Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 51

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

—

51 Newsflash.

Leilani.

As I stirred awake, an unusual sight greeted my eyes. There I was, nestled in my bed, cocooned under my duvet, with a bottle of painkillers perched precariously on my bedside table. A note lay beside it, its ink slightly smudged, reading:

“I hope you’re better by the time you come visiting later today to see you.”

The words echoed in my mind as I struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep.

I blinked, confusion swirling within me. “Who the hell is this? And why am I back in my room when the last thing I remember is fainting at the door last night?”

With a groan, I pushed myself upright, each movement sending a jolt of pain through my skull. The ache throbbed insistently, a reminder of whatever had transpired. My throat felt parched, and my lips were cracked and dry. I needed water, and fast.

I stumbled down the stairs, each step a reminder of my body’s rebellion against me. Just as I reached the kitchen, the cool glass of water slipped through my fingers, shattering on the floor with a resounding crash that echoed through the silence. But the noise barely registered. I found myself lost in thought, staring at my hands.

What shocked me was the sight of my palms—smooth, unblemished skin where fresh scars had once marred my flesh. The evidence of yesterday’s turmoil had vanished, replaced by skin that looked untouched, pristine.

I gasped, the air catching in my throat as I hurried upstairs, my heart racing. I reached my vanity mirror, peering into it with a mix of dread and hope. My reflection stared back at me, and to my surprise, I appeared… normal.

Nothing seemed out of place. No lingering voices whispered in my ears as they had before, no shadows of torment clung to me. What had happened?

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to ground myself, but the moment I turned to head downstairs again, the doorbell rang, slicing through my thoughts like a knife.

I wasn’t expecting anyone.

The words from the note echoed in my mind, causing my heart to race. “I hope you’re better by the time you wake up. I’ll come visiting later today to see you.”

Taking a deep breath, I approached the door, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally opened it, I nearly stumbled back in shock.

“Zevran?” I blurted out, disbelief coloring my tone.

“Last time we met, you called me ‘stupid’,” he replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he lifted a beautifully decorated hamper filled with fruits and chocolates, offering it like a peace offering.

My breath caught in my throat, surprise flooding my senses, and perhaps a hint of annoyance. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Didn’t you see my letter?” he asked, feigning innocence, and for a moment, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

Zevran—my savior from last night—of all people, was standing at my door.

Oh, great, just what I needed.

Rolling my eyes, I pressed on. “That isn’t the question I asked you. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you,” he said softly, his tone almost gentle, which only fueled my irritation. “You weren’t so good last night, so I thought I’d check on you today.”

I crossed my arms, skepticism etched on my face. “Huh?”

A sigh escaped him, a mixture of frustration and something else I couldn’t quite place. He dropped the hamper at my feet, his expression shifting to one of anger as he spoke. “Last night, I felt terrible about what happened at the restaurant. I followed you home, only to find you sprawled on the floor, barely breathing…” He trailed off, shaking his head as if trying to erase the memory.

“And are you here to hear me say thank you?” I interjected, my voice sharp as I met his gaze with a steely glare.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify