To Love a Shadow To Be the Sun novel Chapter 346

He didn’t say another word. Just turned and walked away.

Even after getting into the car, he never gave Pearl so much as a glance.

Pearl’s mask-like smile remained frozen on her face, but inside, it felt as if someone had taken a chisel to her heart.

So it was all because of that woman, then? Was that why he couldn’t even bring himself to look at her anymore?

…

Elara was still buried in her lab work when Fiona’s phone call finally yanked her out of her routine late in the afternoon.

By the time she rushed to the hospital, Jason was in the middle of one of his outbursts.

She glanced at the empty, battered nightstand beside his bed—he must have thrown something again.

Ever since the accident that injured his brain, Jason’s moods had grown unpredictable, a far cry from the composed and strategic man he once was.

Before Elara could say a word, Fiona, lounging on the sofa, cut in sharply. “Jason ends up hurt like this for your sake, and you still have the nerve to bury yourself in that pointless job of yours? A man is supposed to be your world, your support! If you’re really his ‘fiancée,’ then you ought to put him first—otherwise, how do you expect to become part of the Lawrence family?”

Elara stood quietly in the doorway and responded, her voice calm. “Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence, for reminding me that I’m Jason’s ‘fiancée.’ Which is exactly why the most important thing right now is for him to get well, to remember who we all are—so that everyone can get back to living their lives, don’t you think?”

Fiona caught the undertone in Elara’s words, and for a moment, it looked like she might lash out. But she bit back her anger, rose from the sofa, and adopted a gracious—if warning—tone.

“I see you’re a sensible woman, Miss Jules. I suggest you stay that way. Jason’s your responsibility now. I hope you can live with yourself and do what’s right.”

Having delivered her warning, she swept out of the room.

With the door shut, the hospital room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Elara walked to the bed and picked up a phone that had fallen to the floor near the corner. Its screen was shattered, but she didn’t say a word—just set it gently back on the nightstand.

“You’re upset?” Jason asked.

Jason seemed to relax a little, turning his head to look for any sign of warmth in her eyes. But all he saw there was exhaustion and a quiet helplessness.

“The old Jason was impressive—someone people could admire. This Jason…” she trailed off, pouring him a glass of water and setting it on the nightstand.

“Do I disappoint you that much?” Jason asked quietly.

Elara smiled faintly, sidestepping the question. “Your meds are here. Don’t forget to take them. I won’t be able to visit tomorrow—there’s a company event. Try not to make a scene.”

Jason’s eyes darkened. He’d only wanted her concern, but in her eyes, he looked like a petulant child.

Elara turned to leave, but Jason called out suddenly. “Don’t stay away tonight. Come home. I promise I’ll stand up for you with my mother.”

Elara stopped, caught off guard. “What?”

Jason’s face twisted with frustration. “I know my mother’s been taking it out on you since I was admitted—she made you move out. But I’m getting better. I’ll be the person you want me to be, I promise. Move back in. Let’s go back to the way things were.”