Chapter 4

Elena’s POV I woke up to the steady beep of a machine and the sharp sting of antiseptic in the air. My head throbbed as I tried to move. “Elena! You’re awake!” A voice broke through the haze. I turned to see May, my best friend. She was right beside my bed, eyes red and tears sliding freely down her cheeks. “That bastard,” she snapped, gripping my hand tightly. “How could Mark do this to you? Cheating on you like that, then going ahead with that shameless wedding. If I see him, I swear…” “May…”My throat felt dry. “What…how did you know?” She looked at me like the answer was obvious. “The news is everywhere. The wedding, the Thompson's wealth and power…all of it. I knew it would break you.” I swallowed as memories flashed back to me; the rain, the rogues, the kiss in Eric’s luxury car, and a scent that still lingered in my senses. My cheeks warmed despite myself. “I’m fine,” I said quietly. “How did you know I was here?” “The hospital called me.” She sniffed, wiping her face. “You listed me as your emergency contact. Thank God you did. When they said you collapsed, I almost lost my mind.” I nodded slowly. She didn’t mention anyone else. No Alpha. No man with electrifying eyes and a voice that still echoed in my head. I looked away and told myself not to be foolish. Eric was Bella’s brother and part of Mark's family now. He was a powerful Alpha. Someone far above my world. Whatever happened before I blacked out meant nothing and shouldn't have happened, like he said. May’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “I swear, Elena, I won’t let this go,” she said, her fists clenched. “Mark thinks he can humiliate you and walk away? We should plan a revenge he’ll never see coming. I already have a few ideas—he’d be completely ruined.” “Don’t,” I cut in quietly. She blinked at me. “Why not?” I looked at her, then turned away. “I don’t have the time or energy to plot revenge on Mark,” I said quietly. “It won’t change anything.” “That’s not true,” she snapped. “People can’t just treat you like trash and go scot-free..” “They can,” I said calmly. “Especially people like him.” May frowned. “What do you mean?” “Mark isn’t just Mark anymore,” I said. “He married into the Thompson family. He's now sitting on power, money and status. An ordinary, human girl like me doesn't fight people like that and win.” Her mouth opened, then closed. “And even if I tried,” I went on, “what would I gain? More trouble? A black mark on my record? I need my severance. I need a new job.” She stared at me like she was seeing me for the first time. “You’re… really okay?” I let out a short laugh. “Do I look okay?” “No,” she admitted softly. “This isn't you, Elena, you’re acting like this doesn’t hurt.” “It does,” I said. “But I don’t have the luxury to fall apart.” Her eyes softened. “Elena…” “I’m not a rich girl who can lock herself in her room and cry for months,” I continued. “I have bills. I have rent. I have a grandmother waiting for her treatment money.” May swallowed. “Your grandma…” “I need to send money home at the end of every month.” I said. “That doesn’t stop because Mark cheated.” She shook her head slowly. “You’re too strong for your own good.” “Not strong,” I said. “Just realistic.” I leaned back against the pillows. “If anything, I should be grateful.” “Grateful?” she echoed. “Yes,” I said. “At least I saw who he really was before I gave him more of myself. Before I wasted more years.” I forced a small smile. “A blessing in disguise.” May looked like she wanted to argue, to say something comforting or angry or reckless but before she could, the door opened. The doctor walked in, clipboard in hand. “Time for a quick check,” he said. May fell silent, but her eyes stayed on me full of things left unsaid. “Good morning, Elena,” he said. “How are you feeling now?” “Better,” I replied, though my head still felt heavy. “When can I leave?” “Soon,” he said with a nod. “You had a high fever and severe shock, but you’re responding well to treatment.” As he spoke, my eyes drifted around the room taking in the wide windows, the plush couch and the private bathroom. A slow dread settled in my chest. “Doctor,” I asked carefully, “this room… it looks expensive.” He smiled. “You’re in a VIP suite.” My heart skipped. “A VIP suite?” I pushed myself up slightly. “There must be a mistake. I can’t afford this.” “There’s no need to worry,” he said smoothly. “All expenses have been fully prepaid.” I froze. “Prepaid… by who?” The doctor glanced at his tablet. “Alpha Eric Thompson. He covered everything; your stay, medication and tests. Until you’re fully recovered.” The room suddenly heated up. “Oh,” was all I managed to say. The doctor gave a polite nod. “Get some rest.” Then he turned and left. Silence followed. May stared at me, mouth slightly open. “Wait. Eric Thompson? As in… Bella’s brother?” I looked down at my hands. “Yes.” Her eyes widened. “Elena, why didn’t you tell me you knew someone like that?” “I don’t,” I said quickly. “Not like that. He just… helped me. Some rogues attacked me, and he rescued me.” I tried to keep my voice steady and casual but my heart skipped. It wasn’t that simple. I knew it. There was something between Eric and me…or maybe it was only happening in my head. Still, a small ache settled in my chest. Eric wasn’t here. He hadn’t come to see me. If he had, May would have mentioned it. That alone should have been my answer; a boundary, clearly drawn. But why had he paid for everything? Was it guilt for what almost happened in the car? Or payment for silence? For his sister marrying the man who broke me? I closed my eyes, my thoughts spiraling. Whatever this was, I couldn’t afford to read meaning into it. Men like Eric Thompson never acted on impulse. And that troubled me more than if he had.