To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 90

Elara let out a mocking laugh and walked away with Chuck.

Brian's hand, hanging at his side, curled into a fist.

For the second time, she was led to the phlebotomy room.

The nurse said nothing, just brought in the tray for a bone marrow draw.

Chuck pulled on a pair of sterile gloves. "Don't be afraid," he said gently. "I'll do my best to make it painless."

Elara didn't answer. She gazed out the window at the little birds fluttering by.

For those who let her down, she had nothing left to say.

"Ma'am, could you please lie on your side?" the nurse asked, reaching to adjust Elara's gown.

"How long do I have to stay in bed after the procedure?" Elara asked, her voice flat.

"About two hours, but to avoid any risk of bleeding, it's best if you stay overnight for observation," the nurse replied.

"I don't have anyone to look after me," Elara said. "Could you please bring me a glass of water and leave it by the bed? Thank you."

She rolled over, turning her back on them, her luminous eyes lost in thought.

Chuck's hand, poised with the biopsy needle, hesitated.

A moment later, he turned to the nurse. "Check her temperature first."

"Yes, Doctor."

The nurse took her temperature.

She was surprised by the reading. "Dr. Chamberlain, her temperature's 100°F. Protocol says we can't proceed with the bone marrow draw."

Chuck let out a relieved breath. "Then we'll have to wait. Please go inform the patient's family."

The nurse hurried out.

"I'm sorry, Miss Jules," Chuck said, genuine regret in his voice.

Elara gave a faint smile. "You didn't use your profession to hurt someone. As long as your conscience is clear, that's enough. Otherwise, no matter how many stray cats you rescue, you'll never calm your soul."

Chuck closed his eyes.

They both knew there was something off with Nanette's lab results—one couldn't say it, the other didn't know how to prove it.

Elara walked out of the phlebotomy room. Her bodyguard approached.

"Ma'am, Mr. Gareth asked you to return to the ward."

He knew he'd already pushed his son far enough today. If he went any further with Elara, Brian might never forgive him.

"Tell Brian not to worry," Gareth said stiffly.

Yves nodded, then turned to Elara. "Mr. Vincent has asked me to drive you to and from work from now on."

"She's supposed to look after her mother-in-law. Why should she be allowed to work?" Gareth protested.

Lina stood up. "Uncle, work is what my sister-in-law enjoys. Let her go. As long as she spends the rest of her time taking care of Mom, she's the perfect daughter-in-law."

Elara eyed Lina, suspicion creeping in. What was Lina scheming now?

In the end, Gareth relented.

But from that point on, Elara was ordered to stay at the hospital and look after Nanette, watched by two bodyguards. She was only allowed to leave for work.

That evening, as Elara filled a jug with hot water in the hospital's utility room, Lina appeared, leaning against the doorframe with a bright, knowing smile.

"Do you need something?" Elara asked.

There were no cameras in here; Lina dropped the act.

"My brother has a business dinner tonight. He'll probably have a few drinks. What do you think will happen if I wait for him at Platinum Bay, freshly showered and ready?"