Chapter 17

Oliver had shut himself away at home, drowning every day in heavy drinking. Scenes of his time with Natalie flashed through his mind—moment after moment, from their very first meeting up to the present year. The room was littered with empty bottles. He staggered, his vision darkening, and finally collapsed into unconsciousness. … When he woke again, Oliver found himself in a ward. Seeing the nurse's uniform, he immediately realized that this was the hospital where Natalie worked. He suddenly shot upright, grabbing the nurse's arm with urgent intensity. "Which department is Natalie in? Take me to her!" The nurse flinched. "Sir, I don't know what you mean." "I want to see your director," he demanded. … Half an hour later, Frederick entered the room with a cold expression. "Mr. Fletcher, what brings you here?" They had met before, all because of Natalie. Back then, Frederick had been kind and gentle, unlike now. "Where's Natalie?" Oliver asked. "I want to see her." "Mr. Flet