To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 101

Elara awoke to find the room bathed in the golden hue of early evening.

From the doorway, Yves Caldwell's voice filtered in, measured and calm.

"Mr. Vincent, you know as well as I do that Nanette tampered with the samples. But since the first test results were squeaky clean, Mrs. Vincent had to suffer through all of this. Thankfully you called Mr. Chase, and the second round of tests finally brought the truth to light. When she wakes up, you should explain everything to her."

Brian's reply was nowhere to be heard, but Felice, the matriarch, gave a pointed humph.

"You're good at weighing pros and cons, at scheming. But what about Elara? Truth always finds a way out, but every time she's hurt, her heart grows colder. Some wounds leave scars that never really fade."

Brian didn't answer her directly. After a moment's silence, he turned to Chuck.

"How is she now? Is there any risk left?"

Whether out of guilt or concern, Chuck's voice was gentle.

"Dr. Gareth couldn't identify the drug exactly, but I have some idea. We've done a full blood cleanse, but the damage to her body will need careful recovery. If not, there could be lasting effects."

Felice pressed him, "What sort of effects?"

Chuck hesitated. "It's hard to say. Possibly organ complications."

Elara broke into a harsh, rattling cough at his words.

"Elara…"

Brian rushed to her bedside, grabbing her hand.

She recoiled as if burned. "Don't... touch me!"

Brian froze, his hand suspended in midair.

Felice brushed her grandson aside and took Elara's hand in her own, her voice soft but determined.

"Elara, you've been through hell. I promise you, I'll make sure you get justice."

Elara's throat was painfully dry.

Chuck raised the head of the bed and carefully helped her drink some water.

She glanced at him, her voice hoarse. "Should I thank you for this, Dr. Chamberlain?"

Chuck's eyes flickered. "No need. It's a doctor's duty to help people."

She held his gaze for a long moment before looking away.

Before Elara could respond, Brian began quietly, "Elara, about everything that happened—"

She cut him off, her voice steady. "I don't want to see you. I don't want to hear your voice. I think we should separate."

The words hung in the air, freezing the room. Brian's face hardened as if frost had settled there.

Felice broke the silence briskly.

"All right then. Elara, once you're discharged, come stay at the manor for a few days. I'll make sure you get the care you need."

Elara caught the subtle maneuvering in the old woman's words. With their anniversary coming up, she found herself too tired to fight, so she simply nodded.

Felice beamed, then turned to Brian.

"And you—don't go bothering your wife for the next few days. Take some time to think things through. When you're ready, then you can come to the manor and talk to her."

Brian knew exactly what Felice was doing, but he nodded all the same. He glanced at Elara.

"Don't worry about the anniversary dinner. I'll take care of everything."

Elara didn't respond, her gaze fixed on a distant spot beyond the window.