Chapter 37

Travis shot a look at Aidan, which the latter ignored - Charlotte gasped as she chided, “Aidan, how could you say something so dismissive? You grew up with Ellie, for goodness’ sake - how could you just talk about her so casually as though you’re not the slightest bit concerned about her well-being?” “I didn’t say that I wouldn’t let her go with you,” Aidan retorted as he strolled over to Eliana’s bedside - he then looked at her indifferently and nonchalantly as he continued, “You heard my aunt - she says that she wants to take you away. Do you wish to go with her?” Eliana frowned - even though it seemed as though Aidan was giving her a choice, the former knew deep down that the latter was actually subtly threatening her...silently daring her to go...silently warning about what would happen to her father and brother should she choose to turn her back against him… As expected, Eliana didn’t dare to take up Charlotte’s offer in fear of what would happen to her family should she do so - and so, she looked up at the latter and said feebly, “Aunt Charlotte, while I appreciate your kindness, I’m afraid that I can’t take up your offer…for the time being.” “Ellie…” Knowing that was not what she actually wanted, Charlotte tried to reason with Eliana, only for Aidan to cut her off. “Aunt Charlotte, while I understand that you have a good relationship with the Harvey Family, don’t forget your allegiance to the Nelson Family - from now on, you shall know better than to try and meddle in affairs concerning her. You’d better not get close to her for your own good - she’s nothing but trouble.” “I’m not trying to meddle,” Charlotte argued, “I just don’t want either of you to regret anything in the future - after all, it’s clear that the two of you are still in…” Aidan knew what Charlotte wanted to say - after all, the latter was well aware of the true feelings that the two had towards each other. Alas, not wanting Eliana to hear her utter the word ‘love’, Aidan interrupted her - “I won’t regret any of my decisions.” he stated firmly. “Auntie…” Eliana started. She didn’t want Charlotte to turn against the Nelson Family all because of her. She then smiled at her reassuringly, “Auntie, it’s alright, I’m an adult,” she coaxed, “Don’t worry, I’ll be able to fend for myself and make my own decisions - thank you for coming to visit me today, I really appreciate it. I’ll be sure to visit you after I recover.” Alas, despite Eliana’s efforts to soothe her aunt, Charlotte couldn’t help but glance at the former in concern before turning to look at Aidan - she couldn’t believe that the two, who used to be so madly and deeply in love, had come to such a point in their relationship… Just then, Travis stepped forward and placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder - he smiled at her, “Alright, Auntie, I’ll be going off to do my rounds - why don’t you come along with me?” And so, Charlotte followed the former out of the room. As soon as she closed the door behind them, Charlotte pulled Travis to one side and asked him in a low voice, “Travie - what did Aidan mean when he mentioned his other aunt? What did she do?” Travis replied apologetically, “Aunt Charlotte, I’m afraid that it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speak about this matter.” Charlotte sighed, “Travie, I understand that you’re in a difficult position, but...don’t you think too that Aidan would come to regret it should anything happen to Ellie? I mean, look at her, she’d only narrowly escaped death - please, this is important to me. Tell me - I need to know what’s this all about.” Travis thought about it for a moment before he finally relented - “Aunt Charlotte, your older sister...we found out that she’d done something to sabotage Miss Harvey…” … Meanwhile, in the ward, Aidan was looking at Eliana, who had her eyes closed and whose face was as pale as a sheet - the latter seemed as though she was refusing to look at the former. Aidan couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at this - “You know, I didn’t think that you would be this stubborn,” he said haughtily, “I can’t believe that you wouldn’t die even with the horrendous condition that you’re in.” Just then, Eliana opened her eyes and stared straight at Aidan - “Yes, that’s right,” she agreed, “I’ve let you down, Second Young Master.” Aidan scowled, “I don’t care - I’m not disappointed. After all, whether you live or die does not concern me.” “Right,” Eliana muttered quietly - it’s true. Aidan doesn’t care whether I live or die. Either way, he would inflict torture and harm - on me if I live, and on my family, if I die. I shouldn’t be so bothered - I should’ve given up on him a long time ago. In that case, why do I still feel so...sad… Eliana pushed aside her thoughts as she spoke up calmly, “Second Young Master Aidan, I believe we had struck a deal - I gave my liver to you, just like I’d promised. So please - let my father go and sign a divorce settlement with me. I’ve done my part - it’s time that you do yours.”