Chapter 5

When Suzanne awoke again, she was in the hospital. Her body felt heavy, wrapped in layers of bandages. Stitches ran across her forehead, and one of her arms was immobilized in a cast. She opened her eyes to a white ceiling and the sharp scent of disinfectant. Then, she saw Spencer, Mason, and Imogen. Imogen's eyes were red, as if she had been crying. The moment she noticed Suzanne was awake, guilt and concern emerged on her face. "Suzanne, you're finally awake! Thank goodness! I'm sorry—I'm so sorry. It's all my fault for not keeping an eye on Viv and the rest. "I've already given them a harsh talking-to. They promised they'll never treat you like that again! Please don't be angry with me. Just focus on your recovery." Spencer stepped forward and gently held her uninjured hand, his brows drawn tight. "Suzie, how do you feel? Does it hurt anywhere? "The doctor said you have a fractured left leg, a cracked rib, and multiple soft-tissue injuries... This is all my fault. I should've protected you." Mason leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets, still wearing his usual carefree look. His tone, however, was grim. "Suzanne, it was an accident. Don't worry, the driver who hit you has been caught. "He was drunk-driving; he'll be sentenced however the law dictates. As for those women, Immy will make sure their families discipline them as necessary." Their voices overlapped, full of concern and sympathy. It was as though they genuinely cared for her and were standing up for her. As Suzanne's eyes darted between them, taking in the carefully crafted worry in their eyes, a chill spread through her. She said nothing but withdrew her hand. Spencer paused, surprised, but didn't challenge it. "Get some good rest. Don't dwell on it." Just then, both his and Mason's phones started ringing. They answered and listened briefly. Within a few seconds, their expressions grew serious. Imogen stepped in smoothly, her voice gentle. "Spencer, Mason, if something's come up at work, go handle it. I'll stay here and take care of Suzanne." Spencer glanced at Suzanne, who had her eyes closed in silence, then at Imogen. Ultimately, he nodded. "Alright, I shall leave Suzie in your capable hands then, Immy. I'll be back once I'm done." With that, he and Mason left in a hurry, leaving Suzanne and Imogen in the ward. At first, Imogen did behave like a regular caretaker. She cut fruit for her, tucked her in, and spoke softly. She was the epitome of a considerate, well-bred lady. Suzanne kept her eyes shut, ignoring her. After a while, Imogen rose to her feet. Suzanne heard the sound of flowing water, then Imogen's footsteps returning. "Suzanne, have a drink," Imogen said from her bedside. "No need. I'm not thirsty." Suzanne's voice was hoarse but firm. Imogen's tender smile thinned. She glanced at the glass of hot water, then at Suzanne, and the corner of her lips curled into a vicious arc. "But the water's already been poured. If you don't drink it, it'll get cold." Before the words finished leaving her mouth, she flicked her wrist and flung the entire glass of boiling water straight onto Suzanne's bandaged left hand! The scalding water soaked through the gauze and seeped into the wound. At once, pain seared through her body. Suzanne screamed in agony as her whole body convulsed. In an instant, her face turned deathly pale. Imogen, however, stood holding the empty glass with a smug look on her face. Her eyes were overflowing with malice and cruel satisfaction. "Suzanne Trent, do you really think Spencer likes you? Stop fooling yourself. He and I grew up together. "The bond we built over the years isn't something you can ever replace. You're just a woman who's popped out of nowhere. Sooner or later, he will abandon you and come back to me!" As she spoke, she reached for the kettle nearby. Her intentions were clear—to use up the remaining water as well! Suzanne watched the steam rise from the kettle. Faced with the undisguised hostility in Imogen's eyes, her instinct for survival overpowered all else. She swung out her still-functioning hand fiercely and shoved Imogen's arm. Imogen hadn't expected resistance from the severely injured Suzanne. Caught off guard, she staggered backward, slipped, and crashed heavily onto the floor. The kettle flew out of her hand and hit the ground with a bang. Hot water splashed outward. Imogen cried out in pain. It looked like she'd taken a bad fall. At that very moment, the door to the ward shot open. Spencer and Mason had returned for something they'd forgotten. When they saw the scene before their eyes, both of the men froze. "Immy!" Mason's face fell. He rushed over straight away, helping Imogen up. "Are you okay? Where did you hurt yourself?" Spencer strode forward briskly. "What happened?" Leaning into Mason's arms, Imogen burst into tears. She pointed at Suzanne, her accusations laced with a mix of grievance and fury. "Spencer! Mason! I was just being kind and pouring her a glass of water. She said it was too hot, so I told her I'd let it cool down. Then, she suddenly lost her temper and pushed me! "Look at my hand! It's all red from the burn! She shoved me to the ground! My back... It hurts." She had the truth all twisted! Suzanne trembled with rage. The throbbing from her injuries left her clammy with cold sweat. She desperately wanted to explain. However, the cold, scrutinizing look in Spencer's eyes told her he wouldn't believe her at all. Then, she remembered what she had done earlier, out of fear that Imogen might pull something funny. She had secretly turned on her phone's recording function. It was propped up beside her pillow, with the camera angled toward them. Gritting her teeth, she reached under the pillow with her trembling right hand and pulled out her phone. She fetched the video, pressed play, and turned the screen toward them. The recording clearly captured everything, from how Imogen deliberately splashed Suzanne with boiling water, to how she hurled vicious insults. And how Suzanne had been forced to defend herself. By the end of the video, Spencer's features had contorted into a dark scowl. He turned to Imogen, who was still sobbing in Mason's arms, his voice as cold as ice. "Imogen Steele, explain yourself!" The color drained from Imogen's face when she saw the footage. Yet, she quickly lifted her chin, defiant. "Explain? What's there to explain? Spencer, it's clear you and I used to like each other. "Why have you now chosen a woman like her? You're the one who owes me an explanation!"