Chapter 37 Trauma

Worry creased Elena's brow.
"Mom, don't worry. The doctor said she's fine, just a little confused. By the way, did the police say anything when they came in?"
Sarah's face instantly went pale, and she lowered her voice. "Elena, you must absolutely not mention this, especially the fact that Annie was kidnapped. Don't say a word about it. Just say Annie wasn't in a good state of mind and tried to commit suicide, but we saved her."
"Why? Mom, yesterday you..."
Sarah immediately put on a stern face. "After all, Annie is the Robinson family's heiress. If the media found out, they might smear the Robinson family's reputation. You're not a child anymore, you should understand the gravity of the situation."
"Oh, okay, I won't say anything!" Elena nodded heavily.
For some reason, in these few short days, she had become deeply disturbed.
'I deeply experienced the ugliness of human nature from the bottom of my heart.'
As Elena walked out of the hospital room, Aaron immediately approached her.
"Miss Walker, I would like to talk to you about the kidnapping of your sister."
When faced with Aaron's youthful and enthusiastic face, Elena felt as though something heavy was crushing her, yet there was also a lump in her throat that stifled her breath.
Knowing full well the inhumane treatment her sister had endured, she could only watch helplessly and not seek justice for her sister.
"Officer Hamilton, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. My sister was not kidnapped, we just had an argument and she had some extreme thoughts. That's why..."
Elena couldn't continue her lie.
In truth, what she said was accurate. If they hadn't argued that day, or if she had spoken to her sister calmly and gone to buy a motorcycle together, none of the subsequent events would have happened.
Aaron didn't show much surprise. "Miss Walker, here's what happened. A few days ago, the police discovered a group of terrorists trading weapons online. We then arrested some suspicious individuals based on that photo. Later, we traced the person who originally posted the photo, and it turned out to be your sister, Annie. So, we suspect that she was targeted by the terrorists in retaliation. If she cooperates with us to identify the suspects, it would also be beneficial for our police investigation."
Elena was shocked. She never expected the police to have such quick information.
"Officer Hamilton, as you can see now, my sister is traumatized and unwilling to say anything. My suggestion is for you to not further traumatize her. When she recovers, I will discreetly inquire about this matter. If it truly is as you say, I will contact you again."
"Alright, Miss Walker, goodbye!"
Watching Aaron and the police officer leave the hospital, Elena's mood grew even heavier.
That one photo had caused so much harm. If they hadn't taken that photo in the first place, she and her sister wouldn't have ended up in this situation today.
"Elena..."
A soft call came from behind, and Elena turned around.
William's tall figure was walking towards her.
The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a thin golden glow on his handsome and refined face, making him appear as if he had stepped out of an ancient novel.
In just a moment, William was already standing by her side.
"Elena, what's wrong? You don't look well!"
His concern seemed to expose the facade on her face. Last night, she had indulged herself with another man! The passionate and alluring scene now filled her with shame.
Unconsciously, Elena lowered her head.
"No, I'm fine! By the way, I was actually looking for you. Why isn't Annie speaking?"
"Well, she might be traumatized and unable to escape that shadow psychologically. I suggest that you and others be patient with her, wait until she gets better, and then consult a psychologist. Don't worry too much, after all, she's still young and her physical injuries will heal quickly."
Elena then revealed a bright smile. "Thank you so much for your advice."
"Elena, I forgot to eat breakfast. Do you have time to eat with me?"
William considerately asked her, and when he saw her hesitation, he immediately chuckled. "It's okay, I was just joking..."
"Um, I happen to be hungry too!"
Elena felt embarrassed to keep refusing him.
William's disappointed expression suddenly became lively.
While Elena was actually full, she absentmindedly held a glass of milk and drank from it.
William, on the other hand, held a bowl of lean meat porridge and enjoyed it. Upon closer inspection, there was a hint of youthful innocence beneath his eyes.
"You didn't sleep well last night?"
"Me? Hehe, you've seen through me. I reorganized Annie's medical plan and used it during the morning meeting. It's nothing, I used to pull all-nighters quite often." William casually said.
A sense of worry flashed in Elena's eyes.
"You're a doctor, you know how harmful staying up all night is for the body."
"Hehe, you're right. I'll try to avoid staying up late in the future."
He hardly ever argued against her words.
The obedient side of him made her feel sourness deep in her heart as she absentmindedly watched him eat elegantly.
Suddenly, a woman ran up to her.
"Oh my, aren't you the girl from that day?"
Elena was startled and turned to look. Wasn't this the woman who she had crashed into after leaving Hassan's house that day?
A sense of panic surged within Elena. Was this woman going to expose her secret?
"Oh, I'm really sorry about that. I honestly didn't know you were... well..." The woman was getting more excited, almost blurting out Hassan's name.
Elena slammed the table and interrupted her, "What on earth are you talking about? You're completely mistaken, I don't know you."
After saying that, Elena stood up and hurriedly walked out, feeling flustered.
She didn't want others to uncover her secret as Hassan's mistress, especially in front of William. He would definitely despise her and perhaps they wouldn't even be able to remain friends in the future.
"Elena, Elena..."
William quickly paid the bill and hastily followed her outside as Elena hurriedly walked away.
William looked at Elena intently and asked, "Elena, yesterday morning, did you follow me to the rose garden?"
Elena blushed slightly and replied, "How did you know?"
"I heard your phone ringing, but when I turned around, you had already run off and I couldn't catch up," William explained.
"Elena, please tell me, what were you doing at the rose garden? Is there something you wanted to say to me?" He pressed.
"Elena, tell me, what are your concerns? It's better for both of us to solve them together rather than you facing them alone," he continued.
"We have been together for so many years, even as friends, you should trust me, shouldn't you?" William passionately expressed his feelings.
But Elena felt her heart sinking with each passing word. Yes, she had followed him to the rose garden to tell him that she loved him. However, it was too late. Now, she was just a lowly mistress and had lost her right to be with him.
Taking a step back, Elena looked at William and said, "No, I have no concerns, William. You're overthinking it... I followed you because I was worried you might do something foolish. After all, we've been friends for so many years, and I don't want to lose you."
'We've been friends for so many years! These words coming from her mouth were hurtful to hear. William looked at Elena with anguish.
After a moment of silence, he forced a smile and said, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I thought..."
After a brief pause, Elena lightly chuckled and said, "I have something to do, so I'll go ahead. You should go about your business!"
William nodded and watched her delicate figure slowly disappear into the crowd.
Suddenly, he quickened his pace, maneuvering through the crowd until he caught up with her and stopped her.
"Elena!"
"What's the matter, William?" She asked.
"Elena, do we... have a chance in the future?" He asked.
'Do we have a chance in the future?' Elena lowered her head, clenching her small fists. She had only sold herself to Hassan for three months, and after that, she would be free.