Chapter 13

Vanessa sat at Elliot's bedside in the Lowell residence, her face etched with concern. She had heard about what had happened at the birthday celebration, and her heart ached as she gently clasped his hand. "Eli, why would you do this to yourself?" she asked. The man lying in bed was covered in injuries, his gaze hollow and unfocused. "I owe Rena this. I was wrong," Elliot murmured. His eyes were lifeless. This was the first time Vanessa had ever seen him this way. Since they were young, he had always carried himself with pride and even arrogance. But now, surprisingly, he was utterly broken over a woman. "Even if you were wrong, we can still fix this, Eli. We can give her money, get her the best doctors, and support her for life!" Vanessa's words made Elliot hesitate, his expression flickering with confusion. He turned to her, his gaze uncertain. "We?" Vanessa's heart tightened. "Eli, you told me that once this was over, we'd be together… that we'd get married." An inexplicab