Chapter 221
“Evelyn took a deep breath and managed a polite, “Thanks, Doctor,” before taking the medicine. Instead of heading home, she found herself driving to the hospital. She was wrestling with the heavy truth about Dahlia’s role in Charlie’s death. Who could she possibly tell?
Evelyn felt utterly alone. She was an orphan, her adoptive mother had passed away, and her closest friend, Adam, was off in some intense training camp. She couldn’t burden him with this. Adam had adored Charlie, and if he discovered that Dahlia had harmed Charlie on purpose, he’d confront her without hesitation. But if he went after Dahlia, it could ruin everything for him. Charles, after all, loved Dahlia dearly. If Adam harmed her, Charles would never forgive him. Adam’s dreams of winning next year’s championship would be shattered, along with any future competitions. Evelyn couldn’t let that happen. As for Brooks, their relationship was just surface-level, too shallow for sharing such deep secrets. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him, or anyone else for that matter. So, she bore the burden alone. Her heart ached with the need to seek justice for Charlie. It made her resent Charles’ blind favoritism and Dahlia’s cruelty. She was angry with herself, too, for feeling so powerless.
This helplessness was suffocating, like a weight pressing down on her chest. The psychologist had suggested finding someone to talk to, to let out the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. But the only person she could think of was Rosa, who lay in a coma in the hospital. Rosa had always been one of the few who truly cared for her. Rosa was in an unconscious state, and Evelyn didn’t have to worry about distressing her with the truth about Dahlia and Charlie.
At the hospital, Evelyn parked and went straight to Rosa’s room. Rosa lay there, still and silent, with no indication from Dr. Nelson on when she might wake. Marian, ever vigilant, noticed Evelyn’s pallor and asked, “Eve, are you worried about Rosa not resting well? Don’t worry, I’m looking after her.”
“I’m okay. I just missed Rosa and wanted to spend some time with her,” Evelyn replied, forcing a smile to ease Marian’s concerns.
“Can I have a moment alone with Rosa?” Evelyn asked.
“Of course actually have some
errands to run. I’ll leave her in your care. I’ll have the security guard ensure you’re not disturbed,” Marian said, understanding Evelyn’s need for privacy. en FindNovel
“Thank you, Marian.” Evelyn watched Marian leave accompanied by the nurse, as she instructed the guard to stand outside. Finally, Evelyn was alone and sat beside Rosa, holding her hand. Leaning over, she rested her cheek against Rosa’s weathered hand and whispered the words she couldn’t say when Rosa was awake. “Rosa, Charlie is gone.” Saying it out loud made the tears spill over. Evelyn still struggled to accept that Charlie was truly gone Every mention, every thought, every reminder of Charlie brought a fresh wave of pain, slicing through her like a knife.”