Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 53: Tumour

Chapter 53: Tumour

Chapter 53: Tumour

Callian sat by her bed, his fingers lightly held hers, his eyes filled with thoughts he wouldn’t dare voice aloud.

As he looked at her, some deep memories came back.

His brain drifted back to a moment long ago—when he was just a boy, clutching his mother’s hand as they visited Eira’s mother.

The scene played in his mind, so vivid and so warm.

Eira’s mother had been gentle, always speaking in a soft but strong voice as she looked down at him.

He remembered her words as if she were standing beside him now.

"Callian," she had said, bending to his level with a warm smile, "one day, if I have a daughter, I’d want her to be with someone strong, someone who would protect her no matter what. Someone like you."

Young Callian had felt his cheeks warm, surprised by her sudden words.

"I’ll protect her," he’d promised, feeling an odd sense of pride.

He didn’t fully understand it then, but her words had stayed with him. Her trust, her confidence—it was something he’d carried ever since.

As he blinked back to the present, the hospital room came into focus again.

Eira was in the same place, pale and peaceful, so unaware of the depths he’d gone to keep that promise.

Mita stepped inside, closing it quietly behind her.

She glanced at Eira, then at Callian, her eyes assessed.

"So, still playing the devoted husband?" she asked with a slight smirk, folding her arms.

Callian’s face hardened. "Not now, Mita."

"Why not now?" She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms tighter. "Seems like the perfect time. Eira’s unconscious, and here you are—sitting by her side like a hero. But we both know the truth."

Callian clenched his jaw, not meeting her gaze. "What do you want, Mita?"

"Oh, Callian," she purred, stepping closer. "I just don’t understand. You keep doing this dance, pretending to care about her. But let’s be real. This was always about power and control."

He shot her a sharp look. "You don’t know anything about it."

She leaned down, her face was inches from his. "Oh, I know plenty. I know that you didn’t just marry her for love. There’s more to it, isn’t there? Some little promise you made? Some bodies we’re hiding..."

Callian’s eyes blinked, and he turned away, but she pressed on.

"Come on, Callian. I can be whatever you need. You don’t have to tie yourself to...her," Mita gestured toward Eira in a dismissive tone.

"She’s soft, weak. You need someone strong by your side."

Callian finally looked up at her, his face impassive but his voice hard. "I don’t need anyone. Especially not someone who would mock her like this."

"One day, you’ll regret pushing me away. You think she’s going to stand by you when she finds out? When she learns what you’ve done? Don’t come back to me and beg to be your fiance again."

Callian’s voice was lower. "Mita, leave."

She raised her hands, feigning innocence. "Alright, alright. But remember my words, Callian."

Her eyes focused on him for a moment longer, and then she swept out of the room, her footsteps faded down the hall.

Eira stirred slightly, and Callian’s attention snapped back to her. Her eyelids fluttered, and after a moment, her eyes opened, hazy with sleep.

"Callian?" Her voice was soft, uncertain.

He squeezed her hand gently. "I’m here, Eira. How are you feeling?"

She blinked, trying to focus. "What...happened?"

"You fainted," he said in a gentle but worried tone.

"You’re in the hospital, but you’re going to be okay."

She gave a small nod, but her eyes wandered, as if searching for something else. Then her eyes settled on him.

"Callian," she began slowly, "how long...have you known my family?"

He hesitated, but kept his voice calm. "A long time, Eira. Even before you were born."

"Before I was born?" Her voice held a note of surprise, but also something sharper—something suspicious.

"Yes." He managed a small smile. "Your mother...she asked me to take care of you. She wanted you to be safe."

Eira’s eyes searched his face, and he could sense her doubt.

She tilted her head. "So, that’s why you married me? To protect me?"

He nodded. "At first, yes. But it’s become...more than that."

"More?" Her tone was unreadable.

Callian swallowed, choosing his words carefully. "I care about you, Eira. I care about your safety, your happiness."

She looked away, a shadow passed over her face. "Then why didn’t you tell me about it then?"

His heart skipped a beat. "Because...?"

"It doesn’t matter now...Liam is missing and the police were at our house."

"What?"

Eira turned back. "They came to the house. They gave me their card."

For a moment, he was silent, caught off guard. "I didn’t know that. Were they asking questions, but I guess it’s nothing you need to worry about."

Her eyes narrowed. "Is it really nothing? Or are you keeping secrets from me? Do you know where Liam is then?"

"I don’t..."

"It’s strange...Liam disappeared on the day when you woke up. How could this be possible?"

"Maybe a coincidence?"

"I don’t think so..."

The doctor disturbed their conversation. "Ahem, I’m sorry to come here this late. I’m doctor Ramirez, and came to report you some things."

"No, it’s okay," Eira smiled.

"You see, we ran some tests and we found a small tumour in your stomach."

A killing silence went through the entire ward.

"Wh-what? How is this even possible?"

The doctor continued. "Your stomach also suffered a lot of damage. We could’ve seen a bulimia’s impact, or anorexia’s?"

Eira glanced at Callian then back to the doctor. "I was a stubborn teenager, haha." She faked a laugh.

"I see. However, it has affected your body dangerously. We suggest you don’t wait too long and make an appointment for the surgery sooner."

"Can you not perform the surgery tonight?" Callian raised his voice.

"I’m afraid not. We will need to run some more tests to see some things."

"How is this not urgent?! Operate her now!" Callian stood up.

"Please, Callian..." Eira grabbed his sleeve. "Sit down. I need to talk to you."