Love Says She Once Returned

Chapter 7 She Took the Bullet

　　Elena had braced herself for the worst—she was sure the hospital would kick her out after the whole incident blew up.

　　But, to her surprise, two days later, the hospital actually reached out, inviting her back with a surprisingly friendly attitude.

　　No one brought up what had happened. It was like the whole thing had been swept under the rug.

　　She grabbed Sophie's arm, pulling her aside. “Hey, what's going on? Why did the higher-ups suddenly change their tune?”

　　“Oh, that... I'm not really sure either. Anyway, I have stuff to do,” Sophie replied vaguely, avoiding her eyes and clearly trying to dodge the conversation.

　　Elena didn't think much of it—until later, after her rounds, when she overheard something outside one of the patient rooms.

　　“You think it's true? That head nurse Carter said the real reason that Harris girl died was 'cause she and her family refused the scans? That the fish bone couldn't be located in time?”

　　“Yeah, I heard the same. And apparently, the Harris family caused a huge scene when they showed up. Couldn't even handle a bit of pain. That rich brat was used to getting his way—guess it finally caught up to him.”

　　“I mean, I don't know Elena well, but folks say she's super responsible. If she wasn't, the other patients wouldn't have stood with Sophie to vouch for her to the hospital.”

　　“True. Medical disputes never stop, though…”

　　Elena didn't stick around to listen to the rest. She picked up her pace, heading straight for the next room.

　　That girl, Sophie… she must've gone through hell trying to back her up.

　　To have a friend like that—what more could she ask for?

　　Just as she got close to her office, she ran into Diana.

　　Tears streamed down Diana's face—she looked panicked, desperate.

　　“Dr. Cooper, please, you have to see my daughter. She was totally fine yesterday, had breakfast like normal—then suddenly said she felt really awful. I don't know what happened, just please, please take a look at her!”

　　As she spoke, Diana instinctively reached out, trying to grab Elena's hand.Learning from what happened before, Elena stepped aside quickly, making sure Diana couldn't touch her at all.

　　Diana awkwardly pulled her hands back. "Dr. Cooper, I really owe you an apology. I was out of line. I misunderstood you because of my son. But today the chief sent over the test results... turns out everything that happened, we caused it ourselves. My daughter's illness—no other doctor could help. But I heard you're the expert in this field. Only you can save her."

　　As she spoke, her voice trembled with emotion. "Please, go see my daughter. I've already lost one child... I can't lose her too."

　　Elena frowned, her mind turning over the situation.

　　There had been history between her and the Harris family, sure. But at the end of the day, she was a doctor. She couldn't just stand by and watch someone suffer.

　　So she followed Diana into the hospital room.

　　The moment Elena stepped in, Diana slipped out and gently closed the door behind her.

　　"What's going on?"

　　"Dr. Cooper, you came?" Chloe said weakly. Her face was pale, one hand clutched at her shoulder. "My mom's being dramatic, it's really nothing serious. I've just been busy lately—trying on dresses, hosting events—probably just overworked. My shoulder's killing me though… could you take a look?"

　　Elena moved closer and lifted the fabric from Chloe's shoulder. The clear outline of a gunshot wound stared back at her.

　　"This is...?"

　　"Yeah, it hurts a lot, even after two months. It happened that day I went out to the countryside with Brandon. We just wanted a quiet break, then outta nowhere, we got ambushed."

　　Chloe gave a soft laugh. “But thinking about those days I spent with him over the past few months, honestly? Taking a bullet for him again wouldn't faze me.”

　　Elena got the message loud and clear. She pulled her hand back, face chilled. “I'm your doctor, not your bestie. If there's nothing else, I'm out.”

　　She turned to leave, but Chloe's voice stopped her.

　　“Elena... don't you wanna know how your brother really died?”