Avenging Luna
Chapter 103: In The Sick Bed

Chapter 103: In The Sick Bed

Leila’s POV

I was lying in my hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air around me. The faint sounds of machines beeping steadily accompanied the muted conversations of nurses and doctors outside my door. Despite the white walls and bright lights, I felt a heavy weight pressing down on my chest, a mixture of guilt and determination swirling within me.

Drake had spent the night by my side, a silent sentinel in the darkness. He had held my hand, kissed my forehead, and whispered sweet nothings that tugged at my heart. I could feel the pain radiating from him through our mate bond, the fear that coursed through him like a relentless tide. It was overwhelming, and I wished I could ease his burden, but how could I? How could I confess that my sickness was all a charade, a ruse to unmask the villain who had dared to hurt my baby?

Just then, the door creaked open, and Nelly stepped inside, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she took in my state. "Leila!" she exclaimed, rushing toward me. "I heard about your condition. What happened?"

I forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. "Just a little complication, nothing I can’t handle," I replied, my voice light, though I felt the weight of my words pressing down. Nelly’s eyes searched mine, and I could feel her unease.

"Leila, you don’t look well. Are you sure you’re okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

I shrugged lightly, trying to keep my demeanor nonchalant. "I’m fine. Really. Just a little tired, I guess."

As I spoke, I felt a surge of pain ripple through our bond. Drake had entered the room behind Nelly, and the moment our eyes met, I could see the worry etched on his features. He walked toward me, his presence radiating warmth and love, yet his anxiety was palpable.

"Hey," he said softly, taking my hand in his. The touch sent a wave of comfort through me, and I couldn’t help but lean into him slightly. His eyes searched mine, and I knew he was looking for signs of weakness, for any hint of the truth.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

"I’m hanging in there," I replied, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt. I could see the strain in his shoulders, the way he clenched his jaw as if fighting back a storm of emotions.

Nelly watched us closely, her gaze darting between the two of us. "Drake, you’re being too hard on yourself," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You need to take care of yourself too."

"I’m fine," he replied, but I could see through his bravado. He wasn’t fine. He was scared, and the weight of that fear pressed down on me like a heavy blanket. I felt an intense wave of sympathy for him; the thought of him suffering while I pretended to be in danger twisted my insides. I wished I could tell him everything, but I couldn’t risk it.

"Leila, I wish you’d let me help you more," he said, his thumb brushing over my knuckles as he spoke. "I want to make sure you’re okay. I can’t bear the thought of losing you."

I could see the pain in his eyes, the depth of his love mixed with fear. Through our bond, I felt his emotions surge—fear that I might not make it, hurt from the thought that I had kept things from him, and a desperate longing to protect me from the hurt that had already been inflicted. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him that everything would be alright, but the truth was a knife lodged deep in my throat.

"I’m not going anywhere, Drake," I reassured him, forcing the words out. "I promise."

Nelly, sensing the tension in the air, cleared her throat. "You two really need to take it easy. Leila, you should be resting. And Drake, maybe you should get some fresh air?"

"Not a chance," he replied, shaking his head. "I’m staying right here."

The warmth in my chest flared as I watched him. Drake was always fiercely protective, but right now, he was leaning into that role more than ever. I felt like a coward for putting him through this— for making him worry while I played a dangerous game.

"You know," Nelly chimed in, trying to lighten the mood, "Drake has been a total softie since this all started. I think I saw him buy flowers and chocolates for you. Who knew he could be so romantic?"

I chuckled softly, grateful for the attempt to break the tension. Drake’s cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked down at our intertwined hands. "I just want to make sure she knows she’s loved," he said, his voice low but filled with sincerity.

Nelly smiled, and I could see her delight in seeing us together, even under these circumstances. "That’s sweet," she said, her gaze softening. "Leila, you’re lucky to have him."

And I was lucky—so lucky that it hurt. But there was a gnawing anxiety in my chest, knowing that I was deceiving him while he fought so hard for me.

"Drake," I began, gathering my thoughts. "I—"

"Leila, please. Just focus on getting better," he interrupted, his grip tightening on my hand. "I’m here. We’re going to get through this together, okay?"

I felt the warmth of his words wash over me, and I wanted so desperately to believe him. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t shake the fear of what lay ahead.

"Together," I echoed, forcing a smile even as the weight of my deception pressed heavily on my chest. I could feel Nelly’s eyes on me, her intuition keen, but I couldn’t let her see the truth. I couldn’t let anyone see.

As the three of us sat in the hospital room, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Drake’s presence enveloped me like a comforting blanket, but the fear of losing everything tugged at my heart. I couldn’t keep lying to him. I couldn’t keep pretending.

But as I watched him, his eyes filled with concern and love, I knew that the only way to expose Lily and protect my baby was to continue this charade.

I glanced at Nelly, and for a brief moment, I contemplated telling her everything. But the thought of her disbelief, of being painted as the villain once again, held me back. I would have to be strong and keep this act going.

As the hours passed and Nelly chatted with Drake, I felt their bond grow stronger as I silently suffered under the weight of my own secret. I could sense their laughter, their warmth, but I felt like an intruder in my own life. And yet, through it all, the bond with Drake flickered like a flame, even as I buried my truth deeper.

I closed my eyes, allowing their voices to wash over me, feeling Drake’s hand in mine, a steady reminder that even in the midst of my deception, I was still loved. But as the night wore on, I knew that I had to find a way to expose the real enemy lurking in the shadows before it was too late.

Lily’s POV

I couldn’t believe my luck. Nelly had just told me that Leila had contracted some rare, deadly disease. The moment the words left her mouth, I had to mask the smile that tried to spread across my face. Finally, the universe—or maybe the Moon Goddess herself—seemed to be aligning things in my favor. Perfect timing, really.

I schooled my face into a mask of concern as I looked at Nelly. "Oh, no, poor Leila," I murmured, placing a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "I just can’t imagine how hard this must be for her... and for Drake too." I made sure to sigh, a picture of remorse, as I shook my head slightly. "She’s so strong; I’m sure she’ll put up a brave fight."

Inwardly, I felt a surge of satisfaction. If Leila’s health was already failing, then all I had to do was sit back and let nature take its course. No more secrets, no more little tricks or plans to keep her away from Drake. This illness could do the work for me, leaving me the perfect opportunity to be the caring, supportive figure for him. When she was gone, I would be there, waiting to pick up the pieces.

I bit my lip as if holding back tears and added, "It’s just so tragic. Drake must be devastated. He really loved her, despite everything, and now... this."

Nelly nodded, clearly falling for my act. "Yeah, he’s heartbroken. He’s barely left her side. It’s just so strange; she was so healthy before, and now... all of this."

I almost laughed out loud. Healthy before? If only they knew. But I kept my face composed, my expression solemn as I nodded in agreement. "It’s terrible how quickly these things can happen. But if anyone can handle it, I’m sure Leila can." I leaned in closer, my voice low. "Do you think it might... you know, be serious? Maybe... life-threatening?"

Nelly gave a solemn nod, her eyes downcast. "Dr. Harry said it’s a very serious condition. He didn’t go into too many details, but it doesn’t look good."

The thrill that rushed through me was electric, but I held it in, masking my joy with the same sad look I’d perfected over the years. "That poor thing," I said softly. "I’ll visit her soon, bring her some flowers and maybe some tea to lift her spirits. I’m sure she’d appreciate it." I let my voice tremble slightly, putting on my best heartfelt tone. "I just want her to know she’s not alone."

Nelly nodded again, her face sympathetic. "That’s so kind of you, Lily. I’m sure she’d really appreciate a friendly face."

"Of course," I replied, patting Nelly’s arm. "I’ll always be there for her."

As I walked away, a sly smile crept onto my face once I was out of sight. The pieces were falling into place more perfectly than I could have ever planned. I had Drake’s trust, and now Leila’s tragic "condition" would clear the path forward for me even faster than I’d anticipated.