Laura, still resolute but also candid, expressed her concern. "I'm just worried that your presence might stir up my anxieties. You tend to be rather exuberant and I fear that your boisterousness might hinder my efforts."

Hearing this, Walter's emotions welled up in an unexpected manner and he touched his brow while saying, “Laura, that's a thing of the past.

I've grown since then and I'm a responsible professional now. I'll ensure your well-being."

Gerard, meanwhile, observed Laura in silence, fully cognizant of the monumental seven-year chasm in her life.

Yet, thankfully, she had finally awoken.

Nonetheless, he found himself indebted to her in more ways than he could fathom.

"I don't want your presence." Laura's disdain for Walter ran deep, as she pondered how he had honed the art of being an unwanted interloper. She cast a shy glance at Gerard, her eyes betraying a hint of timidity, and implored, "I desire Gerard's company during my training."

Walter pursed his Lips, his emotions a swirl of conflicted sentiments.

Casting a meaningful gaze toward Gerard, he heard Gerard's resolute voice proclaim, “I shall arrange for the finest therapist to guide you. Your dedication to recovery is imperative. Should you have aspirations for the future, rest assured, I shall be your unwavering support."

This gesture was a form of reparation to Laura.

Laura's gaze momentarily drifted into a trance and she regarded Gerard with a touch of pity, questioning, "Gerard, can't you stay by my side?"

With a touch of regret, Laura lowered her head and admitted, "I forgot that you now hold the position of CEO at the Harris Group.

Undoubtedly, your schedule must be quite demanding, leaving little room for me. If you happen to find a moment of respite, would you consider visiting me more often?"

“Of course."

In response to this, Laura offered a warm smile and said, "Very well."

As the hour grew late, it was Walter who remained with Laura, while Gerard took his leave.

Gerard's silhouette gradually faded from view at the threshold of the ward, prompting Laura to finally avert her adoring gaze from him. She had harbored deep affection for Gerard in the past but she had not expected that, over the years, he would mature into an even more captivating and sophisticated figure.

As Walter's gaze fixated upon Laura, an intricate web of emotions tangled within him.

“Walter, please, enlighten me on the events of these past years,”

Laura implored, her earnest eyes trained on him.

Walter commenced narrating the intricate tapestry of events that had unfolded over the years.

He recounted how he and Gerard had ventured down separate academic paths, each attending different colleges.

Post-graduation, they had joined their own family businesses.

Bryan, a mutual friend, had formed a profound attachment to a young woman named Rachel Davis, their love so intense that they were on the precipice of matrimony. However, Bryan's stringent demeanor toward Rachel had been a point of concern. Walter and Gerard had encountered her only once.