9

Elena's POV

I parked my car in the hospital lot, I fixed my transparent eye glasses as I stepped out. This wasn't where I expected to be today, but something in Lucas’s voice—desperation mixed with guilt—had pushed me here. I had to uncover Aurora's dirty secret.

I walked briskly into the hospital lobby, forcing myself to remain calm and focused.

I walked to one of the nurse in the outpatient department “Hi, where is Miss Aurora’s room?” I asked politely.

The nurse glanced at her computer. “Room 100.”

“Thank you,” I nodded and headed down the hallway, keeping my steps purposeful. When I reached Room 100, I took a deep breath before pushing the door open.

Inside, Lucas was sitting at Aurora's bedside, his hand wrapped around hers. As usual! His shoulders were hunched, his face filled with happiness as he saw me. Dr. Young was standing beside him, noting some things down on Aurora's hospital folder with a professionally detached expression.

“Elena! You’re here,” Lucas exclaimed, standing up as if a lifeline had just entered the room. “Dr. Young, can we do the bone marrow transplant today?”

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, let’s first take a sample to confirm a match.”

As he moved toward me with a tray, I put a hand up, stopping him in his tracks. “I’m not giving her my bone marrow.”

The room went silent. I could see the shock and disappointment ripple across Lucas’s face as he struggled to process my words.

“Elena, please,” he said, desperation lacing his voice. “If you don’t do this, Aurora might die.”

I watched as Aurora’s face turned pale, her lips quivering. She gave a pitiful cough, her gaze pleading as tears shimmered in her eyes. “If this is what you want, Elena… If you really want me dead…”

I tilted my head, watching her performance with a mixture of disbelief and disgust. “Are you sure you’re even sick, Aurora?” I asked softly, allowing a hint of sarcasm to seep into my tone.

“Elena!” Lucas interjected, his voice rising in frustration. “It’s just a bit of bone marrow. It won’t hurt you. You could save her life!”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “First it was my blood, and now it’s my bone marrow. When will you finally open your eyes, Lucas? She’s been lying to you!”

“It’s… it’s okay, Lucas,” Aurora whispered weakly, her eyes filled with feigned sadness. “Elena hates me… She probably wants me dead. Maybe Dr. Young can find another donor…”

Lucas’s eyes darted between us, and he took a step closer to me, his voice softening. “Elena, please…”

“Lucas, stop.” I held up my hand. “Aurora, save your crocodile tears.”

Then I turned to the door. “Dr. Nelson!” I called out, watching Lucas’s confusion deepen. A new doctor entered the room, a man with a calm demeanor and sharp gaze. As soon as he stepped in, Dr. Young visibly paled.

“Professor Nelson?” Dr. Young stammered, looking like a deer caught in headlights. “I thought… I thought you were out of the country.”

Dr. Nelson nodded with a polite smile. “Hello, I’m Dr. Nelson, chief surgeon at this hospital.” He turned toward Aurora, who stiffened under his gaze.

“What… what is this, Elena?” Aurora stammered, her voice laced with panic.

Dr. Nelson ignored her, addressing Lucas instead. “Mr. Lucas, I reviewed Miss Aurora’s records and test results myself. I’m sorry, but she doesn’t have leukemia.”

“What nonsense are you spewing, you quack?” Aurora spat, panic flaring in her eyes. “Dr. Young diagnosed me with leukemia!”

Dr. Nelson narrowed his eyes, his voice turning sharp. “Dr. Young, I taught you medical ethics back in school. I’m very disappointed in you.”

He turned to me, his expression softening. “Elena, it’s good to see you again. Unfortunately, I have to run now for a seminar, but don’t worry—your friend is perfectly fine. Not only does she not have leukemia, but she doesn’t have any form of cancer or blood issues.”

He gave me a reassuring nod before leaving the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, an uncomfortable silence settled in.

Lucas’s face was a mask of shock and betrayal as he turned toward Aurora. “What… what’s going on here?”

Aurora’s eyes darted around frantically, searching for an excuse, any excuse. “He’s lying! Dr. Young, tell him he’s lying!” she cried, her voice shrill.

Dr. Young looked down, shame painting his face. “I… I’m sorry, Mr. Lucas. I… I should have never lied all these years.”

“All these years?” Lucas repeated, his voice thick with hurt and confusion. He turned to look at Aurora, and the realization started to dawn in his eyes.

Dr. Young cleared his throat. “Miss Aurora… she’s not actually sick. She… she’s been—”

“Shut up!” Aurora screeched, her face twisted with fury. But it was too late. The truth was out, and there was no going back.

Lucas’s hands balled into fists at his sides as he stared at her, betrayal darkening his expression. “You… you lied to me?” His voice was barely a whisper.

Aurora scrambled for words, her eyes wide with fear. “No! No! Lucas, please, it’s not what it looks like. I was set up! Believe me!”

I crossed my arms, letting a smirk slip onto my face. “Save it, Aurora. Your little scheme is over.”

Lucas turned back to me, his eyes filled with regret. “Elena, I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I should have trusted you…”

“Oh, now you’re sorry?Ok, you two have fun, please, don't call me again!"

” I arched an eyebrow, keeping my voice steady and left them. Lucas ran after me to the car.

“Just give me a chance to make it up to you,” he pleaded, his eyes desperate.

“And how do you plan to do that, Lucas?” I asked, amused.

He swallowed, looking almost vulnerable. “We… we could get married again. I’ll give you as much money as you want. Be mine again.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “You really think marrying you is some kind of prize for me, don’t you? Wake up.” I shot back, shaking my head. With one last look, I rolled up my car window and pulled away, leaving him standing there alone in the hospital parking lot.

For the first time, I felt satisfaction. Lucas had finally seen the truth. But it was too little, too late. They will all taste my wrath!