Chapter 68 My Patience Is Limited
Sloane's POV
I instinctively hid behind the door, peeking out with just half my head showing, my heart pounding out of control.
I heard Jared's voice growing colder and harder."I will not divorce her. Not in the past, not now, and not in the future."
Whatever was said on the other end, Jared's patience seemed to run out. He let out a cold laugh, his tone filled with undisguised mockery and finality.
"As for Keira, there's even less chance I'd marry her. Father, are you confused about something? I've never had the slightest interest in her."
I've never had the slightest interest in her.
Those words stunned me.
All the resentment, jealousy, and hurt caused by Keira were completely smoothed over in that moment by his casual remark.
A secret, almost guilty joy spread from the deepest part of my heart, making my cheeks burn hot.
He ended the call, rubbing his temples in frustration. When he turned around, he saw me hiding behind the door with only half my face showing.
He froze, a flash of embarrassment and panic crossing his eyes at being caught.
I quickly stepped out from behind the door, pretending I hadn't heard anything, acting like I'd only come out because I was worried about him. I asked softly, "It's so late, still not asleep?"
He looked at me with a complicated expression, silent for a few seconds before putting his phone back in his pocket and walking toward me.
"It's nothing," he said, stopping in front of me, his tall figure towering over me, his tone returning to its usual calm. "Just some work stuff."
He was lying badly, and I pretended to go along with it.
But those words "I've never had the slightest interest in her" kept echoing in my mind, stirring up feelings I couldn't shake.
That secret happiness, mixed with these days of silent companionship, wrapped around my rationality like vines.
"Jared," I looked up, meeting his unfathomable gaze, and asked the question that had been circling in my mind for so long. "Are you really not planning to divorce anymore?"
The air froze instantly. The composure and calm on his face cracked, replaced by embarrassment and tension at having his thoughts exposed.
He paused, then suddenly pulled me into his arms.
"What about you?" His hot breath fell on my ear, his voice extremely hoarse. "Sloane, do you still want a divorce?"
I fell silent.
I didn't know.
Director Aria's death destroyed everything—my strength, my pretense, all my plans.
In this overwhelming grief, he had clumsily held up a shelter for me.
I craved this warmth, yet feared the bottomless abyss behind it.
My silence seemed to give him an answer.
He held me tighter, his chin resting on top of my head, his voice low and solemn, each word resonating from his chest.
"I don't want a divorce."
"Sloane, you're wonderful," he paused, as if organizing his words or gathering courage. "I want to keep going like this with you."
My heart felt like something had hit it hard, sourness and sweetness intertwining, instantly welling up in my eyes.
But the string of rationality snapped back the next second, and Aeneas's contemptuous face appeared before my eyes.
"But your father..." I pushed him gently, my voice carrying undisguised worry.
"Leave it to me." He interrupted, cupping my face and forcing me to meet his eyes.
Those eyes, usually filled with a desire for control, now held unprecedented determination and seriousness. "Sloane, trust me. I'll handle everything."
His promise was like a shot of adrenaline, temporarily suppressing all the unease in my heart.
I looked at the clear bloodshot in his eyes and the stubble on his chin, knowing he'd been here with me too long, and the piled-up work at the company wouldn't give him any more breathing room.
"Director Aria just passed, and there's still a lot to do at the orphanage," he sensed my concern and softened his voice, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You stay here a few more days and spend time with her. I'll go back to handle business, and when I'm done, I'll come get you."
I hummed softly in agreement.
The next morning, I helped him pack his simple luggage.
The shirt he'd worn until it was full of wrinkles, I folded and placed in his suitcase.
He'd been wearing this one these past few days, like a stubborn guard, watching over me and this land of sorrow.
Just then, his phone on the nightstand started vibrating frantically, the screen showing that name I deeply detested.
I instinctively frowned, not wanting to deal with it.
But Jared picked up the phone before me, swiped to answer, and put it on speaker.
"Jared! You bastard! Are you still with that bitch? Have you forgotten what you promised me!" Keira's sharp, harsh cursing instantly pierced the morning's tranquility.
Jared let Keira vent hysterically on the other end.
His expression darkened bit by bit, the pressure around him dropping to a frightening level.
Until Keira tired of cursing and began questioning tearfully."Why aren't you saying anything? Are you feeling guilty? Jared, what are you now!"
"Keira Winslow," Jared finally spoke, his voice cold as an ice-tempered blade, without a trace of warmth. "My patience is limited."
Keira on the other end instantly fell silent, probably scared by his terrifying tone.
"I'll say this one last time," he said word by word, with an undeniable warning. "Don't provoke her again, or you won't be able to handle the consequences."
"I... I didn't mean to, Jared, I just love you too much..." Keira's voice instantly softened, filled with tearful grievance and pleading.
But Jared found even one more word annoying and directly hung up.
He tossed his phone back on the bed, walked behind me, and gently hugged me from behind. "If she calls again, you don't need to be nice to her."
I leaned into his embrace and nodded.
The gloom in my heart caused by Keira was completely dispelled by his unhesitating protection.
Jared left.
The orphanage returned to its usual quiet, except this quiet was missing a familiar figure and filled with lingering sorrow.
I stayed here, handling Director Aria's affairs, sorting through every item she left behind, as if only this way could I feel she was still with me.
Two days passed like this.
In the evening, I got a call from Lila.
"Sloane, the ER admitted a patient with a very complicated condition, multiple organ injuries. Several departments have been consulting for hours and still can't decide on a surgical plan. Can you come over?"
Lila's tone was urgent and serious. I knew they must have encountered an extremely difficult situation.
"I'll be right there." I put down the notebook in my hand and agreed without hesitation.
I'm a doctor. Saving lives is my calling.
Director Aria was gone, but the faith she left me, I would carry on for her.