Chapter 5

When Cora woke up again, she was in the hospital with a thick bandage wrapped around her waist. The ward was far from quiet. Ella was locked in a furious argument with Axel. At Cora's bedside, Louise sat with her head bowed as tears dripped from her eyes. Her voice was a mix of restrained emotions and humility. "Ms. Spade, I didn't mean to… I didn't know massaging during an acute episode could cause paralysis…" "Paralysis?" Cora gasped. "Cora, you're awake!" Ella and Axel dropped their fight and rushed to her side. Ella quickly said, "Don't worry, Cora. Aaron performed your surgery, and it was a huge success. There shouldn't be any lasting effects if you get some proper rest." Ella's older brother, Aaron Welsh, was a world-renowned surgeon. "Isn't he in Molina?" Ella snorted. "He flew back as soon as he heard you were getting—" "Cora!" Axel urgently cut in. "Since the surgery went well and you're fine now, could you not press charges against Lulu when the police arrive?" "Police?" "Yeah, I called them," Ella proudly declared. "I heard everything—this bitch massaged your back while you were knocked out on meds and nearly paralyzed you. Isn't that attempted harm? And what was she even doing in your house?" Louise's tears were almost streaming as she said, "I-I'm Nolan's nutritionist, and I know a little massage therapy, but I never thought…" Cora shut her eyes and said, "Let the police decide." "Cora!" Axel's face flushed red in rage. "She apologized! Do you really have to drag her into jail?" "Mr. Jaeger, please don't… It's all my fault. Please don't fight with Ms. Spade for me." Louise swayed and nearly lost her balance. "Ugh, what a piece of work." Ella scoffed. Just then, the police arrived and asked, "Who's Ms. Leighton? Please come with us." Axel immediately pulled the pale-faced Louise close and played hero. "I'm going with her." Before leaving, he turned and shot Cora a furious glare. "You've disappointed me." Nolan, who'd been hiding outside the door, burst into the ward, crying and screaming when the police took Louise away. He threw a hard punch directly onto Cora's freshly operated back. A searing pain shot through the already agonizing injury, and it felt almost like that punch had shattered her back. Cora's face instantly lost all color as beads of cold sweat dotted her forehead. "Why did you tell the police to take Lulu away? You're an awful mom! You're a monster!" Nolan raised his hand for another blow, but Ella grabbed him by the collar and tossed him out of the ward like garbage. "Join your precious Lulu in jail, you little brat!" She turned back to find Cora with her eyes tightly shut, tears and sweat streaming down her face. "Are you in pain? Shall I get Aaron here?" "No," Cora whispered. Her face was ghostly pale as she could no longer tell what hurt more—her heart or her back. Ella looked apologetic as she said, "My mom is suddenly demanding that I go home tomorrow, so I can't stay to see you recover before we leave together." "It's fine," Cora said, shaking her head. "You've done a lot for me, and I'm grateful. Besides, I need him to sign the divorce papers before I can leave." Ella's expression shifted. She took a deep breath before pushing a thick folder toward Cora. "I had my men dig up everything on Axel, and I think you need to see this." The first few files were expected. Paul's assets exceeded 20 billion dollars and made him Stawford City's hidden wealthiest man, who'd ventured into the food, real estate, agriculture, and energy industries. Ella stole a glance at Cora's reaction before pursing her lips and commenting, "It looks impressive, but it's still far from our league." In the real estate section, several companies were familiar to Cora, an architect. Corestone Real Estate—the very client that had sent her to Auchendale for three years—was, unsurprisingly, wholly owned by Axel. Though mentally prepared, the sheer absurdity of it all made Cora laugh bitterly out loud. With every page she turned, the color drained further from her face. The final page was a simple summary of Axel's personal details. Cora's hands trembled uncontrollably, and her face was ashen as her eyes fell on the words "Axel Jaeger's marital status—single". It seemed that six years of their marriage had been a lie all along. "Cora!" Ella caught her as she collapsed and fumbled for the call button, yelling, "Doctor!" Cora's eyes were squeezed shut, and her lips quivered as she forced out, "Flight tickets… I want to leave right now."