The rain hadn't stopped. Lightning flashed outside the hospital window, hinting that the storm was far from over.
After hours of emergency care, Parin's breathing steadied once more.
Her lips were cleaned of blood, her body resting in deep sleep.
Manida, however, hadn't dared close her eyes — her fingers clung to Parin's hand, terrified that if she let go, Parin would slip away again.
The doctor warned,
"Her condition is still unstable, especially her heart and lungs. She must rest completely. Any emotional disturbance — even slight — could be dangerous."
Manida nodded, but dread and suspicion brewed inside her.
That accident — was it really just an accident?
A few days later, the police sent their findings.
The driver had fled the scene — suspected foul play.
And worse — the surveillance footage had been deliberately erased.
Manida's eyes turned cold.
The warmth and gentleness she once carried vanished, replaced by a sharp, dangerous calm.
That night, she stood by Parin's bedside, gazing at her sleeping face. Her voice was low, firm:
"Lin… I'll find out the truth. Whoever tried to kill you — I won't let them get away."
The next morning, Parin awoke.
Her instincts were sharp as ever. "You're hiding something from me, aren't you?"
Manida froze, then knelt beside the bed, holding her hand. After a pause, she decided not to lie.
"Parin, it wasn't an accident. Someone wanted you dead."
The room fell silent — only the soft beeping of the heart monitor broke the stillness.
Parin stared blankly for a moment — then smiled faintly, though her smile was laced with coldness.
"I thought as much. I just didn't expect them to go this far."
"Them?" Manida's heart jolted. "You know who it is?"
Parin slowly shook her head, her eyes drifting to the rain beyond the window.
"I can't be certain… but I have my suspicions."
Manida tightened her grip, resolve burning in her eyes.
"Whoever it is — whatever it takes — I'll find the truth. And I'll do it with you."
Rain beat harder against the glass, as if heralding the battle to come.
Parin gave a faint nod, her lips curving into a small, determined smile.
Her body was frail — but her eyes had regained the clarity and sharpness of the brilliant professor she once was.
Fate had given them a cruel trial.
Now, side by side, they would step into the darkness together.
The mist had begun to lift —
And the real fight was only just beginning.