Pearl woke up in a sterile white room, the smell of disinfectant filling her nose. She blinked, trying to make sense of her surroundings. A hospital. How did she end up here? Slowly, the memories came back—those steel beams falling at the construction site, hitting her before she could get out of the way.
"You're awake?" Queenie's voice cut through her thoughts. She looked at Pearl with concern.
"What happened to me?" Pearl's voice was a bit hoarse.
"You had an accident at the site and got hurt. But don't worry, the doctor said it's nothing serious, just a mild concussion. You need to rest for a while," Queenie explained softly.
Pearl nodded. A concussion—that explained the pounding headache. She tentatively moved her body, feeling discomfort only in her head.
"Does Oscar know?" She hesitated before asking.
Queenie's expression subtly shifted as she averted her gaze from Pearl. "Mr. Brown knows you had an accident."
A wave of unease washed over Pearl. She recalled the moment before she lost consciousness; Oscar's figure was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he?" Pearl's voice involuntarily rose a little.
"He's now with Haley," Queenie said quietly, almost reluctantly.
Haley! A sharp pain stabbed at Pearl's heart. She had heard rumors about Oscar and Haley but chose to believe they were just media hype. Now, reality slapped her hard in the face.
"How could he?" Pearl's voice trembled. "I'm his..."
Queenie stayed silent, just holding Pearl's hand, offering a faint sense of comfort.
Pearl closed her eyes, filled with disappointment and anger. She once thought she and Oscar were in love, but now it seemed she was wrong. She had sacrificed so much for him, even overseeing the construction site herself to ensure his project went smoothly. And where was he when she needed him the most? With another woman.
She finally made up her mind. She was going to end this ridiculous marriage. She didn't need a husband who had someone else in his heart.