Chapter 156



Ryan merely grimaced in response, his thoughts briefly wandering. Verena, picking up on the shift in his mood, suggested cautiously, “Maybe it’s time we keep our distance from Belinda.”

Ryan’s reaction was swift and tinged with bitterness. “You want to give up now? This is just the start. No, we’re not backing down this easily.”

Verena’s voice softened with concern. “It just seems we’ve been at a disadvantage in every encounter with her.”

Ryan’s expression hardened, memories of their past encounters with Belinda flashing through his mind.

He had once been the one to bully Belinda, who had no choice but to suffer in silence. But now, the tables had turned. He let out a derisive laugh. “Don’t worry. Like I just said, this is just the start,” he said to Verena, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Frustration brewed in Ryan as he grappled with his feelings. He hated Belinda, but what he hated more was that he now realized he had feelings for her. Disgusted with himself, he shook off these thoughts and refocused on the conversation. “You’ll see, Verena,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of resolve and bitterness. “Belinda’s days at the Grand Plains General Hospital are numbered. She won’t be so smug for much longer.”

Verena, looking perplexed, inquired, “What do you mean?”

Ryan leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “Uncle Turner told me that the surgery Belinda is facing is way out of her league. It is almost certain that she will be dismissed soon!”

Verena blinked, absorbing the implications, her eyes flickering with emotions. After a while, she sighed and said, “But every time I see Belinda, I can’t shake off a lingering sense of fear. Just the other day, delivering food to Lucas, I bumped into Belinda, and she threatened me once again.”

Ryan, taken aback, responded, “Really? You never mentioned that to me before.”

Verena sighed, her eyes downcast. “What’s the point? It already happened. Besides…” Her voice trailed off. Then, she continued with a somber tone, “She wasn’t entirely wrong in what she said. She and Lucas are technically still married, and I’m just Lucas’ ex.”

Ryan quickly countered, his voice firm, “Don’t let her words get to you.”

“Their marital status doesn’t define your place in Lucas’ heart or the nature of your relationship with him. What matters is who Lucas truly cares for, who really matters to him.”

Verena, her expression fraught with doubt, met Ryan’s gaze. “But do you honestly think I still hold that important place in Lucas’ heart?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Absolutely, isn’t it obvious?” Ryan said without a moment’s hesitation.

Verena stayed quiet, her composed face masking the turmoil within. Ryan, sensing her unease, gently reassured her with a pat on her shoulder, his voice earnest and firm. “Don’t worry about this too much, Verena. Rely on me. I’ll make sure Lucas ends things with Belinda and marries you soon. Just trust me.”

Verena met his gaze and gave a determined nod. “Alright, I trust you.”

Ryan smiled in response. His mind was already racing with plans for what he needed to do next.

The remainder of Belinda’s day was overshadowed by her earlier unpleasant meeting with Holley. She had plans to hit the Dream Club with Debra later but ended up canceling them, lacking the energy for any social interaction. All she wanted was a drink now. Initially, she thought of calling Bethany to ask her to join for a drink, but with Bethany away on business, she called Johnson instead.

Johnson suggested they go to a restaurant known for its quality offerings, perhaps hoping good food might improve her mood.

.

.

.