The Wife He Took for Granted

Chapter 3

Ethan spun around sharply, panic flashing in his eyes. "Elena."

"What are you doing here?" Her voice cracked, raw with emotion as her gaze swept over the woman in the nurse's uniform. "Who is she?"

"Let me explain." He took half a step forward but froze under Elena's piercing glare.

"Fine. Talk."

Ethan opened his mouth, but before he could speak.

The woman suddenly lifted her head, her eyes red-rimmed as she looked at Ethan. "You must be Mrs. Hale, right? I'm Lila, a nurse at the hospital."

"A patient just passed away, and I couldn't hold back. Mr. Hale was just comforting me. There's nothing between us. Please don't misunderstand."

Rage burned through Elena like wildfire as she stared at the tear-streaked face. "Who asked you to chime in?"

Tears cascaded down Lila's cheeks as she bowed, choking back sobs. "I'm sorry, this is all my fault."

Ethan immediately pulled her into his arms, murmuring soft reassurances.

But when he turned to Elena, his expression darkened. "I came here on my own. She had nothing to do with it."

"Stop causing a scene here. She needs to get back to work."

With that, he guided Lila away, tossing over his shoulder. "I'll explain when I get home."

Elena watched their retreating figures as the pain in her ankle exploded, searing through every nerve.

She'd limped all the way here, yet Ethan hadn't spared her a single glance.

Leaning against the wall, she steadied herself before hobbling into the emergency room.

The doctor examined her and frowned. "Torn ligaments in your ankle with subcutaneous bleeding. You'll need an IV for the swelling."

Seated in the hallway, she dug her nails into her palms when she spotted the figure approaching from the nurse's station.

Lila.

The nurse jabbed the IV needle into Elena's hand repeatedly, missing the vein each time. Her hand bloomed with angry purple bruises.

A glint of spite flashed in Lila's gaze.

"Get someone else," Elena gritted out.

Just as she pushed herself up to demand the head nurse—crash!

Lila collapsed dramatically, dragging down the IV stand with her. The metal frame slammed onto her body.

Before Elena could react, Ethan frantic voice cut through the air. "Lila!"

He rushed past Elena without a glance, dropping to Lila's side. "Are you hurt? Where does it hurt?"

Lila shook her head, tears streaming. But her eyes darted to Elena—terrified.

Ethan whipped around, his voice a snarl. "Elena, why target her? Have you forgotten how it felt to be bullied?"

"Now you're picking on newcomers? How could you become so heartless?"

Elena barked a laugh, hollow and aching. "Me, heartless? She's the one using me as a pincushion!"

Only then did Ethan notice the bruises on her hand. He hesitated, "Are you okay? Why are you getting an IV?"

"I don't need your concern." Elena voice cut like winter frost.

Beside them, Lila spoke up with a tremble, "Mr. Hale, don't worry.Mrs. Hale will be fine. She just needs some glucose."

"Please forgive me, Mrs. Hale. I'm still new at this and panicked. It's all my fault."

Ethan expression melted at her timid act. "Don't worry about it," he cooed. "Everyone stumbles when they're learning."

When he turned to Elena, his voice turned hard. "Can't you show a little compassion? She's just a beginner."

Elena felt her heart twist with a pain so sharp it stole her breath. She couldn't waste another syllable on them.

Turning sharply, she limped toward the exit, each step sending white-hot agony through her swollen ankle—like walking on broken glass.

Ethan followed her briefly, frowning. "Let me get another nurse."

A sudden whimper of pain from Lila made him stop dead. The footsteps behind her vanished.

Elena didn't look back. She kept moving, step by excruciating step, until the hospital doors swung shut behind her.

The wind stung her face, carrying the first chill of early autumn.

When she wiped her cheeks, her fingers were wet. The tears had come silently,she hadn't even noticed.