To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 26

Elara could tell Mrs. Archer was trying to comfort her, but she just lowered her eyes and said nothing.

Mrs. Archer tried again, her tone gentle yet persistent. "Ma'am, if you feel there's too much interference here, why not take a trip with Mr. Vincent? Go somewhere just the two of you, where no one else can get between you. Sometimes a change of scenery is what a relationship needs."

Elara considered it for a moment.

Mrs. Archer brightened. "Oh! It's winter down south this time of year, the snow is gorgeous. Maybe you and Mr. Vincent could—"

"I don't like the snow," Elara interrupted, her voice flat. "And there's no future for us anymore."

She hadn't touched her dinner. Rising from the table, she left for the bedroom in silence.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a text.

It was from the lawyer she'd hired earlier that day to investigate Brian's offshore assets.

The message was apologetic: the lawyer explained he was suddenly unwell, needed to take time off, and would be unable to take her case. He'd compensate her as per their agreement, and then followed with a string of apologies.

Elara understood immediately—this was Brian's doing.

As long as he gave the order, there wasn't a single lawyer in Kingston City who would dare work for her.

She sank heavily into the chair. The air felt thick and oppressive, weighing down on her shoulders until even breathing seemed a struggle.

After sitting alone by the window for a while, she grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom to shower.

But as she reached the door, a sharp pain twisted through her lower abdomen.

She was never the type to get cramps, but ever since she'd left the hospital, these strange pains had come and gone without warning.

Elara grimaced, about to crouch down, when Brian appeared behind her and reached out to steady her.

"What's wrong?" His voice was gentle again, just like it used to be.

"Stomach cramps," she muttered, pulling her hand free and straightening up on her own.

Brian noticed how, ever since they'd returned from Aalborg, she recoiled from his touch.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"You can't shower in the study…" Brian paused, then added, "Do you want to go first, or should I join you?"

"Uh… okay. Thank you," the woman replied, clearly embarrassed, and hung up.

Elara glanced at the clock—past midnight. She couldn't help but think Lina had timed this call deliberately, just to get under her skin.

A few minutes later, Brian came out of the bathroom, even though he'd brought a bathrobe inside, he emerged wearing only a towel.

Elara averted her gaze. "Your sister called. She wants you to call her back."

Brian paused, pulled on his bathrobe, grabbed his phone, and left the room.

A faint, mocking smile played on Elara's lips.

About ten minutes later, Brian returned. His face was hard, his demeanor cold and sharp.

"She's no threat to you. Why did you have her kicked out of the hospital?"

"What?" Elara was genuinely puzzled.

"She tried to kill herself. They had to revive her several times. Her body's barely recovered, and not only did you take away her right to stay at the villa, you threw her out of the hospital too. Are you trying to kill her?"