<h4>Chapter 97: 97. Discharged</h4>
"Dad, what are we talking about? Do you know her from anywhere?" Bernard questioned his father curiously, still stunned by Beta Gilbert’s initialment.
Beta Gilbert remained silent, his face still twisted in anger. His silence only made Bernard even more curious.
His face tightened more, and his jaw clenched hard as his brows furrowed deeply. His nostrils red as his eyes darkened with fury, radiating intense anger that couldn’t be mistaken.
"I don’t know her from anywhere," Beta Gilbert finally muttered, his voice tense. "But I can’t exin it... I always feel this deep unrest and fear whenever I see her. There must be something about Laura being a girl!"
"That’s strange. I grew up knowing you as someone who was never afraid of anything or anyone. I think you’re right... there’s something different about her," Bernard said, his tone certain as he leaned back on the couch, still processing his father’s words.
"So, son, what kind of problem is she giving you?" Beta Gilbert asked with a curious look, leaning in slightly.
"I asked her and Cassandra a question, but the reply she gave me was exactly what I was thinking in my head, like she could see straight into my mind. She also challenged me with strong words, and I couldn’t even deny what she said or get angry. If I had reacted, it would have exposed my weakness. Something about her feels off," Bernard exined, his voice firm and his suspicion growing.
Beta Gilbert’s face hardened. "Now, I am sure about my feelings toward her. We need to run a thorough background check on her immediately. We can’t afford to have someone like that close to Maria. Such a person is a threat to us and our ns."
"Yes, Dad. I’ll start the investigation right away. I’m sure we’ll dig up something about her. We can’t let someone like her get close to Maria," Bernard said confidently.
"Good. But how do you n to carry out the investigation without leaving any trace? You know we can’t let her suspect anything," Beta Gilbert asked with raised eyebrows, his voiceced with concern.
"Don’t worry about that, Dad. I’ve got my men who can handle this perfectly. They’ll get the job done cleanly without her noticing a thing," Bernard assured him calmly.
Satisfied, Beta Gilbert rose to his feet, his body showing signs of fatigue.
"Good night, Dad," Bernard said as his father walked out of the living room.
"Good night, son. Don’t stay up toote—you need your rest too, so you can think clearly," Beta Gilbert advised as he headed toward his room.
When his father was gone, Bernard remained seated in the living room, his thoughts consumed by Laura and their unusual exchange.
’That girl is too confident. She didn’t just speak boldly to me—she looked me straight in the eye. I must find out who she really is and where shees from,’ Bernard thought with determination, his jaw tightening.
After lingering on the thought for a while, he finally stood up and went to his room, exhaustion finally catching up with him.
***
At the Celtic Hospital, Mariay in bed, restless and wide awake. Sleep refused toe, and her mind was crowded with questions, especially about the strange visions she had while in aa.
’The two lives I saw... they weren’t the kind of life I ever nned for myself, or anything I would have pictured. No, I must make sure I work toward a different life. But what if none of what I saw was even real?’ Maria’s mind churned with worry and confusion.
She bit her lip, thinking harder. ’I need to find out what was really happening while I was unconscious. How did people around me react to everything that happened?’
She considered talking to her friends, wondering if their perspectives would help her figure out the right path.
’Maybe if I talk to them about the things I saw, I might understand what I need to do...’ But then, she paused and shook her head slowly.
"No, I can’t talk to anyone about this yet, not with how everyone is acting so concerned and loving—especially Luna Victoria. I can’t trust anyone right now, not even my closest friends," she whispered to herself, her voice soft but firm.
Her thoughts drifted to James, the one person she missed deeply.
’I miss James... his hands around me, his kisses. I wish I had kissed him earlier when I saw him by my side, but I can’t afford to do that now. That’s why I need to work hard and fast to secure my freedom and start living my life on my own terms.’
Maria smiled gently, thinking about him.
’I need to know how far Cassandra has gone with the assignment on Bernard. I can’t waste any more time. I need to leave this hospital soon so I can also focus on the task Mr. Frederick gave me.’
Feeling suddenly dizzy, Maria carefullyid her back against the bed. "Let me think about my James for now. With him on my mind... I’ll surely fall asleep." A small smile curved her lips as she closed her eyes, allowing sleep to finally take her.
---
The next morning, Beta Gilbert and Bernard arrived at the hospital very early, heading straight to the doctor’s office with bright smiles on their faces.
"Good morning, doctor!" Beta Gilbert greeted warmly as they entered.
"Good morning to you, sir. Please, have a seat," the doctor weed them with an equally cheerful expression.
Both men sat down, eager to hear what the doctor had to say.
"Doctor, you called us this morning and said there was no problem. I hope Maria is doing well?" Bernard asked, curiosity and concern written all over his face.
The doctor smiled. "Maria is doing very well. Since she woke up, her recovery has been remarkable. If all goes well, she can be discharged either today or first thing tomorrow. But we still need to hear from her directly—to know if she feels ready to go home."
Beta Gilbert’s face lit up. "That’s wonderful news. But you’re right—we need to ask Maria how she feels about going home. Can we go see her now?"
"Of course, let’s go together," the doctor said, rising from his seat as they all walked to Maria’s room.
When they entered, Maria was surprised to see Bernard and Beta Gilbert so early. She couldn’t hide her shock—it showed all over her face.
"Good morning, Maria. How are you feeling today?" the doctor asked with a lively smile.
"Good morning, doctor. I’m feeling very well and strong today," Maria replied with a wide smile, genuinely pleased to see them.
She turned to greet Beta Gilbert and Bernard, exchanging pleasantries before the doctor got straight to the point.
"Maria, I mustmend you on your excellent response to all the treatments. That’s why we believe you’re now fit to go home—either today or tomorrow. But we’d like to hear from you. Do you feel ready to leave the hospital?" the doctor asked kindly.
Maria’s heart soared at the news. She had been eager to leave, and now the opportunity hade.
"I really appreciate you and everyone who has taken care of me. I feel strong, and I believe I’m ready to go home today," Maria said sincerely, her eyes meeting each of theirs.
Beta Gilbert and Bernard’s faces immediately brightened with joy. Their warmth toward her had been consistent since she woke up, but now it puzzled her even more.
’What’s really going on with Bernard and his dad? Is this genuine or just another act?’ Maria wondered silently, maintaining her sweet smile to avoid raising any suspicion.
"That’s wonderful! I’ll start preparing your medications and finalize your discharge paperwork right away. I’ll be back soon," the doctor said as he left the room.
Left alone with Bernard and Beta Gilbert, the conversation shifted to light topics until Maria decided to ask something.
"So, how’s college been so far?" she asked Bernard, her gaze steady.
"College?" Bernard blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Honestly, I haven’t been myself since you went into aa. I’ve barely paid attention to anything going on there."
Maria chuckled softly at his reaction.
Fifteen minutester, the doctor returned with the discharge papers and handed a prescription list to Beta Gilbert.
"Please get these medicines from our pharmacy outside the hospital. Maria will need to continue them for the next week," the doctor exined.
He then turned to Maria with a warm smile. "Maria, please don’t hide anything from your family again. If anything unusuales up, contact us immediately."
"Thank you so much, doctor. We’ll be leaving now," Beta Gilbert said, shaking the doctor’s hand as Bernard gently helped Maria to her feet, supporting her with his hand on her back.
Maria smiled faintly as she prepared to leave, her mind already focused on the mission ahead and the secrets she had to uncover...