Her Secret Savior 👑👄

Held by thread

Even after begging Adrian and Cassie, Elena received nothing but indifference. With no other option, she was forced to use the money Mr. Shadow had given her—money that was never meant to be touched—to pay for her Uncle Richard’s emergency surgery.

The operation was successful. Richard was out of danger now and shifted to a general ward. But peace? That was nowhere near Elena’s heart. Because ever since Cassie had arrived at the hospital, Elena's heartbeat had been racing like it was preparing for war.

Elena sat beside her uncle when Cassie entered the room. She was anticipating something. Because that very morning, it was Cassie who had made the call. A single call to her father, Richard Moore telling him that his dearest daughter like niece had spent the night with a stranger. That call had sent him into a state of shock—his blood pressure had skyrocketed, and he had collapsed.

If Cassie dared to tell Uncle Richard everything that had gone down in the last 48 hours, it would crush him. The man who raised her like his own daughter wouldn’t survive that kind of heartbreak. Elena looked at Cassie with pleading eyes, subtly shaking her head, begging her to stay silent.

But Cassie Moore had never been one to respect silence.

"Did I tell you, Adrian isn’t just my brother-in-law anymore," she said, with a sickly sweet smile.

"He’s also her boss now. Working at his company, even praises her performance—it’s finally paying off. All those sacrifices everyone made for her education are totally worth it now, right Cassie?" Elena interrupted.

Her hands trembled at her sides. Cassie could explode at any second, and if she did, everything would fall apart.

"Why are you all standing? Come, sit." Richard said. "We just came to check on you, Uncle," Adrian continued, his tone polite but distant. "You seem stable now, so I’ll head out. Honestly, I’m already running late."

"If you need anything," he added, glancing at Richard, "call me or Cassie."

Richard smiled faintly. The man had always admired Adrian—his sense of responsibility, his calm logic, the way he carried himself. He often told Elena how lucky she was to have married such a noble man.

"Adrian, my boy," Richard said, trying to sit up, "I’m really glad Cassie is working with you. But just because she’s your sister-in-law, don’t go easy on her if she makes a mistake."

"You won’t have to worry about that, sir," Adrian replied smoothly. "Cassie’s doing really well. I’m more than satisfied with her work."

Richard paused. His face turned serious. "There’s something else I want to talk about. Today I realised that my time could come at any moment, god was by my side this time but next time....

Well before that happens...I want to see the both of you as parents."

Elena’s breath caught in her throat. She dropped her gaze to the floor. How could she tell him? How could she possibly say she could never become a mother?

"Dad, I think you’re forgetting—"Cassie suddenly interrupted

"Oh wait! The nurse handed me this prescription for Uncle’s medicine. Can you go get it, Cassie?" Elena said quickly. "I need a moment with Adrian. Alone."

Cassie narrowed her eyes. "What’s so secret that it can’t be said in front of family? And wow, Elena—calling your husband by his name now? Western education really rubbed off, huh?"

"Let it go, Cassie," Adrian said, his tone sharper now. "This is between Elena and me. Get the meds."

Outside in the hallway, Elena finally turned to face Adrian.

"Uncle Richard just had surgery. The doctors said he can't handle stress. If he finds out we’re getting divorced, it might kill him. Adrian, please wait till he recoveres... he can’t know."

"Don’t order me like you’re still my wife," Adrian replied coldly. "We may still be married on paper, but you and I? We’ve been emotionally divorced for a long time. You never gave me the right to be your husband."

"I know. But for once, I’m not speaking as your wife. I’m begging you as Cassie's cousin. Please don’t say anything."

"You think if I listen, you win?" Adrian’s voice cracked. "This isn’t about winning, Adrian it’s about saving a man who means the world to me."Ele defended.

"And he’s Cassie’s father, too," Elena whispered. "If not for me, do it for her."

There was a long pause. Finally, Adrian sighed. "Fine. I’ll talk to Cassie."

Without another word, he turned to leave. Elena rushed back to the ward, terrified Cassie might have already said something. But just then—

"What's that on your neck?"

Adrian's voice stopped her cold.

She froze.

It took him seconds to realize what that mark was.

"You lied to me this morning. You weren’t with Christina last night. You were with someone else. Who was he?"

"That’s none of your business anymore," Elena snapped. "And It was not intentional... it was a mistake. An accident. And I’m not answerable to you. Once Uncle Richard’s stable, we’ll finalize the divorce. You won’t have to see me ever again."

"You slept with another man while we’re still married, Elena!" he shouted. "You think that’s okay?!"

"Oh really!! Where was this anger when you were having an affair with Cassie behind my back?" she shot back. "You don’t get to interrogate me like I’m the one who broke our vows!"

"I’m still your husband!" Adrian roared. "Tell me who he was. I swear I’ll—"

"You’re not my husband. Not in any way that counts."

Elena stormed past him.

She had to get back to Richard. Her only fear was that Cassie had already dropped the bomb.

"Uncle... did Cassie bring your medicine?"

Richard looked a little confused. "No darling, Adrian had to leave suddenly. But he said he’ll come see me tomorrow. You’re lucky, Elena. You got a mature husband. He really loves you, you know."

Elena swallowed the lump in her throat. "I’ll go get your medicines."

At the pharmacy counter, the reason behind Cassie’s inaction became clear. A week’s medicine cost ₹24,000. No wonder she hadn’t bought it. Selfish b***h.

Elena paid from her own card and returned to the hospital room, placing the packet beside Richard’s bed.

"I’ll be back early tomorrow. Don’t forget your medicines, okay?"

Later that night, Elena stood in front of Hotel Ocean Star. The clock ticked toward 9:00 PM. Her hands were cold. Her mind was spiraling.

Mr. Shadow.

Who was he? A ghost? A savior? A trick of fate?

Room 607.

She took a deep breath, raised her trembling hand, and pushed open the door.

A low and now familiar voice greeted her.

"Hello, Elena."

In the faint glow from the window, she saw a man’s silhouette. Calm. Still. Powerful.

Her breath hitched.