Chapter 30: Dying Again

    Her words came out too quickly, and she made sure to look at Nnenna, waiting for some kind of approval. But Nnenna, still quiet, didn''t show much emotion in return.

    Somto studied the situation carefully. He could sense the tension in the room, the heavy silence that followed her words.

    Queen Chioma''s smile faltered just slightly, and it didn''t take much for Somto to realize that her excitement over the gifts was feigned.

    She wasn''t pleased at all with the way her children had acted, but she was doing her best to maintain a facade of civility.

    The fact that she emphasized the gifts so much, almost too much, made it clear that something wasn''t right. Somto''s suspicions deepened.

    Nnenna finally decided to follow Queen Chioma''s lead and replied, "That''s right," her tone calm but measured. The scene before her didn''t quite match the words spoken, but she chose to go along with it, for the sake of the situation.

    Somto, who was still standing silently at the back, could still feel the tension in the room, but he didn''t show any emotion.

    His thoughts raced, but he decided to hold off on speaking for now. The contradictions weren''t lost on him, but he would bide his time.

    Turning to Nnenna, Somto continued, "Alright, that''s why we''re here. I spoke to the director, and since you still have physical therapy to complete, you''ll be staying here for a while.

    After that, you can go back home." His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to the frustration he had shown earlier.

    "I''m glad you''re doing well," he added, trying to ease the tension, but his words were laced with a quiet concern. "Just... don''t talk to strangers anymore.

    You never really know who they are. If they don''t have a proper name, avoid them. It''s better to avoid unnecessary risks."

    "We need a doctor!" Somto''s voice cut through the panic like a blade, commanding immediate attention.

    As soon as he put down the phone, he rushed toward Nnenna''s side. With steady hands and focused movements, he tilted her head slightly and checked her pupils.

    The tremors in her body made it impossible to do much else without proper equipment or the presence of a professional.

    "Stay with me, Nnenna," he said softly, his voice carrying a rare note of warmth and urgency. Despite his frustration with her earlier behavior, there was no hesitation in his care for her now.

    He cursed silently under his breath. "A dose of lorazepam or even diazepam would stop this in seconds. But I can''t administer it. It''s not just illegal, it''s dangerous without the right tools and dosage." His knowledge of medicine was extensive, but the law and his own moral compass bound his hands.

    Instead, Somto focused on what he could do. He held Nnenna''s shoulders firmly but gently, ensuring she wouldn''t hurt herself further while convulsing.

    His calm demeanor gave the others a sense of stability in the midst of their shared panic.

    The seconds stretched into eternity. Finally, the sound of hurried footsteps in the corridor signaled the arrival of the medical team.

    Relief coursed through Somto as he stood back, allowing the professionals to take over. He moved to the corner of the room, his elegant posture betraying none of the tension simmering beneath the surface.

    As the nurses and doctor stabilized Nnenna, the rest of the family finally began to stir, their masks of concern firmly in place. The queen, ever the actress, rushed to Somto''s side.

    "Thank you, my son. You acted so quickly. If it weren''t for you—" she began, her tone dripping with maternal pride that felt hollow to Somto.

    He didn''t respond, his sharp mind already piecing together what could have caused the seizure. But as he glanced at Nnenna, her fragile state only deepened the mystery. ''Could this be natural, or had someone—?''@@@@