Chapter 58

Chapter 58
My heart racing with worry. Xavier was admitted, and I wasn't allowed to see him. I had to know he was okay. I approached the nurses station again.

"Hi, I'm here to see Xavier," I said, trying to sound calm.

The nurse looked up at me, her expression sympathetic. "I'm sorry, ma. You're not allowed in. He's in a restricted ward."

My heart sank. "What do you mean? Why can't I see him? This is what they've been telling me since but they've been letting other people in." I yelled.

"It's hospital policy. Only family members are allowed in."

I felt a surge of frustration. "But I'm his...I'm his wife. He needs me."

The nurse shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mrs Presley. There's nothing I can do."

I pulled out my phone and dialed my father-in-law's number, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Hey, Dad. It's me. Avery. Xavier's been admitted to the hospital."

"Avery, what's going on?" he asked, his voice concerned.

"I don't know. They won't let me see him. Something about a restricted ward."

"I'll take care of it. Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital now. Please hurry."

"Stay there. I'll be right there."

I hung up, feeling helpless. Why wouldn't they let me see him? What was going on?

I paced back and forth in front of the nurse's station, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Finally, my father-in-law arrived, his face stern.

"What's going on here?" he asked the nurse.

"I'm sorry, sir. She's not allowed in."

He turned to me. "Avery, let's go talk to the doctor."

We walked to the doctor's office, my anxiety growing with each step.

What was happening with Xavier? Why was I being kept in the dark?

I felt like I was losing control, and it terrified me.
I wasn't allowed into the doctor's office too. It was like they placed a certain restriction on me.

I paced back and forth in the hospital waiting area, my mind racing with worries about Xavier. Where was my father-in-law? What are they discussing?

Just as I was starting to get really anxious, I saw him walk in, his face calm and collected.

"Dad!" I exclaimed, rushing over to him. "Thank goodness you're here!"

"Avery, calm down," he said, his voice soothing. "Let's go find the doctor. He's not in his office."

We walked to the nurses station together, my heart filled with hope. Finally, I would get some answers! The doctor was there giving orders to the nurses.

But when we got there, the doctor only spoke to my father-in-law, explaining Xavier's condition and treatment in hushed tones.

I tried to listen in, but they were speaking too quietly. Frustration and anxiety bubbled up inside me.

"Wait, what's going on?" I asked, trying to insert myself into the conversation.

The doctor turned to me, his expression sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Mrs Presley. You're not family. I can only discuss this with his next of kin."

My father-in-law nodded in agreement. "I'll fill you in later, Avery."

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to form. "But...but I'm his wife!"

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry. Hospital policy is clear."

I watched in disbelief as my father-in-law was allowed into the restricted ward, leaving me behind.

Denied access. Again.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Why was this happening? Why couldn't I see my own husband?

Tears streamed down my face as I slumped against the wall, feeling helpless and alone.

I sat in the hospital waiting area, tears streaming down my face, feeling utterly helpless and alone. My father-in-law emerged from the restricted ward, his expression stern and worried.

"Avery, what games are you playing?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with concern.

I wiped my tears, confusion etched on my face. "Games? What are you talking about?"

He handed me his phone, his eyes searching mine. "Marco sent me this message. 'Avery's been playing me and Xavier against each other. She's manipulating us.'"

My eyes widened as I read the message, my mind reeling in shock. "What? No, that's not true!"

But as I looked up at my father-in-law, I saw the doubt in his eyes. He believed Marco.

"I don't know what's going on, but I need to talk to Xavier," I said, desperation creeping into my voice.

My father-in-law shook his head. "You're not seeing him, Avery. Not until we figure out what's going on."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. How could they think I'd manipulate Xavier? Didn't they know me at all?

Tears streamed down my face as I realized the gravity of the situation. My relationship with Xavier, my reputation, everything was being torn apart by lies and misunderstandings.

I took a deep breath, determination rising within me. I had to clear my name, prove my love for Xavier, and uncover the truth behind Marco's sinister message.

My father-in-law's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing. "Avery, how did Xavier find out you weren't Lilith?"

I hesitated, knowing I had to confess. "Marco told him," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes widened in shock. "He told him? Why? How did he know? Only I and your family know you're Avery."

Tears streamed down my face as I poured out the whole story - Marco's blackmail, the fake identity, the manipulation. My father-in-law listened, his expression changing from shock to disbelief to outrage.

"You mean Marco's been blackmailing you all this time?" he thundered, his voice echoing through the waiting area.

I nodded, feeling a mix of shame and relief. "Yes, I'm so sorry. I was trapped, and I didn't know what to do."

My father-in-law's face turned red with anger. "That little...I'll deal with him."

He paced back and forth, his mind racing. "This changes everything. I need to do something about my son's health. His health is deteriorating."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could salvage this mess and rebuild trust.

But as we walked back to the restricted ward, I couldn't shake off the fear that Marco's poison had already spread too far, and our relationships might never recover.

My father-in-law's anger was palpable as we walked back to the restricted ward. He was furious with Marco, but also with me for hiding the truth from him.

"Avery, how could you keep this from me?" he thundered, his voice echoing off the hospital walls. "I'm your father-in-law, for crying out loud! I had a right to know."

I felt a surge of guilt and shame, knowing I had let him down. "I'm sorry, I was scared and trapped. I didn't know what to do. Marco had threatened he'll tell Xavier."

But my apology fell on deaf ears. "Scared and trapped? You're an adult, Avery. You should have come to me, to us, for help."

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "I know, I was wrong. I'm so sorry."

But he just shook his head, his expression unyielding. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Avery."

His words cut deep, and I felt a pang of despair. Had I lost his trust forever?

As we approached Xavier's room, I could see the tension radiating from my father-in-law's body. He was still fuming, and I knew he was going to have a confrontation with Marco.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. This was going to be a difficult conversation, but I knew it was necessary to clear the air and rebuild trust.

I approached my father-in-law, my heart heavy with regret. "Dad, I'm so sorry for hiding the truth from you all these months. I was wrong to keep it a secret, and I understand why you're upset."

But to my surprise, he raised his hand, his expression stern. "Save your apology, Avery. I don't want to hear it right now. You've had months to come clean, and you chose to keep lying."

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to form. "I know, I was scared and ashamed. I didn't know how to face you and Xavier with the truth."

He shook his head, his voice firm but laced with disappointment. "Fear and shame are no excuses for deception, Avery. You've broken my trust, and I need time to process this."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I understand. I don't expect forgiveness right now. But please know that I'm committed to making things right and regaining your trust."

He nodded curtly and turned to leave, leaving me feeling defeated and ashamed. I knew I had a long road ahead of me to repair our relationship and earn back his trust.

I trudged through the front door, my feet heavy with exhaustion. The events of the day weighed on me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I'd been run over by a train.

As I entered the quiet of my home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat wash over me. I'd never intended for things to go this far. I'd never meant to hurt anyone.

But hurt them I had.

I thought of Xavier, lying in the hospital bed, and my heart ached. I thought of my father-in-law's disappointment and anger, and I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes.

I made my way to the couch, collapsing onto the soft cushions. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of my mistakes bearing down on me.

Why had I thought I could keep up this charade? Why had I thought I could outsmart Marco?

Tears began to fall as I realized the gravity of my situation. I'd lost the trust of those I loved most. I'd destroyed the relationships I'd worked so hard to build.

And for what? To protect myself from Marco's blackmail? It hadn't been worth it.

As the tears streamed down my face, I knew I had a long road ahead of me. A road to redemption. A road to rebuilding trust.

But for now, I just let the tears fall, mourning the loss of what could have been.

I lay on the couch, my eyes swollen from crying, when I heard the door creak open. I knew that smug voice, that condescending tone, all too well.

"Hey, Lilith! How's my favorite human doing?" Marco sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

I sat up, my heart racing, as he sauntered into the room. "What do you want, Marco?"

"Oh, I just wanted to check in on you. See how you're doing after getting caught in your own web of lies." He chuckled, his eyes mocking me.

I felt a surge of anger, but I knew I had to keep my cool. "Marco, leave me alone."

"Aw, come on! I'm just trying to have a little fun. So, how's Xavier doing? Still in the hospital, I presume?"

I nodded, my lips pressed together.

Marco burst out laughing. "Oh, man! That's priceless! You must be so proud of yourself, Lilith. You've managed to ruin not one, but two relationships! It's such a sad Xavier thinks you're Avery when you're Lilith. Your talent is so incomparable."

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes, but I refused to let him see me cry. "Get out, Marco."

He grinned, his eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, I'm just getting started. You're going to pay for what you've done to me in the past, Lilith. Mark my words."

Marco's smug expression returned, but this time, it was laced with a hint of guilt. "Before I leave you, I have something to confess."

My eyes narrowed, wary of his sudden change in demeanor. "What is it?"

He hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before settling on me. "I sent that message by mistake. I meant to send it to someone else, but...well, you know how it turned out."

My mind raced as I processed his words. "You mean, you didn't intentionally try to ruin my relationship with Xavier?"

Marco shrugged, his grin returning. "Well, not exactly. But hey, my mistake paid off, didn't it? Xavier's in the hospital, and you're left dealing with the fallout. I'll become CEO soon and everything would be mine."

I felt a wave of anger wash over me, mixed with disbelief. "How can you be so heartless? You're happy that Xavier's hurt and that our relationship is suffering?"

Marco's grin widened. "Hey, I'm just being honest. I'm thrilled that my mistake had such...beneficial consequences."

I shook my head, disgust and outrage coursing through my veins. "You're sick, Marco. You need help."

Marco chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe so, but I'm not the one who's lost everything. You are."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me seething with anger and resentment. How could he be so callous and cruel? I couldn't believe I had ever trusted him.