Yancy Shaw couldn’t hide the upward curve of his lips. "Then I’ll head home to move some things for you. Since you’re getting discharged today, I can take good care of you at home for the next few days."
She still needed rest and wasn’t up for any physical exertion yet—someone looking after her was just what she needed.
With conditions like these, she really couldn’t find a reason to refuse.
Dr. Shen was truly thoughtful.
"Sit on the sofa for a bit, I’ll go make lunch."
Yancy Shaw poured her a glass of warm water and handed it to her.
Watching him walk into the kitchen, listening to the sounds of cooking coming from within, she remained seated on the sofa, gazing at him busy at work.
Seeing his silhouette, Lauren Shaw felt her heart was in utter chaos—an emotional mess, one she’d been slow to notice until it completely overwhelmed her.
She still hadn’t figured out how she wound up marrying Yancy Shaw. And the very first thing they did after registering their marriage was to move in together.
Over the years, except for the meticulous care from her parents and sister, no one had treated her this well. A wave of warmth surged through her—was this what happiness felt like?
Lunch was simple. Considering she’d just been discharged, he kept the food light: millet porridge, corn and pork rib soup, and steamed fish.
The ingredients were all fresh; he must’ve picked them up this morning. But he had gone to the hospital early, and since then, they’d been together the whole time...
Yancy Shaw sat across from her, dressed in a crisp white shirt, tie undone and collar casually loosed by a button. The reflection of his outline on the gray dining table was all elegance and handsomeness.
"Knowing you’d get discharged today, I got up early to buy groceries."
So, it was all prepared ahead of time.
She stared at him, momentarily dazed.
Yancy Shaw met her eyes. "Is it not to your liking?"
Lauren Shaw shook her head, taking a sip of the pork rib soup—the flavor was rich and comforting. "It’s delicious—your cooking is incredible."
He chuckled softly. "As long as you like it. I only know how to make a few simple dishes."
Simple? The things she made, even she didn’t want to eat.
Good-looking, a master in the OR, and also a skilled cook—such an exceptional Dr. Shen, it really felt like she’d struck gold.
The meal passed in comfortable silence, neither making forced conversation. Lauren Shaw rather enjoyed this—there was no awkwardness, only ease.
After lunch, Yancy Shaw said he’d go home to grab some of his things and move in for the night.
Lauren Shaw didn’t refuse. If she were to reject him now, she’d just be asking for trouble. Besides, someone as wonderful as Dr. Shen wasn’t someone anyone could simply have.
Back at home, she was tidying up her room when Yancy Shaw walked in. "Is there anything you need help with?"
She was holding a bra when he entered, causing her ears to flush red instantly.
"No need, you can just wait for me outside."
Yancy Shaw gave her a meaningful look, the curve of his lips growing wider. "Then I'll be right outside the door. Call me if you need anything at all."
Just as Lauren Shaw finished packing, the doorbell rang.
Usually, the only visitor she ever had was Claire Xu.
"Dr. Shen, could you get the door? It’s probably my friend," she said, unconcerned about hiding anything from her close friends.
After all, she and Yancy Shaw were legally married. To keep acting selfish at this point would be unfair to him.
Yancy Shaw got up and opened the door. The moment it swung open, the air sparkled with tension—like swords drawn at a standoff.
Lauren Shaw stepped out of the bedroom, startled by the scene near the door.
"Yvonne Sung, what are you doing here?" Her voice was ice-cold—she couldn’t have been less welcoming.
Yvonne Sung had spent the past several days with his mind in turmoil. He wanted to explain, to beg for forgiveness, but when the door opened, there was another man inside.
For a moment he thought he’d knocked on the wrong door.
Gazing at the man, then turning to Lauren Shaw, he didn’t answer her, but demanded instead: "Who is he?"
"What’s it to you? Is it any of your business?" Lauren Shaw shot back without a hint of politeness.
Yvonne Sung looked at Yancy Shaw. This man seemed familiar, but he couldn't recall from where.
But that didn’t matter—it was already too much. He tried to shove past Yancy Shaw to storm inside, but Shen blocked the door, utterly unmoving.
"Sir, this is Miss Li’s home. If you don’t have her permission, please don’t come in," Yancy Shaw said politely, but his tone was glacial.
He really couldn’t stand this guy. Yvonne Sung had hurt Lauren Shaw too many times and disrespected her again and again.
"I’m her fiancé! I’ll enter if I want!" Yvonne Sung shouted, glaring at Yancy Shaw.
"You’re not my fiancé anymore. We broke off the engagement. Leave now, or I’ll call the police," Lauren Shaw replied, her irritation bubbling at the sight of him. But she couldn’t get worked up—getting upset would hurt her chest.
"Mr. Shen, please see him out." Just looking at Yvonne Sung gave her a headache.
"Please leave," Yancy Shaw said, expressionless, meeting his glare head-on.
"I know what you’re doing—trying to get a rise out of me! You just picked some random guy to make me jealous, didn’t you, Lauren Shaw? How childish can you be?"
Lauren Shaw laughed, utterly exasperated.
Yvonne Sung grew more uneasy watching that look in her eyes.
"Yvonne Sung, watch your mouth. He’s not random—he’s my husband," she said. At that, Yancy Shaw’s expression softened slightly.
"He’s your husband? Are you kidding me?" Yvonne Sung roared, staring at them both—his shock so great he staggered back a few steps.
"He’s my husband. As for you? What are you to me? What do the past few years even mean now?" His voice echoed, growing louder and more desperate in the silent hallway.
Yancy Shaw still stood at the door, blocking it completely.
Before Lauren Shaw could answer, Shen cut in, his voice cold with contempt, "Who are you to her now? If you’d been worth anything, you wouldn’t have hurt her over and over. Instead of blaming others, maybe look at yourself first."
With that, he slammed the door with a loud bang, leaving Yvonne Sung out in the hall.
Infuriated, Yvonne Sung kicked at the door repeatedly.
"What the hell is wrong with that guy?" For the first time, Yancy Shaw couldn’t stop himself from cursing. As a man, he truly had no respect for Yvonne Sung.
Lauren Shaw just shook her head and gave a wry smile, silent.
Yancy Shaw walked over, gently patted her shoulder. "Don’t get upset, you really can’t afford to now," he said after a pause. "And don’t get angry in the future, either."
She’d spent the last three years pouring all her passion into Yvonne Sung—just thinking of it made others feel it wasn’t worth it.
The doorbell kept ringing—Yvonne Sung still hadn’t left.
Lauren Shaw called the building management, reporting harassment. In no time, security came up and removed him.
In the past, Lauren Shaw had only regretted loving the wrong person. But right now, she truly resented ever liking Yvonne Sung. Luckily, she hadn’t married him.