It had been a while.
Liam gently raised his hand and tenderly brushed the pale face of Ava, softly coaxing, "Calm down. Divorce is a serious matter. Don't act on impulse."
Ava lowered her gaze, her voice steady. "I've been calm. I've spent the last three days thinking this through."
Seeing her firm resolve, Liam knew that a few comforting words wouldn't sway her.
A sharp pain pierced his heart.
He closed his eyes briefly, pushing down the emotions swirling inside.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes, his expression unreadable.
He said coldly, "I'm going out for a smoke."
Ava gave a quiet hum in response.
Liam stood up, adjusting her collar and carefully pulling the blanket up to her shoulders. He tucked the corners in neatly before heading out the door.
As he opened the hospital room door, he bumped into Susan Collins, Ava's mother.
Susan was holding a thermos and greeted him, "Liam, where are you headed?"
