The End Of a Marriage
Chapter 45
Chapter 30
Colette arrived at the hospital with a heavy heart, her steps slow and measured as she made her way through the sterile hallways. For years, she had been estranged from her Aunt Beth, the woman who had raised her after her parents‘ death. Their relationship had always been strained, marked by a sense of obligation rather than affection. But today, something was different. Aunt Beth’s usual stern expression was softened by worry, her hard edges worn down by the fear of losing her husband.
When Colette entered the room, Aunt Beth looked up, her eyes widening in surprise and, perhaps for the first time, a hint of relief. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said, her voice uncharacteristically gentle, though she didn’t say much more than that. It was enough. Colette could see the exhaustion etched into her aunt’s face, the deep lines that worry had carved into her once–imposing features.
As they sat together, the silence between them was heavy, but not uncomfortable. Colette noticed with a pang of sadness that none of Aunt Beth’s own! children had come. “Jaime is in the US,” Aunt Beth confessed quietly, her voice betraying a deep sorrow. “Not sure if he’ll be able to make it in time.” She didn’t mention her daughter, the one who had been estranged for years, and Colette didn’t press the issue.
As Colette sat with Aunt Beth in the sterile waiting room, the tension was palpable. The doctors had informed them that Uncle Steve was undergoing bypass surgery, but his deteriorating health and age left little hope. Colette tried to comfort her aunt, urging her to have faith, knowing it was all they could do.
Aunt Beth broke the silence, her voice tinged with surprise. “I’m amazed you came, given your own problems.” Colette was taken aback, unsure what Aunt Beth meant. She hadn’t shared the turmoil in her marriage with anyone.
Then Aunt Beth mentioned, “Your uncle and I were saddened to hear about it. How is Matheo?” Colette’s confusion deepened until her aunt clarified, “The fire at one of his hotels–we saw it on the evening news. Sad business. I hope no one was mortally hurt?”
Colette’s heart sank. Matt had mentioned a fire before he left, but she had dismissed it, convinced it was a ploy by Iris to pull him back to Sydney. The realization that it might be true hit her like a cold wave. She had hidden his phone, assuming the worst, and now the guilt gnawed at her.
She couldn’t process it fully, not with so many people around, and certainly not with Aunt Beth waiting for a response. All she could manage was a nod, which seemed to satisfy her aunt. They sat in silence, the minutes stretching into an hour.
Colette quietly searched the internet on her phone, her fingers trembling as she scrolled through news about the fire. Relief washed over her when she found out that no one had been hurt, but the guilt remained, a heavy burden she couldn’t shake. She had let her insecurities and assumptions cloud her judgment, and the consequences felt unbearable.
As the evening deepened, the doctors emerged with the news that Uncle Steve’s surgery was complete, but they had kept him in a medically induced coma to aid his recovery. They advised Colette and Aunt Beth to return home for the night. Colette considered going back to Zoe’s but couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her aunt alone on such a difficult night.
When Aunt Beth’s driver arrived, Colette decided to accompany her. As they settled into the car, her aunt hesitated. ‘Wouldn’t Matt mind you coming with me?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. Colette, summoning patience, replied softly, “He isn’t home anyway.” Thankfully, Aunt Beth didn’t press the matter further, and they continued the drive in a quiet understanding.
The next day, Colette and Aunt Beth found themselves back at the hospital, sitting in the sterile waiting area, a sense of dread hanging between them. They were united in their vigil, their eyes constantly darting to the doors, hoping for some news about Uncle Steve. Despite the doctors‘ reassurances that it could take a day or more for him to wake up, Colette noticed the fear that lingered in her aunt’s eyes–a fear that spoke of the uncertainty and helplessness that only comes when a loved one’s life hangs in the balance.
1/2
11:19 pm
The End Of a Marriage
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
