To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 84

When they reached the hospital, Lina was already looking much better, but Brian insisted she stay overnight for observation and arranged for her to be admitted.

Lina asked the doctor for a private room tucked away in a quiet corner, just in case Gareth and Nanette caught wind of what had happened.

Of course, she did this to show Brian that she was thoughtful and considerate.

But Brian barely reacted to her careful arrangements. He offered a few words of comfort, then hurried off without another glance.

Lina was taken aback. Did he really not believe Elara could ever be unfaithful?

…

When Brian returned to Platinum Bay, Mrs. Archer was waiting anxiously by the front door.

As soon as she saw him step out of the car, she rushed over.

"Mr. Vincent, if you're worried about word getting out about your argument with the missus, you could have spoken to her in private. There was no need to have her brought back like this. A misunderstanding can be cleared up, but if you let resentment fester, no amount of making up will help in the future."

"I never told anyone to bring her here by force."

Brian strode into the living room, only to find Elara sitting on the sofa, hands tied behind her back, surrounded by four bodyguards.

His temper flared immediately. "Who told you to tie her up?"

One of the guards stepped forward, head bowed. "Mr. Vincent, ma'am wouldn't cooperate."

Brian shoved him aside, moved to Elara, and began untying the ropes.

"She's my wife. She has just as much standing here as I do. What, if I refuse to cooperate next time, will you tie me up too?"

Realizing the gravity of their mistake, the guards scrambled to apologize.

Elara's arms ached. She shot a look at the guard who had twisted her arms at the mall earlier, all because Lina had told him to.

"Elara, Lina's been ill, so yes, I've spent more time with her lately. But no matter how jealous or angry you are, there are some things you shouldn't say."

"Jealous?"

Elara let out a bitter laugh.

"When your father knocked me down, you were holding another woman's hand. Your bodyguards only show respect to Lina, as if she's the lady of the house, while they treat me like a criminal. Tell me, Brian, how pathetic would I have to be to still love you after all this?"

Brian grabbed her arm, his eyes stormy with barely contained rage, though he managed to keep his composure in front of the guards.

He spoke through clenched teeth: "Stop making things up. Watch what you say and remember your place."

Elara wrenched her arm free, raising her sleeve to reveal bruises, her voice cold and steady.

"In your eyes, the truth is always made up, and the lies are what you choose to believe. Isn't that right?"