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21

Elenas POV

My hands felt numb, trembling as I sank into the cold, hard chair outside the ICU. The sterile, white walls pressed in on me, and every sterile beep and whirr from the machines inside only added weight to my chest. If it hadnt been for Lucas… Id be the one in there, lying broken and battered. Someone had targeted me, but why? And who could be behind it?

Tears blurred my vision, spilling over as I buried my face in Jasons shoulder. I clutched him tightly, desperate to ground myself as I sobbed. He gently rubbed my back, murmuring, Its going to be okay, Elena. Youll be okay. Im here.

But nothing felt okay. Not when I was responsible for this. Lucas was fighting for his life in there because of me.

The doors to the ICU burst open, and Mrs. Brown rushed in, her eyes red and frantic. Her gaze landed on me, and anger darkened her face as she stormed over, her voice trembling with fury. You… you did this to him! My son is lying in there, broken, because of you!

I raised my hands, palms up, pleading with her. Mrs. Brown, please—

Dont you pleaseme!She made to slap me, but Jason intercepted, gripping her wrist with a calm but steely strength. Mrs. Brown, this isnt Elenas fault. I wont let you blame her for something beyond her control.

She yanked her hand away, glaring at him with the same venom she reserved for me. Oh, youre defending her now? You dont understand—my only child is in there fighting for his life because of *her*! Shes a curse, a walking disaster!

Each word stabbed at me, raw and sharp. I didnt fight back. What could I say? She wasnt entirely wrong. Id been there when the car came speeding toward me, and Lucas had pushed me out of the way. If he hadnt… I shivered, feeling the brush of death close enough to chill my bones.

Mrs. Brown slapped my hand away as I reached toward her. You stay away from us. If anything happens to my son—if he dies—I swear youll regret the day you came into his life.

Tears blurred my vision, her words echoing in my mind, searing themselves onto my heart. I swallowed hard, summoning the courage to speak. Mrs. Brown, Im so sorry. Ill pay for his treatment, every expense… whatever it takes to bring him back. He saved my life, and Ill do anything for him. I owe him that much.

Her cold stare burned into me, disbelief mingling with bitterness. But before she could respond, the doctor finally emerged from the ICU, and we all turned to him in silent, desperate hope.

Doctor, please—how is he?Mrs. Brown choked out, her hands trembling as she gripped his coat.

The doctor, Dr. Nelson, glanced at her, then at me, his face a mask of weariness. Lucas is stable, Mrs. Brown,he said, and I let out a breath I hadnt realized I was holding. Relief surged through me, but it was short-lived.

But…Dr. Nelson hesitated, his gaze dropping. Im afraid his spine has suffered extensive damage. Hes paralyzed from the waist down. Theres little we can do to restore his mobility. At this point, only a miracle could allow him to walk again.

No…Mrs. Browns voice broke, and she stumbled back, clutching her chest as sobs wracked her frame. She sank to the floor, her cries filling the quiet hall. My son… my son cant walk again? No! This cant be happening!

My heart shattered at the sight of her pain. I took a step back, swallowing the sobs that were clawing their way up my throat. Jasons hand found mine, his grip firm but gentle, pulling me back to reality as I swayed.

Its my fault, isnt it?I whispered, barely able to meet his eyes. If I hadnt been there… if I hadnt—

Jason squeezed my hand, his face a mixture of sadness and determination. Elena, you cant blame yourself for this. Someone targeted you. Whoever did this wanted *you* dead.

I sucked in a breath, his words bringing back the fear, the rage simmering just beneath the surface. Then Im going to find them,I whispered, my voice hardening. I wont let them get away with this. Lucas gave up everything to save me. He… he deserves justice.

Dr. Nelson placed a hand on my shoulder, his old eyes filled with a sorrow that spoke of years spent watching lives shattered by cruel twists of fate. Elena, Ill do everything in my power, but I cant promise anything beyond what I already have. Lucas is a fighter, and sometimes… sometimes, thats all we can hold onto.

I nodded, my vision blurring as tears spilled over again. Mrs. Browns sobs filled the silence, but she looked up at me, her face etched with a bitterness that was almost unbearable to see.

Promise me,she spat, her voice hoarse with rage, promise me that youll find out who did this. And if anything happens to my son…She paused, her eyes narrowing, a fierce light burning behind the pain. Youll pay, Elena. If he suffers, Ill make sure you do, too.

Her words lingered in the air, a promise of vengeance hanging over me. I felt Jasons hand tighten around mine, his silent support anchoring me as I struggled to hold myself together.

Finally, I sank into a chair, my body and heart worn, shattered, but a new resolve forming. I wouldnt let Lucass sacrifice be in vain. Whoever did this wanted me gone, but they had underestimated the strength theyd just ignited in me. Id find them. And when I did, theyd pay for every ounce of suffering theyd caused.

Jason pulled me close, his voice a soft whisper in my ear. Well get through this, Elena. Together.

But as I sat there, the weight of guilt and the sting of Mrs. Browns words bearing down on me.

It's my fault!