Redemption's Inferno

4.

Sean Valerius was unwilling to leave.

He even held my hand stubbornly, refusing to let go.

Just then, the door to the hospital room was pushed open, and Jessica Thorne and Julian Hale walked in.

Jessica was a longtime friend of mine, and Julian had been our senior in school.

Once, during a period when Sean and I had broken up after a fight, Julian had subtly tested the waters with me.

My surprise at the time was no less than if I had won the lottery.

'After all, Julian Hale was just too exceptional. He was like a shining moon, a height I could admire but never reach.'

I turned him down that day. After that, Julian never said anything like that to me again, and we became mere acquaintances who would exchange polite nods.

So, I hadn't expected him to come today.

"Julian happened to be free, so he came with me." Jessica deliberately squeezed Sean out of the way and gave me a knowing look.

I gave her an awkward smile and then greeted Julian Hale.

"It's nothing, I happened to be free." Julian was as gentle as ever. Right in front of Sean, in a move I couldn't tell was unintentional or a provocation, he actually touched my forehead.

Then he smiled. "Good, you don't have a fever."

I felt a little awkward and just smiled with my lips pressed together.

"Have you eaten? I'll go buy you some food," Jessica asked pointedly. I shook my head at her, silently telling her not to say things just to provoke him.

Even if Sean and I were no longer together, I didn't want to humiliate him.

If the love was gone, we should just part ways. There was no need to make a scene and become mortal enemies.

Sean knew he wouldn't get the chance to say what he wanted to tonight. After a moment's hesitation, he said his goodbyes and left.

I spent a peaceful week in the hospital.

I used to be too busy with work to enjoy the good things in life.

During those days, I ate when I should and slept when I should. I even binge-watched the K-dramas I'd fallen behind on. Life was incredibly pleasant.

Jessica would visit me at the hospital from time to time to show off her unique skills.

"Miss Sterling, how about a complimentary essential oil back massage?"

I'm ticklish, so I'd just end up rolling all over the bed.

Sometimes when Jessica was busy, Julian Hale would come to keep me company, chatting with me and even discussing plot points from the shows.

When the two of them happened to be there at the same time, we would even play poker together. The days were truly pleasant and fun.

The day before I was discharged, Sean came.

As if to make up for his guilt, he brought a huge pile of nutritional supplements every time.

"I bought these especially for you. When you get home, I'll make you some tonic soup to help you recover."

I said flatly, "Take it all with you. I don't need any tonics."

But he acted as if he hadn't heard me.

He tidied up the room while telling me about recent events, a rare look of humility and obedience on his face.

I sighed and looked at him. "Why do this? Must we keep dragging this on until we can't stand the sight of each other?"

Sean froze. He stared at me with bloodshot eyes, a sorrow swirling in their depths that I didn't want to understand.

He almost fled in disarray.

But when I was discharged the next day, Sean still showed up.

Jessica and Julian Hale had already taken care of everything. I sat in the car and looked at him. "In a few days, I'll come get my things."

This was a decision I had made after much thought during my hospital stay.

Sean's eyebrows knitted together, and the veins on his arms bulged visibly.

He held onto the car door, his voice pleading, "Serena, please give me one more chance, okay?"

I shook my head.

"Sean," Julian Hale said, grabbing Sean's wrist. "Serena is still sick. She can't be out in the cold wind."

As if he'd found an outlet for his frustration, Sean angrily demanded of Julian Hale, "And who are you? What gives you the right to meddle in our business?"

He clenched his fists, looking like he was about to start a fight.

I snapped, "Sean, that's enough!"

Sean froze and released his grip.

As the car drove away, I could still see him standing by the roadside, a dejected figure.