Upon learning of Nala's illness from Alexander, Lena rushed to the hospital in great distress. She repeatedly called
Elijah along the way, wanting to ask him why he hadn't informed her about Nala's condition and why he had kept it
a secret. Additionally, she wanted to know what illness Nala was suffering from.
However, Elijah did not answer her calls, and Lena's attempt to reach Kasey yielded the same result.
Just as she was about to dial Elijah's number again, Chris gently took her hand.
"Don't make any more calls," Chris said softly. "Their daughter is sick, and they must be going through a tough time.
Besides, it's not good news to spread around."
"But..."
Chris hesitated before continuing. "Lena... Actually... you're just an outsider to them. Even though Nala sometimes
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttreats you as her aunt, you're still considered an outsider."
Lena's eyes dimmed.
Indeed, he was right. What was her place in Elijah's life? At best, she was an employee, a former colleague, and a
current partner in running the school. For matters concerning her boss' family, it would be best for her not to pry
into things that weren't her business.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Lena hesitated but decided to visit Nala. Following the nurse's directions, she made
her way to the hospital room.
Nala was lying alone on the large bed, her small hand covered in bandages.
The nurse explained that Nala's veins were delicate, resulting in numerous bruises from frequent injections.
Lena's heart ached, and she asked, "What's wrong with her?"
"It's leukemia," the nurse replied in a hushed tone. "It's really unfortunate. She's such a young and adorable girl..."
A deafening sound seemed to erupt in Lena's chest.
"Then..." She couldn't bring herself to ask the question, "How much time does she have?"
The nurse looked sympathetic. "Ms. Chriss is fortunate that we discovered the illness early. It's in its initial stages, so
there's hope for recovery as long as a suitable bone marrow donor is found."
Chris frowned. "So, Elijah and Kasey have been searching for a donor all this time?"
The nurse nodded.
Chris squeezed Lena's hand, and they gently pushed the door open. When Nala heard the movement, she abruptly
turned her head, startled like a rabbit.
Lena's heart ached, and she wanted to embrace Nala, but the girl was acting strangely today.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Ah!" Nala initially screamed in shock, then clutched her head with both hands. She curled up even on the bed,
trembling.
"Nala?" Lena was utterly bewildered. "What's wrong?"
"Don't come any closer!" Nala was highly agitated. "I hate you! I hate you!"
"Nala, it's me..."
"I hate my aunt!"
Lena was stunned, and her mind went blank.
Doctors and nurses rushed into the room upon hearing the commotion, and they had to calm Nala down before
asking Chris and Lena to step out of the room.
Sensing that something was amiss, Chris grabbed a doctor and asked, "Did someone visit Nala just now?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Chriss visit every day."
"Did they just leave?"