To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 89

Elara ended the call, her expression troubled.

"What's wrong now?" Summer asked.

"Nanette's test results are in."

Elara fell silent for a moment before adding, "I'll head to the hospital in a bit. Take my car home for me, will you?"

"Is Nanette really sick?" Summer's concern deepened as she studied Elara's face.

Elara didn't answer.

Summer couldn't help herself. "The Vincents only dare to push you around because you don't have anyone backing you up."

"Did you find me a place to stay?" Elara changed the subject.

Summer's eyes flickered. "Yeah, I found one."

There was an apartment downtown—good building, safe neighborhood, and the owner hardly ever lived there. Summer had picked up the keys just a couple days ago.

"Give it a once-over. If anything's missing, let me know and I'll send you the money."

"What about that big surprise you're preparing for Brian?" Summer pressed, curiosity piqued.

Elara just smiled, offering no explanation.

***

At the hospital, Elara stepped into the room. The first thing she saw was her husband standing by the window, his back to her. Nanette lay in bed, an IV in her arm, while Lina sat at her side, dabbing at her tears. Gareth's face was twisted in anger.

"Our mother practically begged Brian to marry you," Gareth spat. "She thought you were something special, that you'd be good for him and for the whole Vincent family. Turns out, you're nothing but trouble. Are you here to break up this family on purpose?"

Lina wiped her eyes and chimed in, her voice trembling. "Elara, Mom's test results are back. Her platelets really are low. Dr. Chamberlain's diagnosis is accurate. Please, stop doubting her."

Elara had already gleaned the truth from Dr. Caldwell's polite but cautious tone earlier.

"How reliable are these results, anyway?" she asked. "The samples weren't even handled properly."

Gareth exploded. "The lab was chosen by your own husband! Are you saying you don't trust him?"

Elara said nothing.

It wasn't Brian she doubted. It was Nanette and her daughter she couldn't bring herself to trust.

Gareth, seeing she had no reply, barked an order to Chuck.

"Dad," he said quietly, "if anyone's bone marrow will do, use mine."

"No!" Gareth thundered. "This woman disrespects her elders and sows discord between us. What do you even see in her, Brian? If you're going to keep taking her side, don't bother calling me your father."

"Brian," Lina pleaded, slipping her arm through his, "You and Mom aren't even the same blood type. Your bone marrow won't work."

Brian clenched his jaw, as if wrestling with an impossible decision.

Elara watched them—this family, perfectly in sync in their performance—and couldn't help laughing out loud.

"You've covered all the bases, haven't you? I know when I'm beaten. The weak bow to the strong."

With that, she turned and headed for the door.

"Elara!" Brian called after her.

Gareth's fury was palpable. "Brian, don't let me regret cutting ties with Ellis instead!"

Brian strode after Elara, the crease in his brow deepening. He gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I talked to the doctor. They'll only take a little," he murmured, his Adam's apple bobbing as he struggled for words. "Once it's over, get some rest. I promise, nothing will keep us from our anniversary dinner next week."