In the hospital room, only Sandy, Brandon, and a partially reclined Olive remained.
Olive looked at Brandon, then at Sandy, and chuckled, "Why don't you two have a seat? The way you're standing there, I almost thought you came to interrogate me."
She turned to Brandon, grinning mischievously. "Brandon, you're not really here to interrogate me, are you?"
Brandon raised an eyebrow playfully. "No."
Olive nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Brandon, could you fetch me a glass of water?"
Olive wanted to separate Brandon from the conversation, though not too conspicuously. Her request seemed straightforward, even somewhat candid.
Brandon looked at Olive.
"Go help Miss Longman get some water. I'll stay here," Sandy chimed in before Brandon could respond.
Brandon glanced at Sandy and finally left the room.
The excuse for fetching water was pale, and Brandon didn't actually bring back any water when he left.
The room fell silent.
"Please, have a seat. It's tiring to stand while pregnant," Olive suggested, her voice gentle.
Sandy didn't hesitate and took a seat in the chair by the bed.
Olive looked openly at Sandy, her gaze assessing.
After a pause, Olive asked, "Miss Thompson, how did you meet Brandon?"
Sandy pondered Olive's question for a few seconds before responding softly, "A few years ago, I came to Viteto for a commercial shoot. Brandon helped me fend off fans."
At that time, Sandy was gaining recognition, though she wasn't yet a star. However, her portrayal of a character in a role had drawn intense scrutiny and criticism. Fans swarmed her, hurling insults and curses, failing to separate the character from the actor.
Ignoring the distinction between fiction and reality, they relentlessly harassed her. It was Brandon who finally pulled her away from the crowd, rescuing her from the siege.
The winter in Viteto was freezing, making every breath feel like it could freeze in mid-air.
When they first met, they interlocked fingers and ran together for who knew how long. Even when they stopped to catch their breaths, their fingers remained entwined.
As the tumult subsided, they hesitated to let go of each other's hands.
Their interaction began that way.
Gradually, they started taking steps toward each other. Their feelings deepened as Brandon followed Sandy, accompanying her.
Eventually, Sandy yielded, nodding her consent. And so, they had been together for all these years.
Sandy had avoided scandals, and any that arose were obviously contrived.
"So, you were saved by a hero," Olive commented after hearing Sandy's story.
Sandy nodded, chuckling. "You could say that, although he's the hero, and I'm not the beauty."
Brandon raised a hand to pinch his brow, then walked over to Sandy. "Not quite."
Olive looked at Brandon and suddenly chuckled. "You know, I was a fool. The cut I inflicted should have been aimed at you."
Brandon arched an eyebrow. "Want to try now?"
Olive shook her head. "Even if I did, I couldn't bring myself to do it."
She had proven capable of shocking everyone with her audacity, but when it came to Brandon, she couldn't muster the same cruelty. The conversation had cleared the air somewhat.
When Mr. Longman and Mrs. Longman entered, Brandon exchanged greetings and bid farewell to Olive, then led Sandy out. Nelson followed them.
"Care to grab a meal together sometime?" Nelson asked quietly when they reached the hospital entrance.
Brandon nodded. "Sure, let's make plans."
Nelson had wanted to ask Brandon about the company, but with Sandy around, he understood the situation. He nodded, greeted Brandon and Sandy, and left ahead of them.
With Nelson gone, Brandon took Sandy's hand. "Let's head back."
Sandy nodded and followed Brandon to their car.
With Olive's situation resolved, both of their spirits had lightened considerably.
Brandon had originally intended to take Sandy home first, but they received a call from Berton on their way. He needed Brandon to visit the company. So, instead of going home, they went to the company.
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