Secref Admiration: Finding True Love After P…

Chapter 698 Stop Wasting Energy on Doubts

As Meryl heard the words, her eyelashes fluttered as she lay there. Slowly, she opened her eyes. The news left her shaken. She thought, “What kind of monsters could those kidnappers be? How could they do something so inhuman?” But within seconds, she calmed herself. “Rachel is pitiful,” she thought, “but am I not just as pitiful? Rachel lost a kidney. But I was in a car accident last night. I was pregnant. My situation was just as dangerous. My life and the baby’s were both at risk. Yet, from the moment I gave birth until now, I haven’t even seen my husband.” Meryl couldn’t help but feel bitter. It was as if her life and the baby’s life combined weren’t worth as much as Rachel’s. Glancing at the clock, she realized it had been nearly 24 hours since her accident. She had given him 24 hours. The clock was ticking. As she was lost in thought, Anne rushed in. The moment Anne saw her, she ran over and pulled Meryl into a tight hug, her eyes glistening with tears. “Meryl, why didn’t you call me? Do you have any idea how scared I was when I heard you were in an accident?” Anne exclaimed. Anne had just learned what had happened and had hurried to the hospital. As Anne saw Meryl’s pale face, her heart ached. “Where are you hurt?” “My back,” Meryl replied. “Let me see,” Anne said. Anne shut the door and gently lifted Meryl’s hospital gown. The sight made her gasp. A large bruise covered Meryl’s lower back, right near her spine. It was a dangerous spot. If the injury had been more severe, Meryl could’ve been paralyzed. Meryl had been enduring the pain silently. Even walking made her feel like her back might give out.

“This is serious! What did the doctor say?” Anne asked, her face full of concern. “They took X–rays. There’s internal bruising. I won’t be able to move normally for a while,” Meryl said. From her experience, Meryl suspected the injury might leave lingering effects. If Felix hadn’t shielded her at that critical moment, it might not have just been her back. She and the baby might not have survived. She lowered her head slightly, her heart heavy with emotion. Anne noticed her low spirits. “Where’s Chandler?” she asked. Everyone who came to see Meryl asked the same question. Every time they did, her resentment toward Chandler deepened. “Rachel was kidnapped,” Meryl said flatly. “They took one of her kidneys. She’s probably still in surgery. Chandler’s with her.” Anne fell silent. Meryl turned to her. “Anne, tell me, if I get mad at Chandler right now, am I being unreasonable? Am I lacking understanding? Rachel’s life is in danger, and here I am, upset about my feelings. Does that make me selfish?” “What are you even saying?” Anne interrupted her, “You’re his wife. You’re supposed to be his priority. You deserve his attention. “Rachel’s suffering has nothing to do with you. Her pain isn’t your fault, so why are you carrying it on your shoulders? “You were pregnant, Meryl. You were in a car accident. You’re lucky to be alive. “Just imagine that, if Felix hadn’t been there, who knows how bad it could’ve been? Do you think your situation is any less serious?

“Meryl, you’re already so kind. You’re my best friend, and I want you to remember one thing. Don’t let other people’s twisted ideas make you doubt yourself. Don’t waste your energy on it. “Chandler’s your husband. His place is by your side, taking care of you and the baby. Anything else is secondary. “You’re too kind for your own good.” Anne reached out and gently pinched Meryl’s cheek. “You’re a mom now. You need to stop putting others first all the time. Are you going to protect your child if you don’t stand up for yourself?” Meryl was stunned. Anne’s words hit her like a revelation. She realized that the people who truly cared about her were the ones who stood in her shoes and spoke honestly. Anne’s words left her thoughtful and quiet. She hadn’t expected Anne, who usually seemed carefree, to say something so insightful. She knew Anne was right. Chandler had chosen Rachel over her. Meryl felt like a fog had lifted from her mind. “Thank you, Anne. I needed to hear that.” “Don’t thank me. That’s what friends are for,” Anne said with a grin. She grabbed a bright red apple from the fruit basket. “Want one? If you do, I’ll peel it for you. I usually make people peel fruit for me, so consider this a rare treat.” Anne wanted to stay a little longer to keep Meryl company, worried she might spiral into negative thoughts if left alone. She was so thoughtful, even planning to peel the apple for Meryl. Her apple–peeling skills weren’t great, but the fruit turned out sweet. Meryl smiled as she chewed, “Anne, you’re so thoughtful. If I were a man, I’d marry you and live happily ever after.” Anne raised an eyebrow and winked playfully.

“Meryl, are you confessing your love? Well, I’ve been keeping a secret… Turns out, I like women. Let’s spend the rest of our lives together.” Meryl laughed. The dark cloud hanging over her seemed to dissipate. “Okay, okay, stop. Laughing makes my stitches hurt.” She touched her belly. She knew Anne was just joking to lighten the mood. The room was warm and cheerful. After dinner, Anne stayed until Meryl fell asleep, then quietly left. The moment Anne walked out, the silence crept back in. When Anne was there, Meryl didn’t overthink. Now, alone again, a faint loneliness returned. What hurt most was still not seeing her baby. Anne had asked the doctor earlier. They said visitors weren’t allowed yet. It was late. Walter had gone home to rest, leaving two guards outside her room. Meryl was exhausted but couldn’t fall asleep. She threw on a coat and decided to take a walk. But the guards stopped her at the door.

“What’s this? Are you trying to restrict my freedom?” she asked, baffled. “Mrs. Aniston, you misunderstand. Mr. Aniston is concerned about your safety. He said it’s late, and since you just gave birth, it’s better not to wander around,” one guard explained. Meryl let out a cold laugh. “Oh, he cares about me now, does he?” “Of course, Mrs. Aniston. Mr. Aniston has been worried about you,” the guard insisted. “Really?” she said with a bitter edge. “If he cared so much, why has he been gone this whole time? If he truly cared, he’d be here.” The guards stayed silent. “Move,” she demanded, her voice rising. The guards exchanged glances before reluctantly stepping aside. Meryl held her aching back and took a step forward. Suddenly, the elevator doors opened. Chandler stepped out.