Beyond the Divorce

I did not particularly enjoy hearing her say that.

I asked her, "Lauren, are you eighty years old? Why are you feeling so depressed when you are only in your thirties? Give him another chance, allow him to treat you well, and show him how much you are loved."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I gave her a fierce look and said, "It's true that Oliver is regretful. He has been searching for you nonstop since you disappeared! He has gotten thin, and it shows his concern for you. Try to forget what happened! Isn't that better?

Lauren shook her head slowly. "It is impossible."

My heart ached to see her attitude.

I asked as I gazed at her, "Since you claim it's impossible, why not start over by finding someone who loves you? Must you torment yourself?"

I had wanted to discuss this with Lauren for a long time. Oliver would be best for her. Despite not being a businessman, he was a well-respected individual. They previously shared an understanding and made an excellent combination of their respective skills and looks.

She grinned mockingly and said, "You make it sound so easy, but it's just too hard. Never mind that I'm in my thirties, even if I were to consider my reputation, do you think I still have such a chance?"

She gave me a serious look before saying, "Being by his side for a decade, and then becoming a mistress to the point of caring for his terminally ill wife. In the end, she gave me a slap right before she died. That swat woke me up!"

Her eyes stared at me, filled with profound feelings.

Of course, I know Oliver's late wife was a ruthless person. It was an invisible, unseen slap that shattered all hopes.

"Who in the entire city doesn't know about my remarkable achievement? Do I have the prestige to find someone who likes me? Who would like me?"

She laughed after saying that, but her gaze conveyed a deep sadness. My heart ached to see her like this.

I had to admit that I did not want to see her in this state. I liked watching her laugh and talk gracefully, being energetic, and standing up for others.

She now seemed to dislike social gatherings. I was aware that the wound in her heart had not yet healed.

I knew she frequented the pub to drown her sorrows, but I did not want to give her too much advice. I even avoided discussing such subjects out of concern that they would hurt her.

"I already dare to face the world with

my head held high. Chloe, do you know why I desperately tried to persuade Ivanna to keep the child? Because you know how much I long for a chance to be a mother!"

My eyes immediately got wet as Lauren stared into them.

"But I am aware of how extravagant this is. I've lost this opportunity that any woman can have!" Her head dropped suddenly, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"The reason went abroad was to live and die independently. After getting tired of wandering and seeing, I wanted to find a place l enjoyed. I wanted to die young and bury myself there.

"In my next life, I hope to marry someone who loves me, have children, and live a normal life," Lauren murmured, her head down.

I felt intense heartache and grabbed her hand.

"However, when I was saved and revived, I began to believe that perhaps my suffering in this world was over should strive to act like a dignified person once more because I still have you all." Her smile flashed on her face.

"Too many people are cursing me," she whispered as she wiped away her tears. "I want them to realize that even if they keep cursing me, I can face it."

Lauren laughed as she spoke. The laughter sounded lonely and bitter.

At that moment, the tiny room's door was abruptly shoved open.