Chapter 14 You're Free to Go

After getting off work, Talia took a cab straight to the hotel. She spotted a familiar figure standing at the hotel's entrance. Lucien was leaning against his car, his head down as he smoked. He was dressed casually, without his usual suit and tie. Talia guessed he probably hadn't even gone to the office today. As for the reason he'd skipped work, she was certain it had nothing to do with her. When Lucien saw her, he quickly put out his cigarette and jogged over to her. "You're back," he said. Talia turned her head to glance at the hotel she was staying in. It was nearly an hour's drive from their apartment, practically on the opposite side of the city. "How did you know I was staying here?" she asked. Lucien replied, "Reese Corporation owns shares in this hotel." Talia's brows knit slightly. A flicker of regret crossed her mind. She was a doctor with little knowledge of business. She rarely asked about Lucien's company and had no idea what assets Reese Corporation actually owned. She hadn't expected this hotel to be one of Reese Corporation's properties too. "Where's Thalia?" she asked. "She's still at the apartment," Lucien said with a hint of guilt. "If she wants to stay there, let her. I'll come stay here with you." Talia shook her head. "Go back. She's pregnant and needs someone to take care of her. I'll be fine on my own." She turned and walked into the hotel, heading straight for the elevator. Lucien quickened his pace to catch up. "Talia, I spoke to someone at your hospital. They said your annual leave starts tomorrow. Let's go on a trip together." The elevator chimed as it arrived. Talia stepped inside. "But I just want to rest." "Let's go to Mount Veilcloud. There's a resort up there, and it's owned by Reese Corporation too. If you want to rest, we'll stay in. If you feel like getting some fresh air or taking in the scenery, we can go for a walk," Lucien said. "What about Thalia?" she asked. Lucien replied, "I hired a caregiver to take care of her at home." "Lucien." "Yeah? What is it?" "Do you still want to be with me?" Talia asked. She suddenly felt tired of it all. "Lately, I've started to see things more clearly. If you still can't let go of Thalia, I won't hold you back. You're free to go. We can part peacefully, and I'll wish you both well." Lucien's expression grew slightly uncomfortable. Maybe her words hit too close to home. Or maybe it was her calm, detached tone that left him feeling unsettled. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, he reached out to stop them and stepped in, standing beside her. "There's nothing between us," he murmured. "There never will be." Lucien clearly had no intention of talking about his past with Thalia. As soon as they entered the room, he busied himself boiling water and ordering dinner. There was an unspoken understanding between adults. He made it clear he didn't want to talk, so she didn't push. They gave each other plenty of space, keeping a distance between them. Abigail had once said, "You call that love? Real couples can't get enough of each other. They want to be together 24/7, like they're glued at the hip. But you two? You're just being polite. That's not love. That's settling." Talia thought it over and realized Abigail was right. Their marriage had always been more about getting by than truly being in love. Back then, she'd been at the age where her family was urging her to marry, and she needed a stable relationship. Lucien had loved someone he could never have, so it didn't really matter to him who he married. She had a good background, and her name even sounded like Thalia's. Neither of them had high expectations for the other. As long as things worked well enough, they didn't ask for more. That was why they could get along so peacefully. Even so, Talia was still unsure about Lucien's idea of staying at the mountain resort. Abigail said, "I know that resort. The scenery is great, but it's insanely expensive. You should go. Why not? You're officially Mrs. Reese now, the boss' wife. Right now, it's free for you. If you get divorced someday and want to go back, you'll have to pay full price. That would be such a waste." Talia checked the resort's rates online and couldn't help but gasp. Abigail reminded her. "Better make sure with Lucien that Thalia's really not coming along." Talia casually brought it up with Lucien, and he reassured her with certainty. "No. She's pregnant. It's not safe for her to travel, let alone hike up a mountain. She's definitely not coming." Talia figured that no matter how unreasonable Thalia could be, even she wouldn't joke around with her baby's safety. Yet she should've known things wouldn't be that simple. The next morning, she changed into something light and comfortable, then left the hotel with Lucien to set off. But to her surprise, Thalia was waiting in the parking lot. Lucien hadn't expected it either. He frowned. "What are you doing here?" Thalia ignored Talia completely, as if she wasn't even there. Her eyes sparkled with longing as she fixed her gaze on Lucien. "Lucien, I want to visit my parents at the sanatorium. Aren't you heading up the mountain with Dr. Ainsworth? Since it's on the way, why not take me along?" Lucien looked down and unlocked his phone. "I'll book a car for you." "Why? There's no room in your car?" "I'm going on a belated honeymoon trip with Talia!" "I know," Thalia said with a smile. "You two can do whatever you want. I won't bother you at all. It's just a ride. Dr. Ainsworth won't mind, will she?" She tilted her head toward Talia, who stood just behind Lucien. Her lips curved in a confident smile, as if she'd already won. Talia let out a soft chuckle and said slowly, "Ms. Griffin, there's something I'm not quite clear on. Mind answering a question for me?" Thalia nodded. "Go ahead, Dr. Ainsworth." "Are family members allowed to stay overnight at the sanatorium?" Thalia's smile took on a layered meaning. "Of course not." So in other words, she'd be staying at the resort. And yet she claimed she wouldn't bother them? Everyone there was smart enough to read between the lines. Talia left the decision to Lucien. "That's all I needed to know. It's up to you."