The CEO’s Hidden Bride: Leaving After 2555 Days - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Lucas Sinclair strode purposefully toward the hospital.
Isabella Prescott was being discharged today. Last night, she had pestered him relentlessly about seeing his childhood photos, so he had gone home just to retrieve them for her.
As he approached the elevator, a heavy bag in hand, he brushed past a stranger. A faint trace of cologne lingered in the air—Isabella’s favorite scent.
Had this man just come from her room? Was he someone she knew?
A flicker of suspicion crossed Lucas’s mind, but the elevator doors slid open before he could dwell on it. He dismissed the thought and pressed the button for the seventh floor.
The moment Isabella saw him, her face brightened with a radiant smile.
They spent the next hour flipping through the photo album, laughing and reminiscing. The nostalgia washed away all other thoughts from Lucas’s mind. Around noon, the Prescotts arrived to take Isabella home. The moment they spotted Lucas, they began thanking him profusely.
He waved them off immediately, his tone humble. "Bella’s injury was partly my fault. Taking care of her was the least I could do."
Isabella gave his hand a gentle pat. "I keep telling you—it wasn’t your fault. Lucas, I even had your parents come by yesterday to clear things up, so stop blaming yourself, okay?"
Her father, Gregory Prescott, nodded in agreement. "Margaret and I have been buried in work all these years. We haven’t been there for her. If anything, we should be thanking you."
Isabella leaned playfully against Lucas, but her mother, Margaret Prescott, swiftly intervened, pulling her aside. "You’re both adults now, Lucas. You’re married, but Bella still clings to you. Don’t misunderstand—she’s just being childish. We’ll make sure she grows out of it so she doesn’t burden you anymore."
The atmosphere in the room turned tense.
Lucas caught the implication instantly. His breath hitched for a fraction of a second before steadying. The warmth in his expression faded, replaced by something cooler and more guarded.
Isabella’s smile faltered, but she quickly masked it, pretending not to grasp her mother’s meaning.
She grinned at Lucas and deftly changed the subject. "Mom, enough. Lucas and I have known each other forever. You can’t call me a burden to him. Besides, he promised to drive me home, right?"
Lucas opened his mouth to agree, but the weight of Gregory and Margaret’s stares stopped him. The words tangled in his throat, coming out strained.
"I did say that, but my assistant just called. There’s an urgent matter at the office. Mr. and Mrs. Prescott, since you’re already here, I’ll leave Bella in your hands."
Without another word, he turned and walked out.
He hadn’t gone far when Margaret called after him, pressing the photo album into his hands. "Bella didn’t treat you right in the past, Lucas. She was young and didn’t understand the value of genuine feelings. I just hope you won’t hold it against her."
Margaret had watched Lucas grow up, and now her eyes brimmed with regret.
Lucas shook his head slightly. "I’ve let go of the past, Mrs. Prescott. I don’t blame Bella. You don’t need to worry."
Margaret sighed, her gaze heavy with sorrow. "It’s Bella’s loss. Fate simply didn’t intend for the two of you. Your mother told me the woman you married is wonderful—someone you truly connect with."
She hesitated before adding softly, "Treasure her. She’s the one who deserves your devotion… the one you should grow old with."