Chapter 56

• Lewis entered his mother's room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light on Lauren's peaceful face. She lay sleeping, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. The sedative administered by Nurse Bella had taken effect, calming her agitation and allowing her to rest.
• Lewis signaled to the nurse, who nodded understandingly and quietly left the room, leaving him alone with his mother. He sat down beside Lauren, taking her hand in his. Her fingers felt fragile and delicate in his grasp, a poignant reminder of the frailty of her condition.
• As he held her hand, Lewis's mind began to wander back to the past. He remembered the stories his father had told him about Lauren's departure, about how Albert had forced her to leave when Lewis was just a month old. Albert had arranged a marriage between Lauren and another wealthy family, hoping to solidify their business ties. But Lauren's condition, which made it impossible for her to become pregnant, had become a point of contention. Her husband's family had been eager for an heir, and when they discovered Lauren's condition, they had sought a divorce.