*The patient is out of danger.* Chester's rigid face finally cracked—a slow exhale, a smile of sheer relief.
He thanked the doctor again and again, almost absurdly humble.
Only then did he remember I existed.
He reached out to touch me. I turned my head away.
This time he didn't get angry. If anything, he looked pleased with himself.
"Good thing you were here. Name it—whatever you want, it's yours."
I held out the printed divorce agreement. "I only want one thing. Your signature."
Right then, nurses wheeled Glenda out.
She called Chester's name, her voice thin and weak.
He didn't even look at what I'd handed him. He signed without a second's pause.
The moment he finished, he strode to Glenda's side and murmured something gentle.
"Don't be scared, Glenda. I'm here. I'll stay with you."
I clutched the signed agreement and disappeared down the corridor.
A month later, Glenda was discharged.
Only then did Chester realize I hadn't contacted him in a very long time.
He'd barely finished sending me a message when his secretary hurried in.
"President Delgado—the partners are pulling out. All of them. They're saying—"
