Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 191

"Willa!"

She had barely opened her eyes before she could even turn her head, and the door was thrown open.

Sophie rushed to the bedside, ready to throw her arms around her. Halfway there, she spotted the IV needle in Willa's hand and stopped dead in her tracks.

Her eyes were red, though it was hard to tell if it was from crying or sheer fury.

"How are you? Where does it hurt? Is it serious? Are you in pain?" She fired off a rapid string of questions.

Willa couldn't help but want to smile at the sight of her.

But the moment her lips curved, a sharp pain shot through her back. The laughter caught in her throat, dissolving into a shallow gasp.

Sophie's expression shifted instantly, torn between anger and heartache. "Hey, you're still laughing! Serves you right for hurting."

She turned her head and shouted, "Corbin, get in here! Why are you just standing in the doorway?"

Corbin walked in, placing a fruit basket and flowers on the nightstand. His tone was heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry. I only went to Robert Yates because I wanted to help you. I never expected it would get you hurt."

"Corbin, how is this your fault? If anyone's to blame, it's that bastard."

Sophie immediately cut him off, turning her head to glare viciously out of the corner of her eye at Randal, who was sitting by the hospital bed.

Randal remained seated by the bed. The wound on his forehead had been treated and covered with gauze. His eyes were bloodshot, his face etched with exhaustion, and he hadn't spoken a single word.

Sophie lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on with an unprecedented level of aggression.

"Randal, I'm taking Willa with me."

Randal slowly raised his head. His eyes were cold, devoid of any readable emotion, yet his fingertips unconsciously tightened.

Willa felt the pressure of his grip and tried to pull her hand away, only for him to hold on even tighter.

Sophie felt a chill run down her spine under his intense stare, but she refused to suppress her blazing anger. "Look at what she's been reduced to. This is entirely your doing."

"Randal, if you can't protect her, then stop clinging to her. Go find your Scarlett Sterling!"

"Five years ago, she..."

"Sophie!!!" Willa raised her voice, trying to prop herself up and stand to stop her friend from speaking another word.

At this point, whatever happened five years ago was utterly meaningless. Bringing it up would only entangle them further.

If Randal knew, he would never, ever let her go.

But the moment she exerted force, the agonizing pain in her back made her gasp sharply. Her body swayed, and she collapsed back onto the bed.

"Willa!" Randal and Sophie shouted almost in unison.

Randal immediately leaned over to check on her, while Sophie tried to rush forward but was pulled back by Corbin.

Just then, the door to the hospital room was pushed open.

A nurse walked in with a deep frown, her gaze sweeping over the room before she scolded them. "The patient needs rest and shouldn't be moving around! Family members, keep your voices down. This is a hospital, not a boxing ring."