Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 242

Chapter 242 

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Briana could still talk back a little when she was dealing with Shepard. But in front of Olivia, she didn’t dare say a single word. If she did, Olivia would chew her out for even longer. 

I’m exhausted,” Olivia said, turning around and chugging a big gulp of water. “After all these years, this is the first time I’ve actually sided with Shepard.” 

Briana didn’t say a word. Seriously, she had no clue what to say. 

Olivia tipped her chin toward Shepard. “For most things, you can let Briana do things her way and go along with her likes. But when you need to be tough, you’ve got to show some backbone. You can’t keep pampering her all the time.” 

‘Shepard, even being henpecked has its limits,” Olivia said. 

Shepard replied flatly, “I’m at my wits‘ end.” 

Olivia nearly choked on her water. 

“If I had any other option, I wouldn’t have brought her here,” Shepard added. “It hurts me to see you scolding her like this.” 

He couldn’t even bring himself to say a harsh word to her. 

Briana, who was always stubborn and unyielding in front of Shepard, became as meek as a little bunny whenever Olivia was around. 

“Alright,” Olivia nodded. “Why don’t you step outside for a bit? I want to talk to Briana alone.” 

“Got it.” Shepard cooperated without hesitation, turning to leave the office and thoughtfully closing the door behind him. 

Briana lifted her eyes, studying Olivia’s expression, trying to figure out just how angry she still was. 

Seeing Olivia was still upset, Briana walked over and tugged at her sleeve, almost like a child seeking comfort. “Olivia?” 

“Do you realize what you did wrong?” Olivia asked. 

No matter how hard she tried, Briana couldn’t bring herself to say, “I don’t know.” 

She still wanted to protect the baby she was carrying. 

Olivia took a deep breath. “Seriously, did I waste my breath?” 

“Let me explain,” Briana started. 

“I don’t want to hear it. I know exactly what you mean,” Olivia cut her off. “Listen, Briana. Even if there’s only a one percent chance you’ll make it, you’d better fight for that one percent! Got it?” 

Olivia was hardly so furious. 

Briana dropped her head again. 

Olivia didn’t want to keep being so hard on her. ‘Better start tough, then ease up, she thought. 

Olivia let out a breath. “Briana, you have to understand that everyone loves your baby because we love you. Not the other way around.” 

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Chapter 242 

“That’s just how it works. It’ll never be the other way around she wondered. 

Two hours later. Briana finally leh Olivia’s office. Shepard was waiting for her outside. 

As soon as he saw her, he got up and came over, taking her hand in his “Are you hungry?” he asked 

Briana nodded. 

Do you want to eat at home, or go out to a restaurant? Shepard atked! 

Either way is fine, she replied, her voice calm. “The sooner I can eat, the better 

Briana hadn’t had much of an appetite lately. 

It was rare to hear her say she was hungry and actually wanted to eat right away 

Shepard immediately booked a restaurant nearby. 

No one really knew what Olivia and Briana talked about in there, but whatever it was, Belana came out strangely calm. almost emotionally distant. 

Shepard didn’t press her for details. 

After lunch, Briana said she wanted to go to the art gallery. 

Shepard agreed without hesitation. 

He drove her to the gallery and stayed with her the whole time. He barely left her side. 

Briana sat in front of her drawing board, holding her paintbrush for what felt like ages, but she couldn’t bring herself to make a single stroke. 

“If you can’t paint, then don’t force it,” Shepard said. “Briana, take a break.” 

She let out a soft sigh. “Honestly, I’d rather be knitting a sweater right now.” 

“You want to knit a sweater?” Shepard asked, clearly puzzled. 

“When did she ever get into knitting?‘ he thought. 

“I want to make something for the baby,” Briana murmured. “That way, even if I’m not there for him someday, he’ll still have something I made myself to wear.” 

Shepard’s expression darkened. 

‘Did Olivia really fail to convince her?‘ he wondered. ‘Is she still insisting on having this baby?” 

“Briana.” Shepard bent down, squatting in front of her and looking up. “You need to stop thinking this way” 

Briana hesitated. 

“I’ve already got in touch with a top cardiology team abroad,” Shepard cut her off. “If all goes well, they’ll be in Belaris by next Monday.” 

That was when Briana would be admitted to the hospital for treatment. 

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Chapter 242 

No matter what, Shepard was going to do everything he could to help her recover. 

Every day she managed to stay alive was another day she could be with him, another day to take in the world. 

Briana looked at Shepard, her eyes soft. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his wrist, her grip barely there. 

“Listen to me,” Briana said softly. “Honestly, if I weren’t around, your life wouldn’t really be affected. Time is amazing and kind of magical. You’ll gradually forget me, and eventually, someone else will take my place. 

“Shepard, I know you’re about to say no one could ever replace me. But don’t be so quick to say that. Nothing is truly irreplaceable, and I’m not as unique as you think. Just look at Camila.” 

There wasn’t even a hint of jealousy or resentment in Briana’s eyes. She was calm, analyzing things rationally. 

She said, “Camila is a lot like how I used to be. She’s attentive to every detail, always considerate, and she can even support you in your career. 

“She’s more capable than me. Honestly, she is a better match for you. And even if you don’t feel anything for her, someday there’ll be another woman who will stir your heart. 

She added, “So, Shepard, you should let me have this baby. No one could ever replace our child. 

“If I can’t be there for you, at least our child can stay by your side, keep you company, and look after you when you’re old. Isn’t that a good thing?” 

Shepard wasn’t angry or upset. All he felt was heartache for her. ‘Why is she so silly?‘ he thought. 

“Even after everything, you still think there’s something between Camila and me?” Shepard shook his head, his voice tinged with disappointment. “Is that really how little you trust me, Briana?” 

“I just feel like she’s a good fit for you, Briana replied quietly. “But I know you haven’t given her any real chance.” 

Shepard let out a sigh. “I won’t keep it from you, Briana. Charles deliberately set Camila up as your romantic rival, just to make you feel insecure about us.” 

Briana blinked slowly, not quite able to wrap her head around what he meant. 

‘What does that even mean?‘ She wondered, feeling a bit lost. ‘A romantic rival? A sense of crisis?‘ 

She tried to make sense of it, but her mind was totally blank. 

“Charles has been doing everything he could to get us together,” Shepard explained. “Camila’s basically his person. 

“He’s the one who brought her in. She always keeps things strictly professional with me, never crosses any lines. Everything you saw was just Camila putting on a show for you.” 

Briana kept blinking at Shepard, still looking a bit lost. 

Shepard flicked her forehead lightly. “It’s okay if you don’t get it. Just remember. You’re the only one I love. And there’s never going to be anyone else but you by my side.” 

Shepard pulled her into his arms, his hand gently caressing the back of her head. 

“No one could ever take your place, and no one could ever do what you do. There’s only you, truly unique,” Shepard murmured softly in her ear. “You’re all I want.” 

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