To Love a Shadow To Be the Sun novel Chapter 12

Even though Brian stayed the night, the glow from his phone screen kept flashing across his face as he sat slouched in the visitor's chair, restless and distracted.

Elara felt a chill seep into her heart.

Wasn't he supposed to be present, to care? He'd set a custom ringtone for her, yet all night, his attention kept wandering back to the other side—wherever or whoever that was.

She began to regret it all.

So what if she'd won the argument with Lina and convinced him to stay? What did it matter? His heart was already elsewhere. Why was she still clinging to this relationship?

Her eyes burned and turned glassy, but she didn't dare sniffle, afraid he'd notice.

Sometime after midnight, Brian's phone finally fell silent, and Elara managed to drift off.

When she woke the next morning, the cot beside her was empty.

Panic jolted her upright, pulling at her half-healed wound and sending a sharp pain through her side. She gasped.

Mrs. Archer appeared from the bathroom at the sound.

"You're awake, ma'am. Breakfast just arrived—eat while it's still warm," she said with a gentle smile.

"Where's Brian?"

"Mr. Vincent went to the office early. He said he'd be back to take you for your check-up, so he wanted to finish work first."

So, he hadn't left for good.

Elara wasn't sure if she should be relieved or just as conflicted as before.

When it was time for her appointment, Brian still hadn't returned.

She didn't wait. Instead, she had Mrs. Archer accompany her down to the ultrasound department.

Elara couldn't quite understand—why did she need a gynecological ultrasound when her injury was to her abdomen?

But she did have questions for the doctor.

"Doctor, my last period was late, and then it lasted eight or nine days—it only just ended today. Is that normal?"

The doctor barely glanced at her, scanning the ultrasound report with a bored expression.

"Your body's a bit weak after the injury. Sometimes that makes cycles a little longer. If you're really worried, I'll prescribe something for you."

The doctor's tone was dismissive, but before Elara could press further, the door swung open.

Yves Caldwell stood to the side, holding the door as Brian strode in.

He'd barely slept, but even with the faint shadows beneath his eyes, Brian still exuded that unshakable air of dignity—if anything, the fatigue gave him an added edge.

The doctor's demeanor changed instantly.

Mrs. Archer flushed. "Just me running my mouth. Pay me no mind." She gave herself a light slap on the lips, embarrassed.

Even though Brian and Elara had moved into Platinum Bay after the wedding, his grandmother's watchful eyes always seemed to be somewhere nearby.

Brian let out a low laugh, not bothering to comment.

Back in the hospital room, Elara tried to shake off his hand, but he pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"Not even a smile for me?"

"I'm not for sale."

Brian seemed in good spirits today and let the jab slide.

"I have to work late tonight—won't be back for dinner. I'll leave a car for you. If you want anything, just have Mrs. Archer pick it up."

Elara stared past him. "I don't need your help."

Still not won over, Brian sighed, set the car keys on the nightstand, and left.

He'd barely been gone when Elara changed into street clothes.

Mrs. Archer blinked in surprise. "Ma'am, are you going out for a walk?"