To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 47

When they arrived at the hospital room, Gareth was keeping vigil at the bedside. Lina was nowhere to be seen.

Nanette's face was as pale as porcelain, the skin around her eyes red and raw. Her grief was obvious to anyone who looked at her.

"You're here," Gareth said quietly, reaching to take the things Brian carried.

Perhaps Nanette's illness had shaken him deeply, because for once, Gareth didn't bring up the matter of Elara apologizing.

But Elara noticed something odd: Brian didn't hand the small jewelry bag to Gareth.

"Brian, thank you for talking to Grandma and convincing her to let Nanette stay with the Vincents after she's discharged. But about Lina… you'll need to speak to the old lady again. She's just too stubborn."

At the mention of Lina, Nanette grew agitated.

"Brian, please—I'm begging you. Grandma might have agreed to let her stay, but she refuses to let Lina move into the house. She's just a young woman; living alone out there is so dangerous."

So Lina was staying.

Elara's fingers curled and uncurled at her side. Congratulations, she thought. They'd gotten exactly what they wanted. It wouldn't be long before the two of them could be together openly.

"Aunt Nanette, Grandma's already made the biggest concession she can. Life isn't perfect, but I'll make sure Lina is taken care of," Brian said calmly.

Taken care of, Elara thought. That's just a polite way of saying he'll keep her tucked away somewhere nice. Nanette, on the other hand, looked genuinely relieved.

"Then I'll leave Lina in your hands," she said.

Watching this harmonious little family, Elara felt like an awkward outsider. She excused herself, claiming she needed the restroom, and slipped out.

Nanette didn't try to pick a fight with her this time—probably because, for once, she and her daughter had won.

In a single night, Elara was suddenly on the losing side, and she had no doubt the next couple of weeks would be full of trouble.

A fresh wave of exhaustion crashed over her, making her head throb dully.

She splashed cold water on her face, debating whether to text Brian and say she wanted to leave. But just as she took out her phone, she spotted Lina sitting in the hallway, crying quietly.

Elara considered taking a different route to avoid her, but then she heard Brian's voice.

"So this is where you are."

Whatever the reason, she'd lost any desire to eavesdrop further. She turned and headed for the hospital exit.

Brian didn't notice her leaving, his voice as calm as ever.

"Everyone at home is fine. Don't let this weigh on you."

"Mrs. Vincent, are you and Mr. Vincent leaving now?" Yves Caldwell hurried over to Elara, his voice echoing down the corridor.

Brian's attention snapped toward them.

Elara took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed.

"I'm a bit tired. I'd like to go home. Could you let him know for me?"

Before Yves could reply, Brian abandoned Lina and strode over.

"If you're not feeling well, you should have said something. Let's go home now."

He slipped out of his coat and draped it over her shoulders, an old habit. The crisp scent of cedar surrounded her, and Elara felt as if a thousand ants were crawling down her back.