Lauren and I exchanged a knowing glance, sharing a laugh.

She whispered to me, "Why is Ivanna so chatty now?"

I couldn't help but laugh harder.

Ivanna turned around to look at us. "Are you talking about me? Are you annoyed that I'm talking too much?"

When we got in the car, I glanced outside. Oliver was standing at the doorway, looking on as we were leaving. The desolation in his eyes made me feel a twinge of pity.

However, this was out of my hands. What he did had hurt Lauren, and I didn't want to interfere with Lauren's decision.

It was a personal matter, and no third party could intervene. I had no idea how Oliver had spent the previous six months while Lauren was away. What went through his mind? Did he realize where he went wrong?

I believed Lauren would never forgive him if he didn't realize his mistakes. Even if she forgave him, I wasn't sure if I could.

Only I saw what happened before Lauren left. She had narrowly escaped death, and I could understand her pain.

I call