Chapter 2

Karen hadn't expected Serena to agree so quickly. She said, "You might be gone for a while. Are you really sure?" "As long as we can fix my legs, it doesn't matter how long I'm away," replied Serena firmly. Karen felt the weight lift off her chest. She sprung to her feet, ready to start preparing for their visa application. Just then, Serena called out to Karen. "Mom, don't tell Elliot about this just yet..." A second later, the door swung open, and in walked Elliot. "What is it you can't tell me?" Karen hurried off, while Serena lowered her head to hide the redness around her eyes. "It's nothing. Just something about my grandma." Fortunately, Elliot didn't suspect a thing. He brought in a dozen or so orthopedic specialists to carefully examine her injured leg. After the doctors had examined her, they all sighed in unison. "It's not a fatal injury, but since the ideal window for treatment has closed, full recovery will be tricky." Hearing this, Elliot pulled Serena into his arms, looking even more devastated than her, the actual patient. "Rena, even if you can't stand up again, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life. I'll always stay by your side no matter what happens to you. Be good and give me a little more time. I'll make our relationship public, and then we'll get married." She had heard such promises countless times over the years. But this time, she felt nothing as she listened to his steady heartbeat against her ear. There was no emotion or warmth, just irony. She no longer had the strength to play along with him. She closed her eyes to rest and said, "Eli, I'm tired." Elliot didn't think much of it. He tucked her in and then poured her a glass of warm water. On the outside, he appeared to be taking care of her attentively. A passing nurse happened to see the scene and couldn't help but exclaim, "What a rare sight—a tall, handsome man who knows how to take care of his girlfriend!" Serena listened silently but couldn't stop the tears from falling again. A man who would run over his girlfriend and break her legs was rare, too. Throughout her five-day hospital stay, Elliot never left Serena's side. From checkups to medication changes, from meals to daily care—he arranged everything for her meticulously. Yet, on the day of her discharge, he was nowhere to be found. Karen offered an explanation as she drove Serena home. "Rena, Vincent said they have guests visiting today, so Elliot went back early to host them. Don't blame him for not picking you up. He's not your real brother, after all. I'm grateful enough that he's accepted us into his family over the years. Hearing this, Serena felt tears sting her eyes again. Accepted? That wasn't true. Elliot had never accepted them. Instead, he sought revenge. He manipulated her into a relationship, toyed with her, and crippled her legs to annihilate her. She had been utterly deceived for six long years, never suspecting anything. The pain was unbearable, but she didn't want her mother to notice. She swiftly wiped the tears away. When they arrived home, Karen helped Serena into a wheelchair. While doing so, she updated her on the overseas treatment plan. "I've already started putting things together for your trip abroad. Your visa should be ready in about ten days. Rena, you'll get better—just hold on." Even upon hearing this, Serena remained emotionless, like a soulless puppet. That was until they entered the house, and she saw the woman sitting beside Elliot. Astonishment crept onto her face. Vincent Lowell stood up to welcome them and introduce their guest. "Rena, you're back! This is Vanessa Sinclair. She's the daughter of a friend of mine. Eli and Vanessa grew up together. She's just moved back to Ardenburg for work, so she came to visit." At one glance, Serena instantly recognized her. After all, her photo had been displayed on Elliot's bedside table for years. She had seen it numerous times and asked about it numerous times, only to receive the same response. "Just a childhood friend," was all he would say. But now, seeing Vanessa with her own two eyes, she knew that Elliot had lied to her again. His eyes were practically glued to Vanessa. Unable to bear the scene, Serena pushed her wheelchair toward her room. Before she could leave, though, Vanessa called out to her. "Ms. Lorne, I heard from Eli that you were in an accident recently. Was it serious? Is that why you're using a wheelchair?" The atmosphere in the living room went dead silent. Elliot's heart sank as he listened to Serena's calm but piercing response. With read eyes, she articulated, "I was in a car accident that left both my legs crippled. I can no longer stand." Vanessa's expression flickered with sympathy. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll recover. I broke my leg while dancing when I was younger. It was Eli who carried me to the hospital and saved my life. At the time, he was terrified I'd never be able to shine onstage again. He was absolutely frantic. Vincent, do you remember this?" Afraid of upsetting Serena, Vincent promptly chimed in, "Ah... yes, you two were inseparable as kids. You were basically one person. Your dad and I used to joke about arranging a marriage between you two. But then we moved back to Ardenburg, so that idea never went anywhere." Just then, Elliot abruptly cut in, his voice firm. "Dad, let's eat."