Chapter 19
“Even though Uncle William rarely plays the good guy, Isn this level of concern a bit over the top?” Carter wondered.
By evening, Layla woke up.
The first thing she saw was an unfamiliar face, which started her. “Who are you?”
“Allow me to introduce myself,” the man sald with a polite smile. “I’m Levi, Willjam’s friend and his family doctor.”
He handed Layla a business card. “I also work at St. North Hospital. If you ever need help, feel free to reach out to ine.‘
Layla didn’t take the card. Instead, she responded softly, “don’t need it.‘
“There’s no need to avoid medical care, Miss Xander,” Levi said as he placed the card on the bedside table. “Life is precious–every day counts. You’re still young. Don’t give to so easily.”
Layla froze. “How do you know?”
“I’ve seen your medical report,” Levi said matter–of–factly
Before Layla could react, Carter burst into the room, scratching his head and looking guilty. “Sis, about the car accident… when you were unconscious, you had a medical checkup. I’ve actually known about your condition for a while.”
Layla was speechless and took a moment to process this information before furrowing her brows. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Carter lowered his head. “It’s your private matter. Since you didn’t mention it, I didn’t dare bring it up.”
“So…” Layla’s gaze shifted past Carter’s shoulder and landed on William. “The reason you’ve all been so kind to me–is it because you pity me?”
“No!” Carter waved his hands in a panic. “I’m nice to you because I genuinely like you! Purely, as a person!
“I didn’t bring up your condition because I didn’t want to treat you like a patient,” he added, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. “You’re my sister. Taking care of you is what I should do!”
“You definitely haven’t treated her like a patient,” William interjected coolly. “No sane person would take a sick person to a bar.”
Carter choked on his words, glaring at William. “Uncle William, I’m trying to have a heartfelt moment here. Can you not bring that up?”
A soft laugh broke the tension.
Everyone turned to look at Layla. She was smiling faintly, her expression much more relaxed than before.
“Thank you,” she said, her tone warm. “I was worried you’d kick me out if you found out about my condition. But now I see I don’t have to worry about that.”
“No one’s kicking you out!”
Relieved, Carter rushed to her bedside. “Sis, just stay here and don’t worry about anything. Levi can handle your treatment. You’ll get better, I know you will!”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 19
Layla shook her head gently. “Don’t confort me. I know my condition better than anyone. The fact that you’re willing to take me in is already more than I could ask for.”
“You should think it over carefully. Don’t be so quick to make up your mind,” Levi said calmly, casting a subtle glance at William.
With an unreadable expression, he added, “If someone is willing to give up on you, then you shouldn’t give up on yourself either.”
Layla didn’t quite understand what he meant and assumed it was just a doctor’s insistence that patients shouldn’t lose hope.
Her thoughts drifted to Sean, and she changed the subject. What about him?”
“He’s gone,” Carter replied angrily. “He’s the reason you fainted! I’ve already told security to make sure he’s never allowed into Luxe Villa again!”
Late at night, Sean staggered into his villa, reeking of alcohol. Xena rushed to meet him, her brows furrowing at the smell.
“Sean, you said you were coming to pick me up. Why are you back so late?”
Hearing her voice, Sean looked up and immediately noticed the dress she was wearing. His expression darkened.
“Take that off!” he snapped.
