Chapter 318: Consideration

As if fulfilling her earlier promise, Sonya left after lunch.

"I'm feeling tired and will rest now. Lucian will stay and care for you," she said, turning to her son. "The company shouldn't have any important matters during this period." Lucian nodded indifferently.

"I leave Aubree in your care. Take good care of her," she added before departing.

Gina and her husband left after Sonya.

Aubree and Lucian were alone in the ward. The atmosphere was awkward.

Aubree dug her nails into her palm, displeasure filling her heart. Lucian was colder than before; he wouldn't even look at her.

It's all because of that btch! she thought. She disrupted years of my work and drove a wedge between Lucian and me!*

As she searched for conversation, he spoke.

"If you need anything, call me. I'll stay outside." He gave her a cold glance and went to the couch outside.

Per his mother's instructions, he'd moved Aubree to the hospital's best ward. It contained two rooms: an inner room with a bed, dresser, and chairs for visitors, well-appointed with appliances and a cozy feel; and an outer room resembling a living room or hotel suite, with a couch and long table. A wall separated Lucian and Aubree, but he could still easily attend to her needs.

Aubree, however, felt he simply wanted nothing to do with her. Displeasure flashed in her eyes. Affecting a pitiful demeanor, she softly called out to Lucian, who was already near the exit, "Are you still blaming me, Lucian?"

He stopped and turned back, giving her an indifferent glance. She bit her lip, lowered her head, and apologized, "I truly did everything I could for Essie. If she wanted something within my power, I did my best. Yet she still disliked me for reasons I don't understand."

She looked at him self-deprecatingly. "Lately, problems keep arising. Even though the past six years were peaceful, trouble seems to find Essie because of me. I've reflected, and I haven't been patient enough with her. It's my fault. If you blame me, I won't argue. And if you want to call off the engagement, I understand. I just hope you won't treat me so coldly, for the sake of our friendship."

Her tone was genuine. Lucian's eyes darkened, his brow furrowed as he listened.

Seeing his attitude soften, Aubree's expression grew even more sincere. "We've been friends for years. Even if we can't be husband and wife, I don't want to lose you as a friend. If Essie dislikes me, I won't visit her often. I just hope you'll treat me as you did before, as I've never mistreated you"

Silence followed. She watched him intently.

After a moment, Lucian said, "I'll think about it."

He remained outside.

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