Love in the ER

CHAPTER 24

For the past few days, Paris had been keeping her distance from Oliver. No matter how many times he tried to call her, or how many texts he sent, her responses had been brief—if she even responded at all. At work, she avoided eye contact, barely exchanging words beyond what was necessary for professional interactions.

Despite all of Oliver's efforts—the flowers, the thoughtful messages, even a heartfelt letter he had written trying to explain the complicated situation with Denise—Paris couldn't bring herself to open up again. The hurt was too fresh, the uncertainty too overwhelming. She wasn't sure how to navigate this new reality where Denise was back in Oliver's life, possibly carrying his child.

To make matters worse, Denise had started getting closer to Oliver's family, visiting more often, trying to make connections with them. She had taken an interest in Rodrigo and, much to Paris's dismay, had even begun dropping by the house more frequently. But there was one person who remained skeptical—Lucía, Oliver's mother.

Lucía had never warmed to Denise, even when she and Oliver were together in New York. Something about Denise always seemed off to her—like her intentions weren't entirely genuine. And now, as Denise worked her way back into the family's orbit, Lucía's unease only grew.

One afternoon, after noticing the distance between Oliver and Paris, Lucía decided she needed to intervene.

Paris was finishing up her shift at the hospital when she spotted Lucía walking toward her in the hallway. The surprise was clear on her face—Lucía didn't usually visit the hospital unless there was a family member being treated, and Paris hadn't expected to see her today.

"Lucía?" Paris said, her voice hesitant but polite. "What are you doing here?"

Lucía smiled warmly, though there was a trace of concern in her eyes. "I came to talk to you, Paris. Do you have a few minutes?"

Paris blinked, glancing around the hallway nervously before nodding. "Of course. What's this about?"

Lucía gently guided Paris into one of the empty hospital lounges, sitting her down on the couch as she took a seat beside her.

"Paris," Lucía began, her voice soft but serious. "I've noticed how things have been between you and Oliver lately, and I know this whole situation with Denise has been difficult for you."

Paris's heart clenched, and she looked away, her throat tight. "It's complicated, Lucía. I don't know how to deal with this. I don't even know where I fit into all of it anymore."

Lucía reached out, placing a gentle hand on Paris's arm. "I understand. But I want you to know something important—I prefer you, Paris."

Paris looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?"

Lucía nodded, her expression kind but firm. "Denise may be trying to get close to our family, but I've always known you were the right person for my son. You're kind, hardworking, and you care about him deeply. I've seen the way you two look at each other, and I know that what you have with Oliver is real."

Paris felt her eyes well up, but she quickly blinked back the tears. "I do love him, Lucía. But with everything happening... with Denise being pregnant, I just don't know how to handle it."

Lucía squeezed her arm gently, her voice filled with understanding. "I know this is hard, but you need to know something important: Denise isn't part of this family. She never was, and if it weren't for this situation, she wouldn't be around at all. I don't trust her, and I'm certain her interest in Oliver has more to do with his name and status than anything else."

Paris bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Lucía's words were comforting, but they didn't erase the fact that Denise could be carrying Oliver's child—a fact that would forever tie her to him, whether Paris liked it or not.

"But what if the baby is his?" Paris asked softly, her voice cracking. "What if Denise becomes a permanent part of his life?"

Lucía nodded slowly, understanding the depth of Paris's concern. "If the child is his, Oliver will take responsibility. But you need to know this—you are the one he loves. You are the one he wants to build a life with. I've seen it in the way he talks about you, the way he looks at you. I know my son, and I know when he's serious about someone."

Paris blinked, her heart aching at Lucía's words. Could she really believe that? Could she trust that, despite everything, Oliver's feelings for her were real and strong enough to withstand the chaos that Denise had brought into their lives?

Lucía gave her a soft smile, her voice gentle but encouraging. "I'm asking you not to give up on him, Paris. I know things are complicated right now, but you and Oliver have something special. Don't let Denise ruin that. My son loves you, and I believe in my heart that you're the one meant to be by his side."

Paris swallowed hard, her emotions swirling. She had been pulling away from Oliver, convinced that Denise's presence would be too much for her to handle, but now—hearing Lucía's words, hearing the conviction in her voice—she began to wonder if she had been wrong.

"Do you really think we can make it through this?" Paris whispered, her voice small but hopeful.

Lucía smiled warmly, her eyes filled with certainty. "I do. And if you love him as much as I know you do, I believe you'll find a way. You and Oliver are strong. Don't let this setback break you."

Paris exhaled slowly, nodding. "Thank you, Lucía. I needed to hear that."

Lucía stood up, gently patting Paris on the shoulder. "Anytime, my dear. I'm always here for you. Just remember—don't let anyone take away what you and Oliver have built."

Paris nodded, feeling a little lighter, though there was still a long road ahead. She knew that the situation with Denise wasn't going to disappear, but maybe, just maybe, she could find the strength to face it—with Oliver by her side.