Chapter 64: An Unexpected Visitor.
Jane remained steadfast by Ella’s side in the hospital, determined to support her best friend through this trying time. She had taken a day off from work, fully aware that Ella needed every ounce of support she could possibly muster to avoid relapsing. The fact that Ella had turned to drugs without confiding in her first left Jane feeling disheartened, but she reminded herself that this wasn’t about her. There was a distinct possibility that whatever Ella was battling had nothing to do with their friendship.
Jane didn’t truly know what her friend was going through, and she chose not to press for answers. She believed that if it was something Ella wanted to share, she eventually would. Jane also recognized that some battles were deeply personal, requiring an individual to confront them in solitude before seeking help. This, she realized, was likely one of those instances.
The doctor had already assured them that Ella could be discharged later that day. Jane, however, found herself unable to sleep. She sat awake beside her slumbering friend, watching over her as the drugs were steadily being pumped out of her system. Fortunately, the procedure had caused no adverse reactions, a relief amidst the turmoil.
"Hey..." Jane greeted softly as she noticed Ella stirring awake. Ella had been getting plenty of rest, which was necessary, though she still felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. She couldn’t bring herself to share what had been troubling her with Jane, fearing it would tarnish the trust Jane so deeply held in her—or at least, that’s what she told herself. Yet deep down, Ella began to wonder if perhaps she didn’t have to shoulder this alone.
The fact that she had gone behind Jane’s back to reach out to Kyle revealed just how desperate she was becoming.
"Girl, you look like shit," Ella remarked, her voice teasing but faint. Jane couldn’t help but chuckle in response.
"You’re one to talk," Jane quipped, though their brief exchange was soon swallowed by silence.
"Jane... I’m so—" Ella began, her voice trembling with the weight of guilt, but she was promptly interrupted.
"It’s fine... No, actually, maybe it isn’t fine—and that’s okay," Jane replied, her voice steady but warm. She reached out to hold Ella’s hand, her gaze unwavering. "You don’t have to pretend to be okay. You never have to pretend, not with me."
Ella felt her resolve cracking as Jane continued.
"Good or bad, I’ll always be here for you," Jane reassured her, pausing for emphasis. "But please, don’t deny me the honor of being by your side. That’s all I ask. I’ll sit in the mud with you if I have to, but we’ll do it together, even if you can’t tell me what’s wrong."
For someone as composed as Ella, this was too much. Her walls crumbled, and the tears she had been holding back flowed freely. Yet, she wasn’t alone in her emotional release. Jane, overcome with empathy, began crying alongside her.
"Damn it," Ella sobbed, wiping at her face. "When did you get so good with words?"
Jane didn’t respond—not with words, at least. She didn’t need to. Ella realized, in that moment, just how wrong her approach had been. She had viewed Jane as someone fragile, someone in need of protection, but Jane had grown stronger—strong enough to support her in return.
Their moment was abruptly interrupted by a voice from the doorway.
"Well, this is emotional," the voice drawled.
Jane’s head whipped around, her expression shifting to one of surprise. She immediately recognized the speaker.
"Mike?" Jane questioned, confusion evident in her tone. She hadn’t called him, so why was he here?
Ella’s brow furrowed in equal bewilderment as her gaze flicked to Mike, who stood in the doorway holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.
"I heard you took the day off, Jane," Mike explained, stepping into the room. "I came as soon as I could. How are you both holding up?"
Jane was too stunned to be upset by his unexpected appearance. His gesture of support was oddly thoughtful, and truthfully, she could use all the support she could get.
"I can’t believe you came," Jane muttered, still processing the moment.
"Of course I did," Mike replied, his tone gentle. "I’ve always been here for you."
Ella, however, wasn’t so easily charmed. She narrowed her eyes, immediately suspicious of his motives. Mike’s interest in Jane was apparent, and Ella had no intention of letting him ruin Jane’s relationship with Kyle—a man Ella firmly believed was the best partner Jane could ever hope for.
Mike handed the flowers to Ella, who accepted them reluctantly. She placed them on the table beside her, masking her irritation with feigned politeness.
"How are you feeling?" Mike asked Ella, his gaze appraising her. "What did the doctor say was wrong?"
Ella forced a smile. "I’m fine, Mike. It was just a minor stomach ache," she lied, cutting off any opportunity for further questioning.
"You look as fit as a fiddle," Mike commented cheerfully, oblivious to her growing annoyance.
Ella rolled her eyes discreetly as he shifted his focus back to Jane. She could sense his attempts to capitalize on Jane’s vulnerability, and while it might seem harmless now, Ella worried about the long-term implications.
Before Mike could say anything further, a new voice pierced the room.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" the voice said, smooth and commanding.
Ella’s eyes widened in shock as she instinctively sat upright. Mike’s attention snapped away from Jane, drawn to the striking figure that had entered the room.
The woman was magnetic, her confidence radiating as she stepped inside. She wore dark lipstick that only accentuated her beauty, and if Ella was considered attractive, this woman was her dazzlingly upgraded counterpart.
"S-sister!?" Ella stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mike, meanwhile, appeared awestruck. He couldn’t believe how many beautiful women were now gathered in one room.
Jane, however, acted swiftly. She grabbed Mike’s arm, startling the much larger man as she guided him out of the room with surprising determination.
"Good to see you, Jane," the newcomer said smoothly, her gaze locking onto Jane.
Jane’s expression betrayed a mix of fear and unease.
"S-same here... Cleopatra," Jane managed to reply, her voice catching in her throat.
It was clear, even to Mike, that Jane’s feelings were far from mutual.
This raised an unsettling question: Who was Cleopatra, and why was she here?
A/N: New Character Picture Will Be Added By The End Of The Day.
