Wounded Heart

Chapter 2 The blood donation

The next morning,Elena woke up feeling a little sick. Then she prepared for work,as she could not afford to miss a day, she couldn’t ask for a loan from her office as she was still not done paying for the last loan she was offered.

So, she decided to go to the office and clock out early then go to the bank to ask for a loan.

On getting to the bank,Elena took a deep breath as she stepped into the sleek lobby of the bank, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. She had rehearsed her speech a dozen times, going over every detail of her plan in her mind.

Hopefully, she would be able to secure the loan needed for treatment.

She approached the receptionist's desk with a forced smile. "I have an appointment with Mr. Thompson," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

The receptionist checked her computer screen before nodding. "Please have a seat, Ms. Elena. Mr. Thompson will be with you shortly."

Elena sank into one of the plush chairs, her hands trembling slightly. She glanced around the room, trying to distract herself from the rising tide of anxiety.

Finally, Mr. Thompson emerged from his office, a stern expression on his face. Elena rose to her feet, her palms sweating despite the chill in the air-conditioned room.

"Ms. Elena, please come in," Mr. Thompson said, gesturing for her to follow him into his office.

Elena took a seat across from him, her heart pounding in her chest. She launched into her carefully prepared presentation, detailing her payment plan.

But as she spoke, she could see doubt flicker in Mr. Thompson's eyes. He asked probing questions, poking holes in her plan and raising concerns about her ability to repay the loan.

Elena's confidence wavered, but she fought to keep her composure. She answered each question as best she could, trying to address Mr. Thompson's concerns and salvage her chances of securing the loan.

After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Thompson leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. Elena held her breath, waiting for his verdict.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Elena," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "But we cannot approve your loan request at this time."

Elena felt like the air had been knocked out of her. She had been so sure that this loan was the key to this situation , Now, those hopes lay in tatters at her feet.

She thanked Mr. Thompson for his time, her voice barely above a whisper, before making her way out of the bank.

Tears stung her eyes as she stepped out into the harsh sunlight, her mind whirling with disappointment and frustration.

Elena trudged along the bustling city streets, her mind heavy with disappointment from the events of the day. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the pavement. She couldn't bring herself to return to the office, not after the way things had turned out.

With no destination in mind, Elena wandered aimlessly, letting her feet carry her wherever they pleased. She passed by shops and cafes, the sounds of the city fading into the background as she lost herself in thought.

As the hours ticked by and fatigue began to set in, Elena finally decided to head home. She hailed a passing cab and sank into the worn seat.

Arriving at her apartment, Elena climbed the stairs wearily, her steps heavy with exhaustion. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, grateful for the familiarity of her own space.

Collapsing onto the couch, Elena closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. Despite the disappointment that still lingered, she found solace in the quiet of her home. As Elena sat in the dimly lit living room, the faint creaking of the floorboards beneath her seemed to echo through the silence of the house.

A shiver ran down her spine as an unsettling sensation washed over her a feeling that she was not alone. With a nervous gulp, she reached for the lamp beside her, casting a warm glow across the room.

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows, standing at the top of the staircase.

It was Williams, his silhouette stark against the soft light. Elena's heart skipped a beat as she locked eyes with him, her mind racing with questions.

What was he doing here? How long had he been watching her?

With each step he descended, the tension in the room grew palpable. Elena's breath caught in her throat, unsure of what to expect. Was this an unexpected visit, or what?

Finally, Williams reached the bottom of the staircase, his expression unreadable. Time seemed to stand still as they faced each other in the glow of the lamp.

Then, breaking the silence, Williams spoke, his voice low and steady.

"Elena," he began, his tone sending a shiver down her spine.

This was the first he ever mentioned her name since their marriage and she couldn’t shake out the feeling that something would happen.

Elena's heart raced as she stared into Williams' intense eyes, his words sending a chill down her spine.

Anna’s unconscious and she needs blood, you’re a suitable donor.

Anna…unconscious? Elena repeated her mind struggling to process the situation.

You want me your wife to donate blood to your mistress ?

Williams jaw clenched tightly she needs someone to donate blood, Elena it has to be you. You have to come with me on your own or I drag you.

Elena's mind raced, torn between fear and apprehension about Williams' cryptic demeanor.

Why was he so insistent that she come with him? And what did he mean by "drag her" if she didn't comply willingly?

As they hurried out into the night, accompanied by his assistant Stewart James.

Elena couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a much larger, more sinister mystery.

While sitting in the car, Elena couldn't suppress her mounting frustration. "Why didn't you just buy from the blood bank?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and hurt. "You want me, your wife, to donate blood to your mistress?"

Williams's jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening on his laps.

"Anna needs fresh blood," he replied sharply. "And you need to shut up and stop calling yourself my wife, because you won't be soon."

Elena recoiled at his words, her heart sinking with a painful realization. The cracks in their marriage had deepened into chasms, and she was merely a pawn.

As they pulled up to the hospital where Anna was admitted, Elena’s mind raced with conflicting emotions. She knew she should have left Williams but she just couldn’t.

Anna lay on the bed, her face drained of color, her breath shallow and labored. Elena stood by her side, her heart torn between anger and a lingering sense of jealousy.

She envied her. She envied the privilege Anna held- the privilege of being loved by Williams Hunter.

Williams left the room and Anna opened her eyes and flashed her a smile.

Elena, long time.If not for the situation Anna deserved an Oscar award for the best actress.

Anna?

Now you can just call me “Ann. It’s the nickname Williams gave me”. He gave you a world of trouble for my sake, didn’t he ? I’m so sorry you had to live like that for three years.

It’s nothing Elena said at least we know who is the cause of it.

When Anna heard footsteps she pretended to be unconscious again.

Elena just smiled and said nothing cause she knew Williams won’t believe her.

Williams return with the nurse and Elena followed her out.

As Elena lay on the sterile bed, her arm outstretched as the nurse prepared to draw her blood. A lone tear slipped from her eyes.