A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 13

Vanessa sat at Elliot's bedside in the Lowell residence, her face etched with concern. She had heard about what had happened at the birthday celebration, and her heart ached as she gently clasped his hand.

"Eli, why would you do this to yourself?" she asked.

The man lying in bed was covered in injuries, his gaze hollow and unfocused.

"I owe Rena this. I was wrong," Elliot murmured.

His eyes were lifeless.

This was the first time Vanessa had ever seen him this way. Since they were young, he had always carried himself with pride and even arrogance. But now, surprisingly, he was utterly broken over a woman.

"Even if you were wrong, we can still fix this, Eli. We can give her money, get her the best doctors, and support her for life!"

Vanessa's words made Elliot hesitate, his expression flickering with confusion. He turned to her, his gaze uncertain.

"We?"

Vanessa's heart tightened. "Eli, you told me that once this was over, we'd be together… that we'd get married."

An inexplicable wave of unease washed over her. She quickly reminded him of the promises they'd made as children.

Although they'd lived apart for years, they had kept in touch through letters and piled up stacks of train and plane tickets. Back then, they had sworn they would marry someday.

But Elliot's eyes stayed blank. He offered a faint nod, then withdrew into that hollow silence, as though he'd locked himself away. Nothing from the outside world seemed to reach him anymore.

Vanessa bit her lip and pressed on. "Eli, I have a big dance competition in two days. Will you come?"

Elliot stayed quiet. After a long pause, just as she was ready to give up on getting an answer, something seemed to occur to him, and a flicker of anguish showed in his eyes.

"Rena... she'll never dance again. I have to find her!"

As he spoke, he shoved himself upright from the bed. The abrupt movement tore open his wounds, spreading fresh blood across his back. He staggered out toward the living room without so much as a glance at Vanessa.

Karen and Vincent were deep in conversation when Elliot suddenly dropped to his knees in front of them, striking himself over and over.