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Elena's POV

As I stepped into the ICU, the sterile air thick with the scent of antiseptic, my heart twisted at the sight of Lucas lying still, fragile against the white sheets. His once-vibrant features seemed drained, yet his eyes—pale but intensely focused—found mine the moment I entered.

Elena,he murmured, his voice raspy but warm. The hint of a smile touched his lips, though it couldnt mask the pain he was in.

Lucas…I swallowed hard, fighting the lump forming in my throat. How are you feeling?

He let out a slow breath. Better, now that youre here. Just seeing you…His words trailed off as his gaze drifted over my face, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. Im glad youre okay.

A wave of frustration and guilt surged through me. Why, Lucas? Why would you risk your life for me?I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. You didnt have to do that. You don't have to save me again.

He held my gaze, his eyes hardening. Save you again? Because…He hesitated, his expression unreadable for a moment. Because I couldnt let anything happen to you.His voice was calm, but I sensed the depth of emotion simmering beneath his words.

Before I could respond, Jason entered the room, his hand moving to the small of my back in a subtle show of support. The tension in the room shifted as Lucass eyes darted to Jason, a faint frown creasing his forehead. Jasons presence seemed to unsettle him, and he clenched his jaw, the muscles ticking beneath his pale skin.

Thank you, Lucas,Jason said, his tone smooth but laced with an edge. For saving my fiancée. I owe you one.

Lucass eyes narrowed, the resentment in his gaze unmistakable. I didnt do it for you, Jason,he replied curtly, his voice dripping with bitterness. I did it because I care about her.

Jason let out a sarcastic chuckle, his fingers tightening on my back. Right. Of course.His tone was mocking, but his jaw was clenched, his own jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

Lucass gaze shifted to me, the intensity in his eyes softening. Elena…he began, his voice faltering as though he wanted to say more but didnt know how. His vulnerability in that moment made my heart ache.

The door creaked open, breaking the tension, and we all turned to see a woman entering, her face streaked with tears, her shoulders trembling. She was accompanied by Dr. Nelson, who looked somewhat uncomfortable as he introduced her.

Elena, Jason, Lucas… This is Mrs. Lyra, the wife of Edward, the driver who… who caused the accident.

Her hands trembled as she clutched her purse, her eyes bloodshot and filled with sorrow. Im so sorry,she choked, her voice barely above a whisper. She fell to her knees beside Lucass bed, her fingers clutching the sheets. Please… please dont sue us. Edward was… he would never have done something like this intentionally. I dont even know how he ended up behind the wheel.

I glanced at Jason, who was frowning, his brows knitted in confusion. Lucas looked equally puzzled, his gaze shifting between Mrs. Lyra and the doctor.

What do you mean?I asked, stepping closer, my voice steady but laced with curiosity. What happened to him?

Dr. Nelson cleared his throat, his expression troubled. Edward was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about a year ago. Hes been a patient here ever since. Frankly, he shouldve been in his hospital bed that day. I have no idea how he managed to get out, let alone drive.

Mrs. Lyra nodded frantically, her face etched with desperation. I dont understand it either. Edward was too weak to even walk. I was with him that morning, and he seemed… resigned to his bed. But then… somehow, he left without a word.

A chill crawled up my spine as I looked at Jason, whose face was set in a hardened expression. So… he left the hospital, drove in his condition, and caused the accident that nearly killed Lucas…?Jasons voice trailed off, his suspicion evident. This doesnt make any sense.

Mrs. Lyra sobbed, her shoulders shaking. Please, believe me. He would never do anything like this. If he wasnt in a coma, he would be here apologizing himself.Her voice cracked with the weight of her guilt and sorrow.

Jason stepped forward, his gaze piercing. Mrs. Lyra, Im sorry, but this isnt adding up. If Edward was as ill as you say, how could he even manage to drive?

Dr. Nelson interjected, Edwards condition was critical. Its practically impossible that he couldve left the hospital on his own without assistance.

A sinking realization dawned on me. Are you suggesting… someone might have… coerced him into doing this?

Dr. Nelsons face grew grim. Its a possibility we cant rule out. Given Edwards condition, it would take a significant amount of persuasion—or perhaps even a threat—to get him to attempt such a thing.

The room fell into a tense silence as we all processed this revelation. Jasons jaw tightened, his hand clenching at his side. Doctor, when Edward wakes up… I want to be informed immediately,he said, his voice cold and determined. Someone orchestrated this, and Im going to find out who.

Lucas shifted on the bed, his face pale but eyes alight with fury. If someone did this to take out Elena… they nearly succeeded. But I wont let this go.

My heart hammered in my chest as I stared at them, the weight of their words settling heavily on me. I couldnt shake the feeling of being hunted, as though a shadowy figure lurked just beyond my sight, waiting to strike.

Who would want to hurt me?I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears and suspicions.

Jasons gaze softened as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Well figure it out, Elena. I wont let anything happen to you. Not now, not ever.

Lucas, though weakened, managed to reach out and grasp my hand, his fingers warm but trembling. I swear… Ill make whoever did this pay,he said, his voice a low, determined growl.

Mrs. Lyra wiped her tears, offering a small, sorrowful nod before the doctor gently escorted her out of the room. The gravity of what had happened—of how close Id come to death and how Lucas had paid the price—settled over me like a shroud.

Jason took a step closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders protectively. We need to be vigilant, Elena,he murmured. This isnt over. Whoever did this wont stop here.

I nodded, a steely resolve building within me. Then lets make sure they never get another chance.

In that moment, the love triangle, the jealousy, and the petty misunderstandings between Lucas and Jason seemed trivial compared to the dark and twisted reality lurking beneath the surface. This was more than just rivalry or resentment—this was a calculated attempt on my life.

And I wasnt going to sit back and let it happen again.