Chapter 1043: Well-Intentioned Lies

"Besse, I'm sorry," Doyle apologized suddenly.

Besse smiled faintly.

"You've seen my worst side," Doyle said weakly. "What Skye said was true."

Besse was unsure how to respond. Humanly, she resented him. Yet, faced with his vulnerability, rationality faltered; she couldn't watch him atone for his past actions.

"When the doctor said you'd remain in a vegetative state, I broke down. I couldn't accept it, so I took revenge on the driver. If she hadn't been drunk, you wouldn't have been in that accident. In my rage, I ordered all hospitals not to treat her. There was no death penalty in Jolencami; even if she were responsible, she'd have received a life sentence. But I didn't want her alive. She'd done this to you."

"I never thought you'd wake up—a miracle. I just wanted to inflict the same pain she caused you. I thought it was fair, but I didn't expect... you to wake up," Doyle confessed, discomfort evident. Guilt gnawed at him. He'd acted believing Besse would never recover. Miracles, he mused, were often carefully orchestrated schemes.

"I understand," Besse said. "What's done is done."

"If you hate me..." Doyle's voice cracked, "...I won't blame you."

"Take care of yourself," Besse reassured him. "Once you've recovered, we can talk more."

"Besse," Doyle called.

She looked at him.

"Thank you," he said, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you for still being alive."

A pang of sorrow pierced Besse's heart. What if she hadn't survived?

She forced a smile. "Take care. I'll leave now."

"You too," he replied.

Besse nodded and was wheeled from the ward. Susan, Manuel, and Theodore waited. Theodore, his wounds treated, had just arrived.

"I'm taking you to see Oscar," Theodore declared bluntly.

Susan and Manuel were originally tasked with bringing Besse. Their delayed return indicated Besse's refusal. Theodore, discerning Besse's ruthlessness, understood their soft-heartedness wouldn't compel her.

"He wants to see me?"

"I think so," Theodore stated plainly.

Besse frowned.

"Didn't they tell you Oscar's condition is uncertain?" Theodore asked.

Besse's heart leaped. She looked at Susan.

"I said nothing," Susan replied. "I felt it was his business, and Besse shouldn't bear any guilt."

"You're all good people," Theodore said coldly. "You consider others, but I won't. I only think of Oscar. Even if you disagree with me bringing Besse."

"She's not a doctor. Seeing him doesn't guarantee improvement."

"At least I won't have regrets," Theodore insisted. "I won't regret missing a chance for Oscar's recovery."

Susan had never seen Theodore so serious, so uncaring. She realized his unwavering principles stemmed solely from his devotion to Oscar. Had she been unaware of his romantic history, she might have suspected deeper feelings.

"Let's go," Theodore said, turning to Besse. "I won't use force."

Susan tried to speak, but Manuel restrained her. Frustrated, Susan knew Manuel's loyalty lay with Oscar. He also wanted Besse to visit.

When Susan felt ready to explode, Manuel explained, "We can't fight Theodore." His high position in Northfield meant a confrontation would only damage their relationships.

Susan, realizing the complexities, fell silent.

"I'll go," Besse agreed.

Guilt stung Susan as Besse readily complied.

"But I can't do anything. I have no feelings for Oscar," Besse stated flatly.

Susan felt sorry for Oscar. She sighed, acknowledging her own excessive compassion.

"You don't need feelings," Theodore interjected. "I know you're heartless."

Besse said nothing. Theodore promptly wheeled her towards Oscar's room. The floor was on lockdown. Without Theodore's intervention, Besse wouldn't have gained access.

Many experts guarded Oscar. At Theodore's gesture, one approached.

"Tonight's crucial. If the Commander wakes, the danger passes. The best way is someone he loves calling his name. I considered his children, but I believe she's more important, given he nearly died saving her," Theodore explained coldly.

Besse understood Theodore's forceful actions—they needed someone to rouse Oscar from his coma.

The expert nodded. Theodore and Besse entered. Besse was left alone.

Before leaving, Theodore instructed, "Even if you don't love him, remember what he risked for you. Tell him kind lies, if necessary."