Early in the morning, upon learning that Rhianna had gone to the emergency room overnight, Lauryn hurried to the hospital.
Due to her persistent high fever, Rhianna had been transferred to the inpatient department. Lauryn was terribly worried. When she entered the ward, she saw her Rhianna with headphones on, laughing at a variety show on her phone, but her eyes were brimming with uncontrollable tears.
Her sweatheart hadn't lost her mind, had she?
Rhianna, get a grip. You still have a lot to do. Rhianna reminded herself. She didn't want Lauryn to worry too much, so she claimed that the show was so funny it made her cry.
Lauryn had a lot of work to handle but still brought Rhianna some clean clothes.
Sometimes Lauryn had her own doubts. She had heard Rhianna mention she was married, yet in her current state, she had no one by her side to care for her.
But as someone who had also worked hard alone for many years, Lauryn didn't dwell on it. She told Rhianna to rest and not to worry about work, then went back to her tasks.
After Lauryn left, Rhianna lay on the hospital bed, lost in thought. A nurse came in to draw blood for testing, feeling that this pretty patient looked very familiar, but couldn't recall where she had seen her.
Rhianna wasn't sure what she was thinking. She found herself wandering to the VIP section of the inpatient department. This was a military hospital, and without certain status or influence, one couldn't stay in a VIP ward here.
Rhianna knew Arely was staying here. She didn't know what she was hoping to see, though she had already given up.
Yet, before she could reach that floor, she was stopped.
"You can't wander around here." Seeing Rhianna in a hospital gown, the guard assumed she was a patient who had lost her way.
Wearing a mask, her hair covering half her face, Rhianna nodded and turned to head downstairs, but couldn't resist glancing back.
She took out her phone and called her lawyer.
They should have divorced long ago. Even though their marriage was unusual, if she brought up the agreement, he should willingly accept it.
Rhianna stayed in the hospital for three days. When her fever finally subsided, she returned home, opened her laptop, and found the drafted agreement from her lawyer in her email.
She printed the document and signed her name on the last page.
Despite being just two people, Rhianna felt like they had been through a lifetime. Their loveless marriage was like an endless night with no hope of dawn. Signing her name, Rhianna felt a sense of relief.
Rylee, now we're both free.
She randomly scrolled through her contacts, hesitated, then decided to send the documents to her lawyer to pass on to Rylee.
After all, she had lost completely but wanted to retain a shred of dignity.
*
After sending out the divorce papers, Rhianna felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
During her illness, she had little appetite. The hospital meals were practically "diet food." Though not hungry now, she still needed to take her medication, which made her drowsy.
Rhianna slept deeply. She hadn't rested well during her hospital stay with all the tests and blood draws.
In her groggy state, she felt someone wiping her sweat and adjusting her blanket.
Rhianna woke up hungry from the smell of food. Thinking it might be Lauryn, who had a key to her home, she got up.
Indeed, the rice cooker still had warm macaroni and cheese. Rhianna served herself a bowl, thinking Lauryn was quite the cook.
She received a text from Lauryn.
Lauryn: "Sweetheart, are you feeling better?"
Rhianna: "Thank you, Lauryn. I'm almost fully recovered."
Lauryn: "There's an offline promotion event for 'Fatal Crime.' I plan to have you make an appearance too."
Rhianna: "Indeed, there's no such thing as a free lunch. I'll be there on time." Rhianna knew Lauryn always looked out for her, giving her opportunities to gain exposure as a newcomer.
Lauryn sent details of the event, mentioning that the van would pick her up.
After eating, Rhianna freshened up. Looking at her slightly haggard reflection, she reminded herself to focus on work.
The next morning, Rhianna set off for the promotion event, aiming to attract attention from the start.
The schedule was tight, requiring travel to several nearby cities in one day.
Since "Fatal Crime" was an anthology series, many actors were present for the promotion. Rhianna greeted stars that would cooperated with in the future politely. Wearing a short off-shoulder dress and heels, her dimples and sparkling eyes made her look stunning in the media's lenses.
Three events back-to-back kept Rhianna busy. She enjoyed the bustling work, which kept her mind occupied.
However, her body struggled. By midnight, after the events, she felt a slight fever. Her face was hot. The rain that evening didn't help, making her feel even colder outside.
Rhianna didn't want to worry Lauryn. She thought some medicine at home would help. With an umbrella, she refused the driver's offer to take her into the complex, opting to walk back.As she was about to go upstairs, a strong force grabbed her wrist.
Instinctively wanting to call for help, she recognized the familiar yet foreign scent.
Under the dim stairwell light, Rylee stood drenched, his black shirt clinging to his muscular frame, looking anything but disheveled. His wet hair added a strangely sexy allure. Rylee forcefully led her upstairs, and to Rhianna's bewilderment, effortlessly unlocked her door.
