The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 15

Lingering Castioue

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Lingering Questions

The soft beeping of medical equipment filled the room as lara’s eyelids fluttered open. Confusion washed over her as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. This was definitely not her bedroom. Where was she?

As her vision cleared, she spotted a figure hunched in a chair beside her bed. Damian, usually well–groomed, looked disheveled, with tousled hair and a wrinkled shirt. Even in sleep, his face maintained its impassive expression, one that Elara couldn’t help but admire.

She tried to speak, but her throat felt dry and scratchy. The light movement caught Damian’s attention, and his eyes snapped open, instantly alert.

“You’re awake,” he stated, his voice lacking emotion. Yet, Blara noticed a flicker of something–relief, perhaps? –in his steel–blue eyes.

“Water,” she managed to croak out. Damian reached for a glass on the bedside table and helped her take a few sips.

“What happened?” Elara asked, her voice stronger now. “Where is this place?”

Damian’s jaw tightened. “My bedroom.”

She looked at him strangely before glancing down at her clothes. She vaguely remembered what she had worn when she went to meet him in his study. How was she now wearing a different dress?

“About that,” Damian coughed awkwardly. “I didn’t change your clothes. The maid did.”

A wave of relief washed over her, but it was quickly replaced by more questions. “Why am I here?”

“I don’t think we should talk about this now,” he announced.

Elara’s brow furrowed as fragments of memory began to surface. “How long have I been here?”

“Three days,” Damian replied, checking his watch. “I should inform Jack that you’re awake.” Ever since Elara refused to wake up, Damian had made sure his friend stayed behind to take care of her.

As he stood to leave, Elara’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist. The action surprised them both, and she quickly withdrew her hand. “I… thank you for staying,” she said softly.

His expression remained unreadable. “It’s what’s expected of a husband,” he said flatly before exiting the room.

Left alone, Elara sank back into her pillows, her mind racing. Despite his cold facade, Damian had stayed by her side. She wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Moments later, a doctor entered, followed closely by Damian. He introduced himself as Dr. Hayes.

“Mrs. Blackwood, it’s good to see you awake. How are you feeling?” Dr. Hayes asked, checking her vitals. He sounded so professional..

“Tired and a bit sore, but otherwise okay,” Elara replied honestly.

Jackson nodded. “That’s to be expected. Your body has been through a lot.”

As he continued his examination, Elara couldn’t help but notice Damian’s intense gaze. He stood at the foot of her bed, arms crossed, watching every move the doctor made.

“Your husband has been quite concerned about your well–being,” Jackson commented with a smile. “He’s barely left your side these past few days.”

Elara was taken aback when she met Damian’s gaze. Her eyes widened in surprise. She thought she detected a hint

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Lingering Questions

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of vulnerability in his eyes for a brief moment, but it vanished so quickly that she questioned if it had been real.

Enough, Jackson,” Damian said, his tone businesslike. She was surprised by the way he spoke to the doctor. She shot Jackson an apologetic look. “Enough of your professional act.”

*

Jackson grinned unbothered. “I’m just doing my job, you idiot.” The cold atmosphere suddenly brightened. She watched as the two men engaged in conversation.

“How is she?” Damian asked.

“She’s doing well,” Jackson responded. He rose from his seat after finishing his checkup and moved closer to Damian.

“Relax, man. You don’t always have to wear your cold face, he teased. He turned to Elara, who was stunned.” Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Jackson Hayes, your husband’s best friend.”

Elara blinked in surprise. The cold, distant Damian had a best friend?

“Are you still with us?” Jackson teased, waving a hand in front of her face.

“Yes, I’m here,” she managed, regaining her composure. “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Hayes.”

Jack moved a little closer to her. “You don’t need to call me Mr. Hayes. Please, just call me Jack,” he said with a wink. Elara couldn’t help but wonder how someone as lively as Jackson was friends with someone as closed–off as Damian. Damian always seemed stern and unapproachable, with a permanent scowl inscribed on his face. They were complete opposites.

“Okay, Jack. Please call me Elara as well.”

Jackson nodded approvingly. “Well, thank you for taking care of me,” she added.

“I’m just doing what I love,” Jack said warmly. “But I need to get back to my life now. Your husband practically forced me to stay here.”

Elara chuckled. “I appreciate it, Jack.”

As Jackson left the room, an awkward silence fell between her and Damian. There were so many questions she wanted to ask, so many things she wanted to say, but she didn’t know where to begin.

“You should rest,” he noted, breaking the silence. “I have some business to attend to, but I’ll be back later.”

As he turned to leave, she called out, “Damian?” He paused at the door, looking back at her. “Thank you… for everything.”

For a moment, his mask slipped, revealing genuine concern in his eyes. But just as quickly, it vanished behind his usual icy exterior.

“It’s nothing,” he replied. “Just focus on getting better. We have a lot to discuss when I come back.”

With that, he left, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Her mind suddenly drifted to her friend Tessa. She reached for the call button, summoning a maid.

“Yes, ma’am?” the maid, Anita, asked politely, bowing slightly. “Ma’am, do you need something?”

“Yes, please,” Elara responded. “Do you know where my phone is?”

“No, ma’am,” she replied.

She looked around the room. Damian’s bedroom was as cold as him–dark, minimalist, and devoid of any warmth. Heavy black curtains blocked out the sunlight, and the charcoal–gray walls only deepened the gloom. She couldn’t

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spot her phone anywhere.

“Okay, you can go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Anita turned to leave, but she called her back.

“Can you call the butler for me?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.” Anita bowed and left the room.

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Elara sighed, sinking deeper into the bed. She needed to call Tessa. Sleeping for three days had thrown everything off track, and she couldn’t shake the thoughts of the information Damian had shown her before this whole ordeal. There was no doubt that the man she had seen in the files was Daniel. She knew Daniel, her stalker from school, was back. He had done everything possible to make her life miserable.

She had been bullied by him because she refused his love proposal. Daniel was notorious for his behavior. Teachers supported him because of his wealthy parents. Everyone feared him and obeyed him. He dated many girls and ruined those who rejected him, always escaping consequences due to his rich background. His parents always backed him up. Despite his bullying, she didn’t let him break her. But now, she wondered what he wanted. Why was he after her years after leaving school? What did Daniel Regars want from her? She knew she needed to talk to Tessa about this.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.