Love in the ER

CHAPTER 32

That night, Paris sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone as Oliver's message replayed in her mind. The weight of everything that had happened—Denise's manipulations, Oliver's conflicted reaction, and the looming uncertainty about the baby—pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She had always been strong, always pushed through, but right now, she felt like she was slowly unraveling.

A soft knock on her door broke the silence, and her grandmother, Abuela Rosario, peeked in, her face lined with concern. She had seen Paris come home earlier, clearly upset, but had given her some time alone to gather her thoughts. Now, though, it was time for the talk that Paris needed.

"Mi niña," Abuela said softly, stepping into the room. "I can see something is troubling you. What's going on?"

Paris looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, but she quickly wiped them away, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's nothing, Abuela. Just... work stuff."

Abuela Rosario raised an eyebrow, her knowing eyes reading through Paris's facade instantly. "You don't have to pretend with me. I've known you since you were little, and I know when something's really weighing on your heart."

Paris let out a shaky breath, her walls slowly crumbling under her grandmother's gentle words. "It's not just work. It's... Oliver. And Denise."

Her grandmother sat down beside her on the bed, taking Paris's hands in hers. "Tell me what happened, querida."

Paris hesitated for a moment, but once she started, the words tumbled out—the confrontation with Denise in the hallway, Denise's fake fall, her lie that Paris had pushed her, and Oliver running to Denise's side. By the time she finished, the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over, her voice breaking as she spoke.

"I didn't do it, Abuela," Paris whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I swear I didn't push her. She made it all up, and now Oliver doesn't know who to believe. And I feel like... like everything is slipping away."

Her grandmother listened quietly, her face filled with understanding as she gently stroked Paris's hair. She let Paris cry for a moment, letting her release all the emotions she had been holding in. When Paris's sobs finally began to slow, Abuela Rosario spoke, her voice soft but firm.

"Mi amor, I know your heart, and I know you would never do something like that. You've always been strong, kind, and honest, and Oliver knows that too."

Paris sniffed, wiping at her eyes. "But what if he doesn't? What if he believes her? I don't know how to make him see that Denise is manipulating him."

Her grandmother sighed softly, her wise eyes filled with both sympathy and wisdom. "Sometimes, people need time to see the truth, especially when they're blinded by worry or fear. Oliver is in a difficult situation—there's a baby involved, and he's scared. But that doesn't mean he doesn't trust you. He's just... confused right now."

Paris shook her head, her frustration bubbling to the surface again. "I hate that she's doing this. She's using the baby to keep Oliver close, and now she's making me look like the bad guy. I don't know what to do."

Abuela Rosario squeezed her hand gently. "The truth will always come to light, mi niña. It may take time, and it may hurt along the way, but Denise's lies will eventually catch up to her. You just need to be patient and trust that the truth will reveal itself."

Paris let out a shaky breath, leaning into her grandmother's comforting presence. "But what if Oliver doesn't figure it out before it's too late? What if Denise ruins everything between us?"

Her grandmother smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair away from Paris's face. "If Oliver truly loves you—and I believe he does—then nothing Denise says or does will be able to destroy what you two have. You've built something strong with him, and no lie or manipulation can take that away."

Paris felt a small spark of hope ignite in her chest, though the fear still lingered. "I don't know what I'd do without him, Abuela. I love him so much, but this whole situation feels like a nightmare."

Her grandmother nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know, mi amor. But you are strong. Stronger than you realize. And no matter what happens, you will get through this. Whether it's with Oliver or without him, you will find your way, because you are resilient."

Paris closed her eyes, letting her grandmother's words sink in. She knew Abuela Rosario was right—she was strong, and she had already overcome so much in her life. But the thought of losing Oliver, of watching Denise tear their relationship apart, was terrifying.

"I don't want to lose him," Paris whispered.

"You won't," her grandmother said softly, her voice filled with quiet certainty. "But remember, mi niña, your worth is not tied to any man. Not even Oliver. You are strong, and you are whole, with or without him."

Paris leaned into her grandmother's embrace, feeling the warmth of her love surround her. It was a comfort she hadn't known she needed until now, and though the fear of losing Oliver still gnawed at her, she felt just a little bit lighter knowing that she wasn't facing this battle alone.

"Thank you, Abuela," Paris whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

Her grandmother kissed the top of her head, holding her close. "I'll always be here for you, querida. Always."

Later that night, as Paris lay in bed, her grandmother's words echoed in her mind. She still didn't know what would happen with Oliver—whether he would see through Denise's lies or if the situation with the baby would drive them further apart. But for the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe again.

She would be okay. No matter what happened, she would find a way to move forward. And for now, that was enough.