Chapter twelve

Catherine POV

The high-pitched beep of the thermometer and the steady, repetitive tone indicating my heart rate enveloped my hearing, creating a palpable sense of unease.

I couldn't quite grasp the state of my health as I gazed around, taking in the tangled web of tiny tubes and wires that snaked across my body, transmitting vital fluids and monitoring my vital signs. The beeping machines and the soft hiss of the oxygen tank created a symphony of sound that only added to my growing anxiety.

My mind raced with thoughts and fears. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. Suddenly, I tried to move my neck, but a sharp, piercing pain shot across my head.

"Ouch!" I groaned in pain, carefully adjusting the bandage wrapped around my head. "That jerk," I muttered under my breath, gently shrugging my shoulders. Just then, the door swung open, and a figure in a white coat walked in.

"Good morning, Miss Catherine," the doctor said with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?"

I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. The doctor's eyes narrowed slightly as he approached me.

"What's going on, Doctor?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.


The doctor's expression turned serious. "We've run some tests, and we need to discuss the results. However, the situation is too critical for me to discuss with you alone," he paused, reviewing my file.

I felt a momentary lapse of reasoning, and the pain of my injuries came flooding back. Just then, the door swung open, and Laura walked in, carrying a basket of fruits and some beverages.

"Hey, Auntie! Good morning, Doc," she said, her voice calm and steady as she approached my bed. The basket was precariously balanced on a rod that suddenly swung backward, hitting the file in the doctor's hand.

The doctor winced as the file went flying out of his hand. "Ah, be careful there, Laura!" he exclaimed as he bent down to pick up the scattered papers.

Laura's eyes widened in apology. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Doctor! I'm such a clumsy fool!" she exclaimed as she hurriedly set the basket down on the bedside table.


"Mmm... Miss, may I have a word with you in private?" The doctor asked, his request catching me off guard and making me furrow my brows in concentration. I sought reassurance about my health, my mind racing with questions.

Laura's eyes darted between the doctor and me, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Of course, Doctor," she replied, her voice soft and gentle. "Let's step outside for a moment.”

"Doc, please tell me it's not life-threatening," I asked, my voice trembling with fear as I tried to gauge the severity of my condition. He nodded sympathetically, his expression somber, and turned to leave through the door, with Laura following closely behind him.

I sighed slowly, carefully shifting my weight on the bed to reach for a slice of bread and butter, paired with a milkshake—a combination I loved, despite its unorthodox nature. I chuckled mockingly, acknowledging the unhealthy mix with a hint of self-deprecation.

As I took a bite, the sweetness of the milkshake clashed with the savory flavor of the bread and butter, a jarring contrast that somehow worked for me. I closed my eyes, savoring the taste, and momentarily forgot about the uncertainty lingering in the air.

As I savored the taste, the door swung open, and Laura walked back in, a sympathetic smile on her face. "Hey, how's the food?" she asked, her eyes scanning my face.

I nodded, mouth full, and Laura chuckled. "Glad you're enjoying it." I savored the taste, grateful for her thoughtfulness. "It's a pleasure that you went to get me my favorites, Laura," I said, my voice muffled by the food.

Laura stared at me expressionlessly, her eyes fixed on mine, as she took a bite of her own sandwich—a slice of bread with fish. Her jaw moved slowly, and her mouth compressed the weight of the dense bread.

"What a disgusting way of eating, Laura?" I blurted out, my distaste evident in my tone.

Laura's eyes widened, and she spat out the food from her mouth, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Aunt, I'm just enjoying my snack!" she protested, her voice defensive.

"Enjoying it? You're practically inhaling it!" I teased, my tone lightening the mood.

Laura rolled her eyes, laughing. "Aunt Catherine, I'm just hungry, okay?" She picked up her sandwich again, taking a more deliberate bite this time.

"What happened to you, Aunt?" Laura asked, her eyes wide with feigned ignorance.

"Nothing, Laura," I replied, trying to downplay the situation. "I just slipped and fell while cleaning the room." My words sounded unconvincing, even to my own ears.

Laura raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Save it, Aunt. I'm not buying it. What really happened?" She pressed, her voice firm but gentle.


"You think it's funny to play me when I'm trying to take care of you?" Laura's voice rose, her words laced with hurt and frustration.

I held up my hands, placating. "Hey, Laura, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just confused and a little scared. I don't understand what's happening to me."

Laura's expression softened, her eyes filling with concern. "Oh, Aunt, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just...the doctor's words were unsettling, and I'm worried about you." She stepped closer, her voice gentle.


"Let me help you, okay?" Laura asked, her voice soft with concern.

I swallowed hard, my eyes flashing with anger as memories came flooding back. I clenched my jaw, trying to compose myself. "Clara did this to me," I whispered, my voice trembling. "She accused you of taking someone she loved away from her, and she vowed to ruin my life and yours. She promised to stop at nothing." My voice cracked, tears streaming down my face as the pain of her threat overwhelmed me.

Laura's eyes blazed with anger, and her face set in a determined expression. "That's it, Aunt. I've had enough of her threats. I'll make sure she never hurts you again."

I held her closer, my arms wrapping around hers. "No, Laura. Because of her, you need to leave the school. It's not safe for you here.”