Chapter 23 Betrayal from the betrayer
Lionel's POv
Panic set in the moment I saw Mira lay in a pool of her own blood and quickly rushed her to the hospital, I called Lisa and asked her to meet me at the hospital. Mira was rushed into the theater as she had lost a lot of blood.
“Do it Doctor, do all it takes to save her, I'll cover the cost.” I said with a sense of urgency.
“We'll do our best.” He promised then proceeded to the operating room to begin the surgery.
The entire night, I stayed awake, not daring to sleep.
“What the hell happened to her? Who could've hurt Mom?” Lisa sobbed, afraid.
“I don't know. I got a call from her and when I got there, she was there. It was as if someone planned it all.” I lied, effortlessly.
There was no way I'd let her know I am behind this, it will only complicate matters further.
“Who would want to hurt her? She doesn't have any enemies or competitors? Have you called the police? The perpetrator must be caught and made to pay for this.”
I felt a twisted spin in my stomach, if the Police got involved, it would trigger a cabin of unpleasant discovery which would put everything I've worked for in jeopardy.
“No, this is clearly a targeted crime. I won't let the police get involved.”
“What? Mom almost died! If you weren't there on time she'd have been dead by now.” Lisa argued, I could feel her anger and frustration.
“The police are too kind. I'll catch whoever did this and make them pay, they might get away with it since the law is merciful but I am not.” I swore, putting on a fake act to make it look like I was serious about it and Lisa believed me, she let it slide.
Lisa slept off resting her head on my shoulders but I didn’t sleep, not because I cared that much about Mira but I was nervous and impatient. I had my doubts and fears, so many worse case scenarios played in my head.
Secretly, I wanted her to die, that way, my attack and the secret will die with her. When the Doctors finally came out of the operating room in the early hours of the morning, I gently left Lisa and didn't dare wake her up.
“How's she doing? Did she make it?” I asked, hurriedly.
“Her injuries were fatal and she has lost a lot of blood, because of this she had a suburban hematoma which prolonged the surgery. She made it but she's in a coma, hopefully she'll wake up soon.” The doctor explained and I secretly heaved a sigh of relief. That should keep her quiet for a while.
“Thabk you Doctor. Please do whatever you can to ensure she's fine.” I urged him.
He nodded and excused himself. I went back to Lisa and she was still sleeping, peacefully. I gently stirred her and she woke up.
“It's morning already Lisa. The Doctor are done, she's fine and stable but she's in a coma, hopefully she wakes up soon. She was badly injured, they tried their best.” I informed her, breaking the bad news.
Her eyes immediately swelled with tears. I pulled her in and hugged her, her warmth brought back memories, in the past, I craved for this closeness but it suddenly felt weird, as if it were uncomfortable and wrong.
She began to sob and I patted her back. A nurse approached us and informed us that we could see Mira. We followed her into the VIP ward where Mira lay. There were machines attached to her, she looked peaceful and pale.
Lisa broke into tears. “Mom, who did this to you?”
I held Lisa and urged her to stop crying, promising to take care of her. “I'm here for you Lisa, I promise you that she'll be fine.”
“Someone intentionally hurt her and I know exactly who did it, I'll make her pay for it!” Lisa swore, gritting her teeth, violently.
“Don't do anything drastic Lisa, who do you have in mind? Any disgruntled new rivals?” I asked, pretending to be invested in her words.
She sharply turned her gaze to me, wearing a look of certainty.
“Its that scheming bitch Rielle!” She spat.
I was taken aback by the sudden outburst, the accusation was fully blown out of proportion.
“What!”
“Yes, that two faced bitch probably did it as payback, I knew she is up to no good and I'll make her pay.”
“What are you talking about?”
“She's the only one with motive but don't worry, I'll take care of it.”
I didn't think too much of it and only comforted her further. After much pleading, I managed to convince her to go back home and prepare for work. She needed to show up since it's her chance to redeem herself for her sudden outburst.
“I'll stay here with her, go on. You can come visit in the evening. “ I convinced her.
“Thank you. What would I have done without you?” She said, appreciating me.
I smiled warmly at her retreating figure, wondering how
she'll react if she knew the truth. I turned my attention to the unconscious Mira, I took her hand in mine and let out a shaky guilt ridden sigh.
“You know, everything I've ever done was to protect Lisa and everyone should know that and cooperate with me but you had to threaten me with such sensitive information. It was never my intention for things to escalate to this point but you pushed me. I'm really sorry but I can't afford you ruining things, not when I'm trying to know who Rielle really is and Lisa's career is almost at it's peak. I'm sure you understand so hang in there okay?” I whispered, afraid someone might overheard.
I stayed a little longer then left, there was much work to attend to. When I was about to leave in my car, I caught sight of a retreating figure that had a striking resemblance to the CEO of BELLE but I dismissed it because what in the whole world would he be doing at such a hospital?