The car was silent for a long time.

 &quot;Vivienne, about the car accident... it’s my fault. I caused you trouble, and I’m really sorry,&quot; Alexander’s voice was low and heavy as he spoke, his dark eyes meeting mine.

 &quot;You've already apologized. None of us expected these crazy fans to still be fixated on it. I don't blame you,&quot; I said, trying to keep my voice calm, my face expressionless.

 Alexander opened his mouth as if to say something, but then fell silent. Yesterday’s events were still unclear to me. I’d initially thought it had something to do with the makeup incident, but now, I couldn’t even read the words on my phone or computer screen.

 He didn’t need to worry about me seeing the criticism and slander online, but his mood hadn’t improved.

 &quot;Sorry,&quot; he said again.

 &quot;It’s fine. Let’s just forget about it,&quot; I answered lightly, though my emot

The sky had completely darkened. Evelyn looked at Alexander and said, &quot;Alexander, waiting here isn't helping. Vivienne still has a head injury. Why don't you two go back? Once your grandfather comes out of surgery, Sebastian can call you.&quot;

 I immediately shook my head. &quot;No, I’m not leaving. I want to stay here with you and wait.&quot; I tightly linked my arm with Evelyn's. &quot;Nana, I have to be here when Pop-Pop comes out of the operating room. No matter what happens, I want to be the first to see him.&quot;

 &quot;Nana, we’ll stay here with you,&quot; Alexander added.

 Evelyn saw our determination and didn't argue further.

 Another two hours passed before the door to the operating room finally opened.

 I, Alexander, Sebastian, and Grandmother Hawthorne all stood up, gathering near the door, anxiously waiting for the doctor’s update.

 &quot;Dr. Whitaker, how’s my 

On Monday morning, I woke up early, washed up, and changed out of my hospital gown. After breakfast, I sat in my room, waiting for Alexander to arrive.

 I waited there all morning.

 Finally, in the afternoon, Alexander came to the hospital.

 &quot;Sorry, something came up this morning,&quot; he said.

 I smiled and shook my head, standing up to walk toward the door. &quot;It's fine. It's not too late.&quot;

 Seeing how eager I was, Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly, as if dissatisfied. &quot;Are you happy about our divorce?&quot;

 My heart ached sharply, but I kept my smile in place. &quot;Yes, I’m happy. Finally, I’ll be free.&quot;

 Free.

 The word left my lips, and it felt like it wasn’t just about him or our marriage. I’d never expressed my inner pain so calmly before.

 Alexander’s expression darkened. &quot;Congratulations,&quot; he said, his tone faint.

 &quot;Let’s go,&q

The car was silent for a long time.

 &quot;Vivienne, about the car accident... it’s my fault. I caused you trouble, and I’m really sorry,&quot; Alexander’s voice was low and heavy as he spoke, his dark eyes meeting mine.

 &quot;You've already apologized. None of us expected these crazy fans to still be fixated on it. I don't blame you,&quot; I said, trying to keep my voice calm, my face expressionless.

 Alexander opened his mouth as if to say something, but then fell silent. Yesterday’s events were still unclear to me. I’d initially thought it had something to do with the makeup incident, but now, I couldn’t even read the words on my phone or computer screen.

 He didn’t need to worry about me seeing the criticism and slander online, but his mood hadn’t improved.

 &quot;Sorry,&quot; he said again.

 &quot;It’s fine. Let’s just forget about it,&quot; I answered lightly, though my emotions were anything but calm.

 The car fell silent again.

 I wasn’t sure how much time had passed b

Chapter 42