Thankfully, Lilah reacted swiftly; otherwise, she might have stumbled into the bush.

“Have you lost your mind?" Lilah's gaze was icy.

"And what about you? You have no shame! This is my boyfriend!" The woman now shifted her attention to Gerard.

Lilah stood there, rendered speechless. She wondered if there was an abundance of mentally unstable individuals in this hospital.

At that very moment, an approaching figure hurried toward them.

"I apologize, Lilah. Laura has no idea you are with Gerard," Walter said with a gasp, clutching Laura's hand.

Understanding dawned on Lilah instantly. This woman was Laura?

Yet, Laura appeared bewildered, even entertaining the possibility of an auditory hallucination, as she sought confirmation from Walter.

In the midst of this, Gerard approached Lilah, draping his arm gently over her shoulder. His voice had taken on a much softer timbre now.

“This is my girlfriend, Lilah Phillips," he introduced.

Lilah regarded Laura with a composed expression.

Laura seemed frozen for a moment, before her eyes ignited with astonishment. She peered at Lilah and Gerard in disbelief. "Is it really true? You've finally found yourself a girlfriend? I used to worry about you, thinking someone as aloof as you might remain alone for the rest of your life."

With an expression of pure delight, Laura gazed at Lilah and spoke.

"I apologize. I had mistaken you for someone harassing Gerard earlier.

We used to be like that. Gerard, you see, has a bit of a fiery temper and isn't exactly the easiest person when it comes to women approaching him. I just couldn't tolerate it any Longer, so I stepped in. And, over time, I've grown accustomed to it. I hope you don't mind."

Her words carried a veneer of kindness, yet they also hinted at Laura's close bond with Gerard.

Lilah returned Laura's smile, her voice gentle as she replied, “Of course not. I understand just how captivating Gerard can be."

“You two suit each other as a couple. How long have you been together?" Laura inquired, her curiosity sparked.

“We've been together for..."

"Several years," Gerard interjected, catching Lilah off guard.

However, as Lilah thought about Jerrold, she comprehended Gerard's intention. After all, Jerrold was their child. If they claimed to have been together for only a month, what would people assume about Jerrold?

"I see," Laura responded with an angelic, innocent smile. "That's wonderful. Gerard, you've found someone you can rely on for the rest of your life and I am genuinely thrilled for you."

“You will, too," Gerard reassured her.

“Perhaps,” Laura replied, her smile carrying a distant quality.