CHAPTER 95: 95. SILENT PROMISES

As James stepped out of the hospital, his footsteps carried a strange heaviness. He headed straight to the car park where he had parked his car, but something caught his attention, footsteps behind him.

When he turned around, it was Bernard. James halted, his face calm but curious.

"James," Bernard started, his voice firm, "I don’t like beating around the bush, so I’ll get straight to the point. What exactly is your relationship with Maria, and why did you come here?"

There was a sharp edge to Bernard’s voice, laced with a jealousy he could no longer hide.

James looked at him, completely unbothered. "Bernard, I don’t owe you any explanation. I came to see a sick friend, and thankfully, she’s fine now."

His words were firm, unapologetic, and they hung in the air, challenging Bernard’s authority.

Bernard clenched his jaw, his fists tight at his sides. "Let me make this very clear. Whatever you have going on with Maria ends now. I won’t warn you again."

James met Bernard’s harsh stare with an unreadable expression. He said nothing more, simply smiled, turned around, and got into his car.

Without another glance, he drove off, leaving Bernard standing there, seething with frustration.

Bernard stayed frozen for a moment, his face darkened with anger, before he slowly made his way back to the hospital reception.

By the time he arrived, his expression had shifted to one of happiness, hiding his earlier rage.

As soon as he reached the reception, Cassandra spotted him and immediately hugged him tightly, her face glowing with joy.

Bernard wrapped his arms around her, forcing a smile, and when his parents saw the two of them smiling together, Beta Gilbert and Victoria exchanged knowing glances and soft smiles.

Moments later, the doctor appeared from his office and approached them.

"We’ve placed Maria on some medications now," the doctor said gently, "She’ll probably sleep for the next two to three hours. When she wakes up, she’ll need a homemade meal—nothing heavy, something light with little spice."

"Thank you, doctor. I’ll take care of that myself," Luna Victoria responded with an unexpected warmth and eagerness.

Cassandra stared at Victoria in disbelief. She knew that Victoria was never fond of Maria. Seeing her act so kindly now left Cassandra wondering if perhaps the woman was finally beginning to soften toward Maria.

’Maybe she’s finally turning a new leaf,’ Cassandra thought, allowing herself a small, hopeful smile.

As the doctor walked away, Beta Gilbert and Luna Victoria decided to head home so Luna Victoria could prepare the meal herself.

Just as they were about to leave the reception area, they crossed paths with Laura, who was hurrying in, her face alight with excitement.

When Laura saw Beta Gilbert, she quickly greeted him with a polite bow. Beta Gilbert could only nod in return, trying to mask his sudden unease.

Something about Laura always made him tense.

Victoria noticed the stiffness in his expression. "Darling, is everything okay? You look... startled."

"Oh, me? I’m fine. Something just crossed my mind, that’s all. Don’t worry about it." Beta Gilbert forced a weak smile, brushing it off.

But as soon as they stepped outside and approached their waiting car, Beta Gilbert turned to his wife.

"Whenever I see Maria’s friend, Laura, I feel tense, almost afraid. There’s something about that girl. I think I need to find out more about her."

Victoria glanced at him, concerned but understanding. "Just be careful, darling."

He nodded, determined, as they both got into the car and drove off.

Inside the hospital, Laura finally met Cassandra, and they both embraced tightly, overwhelmed with happiness.

Laura greeted Bernard politely, and though they exchanged pleasantries, it was obvious they weren’t friends. Their greetings were formal, nothing more.

"Can I see Maria now?" Laura asked eagerly, her voice filled with anticipation.

"She’s asleep," Cassandra explained softly. "The doctor said we should let her rest. She’ll probably wake up in about two or three hours, so we’re waiting here until then."

"That’s fine. I don’t have anything urgent to do at home. I’ll wait with you," Laura said, settling into the seat beside Cassandra.

As time passed, Cassandra and Laura chatted about different things, but Bernard remained mostly silent, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Bernard turned to both of them, his question dropping like a stone in a still pond. "Are you two really that close to Maria?"

Both Cassandra and Laura froze, startled by the unexpected question.

"Why would you ask that?" Cassandra questioned him, her eyebrows knitting together.

Laura, however, calmly answered for him. "He’s asking because he’s trying to justify the guilt eating him up inside."

Bernard’s eyes widened in shock, and even Cassandra was taken aback by Laura’s boldness.

"Why would you say something like that to him, Laura?" Cassandra asked, her voice defensive.

"You don’t need to defend me," Bernard said quickly, then turned to Laura. "Please, why would you say that to me?"

Laura’s gaze was steady. "Because I can see the guilt in your eyes. You know you’ve treated Maria unfairly for years. We’ve been more than friends to her—we’re her family. Instead of questioning our closeness to her, you should be focusing on how you can make things right. Stop asking unnecessary questions just to soothe your conscience."

Her words landed hard, and for the first time in years, Bernard found himself completely speechless. No one had ever spoken to him that way.

After a long pause, Bernard finally said, his voice softening, "I’m sorry for asking. You’re right. I want to do better for Maria from now on. I promise to support her and make up for everything."

Cassandra was surprised at how Bernard handled the situation without anger. His calm apology left her quietly impressed.

’There’s something unusual about this girl,’ Bernard thought as he glanced at Laura, a curious smile forming on his lips. ’I need to find out more about her.’

Laura simply smiled back at him, fully aware of what he was thinking. ’He has no idea I can hear his thoughts clearly,’ she mused, enjoying the silent game between them.

---

Elsewhere, in a hidden room at a secret hideout, Elijah Simons sat comfortably until the door slammed open, and Jake rushed in, his face pale with worry.

"Jake! Why are you barging into my room like that?" Elijah growled, his anger flaring instantly.

"Boss, I’m sorry, but the news I just received is urgent!"

Elijah’s glare deepened. "What news could possibly make you forget your manners?"

"Boss... Maria is awake. She’s doing well."

Elijah shot to his feet, his heart pounding. The news rattled him more than he expected.

"What? Maria is awake?" His mind spun with panic as he clenched his fists tightly. "Damn it! This changes everything..."

His fury echoed through the room as Jake stood quietly, knowing better than to speak further.

Elijah’s nightmare had just begun...