Chapter 156: Shattered Reflections
The sterile white lights of the hospital corridor did little to dim the fire burning in Olivia's eyes. She stormed toward Aurora, her heels clicking like gunshots on the tile. Her cheeks were flushed, her arms flailing with fury.
"You think you're perfect, don't you?! The little princess of the Riversons! Look what you've done to my family!" Olivia snapped.
"Mom, not here," Ivy muttered weakly from the wheelchair beside her, her eyes swollen from crying. "Don't hush me, Ivy! That girl has been nothing but trouble since she stepped into this family. Now my daughter is throwing away her marriage because of her!"
Mark immediately stepped forward, shielding Aurora with a warning glare.
"Aunt, don't push me," he said coolly. "You have no idea what your daughter's husband was capable of. If it weren't for me, your precious Liam and Zachary would still be out there plotting another scheme." "You call this justice?" Olivia shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at Aurora. "You call this family?!"
A heavy silence settled as Mr. Francis Delacourt, Olivia's husband and father to Ivy and Liam, slowly stepped in between them.
"Enough," he said firmly, his voice calm but slicing like ice. "I'm ashamed… ashamed of what my son has done. Ashamed of what my son-in-law has done. I should've raised him better."
"Francis, don't defend them—"
"I'm not defending them," he cut her off. "I'm owning my shame. And tomorrow morning, I'll personally apologize to William and Kim for what our children have done to their daughter."
He turned to Aurora. "I'm deeply sorry. No family should ever betray its own." Aurora, still shaken, nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Uncle." But Olivia was not done. She turned her wrath on everyone in the corridor. "This is madness! My children are being treated like criminals!"
That's when William emerged from Amelia's room, his eyes tired but sharp. "Olivia," he said, his voice deceptively calm, "if you don't stop your tantrum this instant, I will sack you from this hospital without a second thought. Don't forget who built this hospital. Every wall, every floor belongs to me."
Olivia froze, her pride choking her throat. No one said another word. Ivy sat quietly in the corner, knees drawn up, tears still running. Gianna, with her signature bold eyeliner smudged under her eyes, sat beside her, holding her hand.
"I just… I thought he loved me," Ivy whispered. "He didn't deserve you, Ivy. No one who plots behind your back ever does," Gianna replied gently. "You're better off without him." Kim soon walked in, her face composed but her heart bleeding for her niece. She knelt in front of Ivy and cupped her face.
"My sweet girl, I know your heart's broken, but pain reveals truth. You don't need a man who shadows your light. You are so, so worthy of being loved for exactly who you are." Ivy broke down into sobs, collapsing into her aunt's arms.
In another room, Aurora lay against Mark's chest, both of them curled up on the narrow hospital couch. Mark kissed her temple softly, running his hand through her hair. "She's stable now. You don't need to keep blaming yourself," he whispered. "But what if she had died, Mark?" Aurora's voice trembled. "All because of a celebration I didn't ask for. A career I've chased. I feel responsible."
"She would've been just as proud if you were a teacher or a farmer, Peach. This isn't your fault it's the fault of those who let jealousy eat them alive." Aurora nodded slowly, holding him tighter. "I don't know what I'd do without you. "You won't ever have to find out."
The next morning, Amelia was discharged, pale but alert, a queen in her wheelchair. The entire Riverson family gathered in the hospital lobby. "Thank you all," she whispered. "But I'd rather not return to this place again. Please let's protect each other better."
Everyone nodded in silence.
William and Kim stepped forward to push her out, but not before Kim turned to her daughter. "Aurora," she said softly, brushing hair behind her ear, "go home. You've done more than enough. Take care of yourself… and your husband." Aurora's eyes filled with tears. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you more," Kim whispered, kissing her forehead. "We'll talk soon. Go." Mark walked up behind her, sliding his hand gently around her waist. Together, they walked out of the hospital and into the waiting car.
As the door shut behind them, the engine purred, and the mansion gates felt like a thousand miles away from the chaos they were leaving behind.