With a weary sigh, he decided to wait for a calmer moment to share the news. In the medical ward, Sandra reclined on the cot, her complexion pallid and worn after the blood sampling.
Elijah positioned himself beside her, his brow knitted with concern as he handed over a diagnostic report. “Here’s the analysis. Everything is fine—but you really need to avoid straining yourself like that again.”
Sandra’s lips curled into a teasing pout, about to chide him for the delay in bringing the report. However, noticing the distant look in his eyes, she paused.
The uncertainty of her standing in Elijah’s life since her return weighed heavily on her thoughts.
Additionally, she grappled with the apprehension that Elijah might feel deceived by her and Sophia’s covert tactic to replace Elizabeth’s role.
With a nervous nibble on her lower lip, Sandra softly addressed him, “Elijah?”
“What is it?” Elijah’s tone was sharp, his gaze snapping to her with a hint of anxious interest.
Concealing her unease with fabricated worry, Sandra murmured, “I realized today that the other candidate the director considered was Ms. Elizabeth. Do you think she might assume I deliberately competed with her? I regret not clarifying earlier. When Sophia approached you for assistance, I should’ve intervened…”
Her voice trailed off into silence, burdened by remorse.
After a brief hesitation, as though reaching a painful realization, Sandra began to weep. “I’m sorry, Elijah. I never wanted you to quarrel with her. I can relinquish this role. Other opportunities will come my way in the future. As long as it means you two won’t argue over me…”
Elijah’s features softened, his expression easing into something warmer at her words.
With a gentle motion, he tucked a stray strand of Sandra’s hair behind her ear, his lips curving into a small, reassuring grin. “You’re overthinking, Sandra. The disagreements between Elizabeth and me aren’t your concern. Concentrate on your recovery and stop stressing over this. I assured you this role, and I intend to keep that promise, irrespective of Elizabeth’s involvement.”
Sandra’s smile flickered through her tears. “Elijah, you’re overly generous to me. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. But still, I can’t shake this feeling of accountability for the misunderstanding with Ms. Elizabeth. Maybe you should converse with her? I wouldn’t want this to escalate because of me. I’m accustomed to managing such matters; I’ll be fine soon.”
“She’s merely caught up in the theatrics for now. Don’t let it trouble you,” Elijah reassured her, though the thought of Elizabeth’s recent defiance brought a frown to his face and a slight throb to his head.
