Game Over No Second Chances novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

LAUREN’S POV

I turned my gaze toward the window. The sun had shifted slightly, casting golden shadows across the floor. I didn’t answer right away. My mind felt heavy, like it had too many thoughts packed into too small a space.

“Well, first of all…” I began softly, “I need to go back and check on my daughter. Elena’s the only thing that matters to me right now.”

Tessa nodded in understanding but didn’t let it go just yet.

“And what about Ethan?” she asked, her tone careful, like she was walking on glass.

I let out a slow breath and shook my head. “I don’t know, Tess. I really don’t. He’s hurt me so badly… deeper than I ever thought he could.”

My eyes stung again as I thought back over the years. how much we had built together, brick by brick, sacrifice after sacrifice. I remembered the nights we stayed up dreaming, the days we struggled, and still held hands through it all.

“I was there when he had nothing,” I continued, my voice growing firmer, “I stood by him when everyone else turned away. We started from scratch. We built everything together. And now that he has it all, he does this… like I was never part of the journey.”

I paused, wiping the corner of my eye. “Now he’s chasing someone else. Starting over with another woman. Like I’m disposable.”

Tessa’s eyes softened. “I’m so sorry, Lauren. No one deserves that, especially not you.”

I sighed again, deeper this time. “There’s a huge hole in my heart, Tess. A part of me is… numb. And right now, I don’t think I can forgive him. Not for this. I don’t even think I could stand being in the same room as him.”

There was silence for a moment. Then Tessa asked again, “So… what are you saying now? Are you thinking of leaving?”

I leaned my head back against the pillow. “I don’t know. I truly don’t. But what I do know is… when I walk back into that house, it won’t be quiet. There’s going to be a storm. Unless he decides to leave, I’m not sure how we’re going to coexist.”

1

The air in the room felt thick, like every breath carried a weight. Tessa didn’t press further. She just nodded slowly, understanding that some wounds needed time – not advice.

Just then, the door to the hospital room opened. The nurse from earlier stepped inside, followed closely by a doctor wearing a white coat and a kind expression.

“How are you feeling now?” the doctor asked, walking toward me and glancing at the monitor beside the bed.

“Much better than a few hours ago,” I replied honestly, though my voice was still tired,

He offered a small smile. “Your heart rate is stable, and your vitals are looking good. If you’re no longer feeling dizzy or lightheaded, then I believe you’re good to go home. But…” he added, his expression turning serious, “please remember that you passed out due to high stress. I strongly advise you to stay away from anything that might be mentally straining or emotionally overwhelming at least for the next few weeks.”

Texchanged a glance with Tessa, who raised her eyebrows knowingly. That look between us said everything.

Stay away from stress? With the chaos waiting at home? Impossible.

Tessa turned to the doctor quickly, offering a bright but slightly forced smile. “Don’t worry, doctor. I’ll make sure she stays away from any trouble.”

The doctor nodded, seemingly satisfied, and stepped closer to the monitor. He pressed a few buttons, checking the screen one last time.

Meanwhile, the nurse came over and began removing the IV drip from my arm, carefully peeling away the tape and cotton. I winced slightly but said nothing. A small sting was nothing compared to the emotional wounds I was carrying.

1/3

“There,” the nurse said gently. “All done,”

I slowly sat up straighter, rolling my shoulders and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I felt a little light-headed for a moment, but it passed quickly.

“You can stand, right?” the doctor asked, stepping back slightly to give me space.

I didn’t answer immediately – not because I was being difficult, but because I genuinely didn’t know. I’d been lying on that hospital bed for hours, and even though I felt better, I wasn’t sure if my body would agree.

Carefully, I placed one foot down first, testing it like I was stepping into water. Then the other. Slowly, I stood up.

To my relief, nothing happened. No dizziness. No sharp pain. No throbbing headache.

“I’m fine,” I said softly, nodding as I took a deep breath.

The doctor gave me an approving smile and made a few notes on the chart in his hand.

“Please, can she get her clothes back?” Tessa asked the nurse

The nurse nodded and stepped out without a word.

Tessa immediately pulled out her phone and began tapping the screen. I watched her fingers move quickly, familiar with that look on her face – she was probably ordering an Uber.

“Wait,” I said, stopping her mid-action.

She looked up at me with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“My car,” I said. “It’s not far from here.”

“You can’t drive in this condition, Lauren,” she said, her tone serious. “Doctor just said no stress.”

“I know,” I said quickly. “That’s why you’re going to drive. If we leave it there overnight, they might tow it. I parked somewhere I shouldn’t have.”

She frowned but nodded in understanding. “Okay. Tell me where you left it and I’ll go get it.”

I walked over to the small table and picked up my purse. Digging through it, I pulled out the car keys and handed them to her.

“They’re at Ethan’s office,” I said, quietly. “That’s where I passed out.”

Tessa’s face didn’t change, but I heard

She barely said it loud Her quiet judgm

her breath, “Figures.”

nd strangely, I appreciated it. Sometimes, silence wasn’t strong enough to hold the frustration. ngry.

thes, folded neatly, and placed them on the small couch, She smiled at me, the same polite smile she’d

cing the stack down. Tessa, the nurse, and the doctor exited to give me privacy.

and walked into the tiny bathroom attached to the room. As I changed out of the hospital gown, I caught a glance of myself in the ked tired, my eyes puffy, but straightened my shoulders and forced some life back into my expression. I needed to look strong – at outside.

ena didn’t need to see this version of me. She was too smart for her age. She could always tell when I was sad, no matter how well I tried to hide it. But tonight, I needed to be convincing. I needed to walk into that house with my chin up, a calm smile on my face, and no sign that I had broken down in a hospital room just hours before.

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