The Hospital Part 3
1313 Words
*ROOM 414, MRS. HAYES’ WARD.*
“My lovely daughter...” Mrs. Hayes drawled, her voice raspy as she slowly stretched. “If anyone could see through my disguise, it’d be you.”
“Of course,” Tessa replied, taking a seat beside the bed. “After all, I’m your daughter.”
Mrs. Hayes smiled faintly, reached for the fruit basket on her bedside table, and pulled out an apple. She bit into it with a loud crunch.
“Lovely Tessa, why don’t you catch your mother up on everything that’s happened over the last three days?” she asked between chews.
“I’d be more than happy to,” Tessa replied, grabbing her own apple and mimicking the gesture.
She continued, “After we found you both lying there—b****y and unconscious—you were rushed here. Evelyn had surgery to stitch up her head, while you were cleaned and admitted. Her procedure went well, but she didn’t wake up until today. You? You’ve been sleeping peacefully... while I had to deal with the fallout of your mess.”
Tessa’s voice sharpened. “Do you know how Ethan and Evelyn looked at me? Like I was the culprit. Like I was the one who almost killed Evelyn. Meanwhile, the real perpetrator was in bed… playing Sleeping Beauty. I wonder how they’ll look at you when or… if they come visit.”
Mrs. Hayes let out a sigh. “You don’t have to remind me. I know I screwed up. And now I have to come up with a believable story to feed your in-laws if they ask what happened.”
“What did happen, Mother?” Tessa asked, narrowing her eyes. “Because I’ve gone over it again and again, and nothing makes sense. It was supposed to be a simple task: offer her the money and get her to leave quietly. Not try to unalive her!”
Mrs. Hayes' expression twisted into something dark, something dangerous. Her voice dropped.
“That little half-orphan refused the money,” she hissed. “Said she wasn’t leaving.”
“W-what?” Tessa stammered.
“She threatened to expose the truth—about your disappearance, the entire wedding day fiasco—to the Reeds family. I lost my temper... I slipped. And she found out something she never should have known.”
Tessa’s stomach churned. “What did she find out, Mom?”
“That,” Mrs. Hayes said coldly, “my dear child, is a secret even you don’t get to know. One I vowed to take to the grave. But now that Evelyn has a clue... I’m doomed. You don’t know her like I do. She won’t stop until she uncovers the truth. And if she does... our lives, Tessa, both our lives... will fall apart.”
Tessa’s hands trembled. “So what do we do now? She’s awake, and her wedding’s in two weeks. If she marries into that family, she’ll be impossible to touch!”
Mrs. Hayes’ eyes widened. “Two weeks?!”
“Yes. After what happened, Ethan doesn't want to wait anymore. Preparations are already underway.”
“Damn you, half-orphan,” Mrs. Hayes snarled. “If she marries him, she’ll have the upper hand. Then getting her out will be ten times harder.”
“I thought the same,” Tessa said. “So, what’s the plan? Because I’m out of ideas.”
“Let me think,” Mrs. Hayes murmured. “I need silence.”
Tessa went quiet, watching her mother. The apple in her hand suddenly tasted bitter. She stood, walked to the trash can, and tossed it in, then returned to her chair.
Ten long minutes passed.
Then Mrs. Hayes chuckled darkly. She bit into her apple again, a wicked grin creeping across her face.
“Got it, my dear daughter.”
Tessa leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “That fast? Tell me.”
“It’s simple,” Mrs. Hayes said, her voice low and lethal. “We let her have what she wants.”
Tessa blinked. “Really? That’s the plan?”
“Yes. We let Evelyn think we’ve surrendered. Let her get married peacefully. Let her taste joy. We retreat… we restrategize… and when she least expects it, we strike. Hard. From all directions. She wouldn't know what or who hit her and from where.”
A smile spread across Tessa’s face.
“I’m beginning to like this plan, Mother.”
Mrs. Hayes cackled softly. “Oh, you’ll love it in action. Just lay low for now. By the time we’re done, she’ll run from that marriage on her own. Scared for her life.”
“I can’t wait for it,” Tessa said, her tone vile and malicious that she could taste the hatred on her tongue.
Mrs. Hayes nodded but her smile faltered. “But first… I need to deal with the Reeds. What do I tell them if they ask what happened in that room? I don't know what Evelyn's told them.”
“She hasn’t told them anything yet,” Tessa said quickly.
“How do you know that?”
“I was there when she woke up. They asked, but she avoided the question. Ethan covered for her, said it was too traumatic to talk about. And Mr. Reeds eventually let it go.”
Mrs. Hayes exhaled in relief. “Then I’ll say I don’t remember. Blame it on the head injury. That should keep me safe.”
“Smart.” Tessa agreed. “Now you can rest.”
Mrs. Hayes finished the last bite of her apple and handed the core to Tessa.
“Throw this out. Tomorrow, you can tell the doctor I’ve regained consciousness. But for now… let me rest.”
She turned on her side, eyes fluttering shut, drifting off with a dark smile on her lips.
Just then, the door swung open, startling Tessa.
Caleb stepped in.
“You’re alone, babe?” he asked, kissing her cheek. “I thought I heard voices on the way here. Who were you speaking with?”
“Uhmm… n-no one in particular,” Tessa stammered. “I was… talking to my mother. Hoping my voice might wake her up.”
Caleb smiled softly. “You’re such a devoted daughter. That’s one of the reasons I love you. Don’t worry, she’ll wake up soon.”
“I hope so,” Tessa replied, voice thick with fake concern.
“She will,” Caleb reassured her. “And you need to stay strong. You're pregnant. I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby.”
“I’ll try,” she whispered.
“Where were you, by the way?” Tessa asked. “I wanted to tell you that your mom needs you.”
“I was in the restroom.” Caleb looked around. “Where is she?”
“She’s still with Evelyn.”
“Alright. I’ll head there now.” He paused. “At least your sister woke up—that’s something good.”
Tessa nodded. “Yes. I just hope Mom is next.”
“I’ll pray for it. I need to speak with my parents, but I won’t be long.”
“Can you get me something to eat on your way back?” she asked sweetly.
“Of course. What do you want?”
“Anything is fine.”
“Okay. I’ll be back soon. Take care.” He kissed her cheek again and left the room.
Tessa exhaled deeply, the tension slowly leaving her shoulders.
“That was a close one,” she muttered. “But there’s nothing to fear... not when it’s gullible Caleb. He’ll believe anything I say.”
She let out a low, bitter laugh, her mind already racing with dark anticipation.
“Watch your back, Evelyn Hayes,” Tessa whispered coldly.
“Your downfall is about to begin...”
- Writer
