Chapter 3 - The Miracle Patient
Three days later, I officially "woke up."
The doctors called it a medical marvel. My spine was fractured, but the cord was intact. With intense physical therapy, I would walk again.
When Derek and Sloane rushed into my room, I was sitting up, sipping water.
"Elena!" Derek cried out, throwing himself at my bedside. He grabbed my hand, his face the perfect picture of an agonizingly relieved lover. "Thank God. I thought I lost you."
I looked at him. I looked at the handsome face I had kissed, the eyes I had trusted, the mouth that had called my death 'freedom.'
It took every ounce of strength I possessed not to spit in his face.
Instead, I let a weak, confused smile touch my lips. "Derek," I whispered softly. "You're here."
Sloane was lingering near the door. She looked pale. The custom Chanel bag on her arm was new. Bought with my credit card, no doubt.
"Oh, Lena," Sloane sniffled, rushing forward to dab at her dry eyes. "We were so scared. I haven't slept in days."
"I know, Sloane," I said, my voice dripping with honeyed innocence. "I know exactly what you've been doing."
Both of them froze. A flash of pure panic crossed Derek's face.
"W-what do you mean?" Derek stammered.
I tilted my head, looking innocent. "Praying for me, of course. What else would you be doing?"
They both exhaled in unison. The relief in the room was palpable.
"Of course," Derek choked out, kissing my knuckles. "The doctor said you have some short-term memory loss from the trauma. Do you remember the accident?"
He was fishing. He wanted to know if I remembered the phone call where he lured me into the intersection.
"Everything is a blur," I lied smoothly. "All I know is that I want to go home. And I want to get married."
Derek's eyes lit up with greed. If we married, he would have direct access to the trust immediately, without having to wait for the lengthy probate of my death.
"Are you sure you're strong enough?" Sloane asked, her voice tight.
May you like
"Oh, absolutely," I smiled at my sister. "In fact, I want the wedding to be exactly a month from now. We won't change a single detail."
I looked at Sloane, holding her gaze. "I even want to make sure my dress is perfectly tailored. I wouldn't want anyone else wearing it."
