Chapter 350 No Ifs
Lila was a mess of emotions, and Lucas's shoulder was still bleeding.
Once we got back to the city, we decided to split up: Alaric stayed with Lucas to get his shoulder patched up, while I stuck with Lila to make sure she got a full check-up, both physical and mental.
When we finally reached the exam room, Lila lay down on the doctor's table, her eyes still blank.
The doctor leaned in and gently asked, "Miss, can you hear me? I'm going to run some tests now. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but don't worry, okay?"
Hearing this, Lila shrank closer to me, her face lifeless. My heart ached as I held her trembling hand, softly reassuring her, "Lila, don't be scared. I'm right here. The doctor just needs to check you out. It'll be over soon."
Every time the doctor touched her, Lila's body would flinch slightly. She didn't make a sound, but I could feel her fear and resistance.
The doctor noticed several bruises on Lila and asked softly, "How did these happen?"
Choking back tears, I explained, "She was kidnapped."
A flash of shock crossed the doctor's face, quickly replaced by sympathy.
After what felt like forever, the examination was finally over. The doctor removed his stethoscope and said to me, "From the initial check, she has some surface injuries and bruises, but nothing too serious. However, her mental state is quite fragile. She'll need a psychological evaluation. I recommend admitting her to the hospital for a more thorough examination and treatment."
I nodded repeatedly, then helped Lila to her room and gently laid her down on the bed. Her grimy face pulled at my heartstrings.
I soaked a towel in warm water and gently wiped the grime from her face. Suddenly, her tears started flowing uncontrollably, streaming down her cheeks and soaking the pillow.
I sat by her bedside, never taking my eyes off her. Watching her cry, I felt my guilt deepen.
If only I had caught the unusual order sooner, if only I hadn't assigned that task to Lila, if only I had located her earlier, perhaps she wouldn't have endured so much. But there were no "ifs."
I gently wiped Lila's tears, my movements careful, afraid of hurting her again. I whispered in her ear, "I'm so sorry I didn't realize you were in trouble sooner. I didn't protect you."
As I spoke, my tears fell, landing on her hair.
The room was eerily quiet, with only Lila's soft sobs and my stifled cries.
I knew no amount of guilt could undo her pain. All I could do was help her through this dark time.
Soon, Lucas arrived, his wound tended to, leaning on Alaric for support. He struggled to the bedside, and I made room for him to sit.
He reached out, gently stroking Lila's fingers, his voice choked with emotion. "Lila, I'm so sorry. I should have protected you. You shouldn't have gone through this."Lila turned her head slowly, her eyes meeting Lucas's, and the tears started flowing again.
Lucas's eyes reddened. He held Lila's hand tightly, like he was trying to transfer his strength to her, to comfort her.
Watching Lucas and Lila intertwine their fingers, I felt a mix of sorrow and relief wash over me.
I knew they needed time alone to heal. I gently tugged Alaric's sleeve and gave him a look. We quietly left the room.
Before closing the door, I softly said, "Lila, Alaric and I are heading out. If you need anything, call me. Rest well and get better soon."
At that moment, Lila and Lucas were lost in each other's eyes, not even noticing me.
With a heavy heart, I closed the door.
Walking down the long hospital corridor, I felt pretty solemn.
As I recalled Lila's vacant gaze and Lucas's guilt-stricken expression, tears welled up in my eyes again.
Alaric noticed and gently held my hand, whispering, "Don't be sad. We need to tell Nicholas and figure out how to catch that bastard Lanny."
I nodded slightly, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
By the time we left the hospital, night had fallen.
Alaric drove, and I sat in the passenger seat. Suddenly, I turned to him and asked, "Alaric, if I were the one kidnapped and assaulted, what would you do?"
Alaric's hands tightened on the steering wheel as he kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. After a moment's hesitation, he forced a smile and said, "Don't think like that. It won't happen to you."
His elusive response left me feeling inexplicably melancholic.
We traveled in silence, with only the sound of the engine's hum breaking the hush of the night.
Soon, we arrived at Nicholas's estate.
The imposing mansion looked even more majestic at night.
The butler greeted us at the door, bowing slightly. "Please come in. Mr. Jackson has been expecting you."
We nodded and followed the butler through the courtyard, quickly making our way to the living room.
Even before entering, we could feel the oppressive atmosphere.
The room was dimly lit, with only a single floor lamp casting a faint glow. Nicholas sat on the sofa, enveloped in shadows, with only his upper body outlined by the light.
He held a lit cigar in his right hand, the glowing tip stark against the darkness, smoke curling upwards, obscuring his face.
He tilted his head back slightly, exhaling a smoke ring that drifted through the dim light.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my voice trembling, "Godfather, we have bad news."
Nicholas's eyes narrowed instantly. He took a deep drag from his cigar, the tip glowing brightly, then exhaled slowly.
Standing up, his voice calm but intense, he asked, "Did you find Lila?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
