Chapter 4
The bright lights cast Tyler’s face in sharp relief. Even without lifting her gaze, Nadine could feel the intensity of his stare bearing down on her.
Her marriage had been doomed from the start. She wouldn’t be in this mess now if she hadn’t insisted on marrying Brad.
There was never any true connection between her and Brad, it was all her stubbornness driving them forward.
Now, Tyler’s question hit a raw nerve deep within her fragile heart. It unsettled her deeply.
Nadine didn’t know how to respond. She sighed softly and lowered her head in silence.
Tyler’s question was a soul-searching one for her. Initially, she believed that if she just treated Brad well enough, she could melt even the coldest heart.
Now, Nadine understood that Brad wasn’t simply cold-hearted. He was icy, unyielding, and only capable of inflicting pain on her. After years, she was now covered in wounds, both visible and invisible.
Nadine’s silence made Tyler’s heart ache even more. He looked at her delicate face and couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
“Nadine, can’t you tell? Brad doesn’t love you at all!”
Despite spending the past five years studying abroad without contacting Nadine, he had always kept tabs on her life. He would often inquire about her recent status through mutual acquaintances.All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
Tyler knew some details about her married life.
“Nadine, why did you marry Brad? Because he didn’t love you? Because he neglected you? Because he loved Jean?”
Nadine remained silent, biting her lip tightly, her face drained of color. She panicked and took a few steps back to avoid Tyler’s piercing gaze. She lowered her head like a child caught misbehaving.
“I… My life is none of your business! It’s none of your concern!”
Suddenly confronted with painful truths, years of suppression and frustration erupted within Nadine. The wounds that she had buried deep inside were suddenly exposed by Tyler, causing excruciating pain.
But Nadine remained stubborn, standing straight, refusing to let her tears fall.
Seeing her endure this pain, Tyler’s heart ached even more.
He approached Nadine and softened his tone. “Nadine, I’m sure you know your worth. After enduring so much, haven’t you ever considered divorce?
“Brad can’t see your worth. He doesn’t appreciate you. But don’t you value yourself?”
Tyler’s penetrating questions left Nadine at a loss for words. She clenched her jaw, holding back the tears. Her eyes reddened, with her damp lashes casting shadows beneath her eyes, accentuating her fragility.
It was gut-wrenching. Tyler felt a stab of pain in his heart as he extended his arms, wanting to offer her comfort with a hug. But… Nadine avoided him.
“Tyler, if there’s nothing else, I’ll bring Sean back now,” she said hurriedly.
Tyler witnessed all her vulnerabilities and weaknesses, things she never intended for anyone to see. Her first instinct was to flee.
Seeing her startled, lips pale, Tyler couldn’t bring himself to press further.
He sighed and took a step back, speaking softly, “Nadine, listen to me. Leave that jerk and divorce him! There are plenty of good men out there, you don’t have to suffer by staying with Brad. He doesn’t deserve you!”
Nadine froze and widened her eyes in disbelief. Her wounded heart started pounding uncontrollably.
Divorce? Could she? Tyler’s words thundered through her, dispelling the helplessness within Nadine’s heart.
It was as if a beacon had suddenly illuminated her path in the sea, her eyes now sparkling with determination, as bright as stars.
For years, Nadine had clung to the belief that her love could melt Brad’s icy heart. Now she understood that Brad’s heart was never truly hers, and no amount of love could change that.
Over the past five years, across more than 1,800 days and nights, time had silently etched its mark upon her. Only Nadine knew the gradual chill that crept into her heart with each passing night.
Sean’s fever had gradually subsided. Leaning against the gym equipment, he reached out to Nadine, his voice soft, “Mommy, I’m sleepy.”
Nadine swiftly lifted him up, checking his temperature once more. Relieved to find it had dropped, she gently kissed his cheek, “Alright, let’s head back to bed now.”
Seeing Nadine struggling to carry Sean, Tyler extended his arms, offering to hold him. “Mommy looks tired. How about I carry you for a bit?”
His smile was warm, like a gentle breeze.
Nadine shook her head hastily, “No, I’m not tired at all!”
Sean was drawn to Tyler’s smile, nodding and climbing onto him.
Tyler held Sean tightly, praising him, “Sean, you’re such a good boy who cares about your mommy.” Sean blushed at the praise, burying himself in Tyler’s embrace.
The three of them rode the elevator up to the 16th floor.
As the elevator doors opened, a nurse glanced at them, giving Tyler an ambiguous smile. “Dr. Sullivan, is this your wife and child? Your wife is stunning, and your son is adorable!”
Nadine was about to speak up to clarify, but Tyler beat her to it. “Yes, they’re beautiful and adorable, right? I hope you find your Prince Charming soon.”
The nurse blushed. “Oh, by the way, Dr. Sullivan, the patient in room 30 just received an injection for fever reduction, but the bill hasn’t been paid yet. Here’s the invoice. Could you help me remind them about it when you’re there?
Room 30 was where Sean was staying, and Nadine was particularly attentive. She immediately took the invoice and said, “Sure, I’ll go pay it right away.”
Nadine rushed to the self-service payment machine and swiped her card. But…
The screen flashed. There were insufficient funds in her account.
Nadine held the invoice tightly, biting her lip and feeling extremely embarrassed. Over five years of their marriage, she had never used a single cent of Brad’s money. So now, she didn’t even have enough to pay for Sean’s treatment.
Just as she felt extremely embarrassed, Tyler took out a bank card and inserted it into the machine.
At this moment, they stood close together, shoulder to shoulder, looking like a young family.
But Nadine felt uneasy. It was as if someone was watching her. She looked up and saw Brad standing there with a cold, piercing gaze fixed on her.