82Luca's POVLater in the day, ~lunch time~I walked into the restaurant with a heavy heart, the weight of guilt and uncertainty pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. Grace's cheerful greeting did little to lift my spirits as we settled into our seats."So, Logan, how are you today?" Grace's voice sounded forced, as if she was trying to keep things light despite the tension between us.I mustered a smile, but it felt hollow. "Oh, you know, same old, same old," I replied, hoping she wouldn't see through my facade.But Grace was perceptive, her concern palpable. "You seem... distant," she remarked, her brow furrowing with worry.I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, avoiding her gaze. "Just tired, I guess," I muttered, hoping she wouldn't pry any further.But Grace wasn't about to let it go. "Is everything okay, Logan?" Her tone was gentle but insistent, her eyes searching mine for the truth.My fists clenched beneath the table, the weight of her suspicion su

84Lilian's POVAfter Lucas's department, I was disconcerted and wondered if Lucas might be lying to me so that I got into trouble with Damien. But, at the same time, this explained why Damien has never shown the desire to have a child and why he avoided me the time he knew that I was fertile. 'Ughhhhh!' I groaned frustrated. I was so confused. I decided to confront him once at home; the time was so long. Finally, in the evening, I was home to wait for Damien to return; he was still at the hospital. In fact, he didn't even want me to work at the hospital now. I just went today to check something and then don't return again. He said that I wasn't ready yet.As I sat on the couch, waiting for Damien's return, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at me from within. Lucas's revelation had stirred up a whirlwind of doubt and suspicion, clouding my judgment and leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.Hours passed, the

86Lilian's POVThe next day, I was driven by Damien to work. The atmosphere in the car was tense, with an underlying current of unspoken tension. Damien's jaw was clenched, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. I could sense his disapproval hanging heavy in the air.As we arrived at the gymnasium, I couldn't help but notice once again how small it was, and how urgently the renovation work at the hospital needed to progress. Damien pulled up to the curb, and I stepped out of the car, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead.Grace's face lit up with surprise and joy as she caught sight of me. "Lilian!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to greet me with a warm hug. "I'm so glad to see you back!"I returned her embrace, a fake smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "It's good to be back," I replied, my voice filled with sincerity. "I've missed my work."Just then, Lisa appeared, her expression brightening as she spotted me. "Lilian!" she called out, striding over to joi