Elena's POV
Outside Federal Hospital, Wan State. 10:30AM
The hospital doors slid open and I walked out before anyone could stop me.
The air outside hit hard. Too bright. Too loud. My hands were shaking. I shoved them into my coat pockets and kept moving.
"Go home and rest," the CNO had said with a calm voice and pitiful eyes.
"We can't have you working like this."
"A tumor is not something we gamble with."
I heard it again and again as I crossed the parking lot.
My phone was already in my hand.
Alexander picked up on the second ring.
"What did you tell her?" I said.
It was quiet and he exhaled.
"Elena."
"You told her," I snapped. "You had no right."
"You should not be working," he said. His voice was firm."You fainted. You have headaches you hide. And you have a child who needs you alive."
"You went behind my back."
"I did it because I love you."
I laughed once and said, "You love control."
"That's not fair."
"What's fair is you deciding when my life stops," I said. "What's fair is you are stripping my choice and putting I and Evan's life in danger."
"Think about Evan," he said.
That did it.
"I do," I said quietly. "Every second. That's why you don't get to decide for me."
"Elena, wait."
I ended the call.
My hands were cold. My neck ached really bad. I stood there until the pain eased, then drove home .
The house was empty and quiet. Evan was still in school. I dropped my bag and leaned against the door until my breathing slowed.
My phone rang. I picked it up and looked at the screen.
Hazel. I answered.
"Hi," she said, soft as always. "I know this is sudden but Seraphina invited us to her engagement party. I need a dress. There's this place, Gingy High End Boutique. Would you come with me? I don't want to go alone."
I closed my eyes and scratched my head.
"Yes," I said. "Give me twenty minutes."
She sounded relieved. "Thank you. I'll pick you up."
I changed clothes to something clean and simple. Something that hid how tired I felt. I checked myself in the mirror and looked away immediately.
Hazel arrived right on time. She smiled when she saw me.
"You okay?" she asked, looking at me all over.
"I will be," I said.
****
Gingy High End Boutique Store, 12:30PM
Gingy sat on a wide street lined with glass and light. Everything inside gleamed. Racks spaced just enough to feel exclusive. Soft music played from hidden speakers. Other patrons glanced up with curiosity.
Hazel's shoulders tightened the moment we stepped in.
"You're fine," I said. "Try anything you like."
She laughed when she found a dress that shimmered soft blue. I found one in dark green and followed her to the mirror.
We turned at the same time and burst out laughing.
That was when the air shifted.
"Hazel," a woman said brightly. "You look adorable."
She stepped closer before Hazel could react. She had perfect hair with a perfect posture and a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Alexander's sister," she added, as if it were a gift. "The name is Peyton-Rose."
Hazel blinked. "Oh. Hi."
Peyton's gaze slid to Hazel's dress. "That color is brave. Not everyone can pull it off."
Hazel smiled, grateful. "Thank you."
Peyton turned to me. Her eyes skimmed my reflection. "Green suits you. It hides things."
"I'm not hiding," I said.
She chuckled. "Of course not."
She moved closer to Hazel and adjusted the strap of her dress without asking. "You always choose safe things. Sweet things. Men like that."
Hazel flushed. "I just wear what I like."
"Of course you do," Peyton said. "It keeps life simple."
Her eyes flicked between us. Took in our laughter. Our closeness.
Something sharp passed through her smile then her pupils dilated and lit up.
"I should let you ladies enjoy yourselves," she said lightly. "This is your moment. Embrace it."
She turned just as another presence entered the store.
Seraphina.
The atmosphere shifted with her presence. Her eyes went straight to Peyton and her brows tightened.
Peyton paused, then smiled and walked away.
Seraphina approached us. "Did she bother you?"
Hazel shook her head too fast. "No. She was nice."
Seraphina studied her, then looked at me.
"Be careful with Peyton Rose," she said quietly. "There are stories. About her mother and Alexander's father. Many believe that they are connected to his mother's disappearance."
I felt so cold after that statement.
Seraphina's voice stayed even. "She is like a red rose with silver thorns. Beautiful to look at but painful to touch."
Hazel swallowed.
I followed Seraphina's gaze.
Across the store, Peyton glanced back at us. Her lips curved into a slow smirk.
Then she turned around a corner and disappeared.