The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 76: Chapter 76

The pungent smell of disinfectant filled the hospital, with the hum of medical equipment echoing through the corridor. Leon tightly grasped Serena's hand, his pale face still etched with terror. "Mom..."
Serena looked down at Leon, her eyes brimming with tears. She gently stroked his soft hair to soothe him. The examination showed Leon was only frightened, with no serious physical injuries.
Victor's palms were clammy, and a thin layer of sweat on his back had soaked his shirt. The nerves he'd kept taut all the way finally relaxed slightly. "Thank god... Leon is safe..." he murmured.
Then he grabbed the doctor's arm urgently. "Doctor, are you sure my son isn't hurt? Is he really just scared?"
"Yes, no external injuries. All his vital signs are normal," the doctor explained patiently.
"Then why is his face so pale? Will there be any aftereffects?" Victor couldn't help pressing.
"It's normal for a child to be scared after such an experience. He just needs rest and no more stimulation. Don't worry too much," the doctor said, removing his mask. "This is common in children."
Victor tried to suppress his worry and whispered, "Thank you."
Keith stood silently by the ward window, watching Serena and Victor fuss over Leon. The atmosphere in the ward was heavy. He walked to Serena's side and whispered, "I'll wait outside."
Serena nodded gently. Keith sighed softly and left the room.
Leon's timid gaze shifted from Serena's face to Keith. He clutched Serena's clothes tightly and pleaded, "Mom, don't leave me."
Serena sighed, took Leon's hand away, and said, "Leon, I have to tell you something. Your father and I are divorced, and I gave up custody of you."
Leon's eyes instantly welled up at her words. "Mom, you're lying!" he cried. "If you really didn't want me, why did you save me? You still care about me."
Victor's face turned ashen. He tried to speak but found no words.
"I saved you because we're blood-related, but legally, we have no ties. Please don't contact me again," Serena said reluctantly.
As Serena turned to leave, Victor grabbed her arm. "Serena, you can't do this. Leon is our child. How can you—"
Serena shook off his hand forcefully. "Victor, we're nothing now. Don't disturb my life anymore."
Victor staggered, his face paper-white. Serena glanced at Leon, struggling to control her emotions.
"Victor, it's over between us. I hope you'll take good care of Leon and never let him get hurt again." Without hesitation, she turned and left.
Victor collapsed into a chair, burying his face and sobbing loudly.
Leon was still in a daze. He didn't understand divorce or custody—only that Mom didn't want him and wouldn't come home. He tried desperately to hold back tears, but the sadness in his heart was overwhelming.
Victor choked, his voice hoarse. "Leon, when you feel better, we'll go back home."
Leon frowned tightly, his small lips pursed into a line. He shook his head vigorously.
Serena walked out of the ward, closing the door gently. Turning around, she saw Keith leaning against the corridor wall.
At the sound, he turned to her, his indifferent expression softening instantly.
He stood up straight and walked to her, just looking at her quietly.
Serena's face was pale, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Brannon."
Keith raised an eyebrow at her. "I've lost count of how many times you've thanked me. Maybe get a membership card—next time I'll give you a discount."
Serena was taken aback, less disheartened by his joke. "I really mean it, Mr. Brannon. I don't know how else to repay you."
Looking at her haggard face, Keith felt a sudden tightness in his chest, as if something had gripped his breath.
He wanted to brush away her weariness but only clenched his fist helplessly. "What you need most now isn't to thank me, but to rest."
Serena paused, then looked down awkwardly. "I'm fine, really."
Keith interrupted with a teasing tone, "You're anything but fine now."
She looked up at him, speechless.
Keith softened his voice. "Let me drive you back."
His tone made her uneasy. "Thank you," she whispered.
Soon, Keith's car stopped downstairs at Serena's apartment. The night was deep, and warm streetlight fell between them. He turned to the exhausted Serena. "Get some rest."
She nodded. "Thank you for driving me back, Mr. Brannon."
Watching her slightly lowered eyes, Keith raised his hand to pat her shoulder but dropped it just before touching her.
Serena looked at him, then got out of the car. After walking two steps, she suddenly turned back gratefully. "Mr. Brannon, you've helped me so much. Thank you."
Keith was stunned, his heart gently stirred as if by an invisible hand.