Nathan didn’t respond immediately.


    Several seconds ticked by before his mind fully absorbed Lucinda’s words.


    Then, his eyshes quivered intensely, his eyes crimson.


    “Do you trulyprehend the words you’re uttering?”


    Lucinda nodded with determination.


    “I’m thinking clearly at the moment.


    I understand exactly what I’m saying.


    After we go our separate ways, you won’t be in pain anymore, and I won’t carry the weight of guilt.


    It’s the best decision for both of us.


    ”All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Nathan’s eyes glistened with tears, and he plunged into a profound hopelessness.


    “I concealed the gravity of your illness because I was afraid you’d make such a drastic choice.


    I never anticipated you’d find out and choose for this…”


    His scarred and aching back quivered with a hint of sorrow, his eyes brimming with grief.


    “Lucinda, this is not the first time you’ve asked me for a divorce.


    Last time, it nearly cost me my life to win you back.


    What will it take this time?”


    Lucinda took a deep breath and sighed as she reached out to treat his back with the medicine.


    Nathan gravely shifted away, not permitting her to make contact with him.


    Seeing the pain in his eyes, Lucinda softened her approach.


    “I didn’t mean to upset you.


    When my illness res up, I lose control.


    I don’t want to harm you.


    ”


    She inhaled deeply before rephrasing her proposal.


    “What I’m suggesting is we divorce, you take custody of the kids, and you separate me from our lifepletely.


    I can fully concentrate on my treatment.


    If there’s no improvement, you can find a loving and caring mother for them.


    Don’t concern yourself about me.


    If I recoverpletely, we can consider remarriage.


    Does that sound agreeable to you?”


    “No.


    ” Nathan didn’t hesitate; his refusal was categorical.


    “I can’t take the chance that during your period of being ‘unattached,’ you might develop feelings for someone else.


    Being five years older than you, I could be seen as less appealing, and finding another partner might be an issue.


    ”


    Lucinda found herself at a loss for words.


    Nathan continued, his gaze determined, “From this point forward, the word ‘divorce’ will never make its way into our family records.


    ”


    Lucinda exhaled deeply.


    “Nate-“


    “Call me honey.


    ” Nathan averted his gaze and sulked.


    Lucinda sighed.


    She felt powerless but entirely earnest.


    “I genuinely don’t want to harm you.


    Just as when you were infected by the S404


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Virus and faced death, you chose to let me go and end our marriage to spare me pain.


    I’m feeling the same way now.


    You doprehend, right?”


    Nathan straightened up, looking directly at Lucinda, and posed a rhetorical question, “Back then, you wouldn’t let go of me.


    Now, I won’t let go of you either.


    Can you grasp that?”


    Once more, Lucinda found herself without words.


    Nathan gripped Lucinda’s hand firmly.


    “Husbands and wives should tackle challenges together.


    Plus, this isn’t some grave illness.


    Aldric mentioned that with the treatment’s current progress, you could be back on your feet within six months.


    The little ones and I will stand by you throughout.


    ”


    Nathan and Lucinda locked eyes, tears filling each of their gazes.


    After pondering for a bit, Lucinda finally voiced her thoughts.


    “When I have an episode, just keep me isted.


    It’s safest if I remain alone and don’t harm anyone.


    ”


    Nathanforted Lucinda, saying, “If you have another episode, I’ll quickly administer a sedative and bring you to Aldric for an IV drip.


    How does that sound?”