Does He Know?

BRYAN

This cannot be happening.

I stared at Lara as she began to weep. All I could do was hold her and say, “It’s okay. You’ll be fine.”

We stayed like that for about thirty minutes before I finally mustered the courage to ask, “When did you find out?”

“Just last week,” she said, trying to wipe away her tears with the back of her hand. “At the same time, I found out I was pregnant.”

“And does your husband know?” That was what I genuinely wanted to know.

“He thinks I’m making things up to get attention from him.” Her voice cracked as she tried to stifle more tears.

“Some husband he is.” I clenched my jaw. “This is exactly why I never liked him. What kind of husband can’t even be there for you when you need him the most? I mean, it was his child too, wasn’t it?” I tried hard not to raise my voice, but everything about this situation made my blood boil.

“It was his.” She sounded so shaky as she replied.

“And where is he now?”

“I don’t know. Probably with Ria.” She spat the name out like poison.

Now everything was clear to me. After all these years, it was still painfully obvious that Gerald was in love with Ria, even after she left him for another man. But I couldn’t say anything about that because here I was, doing the same thing: loving someone who belonged to someone else. My blood practically bubbled with anger at the state Lara was in.

“You have to leave him. I’ll ask my lawyer to help you prepare the divorce papers. Let me take care of you. We’ll travel somewhere you can get the absolute best treatment money can buy.” I tightened my fists, determined not to let anything happen to her again.

She stayed silent for a moment, obviously trying to process my words.

“I’m pretty sure Gerald will continue not believing you,” I continued, “and honestly, I can’t lose you.”

“Bryan, maybe Gerald is acting this way because Ria got inside his head, planting lies to pull us apart.” She lowered her gaze, almost like she was trying to convince herself of the same thing.

“You are still trying to defend him? Even after he practically left you for dead?” I stared at her in disbelief. “Wow, Lara.”

“Bryan, listen to me. I’m sure he’ll come to his senses once he sees the doctor’s medical reports. All I need is a chance to talk to him privately and make him understand.” Her eyes filled with tears again.

“I can’t believe you right now, Lara. The doctor said you were lucky I brought you here in time. That means you could have lost your life because of his negligence, and you’re still here trying to defend him from a hospital bed.”

“As I said, Bryan, it’s all a misunderstanding. He doesn’t really know what’s going on with me.”

“Don’t lie to yourself, Lara. You told him. He refused to believe you.” My jaw tightened as anger simmered beneath my calm tone.

“It was Ria.” Her voice dropped. “She convinced him I was lying. She even hid the hospital papers. She hit me and caused my miscarriage. She killed my baby, then stabbed herself so she could play the victim. It was all her doing.” Her shoulders trembled violently as tears streamed down her face.

I was completely speechless. Completely livid. I didn’t want Lara to see me lose control, as I was so enraged. One thing was certain: Ria was evil, and I didn’t want her anywhere near Lara.

“Do you see now that it’s all Ria’s doing?” Lara’s voice trembled. “She’s willing to do anything just to push me out of the picture so she and Gerald can have their happily ever after.”

“Lara, I understand what you’re saying, but Gerald still has his faults. How can he be so blinded by your sister that he doesn’t realize you’re the one getting hurt? You are his wife, not her.”

“I completely agree.” She nodded slowly. “That’s why I need to show him the truth so he can finally see the whole picture. At least he deserves one chance to prove he’s not as bad as this situation makes him seem.”

“Bryan, I know you only want what’s best for me, and I appreciate that. But he’s my husband. I can’t just give up on him or our marriage like that.” She stared at me.

“He left you bleeding on the floor, Lara. That’s not something small. If you had died, would he still have gotten a second chance to prove he wasn’t a terrible person?” I clenched my jaw tightly.

How can she still be thinking of this after what he put her through?!

“Just give me a little time, please. I’m sure I can make him see the truth, and he’ll practically beg me for forgiveness because I know Gerald loves me.” Her fingers tightened around the hospital blanket as though she was clinging to hope itself.

I hated seeing her cry.

“Lara, we are leaving, and that’s final. Whether you make him see his mistakes or not, I’m taking you with me. I can’t stand by and watch you wither away—not on my watch. Do you understand me?” I kept my voice calm but firm so she would understand I wasn’t joking.

“It’s your health, for crying out loud. So you have about a week to get your things ready and get Gerald to sign the divorce papers. I’ll have my lawyers send them over.” I left no room for argument in my tone.

I softened slightly. “You need to rest. I have to start preparing everything for our trip. Please don’t stress yourself thinking about someone who obviously doesn’t care about you.”

All she could do was nod because deep down, I knew she understood I was right.

I gave her a quick hug before leaving the hospital room.

I wasn’t going to let Lara die because of another man’s stupidity.