Chapter 17 Chapter 17 +15 BONUS The antiseptic smell of the hospital room wrinkled my nose as I regained consciousness . A dull throb pulsed at my temple , and when I reached up , I felt a bandage . Memories before I blacked out rushed back -the ring shopping , Raymond and Giana , the confrontation , and then pain . A soft shuffling sound drew my attention to the corner of the room . Giana stood there , fidgeting uncomfortably under Raymond's stern gaze . " Say it , " he urged in a hushed voice . Giana approached my bed with the enthusiasm of someone walking to the gallows . " I'm sorry about what happened , " she muttered , not meeting my eyes . The apology rang hollow , each word dripping with insincerity . I regarded her coldly . " Are you sorry it happened , or sorry you were caught ? " Her eyes flashed with brief anger . " I'm trying to apologize here . " " And I'm trying to recover from being punched in the face , " I replied evenly . " Raymond's parents will be arriving soon . You should leave . " Her mouth opened , likely to deliver some cutting retort , but I added , " Quickly . " Giana's gaze darted to Raymond , clearly expecting him to defend her . He shifted uncomfortably , caught between us . " Maybe that would be best , " he finally said , voice gentle . " I'll call you later . " " Giana's expression crumpled into a wounded look that I'd seen her perfect over the months . " But Ray- ' " Please , Giana , " he said , his tone softening in that special way he reserved only for her . " Just for now . " She hesitated , clearly unhappy , but Raymond placed a hand on her lower back and guided her toward the door with whispered reassurances I couldn't hear . Not thirty minutes after Giana left , the door burst open as Alpha Marcus and Luna Elena strode in , followed closely by my father . The sudden audience made me instinctively straighten despite the pain . " Aurora ! " Luna Elena rushed to my side . " What happened ? Raymond only said there was an accident . " I saw the warning in Raymond's eyes . " It was nothing serious , " I smoothly lied . " Just a silly accident . I wasn't paying attention and walked right into a door . " My father's skeptical expression made it clear he didn't believe me , but he remained silent . Alpha Marcus frowned . " A door caused that much damage ? " " I was running , " I elaborated . " Late for a meeting with Raymond . It was entirely my fault . " Chapter +15 BONUS My father stepped forward , rigid with disapproval . " This is why I've always told you to be careful . Always rushing , never thinking . " He shook his head . " Do you realize this could delay the wedding ? Three weeks until the ceremony , and now you'll have a healing wound on your face . " The concern in his voice wasn't for my pain but for the inconvenience my injury caused . Alpha Marcus turned to Raymond . " You will personally attend to Aurora until she recovers . No excuses , no distractions . " Raymond nodded , the perfect picture of a concerned fiancé . " Of course . I was already planning to . " Guilt flashed briefly across his features - the first genuine emotion I'd seen from him since this charade began . True to his word , Raymond was attentive the following day , bringing me flowers and my favorite books from home . He adjusted my pillows , helped me eat , and even read to me when my headache made it difficult to focus on the pages . Just as I was beginning to enjoy his undivided attention , the door opened to reveal Giana , carrying a small basket of fruit . " I thought you might like some company , " she announced , her voice sickly sweet . Raymond's face lit up at her arrival , and just like that , I became invisible again . This pattern continued for days . Raymond would arrive , attentive and caring , only to shift his focus entirely when Giana joined us minutes later . She insisted on " helping " with my care , though her assistance usually involved hovering too close and making pointed comments about how difficult it must be for Raymond . On the third day , Giana decided to change my bandage herself . " I can do it , " I protested as she reached for the tape securing the gauze to my temple . " Don't be silly , " she insisted . " I want to help . " Before I could stop her , she yanked the tape off with unnecessary force . I hissed in pain as it pulled at the tender skin around my stitches . " Oops , " she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes . " It's stuck . " She continued to peel the bandage away roughly , her nails scraping against my wound . I felt something wet trickle down my face . " You're making it bleed again , " I said through clenched teeth . 2/2 Chapter 18 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!