Chapter 19
When the rescue team showed up, the place was a total mess. Everyone had thrown themselves over Eliza, protecting her from harm. She ended up at the bottom of the pile, with just a few scrapes. The Newells and Aiden were next in line. It was Orson, Polly, and Dean who took the worst of it, having shielded Eliza with everything they had.
Eliza clung to them, her sobs cutting through the chaos, “Orson, Polly, Dean, please wake up!” The urgency in her voice was palpable as they rushed to the hospital. Orson, Polly, and Dean were in dire straits, desperately needing blood transfusions.
Eliza immediately volunteered, but her blood type didn’t match. Aiden stepped forward with a grim determination. “I share Dean’s blood type,” he said, his voice tinged with remorse. Right behind him, Greg, Thea, and Evan joined in, affirming, “We match Mr. and Mrs. Madden’s blood type.”
As the Newells and Aiden watched their blood fill the donation bags, they were awash with mixed emotions. Eliza, standing a little ways off, was laser–focused on the doors of the emergency room. Her thoughts was solely on the Madden family’s wellbeing. She didn’t even glance at those who had just made such a significant sacrifice for her loved ones.
Greg watched Eliza’s retreating figure, the sting in his arm nothing compared to the ache in his heart. He remembered standing by Margot’s hospital bed years ago, anxiously, as Eliza wept quietly nearby. He hadn’t even given her a comforting look back then. Now, the tables had turned, and he was feeling the pain of being overlooked.
Thea bit her lip, tears threatening to spill. She recalled how she had once showered Margot with gifts, missing the longing looks from Eliza. Now, as Eliza ignored her, regret gnawed at her heart.
Evan’s brow furrowed with guilt. Memories of siding with Margot against Eliza played in his mind. Eliza’s current indifference felt like a blade slicing through him. Aiden’s face was drawn with regret, as he reflected on his past mistakes with Eliza. He wished she’d turn around, even for a fleeting moment, but her focus was entirely on the Madden family. They all realized this might be karma; the neglect they’d shown Eliza was now echoing back at them.
Finally, relief washed over them as the emergency room doors swung open, and the doctor announced the surgery was a success. The Maddens were out of danger. Eliza’s face lit up with joy; she rushed to thank the doctor, her gratitude pouring out like a flood.
The Newell family and Aide
relieved, tried to join in Eliza’s happiness, but she turned away, following the nurse into the hospital room without sparing them a look.
Inside, Eliza stayed by the Madden family’s side, tending to them with care. When Dean woke up and saw her tear–swollen eyes, he pulled her close, offering the comfort she desperately needed. In his embrace, Eliza’s worries began to dissolve.
Outside, the Newell family and Aiden watched the tender moment unfold, hearts heavy with a sense of loss. Thea couldn’t hold back her tears, whispering, “What can we do to make things right with her?” Greg and Evan remained silent, fully aware that earning Eliza’s forgiveness would be no small feat. Furthermore, they knew they had something crucial to take care of first.
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