Wake Up Leave The Liar novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“Noah… it hurts so bad. My leg… it’s ruined!” Lila’s wail was perfectly timed, raw and desperate.

Noah’s head snapped toward her. Whatever doubt he had vanished in an instant, replaced by pity.

He didn’t look at me again. He scooped her up and rushed out.

“Hang in there, he said. “I’m getting you to a doctor right now.”

I watched them disappear through the door, every bit of warmth draining from my body.

Not long after, Noah came back. His face was grim.

“Lila’s burns are bad,” he said flatly. “She needs a skin graft. We can’t find a match. Since her injuries were caused by you, you’ll be the donor.”

For a second, I thought I’d misheard.

Noah!” I shouted. “Did you even listen to me? I didn’t hurt her!”

He rubbed his temples, looking exhausted, like I was the problem.

“Ella, arguing won’t help. Lila’s hurt. She’s a girl-think what a scar like that would do to her! Just… help her, okay?”

“Why the hell would I? Absolutely not!” My voice cut like glass.

Noah’s patience snapped. His eyes went cold.

Then, without warning, he struck the back of my neck.

Darkness swallowed me whole.

When I woke up, my arms and thighs were burning.

They’d taken my skin.

Noah was by my bedside. The moment he saw my eyes open, he rushed over, guilt written all over his face.

“Ella, you’re awake? How do you feel? Are you in pain? What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone get it.”

I just stared at him, hollow and silent. My eyes burned with fury and despair.

He faltered under my gaze, looking away.

I know it was wrong to take your skin without asking,” he mumbled. “But Lila’s your intern. You couldn’t just watch her get disfigured, right? Let’s not dwell on who’s right or wrong. Can we just move on?”

I shut my eyes, tears sliding down my face, my chest twisting in pain.

I was done talking.

Noah, knowing he’d crossed a line, spent the next few days trying to “make it up” to me.

He hovered, doted, and tried to read my every mood.

When I was discharged, he insisted on taking both Lila and me out to dinner-“to smooth things over.”

At the table, Lila played the part of the sweet, forgiving girl.

She picked up a piece of braised pork belly and placed it in my bowl.

“Dr. Carter,” she said softly, “I was so clueless before. I really upset you. If you eat this, can we be friends again?”

I stared at the glistening meat in my bowl.

It was the one food I couldn’t stand-just the smell made me gag.

Noah knew that.

I didn’t move. Didn’t speak.

< Chapter 7

Lila’s eyes shimmered, and she looked pitifully at Noah.

He frowned, then turned to me.

“Ella, she’s trying to apologize. Just eat it, okay? We’re still family.”

Family?

The word hit me like poison. His voice was full of care-but only for her.

All I felt was exhaustion.

So I picked up my chopsticks, kept my face blank, and shoved the meat into my mouth.

My stomach churned instantly. I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to throw up.

Noah watched me finish it and smiled in satisfaction-like I’d finally come to my senses, finally made peace.

Dinner ended. We’d barely stepped outside when a nurse came running over.

“Dr. Carter! Emergency! Car crash victim-massive internal bleeding. The Chief says you’re the only one who can save them!”

My instincts kicked in. Personal chaos disappeared.

“I’m on my way!” I said, already heading for the OR.

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