Wendy's and Peter's words echoed in his mind, a relentless loop that drowned out all other thoughts.
Over the next few days, Wendy, Darleen, and Wilma cared for Claudia around the clock, offering comfort and support. Her physical recovery was swift.
On Sunday evening, Claudia finally spoke up. "Mom, you, Darleen, and Wilma should all go back to Ferguson Manor. I'm going back to the hospital tomorrow for work."
Wendy nodded and, after a few more words of caution, took Darleen and Wilma with her.
Once everyone had left, Claudia took a shower and began picking out her clothes for the next day. Perhaps because she had been lying down for so long, the simple activity left her feeling dizzy and weak.
Suddenly, York was behind her, his hands steadying her arms. His eyes fixed on the beads of sweat on her forehead, and a pained, reddish tinge appeared at the corners of his eyes.
"Even if you want to punish me, even if you want revenge, you don't have to hurt your own body like this," he said, his voice thick with concern.
Claudia pushed his hands away and sat down on a nearby chair to catch her breath. "York, I aborted the child because I wanted to sever any remaining ties between us. I did it for myself. You aren't important enough for me to harm my own body for the sake of revenge. You're overthinking it."
Her weak yet indifferent demeanor was a knife to York's nerves. He knelt before her, his hands gripping her knees. He looked into her eyes. "Claudia, we've been married for three years. I know I wavered between you and Ann. I know I hurt you for their sake. I was wrong."
He tentatively reached for her hand, his voice choking, his eyes growing moist. "I will cut all ties with Ann. I will never let you get hurt again."
"As long as you don't mention divorce, and you don't mention separating, I'll agree to any conditions you set," he pleaded. "I will wait as long as it takes for you to forgive me."

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