Love in the ER

CHAPTER 43

It was a peaceful afternoon at the hacienda. The sun was shining gently over the gardens, casting a warm glow over the flowers and trees. Paris sat by the garden, sipping juice, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The beauty of the hacienda, with its stunning grounds and serene atmosphere, was calming, but her mind remained restless.

As she stared out at the horizon, her grandmother, Abuela Rosario, appeared by her side, her steps slow but steady. She had noticed the distant look in Paris's eyes and knew her granddaughter's heart was heavy.

"Miamore," her grandmother said softly, sitting beside her. "What's wrong? You've been so quiet ever since you came here. You know you can always talk to me."

Paris sighed, setting her juice down and leaning back in her chair. She looked at her grandmother, her face filled with uncertainty. "I don't know, Grandma. I just... I haven't felt like myself. Everything that's happened—it's all been so overwhelming."

Her grandmother nodded knowingly. "You miss Oliver, don't you?" she asked gently. "If you do, we can talk to your uncle, see if you can meet with him. It doesn't have to be this way."

Paris looked down, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "Am I crazy for missing him, Grandma? After everything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I do miss him, and I know he's going crazy right now, thinking I've been abducted or something. Clara's told me as much. But at the same time, I just want him to move on."

She paused, her eyes brimming with emotion. "He's going to have a baby with Denise, and I don't want to go through that drama again. I'm tired of fighting for us. I think... maybe it's time I step out of the picture, let him live his life."

Her grandmother sighed softly, reaching out to gently squeeze Paris's hand. "Miamore, it's not crazy to miss someone you love. But I understand if you feel like it's too much to carry. You've been through a lot."

Paris nodded slowly, her decision weighing heavily on her. "I've been thinking about it, and I've decided I won't go back to work for the Salamedas. I love being a nurse, but now that I have the trust fund, I don't need the job like I used to. Maybe it's time to do something else—something of my own."

Her grandmother smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with pride. "That's a good idea, sweetheart. I know you'll make something wonderful out of it. You have a kind heart, and no doubt whatever you do will be filled with love and compassion."

Paris felt a small spark of excitement at her grandmother's words. "I've been thinking about using the trust fund to set up foundations. You know, places that really help people. Care centers for orphans, the elderly, cancer patients—people who need it the most."

Her grandmother's smile widened. "That's an incredible idea, miamor. Your parents would be so proud of you."

"Thanks, Grandma," Paris said softly. "Once Uncle Charles is back home, I'm going to tell him my plan."

Later that evening, during dinner, Paris found the moment to share her thoughts with Charles. As they sat around the elegant dining table, the soft glow of candlelight reflecting off the polished wood, she gathered the courage to tell him about her proposal.

"Uncle Charles," she began, "I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my life now that I know about the trust fund. I don't want to go back to the hospital. Instead, I'd like to use the trust fund to start foundations. To help orphans, old people, and cancer patients. I've always loved helping people, and now I have the chance to do it on a larger scale."

Charles smiled warmly, his face lighting up with pride. "Paris, that's an incredible idea. I support you 100%. I know people who can help make that happen, and I'll make sure you have all the resources you need. Your mother and father would be so proud of you."

Paris's heart swelled with happiness. Her uncle's support meant the world to her, and the idea of creating something meaningful, something that would help people, gave her a sense of purpose she hadn't felt in weeks.

"Thank you, Uncle," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "It means so much to me. I want to do this right, and I know I'll need your help."

Charles nodded. "Of course. I'll do everything I can to help you. You're going to do something amazing with this, Paris. Your parents always knew you'd change the world in your own way."

Paris smiled, but before she could continue, Charles's voice softened as he looked at her knowingly. "And... I know you love Oliver."

Paris blinked in surprise, not expecting her uncle to bring up Oliver. "You know?"

Charles chuckled softly. "**I'm your uncle, Paris. I've seen the way you look when you talk about him. And while I don't want to interfere with your love life, I'd advise you to follow your heart. If you want to be with Oliver, then be with him. But don't let anyone—not Oliver's father, not Denise, not anyone—make you feel like you don't deserve to be with him."

Paris's eyes filled with tears, his words touching her deeply. "Thank you, Uncle. That means a lot to me."

She paused, her heart still conflicted, before asking, "Do you think you could... arrange for Oliver to visit me here? I don't want to get back together with him, but I think we need closure. I want to end things properly."

Charles nodded, his expression gentle. "Of course. I can make that happen. You deserve closure, Paris."

Paris smiled gratefully, but then her expression shifted as a new thought entered her mind. "Uncle, is it okay if I go away for a while? I think I need time to clear my head. Maybe even leave this town for a while, to forget about everything."

Charles nodded again, his face full of understanding. "If that's what you need, then go. You've been through so much, and sometimes stepping away is the best way to heal. Whatever you need, Paris, I'm here for you."

Paris's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle. I think I'll need that time."

Later that night, as Paris lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, she felt a strange mixture of sadness and hope. She had come so far, faced so much, and though she was still confused about her feelings for Oliver, she knew she needed to move forward—whether it was with or without him.

But first, she needed closure. And maybe, just maybe, a fresh start.