helped her out of the car and went to park.
Seizing the opportunity, Noah quickly called Lauren in order to ask her to take a detour and join Quentin.
When Quentin sensed someone behind him, Lauren was taken aback and tried to escape. With his mind blank, all Quentin knew was that the person he had been yearning for was standing beside him. Ignoring everything else, he ran up to Lauren.
Before Lauren could react, Quentin domineeringly took her hand and pulled her into his embrace.
As Quentin breathed in Lauren's fragrance, he felt at ease. That soft, sweet feeling was what he craved the most.
Initially confused, Lauren found herself in Quentin's arms, feeling his warmth, tears streaming down her face. "Let me go! Let me go! We have no relationship anymore!" she struggled.
With a firm grip, Quentin held onto Lauren, saying, "Who said we have no relationship? I never signed that agreement. You are still my legal wife."
Though Lauren's heart wavered for a moment, she didn't dwell on the joy. She quickly returned to reality.
"Wendy is already carrying your child. I won't stand in your way. I have that much self-awareness."
"Lauren, do you really not trust me? Everything she said was a lie. You should believe me." Quentin stared dominantly into Lauren's eyes, not allowing her to look away.
Feeling overwhelmed, Lauren couldn't distinguish between Quentin's truth and lies, unsure of what to do.
"Do you really give up on our feelings?" Quentin gazed into Lauren's eyes, which were red and teary.
Gently wiping away her tears with his fingers, Quentin lovingly said, "We agreed to start anew. You can't just pass judgment on me like this."
"Don't push me any further! I'm not your toy. I can't bear your constant teasing." Lauren pushed Quentin away, wanting to escape but finding it impossible.
Refusing to let her go, Quentin embraced Lauren once more. "Trust me, I will give you a satisfactory answer. This time, I won't let you go."
This was the first time Quentin had hugged Lauren, shattering all her pretenses in his embrace.
"You jerk! Quentin, you're just a jerk... Why are you here again, provoking me? I had already decided to let you go. Why did you come to disrupt my plans?"
Quentin just continued to hold onto Lauren tightly. "I know."
"What do you know? You know nothing. You don't know how much pain I've been through!" Lauren cried uncontrollably. Quentin held her like a porcelain doll, afraid to move, fearing he might hurt or break her.
"I know I was wrong. I'm sorry, forgive me." Quentin gently stroked Lauren's hair, accepting her anger.
Quentin's gentle demeanor softened Lauren's heart. She couldn't be too harsh on someone she loved. Combined with Quentin's sincere apology, she reluctantly nestled in his embrace, accepting his apology in the end.
Noah, standing in the background, was pleased. Quentin had indeed learned something from his subtle guidance. Truly, the child can indeed be taught.
After parking the car and rushing to find Lauren, Ethan was stunned to see the reconciled couple and the relaxed expression on Lauren's face. He felt a mix of sadness and happiness.
"Quentin, you better be serious this time. This is your last chance. If you hurt Lauren again, I won't let go no matter what." Ethan left forlornly, leaving the sweet moment between Lauren and Quentin to themselves.
Leaving the hospital, Ethan had no plans. All he wanted was to find a place to drown his sorrows. Twice he had lost to Quentin without even getting a chance to love. He couldn't accept it!
