Chapter 139

Felix said he would wait for Hannah in the car.

With a nod, Hannah swiftly got out of the car and darted toward the hospital entrance, her mind consumed by thoughts of Sharon's condition.

In her rush, she barreled past the sliding doors, completely missing the figure waiting nearby.

A firm hand clamped around her arm, jolting her back-unable to stop herself in time, she collided with a man's chest.

Glancing up, she came face-to-face with Vincent. Instinctively, she wrenched free from his grip and put a solid distance between them.

Vincent's features hardened. "Where's the fire? Why are you storming in here?"

Ignoring his question, Hannah kept moving toward the lobby. "Shouldn't you be keeping Sharon company?What business do you have lingering here?"

Matching her pace, Vincent closed the gap. "We need to talk."

"Handle it through my attorney if it's about the divorce," Hannah retorted. Three failed attempts at civil conversation had taught her everything she needed to know-they simply couldn't talk things through.

A few steps ahead, Vincent doubled back to block her path. His brows drew together. "I'm not here to talk about the divorce."

Arms folded, Hannah let out a long sigh, irritation flickering across her face. "Then there's really nothing left for us to say." In her mind, the topic of divorce was the only thing connecting them now.

Vincent's face clouded with frustration, his gaze lingering on her in silence.

Intent on visiting Sharon, Hannah tried to move past Vincent, only to find him standing firmly in her way.

A grave look settled on Vincent's face. "I need you to hold off on telling Grandma about the divorce."

Hannah arched an eyebrow. "You can't keep it from her forever. Secrets always come out." She saw no point in hiding the truth.

Vincent's reply was steady but insistent. "For now, it's best she doesn't know. Her health can't handle that kind of shock."

A quick, dismissive answer left Hannah's lips. "Let me chéck out her condition first."

Were Sharon not seriously unwell, Hannah would have shared everything without hesitation. There were words she wanted to say to Sharon-honest; heartfelt ones-and she preferred to say them herself.

The chill in her tone didn't go unnoticed. Once more, Vincent picked up on the wall she'd put between them.That sense of distance unsettled him.

Hannah reached Sharon's hospital room before Vincent. The doctor just finished his examination when Hannah arrived, so she stepped forward to ask about Sharon's health.

Hearing the doctor describe it as only a mild cold-and Sharon herself as sturdy-put Hannah's worries to rest.

A warm smile spread across Sharon's face as she waved Hannah over. "Don't look so anxious. The doctor says I could have left days ago, but Vincent insisted I stay for proper rest."

Relief softened Hannah's face as she reached out to hold Sharon's hand. "It's good to see you looking well."Vincent remained silent on the sofa, his features difficult to read.

The cold distance between them didn't escape Sharon's notice. "Did something happen between you two?"she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Without hesitation, Vincent answered,"Yes."

Turning her attention to Hannah, Sharon offered a sympathetic smile. "Hannah, I bet he's the one at fault.Tell me everything and I'll put him in his place." She squeezed Hannah's hand in comfort. A wave of emotion caught Hannah off guard-Sharon had always been her greatest supporter.

No longer wanting to keep Sharon in the dark, Hannah decided it was time to share the truth, though gently.

"Sharon, there's something you should know... Vincent and I have separated for now."

She hoped easing into the news would soften the eventual blow of their impending divorce.

Sharon's reaction was swift-her gaze snapped to Vincent, her tone sharp."You foolish boy! How could you throw your own wife out?"

All Vincent did was look at Hannah."She moved out on her own," he said quietly. She'd even gone to lengths to make sure he couldn't find her.

Refusing to let things stand, Sharon replied, "As soon as I leave this hospital, you're bringing Hannah back home-no excuses."