Love in the ER

CHAPTER 25

The decision had been weighing on Paris's mind ever since her talk with Lucía. After weeks of doubt and uncertainty, something inside her had finally shifted. She couldn't lose Oliver. Despite everything—the complications with Denise, the pregnancy, the fear of the future—her love for Oliver was too strong to let go.

With her heart racing, Paris made her way to Oliver's office, determined to finally talk to him. She wasn't sure what she would say, but she knew one thing for certain: she needed to let him know that she was willing to fight for them.

Bursting through the door, Paris found Oliver standing behind his desk, a look of surprise flashing across his face when he saw her. He quickly stood up, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

"Paris?" Oliver said softly, stepping around the desk, unsure of why she had come.

Paris didn't wait. She crossed the room in quick strides and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Oliver froze for a moment, stunned by her sudden affection, but then he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"It's okay, Oliver," Paris whispered into his chest, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't want to fight this anymore. I'm tired of running from it. I love you, and I don't want to lose you."

Oliver pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes, relief washing over his face. "Paris... you don't know how much that means to me. I've been going crazy trying to figure out how to make things right."

Paris smiled through the tears that had started to fill her eyes. "We'll figure it out together. I don't care about Denise or what she's trying to do. I just want us to move forward."

Oliver smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude and love. "I've missed you so much, Paris. I've been waiting for this moment, hoping you'd come back to me."

Paris smiled back, but before they could fully revel in their happiness, she noticed the flicker of something—hesitation—in Oliver's eyes. She pulled back, her brows furrowed slightly. "What is it, Oliver? What's wrong?"

Oliver sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's something I need to tell you."

Paris's heart sank slightly, but she nodded, waiting for him to continue.

Oliver took a deep breath, his voice filled with frustration. "My dad... he thinks the solution to this mess is for me to marry Denise."

Paris's eyes widened, her stomach flipping at the mention of marriage. "What? He wants you to marry her?"

Oliver nodded, the tension clear in his voice. "He thinks it's the only way to avoid a scandal. He's worried about the family's reputation, about what people will say if they find out I might have a child with someone other than my fiancée or wife."

Paris felt her heart start to race again, but this time it was fear and uncertainty gripping her. "So, what did you say?"

Oliver stepped closer, his hands gently resting on her shoulders as he looked her in the eyes. "I told him no. I told him I'm not marrying Denise—no matter what."

Paris's breath caught, relief washing over her like a wave, but the fear still lingered. "Are you sure? I mean... what if the pressure from your family becomes too much?"

Oliver's expression softened, his voice steady as he gently cupped her face. "Paris, listen to me. I'm not marrying Denise. No matter what my father says, no matter what anyone thinks. I love you. You're the one I want to be with, and nothing will change that. I'll take responsibility for the child if it's mine, but I will not let anyone force me into a marriage I don't want."

Paris's heart swelled at his words, but the weight of the situation still hung between them. She searched his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt, but all she saw was love and determination.

"You really mean that?" Paris asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Oliver nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I do. I would never hurt you like that, Paris. You're the one I want to spend my life with."

Paris exhaled, the tension in her chest easing as she allowed herself to believe him. "I just... it's hard, you know? Knowing that this situation could change everything. But if you say we can get through this, then I believe you."

Oliver smiled, his hands sliding down to hold hers. "We can. I promise you, we'll figure it out—together."

For the first time in weeks, Paris felt a sense of peace settle over her. She wasn't sure what the future would bring, but she knew that with Oliver by her side, they could face it together. Denise and her manipulations wouldn't tear them apart. The love she shared with Oliver was too strong for that.

Paris smiled softly, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "I love you, Oliver."

Oliver leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I love you too, Paris. And I'm never letting go."