Now that Elisa was practically in a vegetative state, there was hardly any difference between her being alive or dead, merely occupying Mrs. Burns’ position.
Lila’s visit was originally meant to test Hamish and their previous agreement. Hamish had repeatedly assured her of marriage, even promising to raise Elisa’s child under her name. Yet, just two months later, he reneged on his promise, insisting on driving her away.
Lila suddenly felt as if a dense darkness lay ahead, with no end in sight. She wondered when this tumultuous period of uncertainty would finally come to an end.
Given today’s circumstances, even if Elisa were truly to pass away, Hamish wouldn’t spare her a second glance. However, she couldn’t accept this. It was she who first met Hamish, and it was he who made promises to her. Why should Elisa leap ahead and take what rightfully belonged to her?
If it weren’t for Elisa’s interference, she and Hamish would have married four years ago. How could Elisa possibly take her place?
Various malicious thoughts flashed through Lila’s mind. She even considered tampering with Elisa’s oxygen tube while Hamish was absent.
Lowering her head, her eyes softened. “Hamish, I know you don’t like me, and I’m not asking you to marry me. I just don’t want to leave you. I’d even be willing to remain as a friend, or as you mentioned, a sister.”
The trembling of her lowered shoulders evoked a sense of pity, yet in Hamish’s eyes at that moment, there was only Elisa.
Lila, seeking an alternative, continued, “Hamish, with Elisa in a vegetative state and no one else around you, let me stay and take care of you. I will do as you say…”
Hamish particularly appreciated obedient people. She was willing to compromise to such an extent, yet he still wouldn’t give her a chance.
“I have my own hands and feet; I don’t need you to take care of me. Besides, I never intended for Elisa to take care of me.”
Love is about mutual respect, but unfortunately, he realized this truth far too late.
Hamish had no patience for further discussion. “Bankshire isn’t safe right now, and I have no time to consider you. I’ve wasted a lot of your time over the years, and I will compensate you for it.”
Hamish’s idea of compensation was typically a mere sum of money, insignificant compared to the entire Burns Group. Lila didn’t want to leave. She had waited so long for this moment, with Elisa in a vegetative state. As long as she could draw closer to Hamish and make something happen, he would have to marry her, even if he didn’t want to.
She had already planned it out. She only needed Mrs. Burns’ position. Even if Hamish didn’t love her or touch her, she had already betrayed her own values long ago.
In such a critical moment, she absolutely couldn’t leave. However, Hamish’s attitude towards her was incredibly firm, as if the moment she resisted, he would have her knocked unconscious and sent away by his men.
Lila’s mind raced. Compared to Elisa, she wasn’t as astute, resorting to underhanded tactics that were beneath her. Currently, Elisa remained in the ICU, having undergone seven emergency surgeries in the past twenty days.
Lila knew well that Elisa’s body was quite different from that of an average person. Even the panda blood type within her was rare in the hospital’s blood bank.
“Hamish,” Lila spoke calmly, “I can donate blood to Elisa.”
Finally, Hamish regarded her seriously.
“My staying here would greatly benefit both you and her. If Elisa were to hemorrhage during surgery, at least I would be a guarantee.”
Her words made him uncomfortable. Her assured tone made it seem as if Elisa would be in imminent danger. Hamish furrowed his brow, lost in thought.
Lila’s words held merit. Elisa’s blood type was exceedingly rare, and each time, he had to spend a great deal of time locating a matching donor. In all of Bankshire, including Lila, there were probably no more than three.
During Lila’s car accident, if it weren’t for Elisa, she might have died long ago.
Now, history was repeating itself, except this time, it was Lila who was offering blood to save a life.
“I won’t promise you anything just because you’re donating blood to Elisa.”
Clutching her hands tightly, her nails digging into her flesh, Lila finally realized the injustice of Hamish’s actions. Thinking back, when Elisa donated blood, it resulted in a marriage. However, she received nothing and had to feign magnanimity.
“It’s alright, as long as I can save someone, and help you, that’s all that matters.”
After some contemplation, Hamish reluctantly agreed to let Lila stay, and he also arranged for several men to protect her. Additionally, he handed her an unlimited black card.
Lila’s visit hadn’t been entirely fruitless, but it was embarrassing for her, standing at the door, unable to enter, watching Hamish tenderly care for Elisa. She realized how confident she had been before. She had been certain that her “relationship” with Hamish was unshakeable. During the five years that Hamish and Elisa had been together, she knew that Elisa posed a threat, but she had never taken her seriously.
Marriage could always end in divorce. Furthermore, Hamish had married Elisa for her sake and had never shown her any kindness.
Moreover, she had once believed that Hamish was a man of his word. Since he had assured her of marriage, it was only a matter of time. Now… she had underestimated Elisa’s place in Hamish’s heart, or perhaps she had overestimated her own importance to him.
Everyone tells lies, but she had never imagined that Hamish would be so untrustworthy.
After this incident, Lila didn’t dare to make a scene with him. She had arrived with confidence, but left feeling utterly humiliated.
Hamish’s current focus on Elisa wasn’t entirely unfavorable. The deeper his feelings for Elisa, the better leverage she would have.
In the end, without Hamish having to say anything, Lila allowed Mrs. Gordon to push her out.
Once the two had left, the air in the room felt significantly lighter.