Chapter 37: Both of Them Like You

Hearing that, I was stunned, my mouth agape. “Write—pare it down,” I muttered. I never expected Yvette to help me pay off my debt.

Lila’s eyes flickered as she got the check back. “He’s helping his friend right now; it’s only natural for me to help,” she said. My uncle pressed his lips together, his gaze fixed on Lila. This was too much to comprehend. She showed the check back to her hand, speaking plainly, “It’s not about what’s right or wrong. You worked hard for your money, didn’t you? Just take it.”

Cisco Vette and I got divorced. I simply deducted the 500 thousand from the settlement. Lila’s expression shifted. She stared at me in silence, as if she had something to say but couldn’t.

“Why were both you and Lila acting so strangely?” Yvette seemed displeased at getting her money back. I couldn’t understand it all. If someone had given me a few thousand and paid me back anytime, I’d be overjoyed, probably smiling in my sleep. Lila gave me a long, thoughtful look, then placed the check in her bag. Eventually, she accepted it, then adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses with a faint smile. “We’re out of debt,” she said.

“Sure. Uncle Benjamin loves mangoes. I’ll get some to pick up,” I said, realizing I needed to do more than help him financially. “Oh, Lila said Jeber is taking care of Uncle Benjamin without hesitation," I added thoughtfully. A weak red crept through my thoughts. I looked at him, alarmed by his pale face as he lay on the bed, clutching his chest.

My expression immediately changed, and panic set in. “Uncle Benjamin, you look terrible! Is your heart acting up? I’ll call a doctor!” Lisa had the call button by his bed, but he grabbed my hand, shaking his head. “I’m fine, just a bit short of breath. Sit and chat with me,” he reassured me with a faint smile. He smoothed his beard as his eyes locked intently on mine.

“While I’ve been sick, you and Lila have been beside me constantly, yet your wife seems oblivious. It looks like things aren’t going well between you two. Are you fighting?” he asked.

I scratched my head. “Well, we’re about to get divorced,” I admitted. It wasn’t a secret. Surprise flashed across my uncle's face, his brows knitting together as his tone turned serious. “Divorced? How did it come to that? Is she treating you badly?”

I bit my lip, instinctively lowering my gaze. How could I say that Thiene wasn’t bad to me? In our past life, she made me safer, and she had never truly respected me in this life. I couldn’t tell my uncle all of that. He always cared for me deeply. If he knew I had been mistreated, not only would he be powerless to seek justice from Yvette, but his health…

I tried to stay calm. “She hasn’t treated me badly, Uncle. Our marriage was a business arrangement. She doesn’t have feelings for me, and I can’t say I like her either. We’ve been together for a long time, but life feels dull, so we’re planning to divorce.”

He seemed to relax a little, likely relieved that I wasn’t being mistreated. He looked much more at ease. After a brief silence, he asked me another question. “What do you think of Lila as a person?”

Landeck spent much time with him, and he wasn’t usually talkative; today he had spoken more than he normally did in months. I knew he was someone whose cold exterior hid a warm heart. There was always evidence in his eyes, and I immediately understood what he was hinting at. I quickly waved my hands to dismiss the idea.

“Taurie, Benjamin,” he said. “I know what you’re thinking. Lila is my best friend. There’s no chance of anything else between us. Besides, she already has someone in her heart. Please don’t try to play matchmaker.”

I packed up the things and poured us each a glass of water. Lila's gaze fell onto the surface of her water, lost in thought. Then, out of nowhere, he said something that shocked me. “Actually, if you ask me, I think both of you love each other.”

My mouth started moving violently, my eyes watering as I exclaimed in disbelief, “Uncle Benjamin! What are you talking about?” He was utterly serious, his sharp eyes locked onto mine. “Lila has been tirelessly taking care of me at the hospital, spending her own money and time. She’s done everything she could. If that’s not love, what is it?”

“It’s out of friendship, not love," I argued. "The day you were admitted to the hospital, Kenny also vanished. He took time off work, brought me things, and constantly checked in on your condition.” He felt compelled to say I was being naive. “The way they look at you is different," he said.

"It’s between us, and don’t say anything to Lila,” he continued, before adding, “She told me herself that there’s someone she likes.”

“I’d rather analyze Lila’s behavior than Yvette's,” I retorted. “Yvette is hard to read—she keeps her emotions hidden and has a steady boyfriend.”

“Tisele, Benjamin,” Uncle Benjamin said softly, “I’ve handed the problem to Saath. If a woman spends money on a man, it’s the best proof that she cares about him. What’s a measly handful of cash compared to that!”

I pondered this. I’d imagined that if anyone had paid my husband's uncle’s hospital bills, her reputation would be ruined. Uncle Benjamin looked at me expectantly, his voice gentle. “Benjamin, please understand. I’ve made up my mind. Talking about love or not—love is something you need to experience yourself.”

“I lied because you lose your wit or your love,” I said firmly. “I have family, friends, and freedom. I’m perfectly happy. I don’t want to repeat my mother’s mistakes.” One failed marriage in my past life was more than enough.

His expression turned heavy as he was reminded of my mother. His lips pressed tightly together before he finally spoke. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.”

I smiled immediately. “Good. You’re still weak, Uncle Benjamin. Close your eyes and rest for a bit.” He reached out and patted my head before speaking in a soft voice. “Owen, when I recover, I’ll take you home.”

“Alright,” I replied cheerfully. As I looked at his pale face, I made a silent resolution. I needed to work hard and earn more money. When we returned home, I would buy him anything he needed. He was the last family member who truly cared for me, and I wanted to care for him.

Once Uncle Benjamin closed his eyes to rest, I left to find the doctor to discuss his next surgery. But the doctor’s words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the hope I had just found.

“Your uncle’s condition doesn’t look good right now,” the doctor said.

My heart tightened, and I asked urgently, “Didn’t you say before that one more surgery could improve his condition? How did it suddenly get worse?”

The doctor’s face was filled with worry. “Previously, we were able to manage the situation. But with his sudden relapse, we found that his condition has deteriorated significantly. Unfortunately, with the medical resources available at our hospital, I’m afraid we can’t perform the surgery.”