Chloe and Lucas's hearts had become almost immune to the relentless updates on Linda's critical condition. It was like they were stuck in a loop of anxiety and dread.
Linda lay in the hospital, surrounded by a jungle of medical tubes, lost in a coma that stretched on endlessly. Her injuries were severe, compounded by the emergency cesarean section she had undergone. Her organs were shutting down, with her heart taking the hardest hit. The ventilator was the only thing keeping her in this world.
Every day, Chloe would suit up in sterile gear and slip into the ICU to spend some time with Linda, speaking to her softly, as if hoping for a miracle response. Seeing Linda so pale and motionless always twisted her heart in knots.
Lately, Chloe found herself drifting back to memories of their high school days. Back then, Linda seemed delicate, but Chloe had always seen the truth. That fragility was just a front, maybe even a weapon. Beneath it, Linda's spirit was fierce and resilient, like a wildflower pushing through the cracks.
Chloe wasn't blind to Linda's little manipulations, like the times she'd try to drive a wedge between her and Cassie. But Chloe chose to let it slide, understanding the tough environment Linda had grown up in. Everyone had their secrets and shadows, driven by envy or ambition. For Chloe, as long as she felt that Linda genuinely valued their friendship, she could forgive the rest.
Everything changed when Linda's affair with Lucas came to light, shattering Chloe's trust. Linda was an acclaimed actress, skilled at playing whatever role was needed, even sincerity. Yet, when Linda took a bullet meant for Chloe, everything Chloe thought she understood came crashing down again.
She couldn't wrap her head around it—what on earth drove Linda to such an extreme? But the event left Chloe deeply affected. She longed to ask Linda why, but Linda remained trapped in silence.
Chloe had been at the hospital for a week, with Connor steadfast by her side. Aside from brief trips back to Greenpeace Estate for a quick shower and a few hours of rest, she was always at Linda's side. She was mostly silent, but there was a calm determination about her actions. She tirelessly discussed Linda's condition with doctors and arranged for specialist consultations. Chloe even made a quick trip to Eldridge City to consult a top heart surgeon, returning the same night.
Recently, Chloe had thrown herself into a whirlwind of activity. Connor could've easily taken over those responsibilities, but he stepped back, believing that staying busy might help Chloe cope. His priority was ensuring her safety.
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