hapter 48 Zoey First
+5 Free Coins
The man by the window was a picture of sharp elegance, his presence radiating an aura of dominance as if he owned the world.
“You…
“Enough about me. Let’s talk about her condition.” Elijah cut off his friend’s surprise.
The doctor’s expression shifted, becoming more professional. After a moment’s thought, het said. “I think the injury to her hand is minor, but her mental state is the bigger issue. She seems really on edge. Has something happened recently that’s caused her to be so afraid?”
“How do we fix it?”
“Don’t push her. The doctor spoke seriously, unable to shake off the memory of how Eleanor had looked at him.
Elijah fell silent for a moment.
The doctor added, “By the way, why did she ask me about children donating organs? She’s so
she couldn’t have children, could she?”
young..
Elijah’s gaze turned icy, a silent warning in his eyes.
The doctor held up his hands. “I don’t ask, and I don’t tell.”
With that, Elijah crushed his cigarette out, turned, and left the office.
Meanwhile, Eleanor stood by the window in the hallway, waiting for her turn.
Elijah approached her, his voice flat. “Mateo’s dead. He got into a fight with a cellmate and was beaten to death. No one will hurt you.”
At the news, Eleanor froze, her fingers curling involuntarily.
After a few seconds, she raised her eyes to meet Elijah’s. “Elijah, do you really think I’ve become like this just because of Matco?”
Elijah’s gaze darkened, his eyes radiating a suffocating pressure. His lips curled into a faint smirk. “You shouldn’t have gone on that blind date.”
A shiver ran through Eleanor. It was as though an invisible web had trapped her, and she couldn’t break free.
She gave a self–deprecating laugh. Yes, I deserve this. Elijah, your punishment is enough.”
1/3
18:04 Fri, Mar 21 B
Chapter 48 Zoey First
Elijah’s face hardened. The coldness in his eyes cepened.
At that moment, the intercom crackled, announcing her name.
“Eleanor, number 1205, please proceed to Examination Room 3.”
Eleanor turned to leave, but suddenly a figure rushed in front of her.
“Excuse me, emergency.”
A nurse hurried by, pushing a wheelchair. In the chair sat none other than Zoey.
#5 Free Coins
As soon as Zoey saw Elijah, tears began to well in her eyes, and she clutched her arm in pain.
“Elijah, I’m so scared! My arm hurts so badly, and it’s shaking uncontrollably. Will my hand. be ruined?”
The nurse’s voice rang out sharply, “Room 3 is the only one available. We’ll need to prioritize the emergency patient.”
Zoey, fully made–up, her hair perfectly styled–this was an emergency?
Eleanor clenched her fists in anger. “Sorry, I was here first.”
The nurse shot her a sharp look. “Emergency patients go first.”
Zoey looked at Eleanor with teary eyes and said, I’m sorry, Eleanor. You go ahead. I’ll manage.”
Zoey bit her lip, tears flowing freely, her gaze lingering on Elijah.
Eleanor pressed her lips together and moved forward. But just as she did, a hand landed heavily on her shoulder. The blood–red signet ring gleamed, dangerous and predatory.
Elijah’s cold voice cut through the air. “Zoey goes in first.”
Eleanor whipped around, her eyes locking with Elijah’s.
Zoey, gazing at Elijah with what seemed like helpless longing, whispered, “Thank you, Elijah. I… I can’t move my arm much. Could you help me, please?”
Without a word, Elijah stepped forward, lifting Zoey into his arms and carrying her into the examination room.
Eleanor watched the door close slowly. Zoey turned her head just before it shut and smiled- sweet, almost mocking.
2/3
18:04 Fri Mar 21 B
Chapter 48 Zoey First
Always, always Zoey first.
+5 Free Coins
Eleanor balled up her checkup form, tossing it into the trash, then turned to leave.
Her hand? It had been fine for a while–just wrapped up to confuse Julian and Zoey. The checkup? Merely to appease Elijah.
But now, none of it mattered.
Eleanor stepped outside the hospital. The rainstorm from the night before had cleared the sky, leaving it unusually clean and crisp. But for her, every step toward a new life felt like a struggle.
She had no power, no influence, Lily and Logan were barely surviving in the Davis family. How could she possibly fight against people who held power at their fingertips?
Wandering aimlessly down the street, Eleanor’s phone rang suddenly.
It was from her roommates, with whom she barely kept in touch.
She picked up the phone immediately. On the other end, there was hesitant, nervous. breathing. After a few moments, one of them spoke up.
“Eleanor, we found a
internship. We might need to move out soon. We were wondering if you’d want to join us for a meal… You don’t have to come if you don’t want to…”
“Could you be more direct? You’re telling her not to come, aren’t you?” another voice interjected.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Eleanor, I just thought maybe…”
“Where is it? I’ll be there.”
Eleanor smiled to herself, sensing the kindness in their tone.
It seemed they hadn’t expected her to reply so quickly. There was a pause before they said, “I’ll send you the address now.”
“Alright.”
The restaurant was near the school and was very cost–effective. It was very suitable for students.
|||
