In the serene hospital room, Gabriel sat in deep contemplation, his expression burdened. "Ruby, my mother can be quite temperamental. I hope you won't take it to heart," he expressed. "She always favored Vivi. Now that Vivi's no longer here, she's struggling to cope with it." Ruby clenched her fists tightly, yet maintained a smile on her face. "It's alright. She's your mother, an elder. I won't take it personally." Witnessing Ruby's understanding nature, Gabriel felt a pang of guilt. Though his feelings for Violet persisted, he acknowledged that she no longer had a place in his life. He had already hurt one woman, and he vowed not to hurt another. "Ruby," he spoke, "once I'm discharged, let's marry. I'll take care of you." Ruby was taken aback. While Gabriel might have proposed, Ruby had no desire to commit her life to a man who was physically compromised. That was not the future she envisioned. Yet, she concealed her true feelings for now. With a forced smile, she responded, "Gabriel, you've just been through a divorce. Rushing into another marriage wouldn't reflect well on you. I know you care for me, and I feel the same. Let's take our time until things settle down." Gabriel felt a warmth in his chest. Grateful, he said, "Ruby, thank you. You're the one who stayed." Meanwhile, at a café, Violet sat opposite Gabriel's mother. The older woman sighed repeatedly. "Dear, I've heard about you and Gabriel. You two grew up together... are you really—?" Before she could finish, Violet calmly interjected, "Aunty Clarise, his childhood sweetheart was never me. It was always Ruby. I tried for three years, but in the end, he still loved her. I did my best." With a composed voice, she added, "And besides, I don't love him anymore. Xavier is my husband now." Clarise, familiar with Violet's resolute nature, could tell by her expression that her mind was made up. She could only sigh. "That boy... so blind, completely ensnared by that wretched woman," Clarise lamented. Violet retrieved a card from her wallet and slid it across the table. "Aunty, I apologize for Gabriel's injury. This doctor specializes in treating leg injuries and is very skilled. You may contact him—it's a small gesture from me." Her gesture wasn't for Gabriel but for Xavier. Despite the circumstances, the Bennetts remained part of their social circle, making avoidance impossible. Clarise accepted the card without hesitation. "Thank you, dear. It's such a shame..." she sighed. "You've been married for years and still haven't had a child!" Violet raised an eyebrow. "Didn't Gabriel tell you? I was pregnant just a month ago. I lost the baby." Clarise was struck by the revelation. "What... What do you mean? Oh, dear child, how could this happen to you?" Violet briefly recounted the events. Upon hearing the story, Clarise trembled with anger. "Ruby. It's her again. Even if you'll never be with Gabriel again, I swear—I'll never allow that woman into my family!" Turning to Violet, she offered, "Vivi, dear, Gabriel has wronged you in these past years. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask." This meeting was likely their final private encounter, yet Violet nodded politely. Clarise stormed out of the café, consumed by fury. As she departed, Violet left one final message. "Oh, and Aunty, Ruby left the states back then because she found someone wealthier than the Bennetts. As for why she returned now—honestly, I have no idea."