Chapter 25

Eliana soon found herself being roughly pressed against the bathroom wall by Aidan, who was pinning her down with one hand and spraying water in her face with the showerhead with his other hand - instead of trying to put up a fight against him, the former closed her eyes and endured the humiliation that the latter was putting her through. I had to endure being sprayed in the face by high-pressure water guns during my time in prison - this is nothing. Even though Eliana wasn’t struggling or trying to put up a fight against him, Aidan couldn’t help but still feel annoyed by the former’s lack of reaction - he grabbed her violently by the scruff and pulled her towards himself as he spat through his clenched teeth, “You’re so filthy that no matter how much you’re washed, you can never be washed clean - Eliana, oh Eliana, you’re rotten to the core.” Although Eliana was hurt by Aidan’s harsh words, she gritted her teeth and did not say anything in response, continuing to put up a strong and brave front and acting as though she wasn’t at all affected by the latter. This infuriated Aidan even more - the former grabbed her forcefully by the chin as he sneered, “Don’t you ever mention the word ‘prison’ again - don’t say that I didn’t warn you. If you ever mention that word again...just wait and see what would happen to your father. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.” He then threw Eliana roughly against the wall before turning to leave the bathroom - as soon as she was released and hit the wall with her back, the latter slid down limply and weakly as though she was a broken ragdoll that had just been cast aside. As soon as she was sat on the ground, Eliana hugged her knees and rocked herself back and forth, trying to ease and comfort herself - No, Eliana. Don’t cry - don’t you dare cry over that bastard. It’s okay - everything is fine. It’s okay… … Eliana did not see Aidan for the next few days; one of the nurses had informed her that the latter was busy looking after Laura after the ordeal that she’d suffered. The nurse swooned over Aidan for being such a caring and doting significant other to Laura...she praised him for being such a wonderful and reliable man… As much as she hated both Aidan and Laura, Eliana couldn’t help but feel bitter at this - she couldn’t believe that she’d wasted her youth away falling for the former. She had no idea what she’d seen in him back then. If only I could turn back time...I would’ve warned my younger self not to fall for Aidan Nelson - he’s a ruthless, despicable, and treacherous man. But it’s too late - the damage has been done. … Aidan received a call from Travis while he was working one day - the former immediately left his office for the hospital as soon as he’d gotten his friend’s call. When he arrived at Travis’ office, the latter offered him a cup of coffee as he greeted, “Ah, Aidan - long time no see,” he paused for a moment before he continued, “So, where have you been over the past few days? I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.” “Well, I’ve been busy with the company - there has been quite a lot of matters to handle lately,” Aidan replied curtly, “So, why did you call me over? Do you have some news for me?” Travis retrieved a document from his desk before handing it to his friend - “I’ve managed to get a suitable liver donor for Miss Collins - here is some information about this person.” “Are you sure that this person is a suitable liver donor?” Aidan asked. “Yes, he has the same Rh-negative blood type that Laura has - I’ve reviewed this person’s information and have concluded that there shouldn’t be a problem going ahead with the procedure. All we need to do now is to hunt this person down and offer them an incentive - this is for you to deal with.” Travis replied. “Have you contacted this person?” Aidan questioned further - even though he tried his best to hide his feelings, as he usually would, he couldn’t help but smile faintly, as though he finally had some hope about the situation. “Yes, I have - I expect that we would receive a response soon.” Travis grinned. As Travis sat back down, he couldn’t help but add, “I must say, I’m pretty curious - who would you have chosen to give up had I not been able to find another suitable liver donor for Miss Collins? Miss Collins...or Miss Harvey?” Instead of replying, Aidan sent his friend a cold and icy glance. Seeing this, Travis couldn’t help but scoff, “You didn’t dare to think about it, did you? After all, one of them is the woman whom you’re grateful to...while the other is the woman whom you truly love…” “Travis,” Aidan interrupted in a warning and low voice, “Didn’t I tell you that I’ve never loved her?” “So you’re willing to give her up?” Travis retorted, chuckling slightly as he did so - as much as his friend refused to admit it, the former was well aware of the true care and concern that Aidan had for Eliana. “I am.” Aidan replied without hesitation - Travis was stunned. This man, really...why won’t he just admit it already? It’s clear that deep down, he still loves and cares about her...even though he acts as though he detests and hates her to the core...I know that he still cares about Eliana. Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Travis called out. The door swung open to reveal Travis’ assistant, who proceeded to rush in - he bowed respectfully before informing with urgency in his voice, “Travis, I’m here to inform you that there’s something wrong with the alternative liver donor whom we’d found.” Aidan and Travis’ faces immediately changed at this unexpected piece of news. “What’s the matter?” Aidan asked, unable to hide the anxiety and concern in his voice.