To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 118

As she spoke, Lina clasped his hands in hers, her gaze lingering on his face, full of longing.

Elara couldn't make out what they were talking about—she only saw the two of them locked in an intimate stare.

Letting the curtain fall, she kicked the stool in front of her vanity and muttered under her breath, "Shameless."

The noise caught Brian's attention. He released Lina's hands, his expression snapping back to its usual icy distance.

"At least you're somewhat useful," he said.

After all, Elara was jealous because of her.

Lina bit her lip anxiously. "I just want to be a tool you can rely on, Brian."

He didn't respond to her attempt at vulnerability. Instead, his face hardened. "If I find proof that you're using Chuck to manipulate her, I won't throw you out. I'll make you pay."

Lina trembled, her nerves frayed. "I just want you and Elara to be happy."

Brian grabbed a wet wipe, cleaning his hands as if scrubbing away any trace of contact with her. His voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "I'm not the one who wronged you. I'm only responsible for you because I gave my word. But if you try anything, I'll make sure you suffer the same fate as my enemies."

Cold sweat broke out along Lina's spine. "I understand."

"Tomorrow, keep pushing her. I want her eating again and agreeing to my terms."

Lina nodded quickly. "I'll find a way."

Brian glanced at the tightly drawn curtains, then turned and walked out.

Lina dug her nails into her palms, so hard that a broken nail bit into her skin, but she barely noticed.

Why? Why?!

She'd seen Elara and Chuck undressing together in the car with her own eyes, and yet Brian still refused to believe Elara was cheating. He kept defending her!

They'd only known each other for four years.

...

She walked over to Brian and took off the pendant, handing it back to him.

"Is this good enough, Brian?"

He took the necklace without a word.

Peace returned to the room. Elara, sweating and pale, stared at the closed door with a hard, icy glint in her eyes.

There was no sign of Jason coming to her rescue. She'd have to save herself, as always.

She picked up the bowl of soup and finished every drop.

At lunchtime, Lina arrived again, this time wearing one of Elara's old dresses she'd left behind at Platinum Bay. She was surprised to see that Elara had eaten all her breakfast.

Suspicious, Lina glanced around the room, searching for a trick.

"So you're finally eating again, and you couldn't even let me know? This morning, Brian was furious that I didn't get you to eat—I was sweating so much I had to change into one of your old dresses. Are you doing this just to make things difficult for me?"