"I know what happened." Zayn saved Carla from wondering. His brows furrowed in a knit as he questioned, "Are you out of your mind? What makes you think that it's okay to not only hide such a serious problem from me but also seek treatment by yourself?"
Carla was momentarily disconcerted by the man's fury.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Still cupping her face, Zayn grunted the words through his gritted teeth, "Did you think I can't be of any help?"
"No—" Carla shook her head fervently.
"Then tell me why?" The man was seething with frustration. "Were you worried you'll be a burden to me?"
Still not saying a word, Carla continued to keep her head down.
"You're a silly woman!" Zayn held her in his arms tightly and bit into Carla's shoulder while doing so.
"It hurts!" Carla cried in pain.
"I meant it to! That's how you'll learn your lesson!"
Zayn was feeling a mix of emotions—he was feeling angry, worried, and guilty all at the same time.
"There I was, thinking your nosebleed was due to libido indulgence. And every time you woke up in the middle of the night, it was because of the pain, not nightmares. Each time you had to suffer in silence in
the washroom all by yourself…" With each word he uttered, it was as though a dagger had pierced through his heart.
How could I not see that she was in so much pain? I'll not forgive myself if anything happens to her!
"But I'm better now. You see, Dr. Feroma has found an effective treatment for me." It pained Carla to see Zayn blaming himself for the condition she was in. "I've felt a lot better after only a few days of treatment. I'm sure I'll recover in no time if we continue the routine—"
"Dr. Feroma is still in critical condition right now." Zayn cut her off mid-sentence. His voice turned solemn. "He is badly injured. No one can guarantee when he will come to."
"Huh?" Carla's eyes widened in astonishment.
We've finally made some progress, and now this happened. Worst of all, Dr. Feroma was dragged into this mess because of me!
"Why didn't you let me know sooner?" Zayn's voice was full of self-reproach. "If I'd known earlier, I wouldn't have let things like this happen to any of you."
"I'm so sorry…" Carla, too, was guilt-ridden. "Will Dr. Feroma be okay? This is all my fault. And Ladona… Is he—"
"Ladona is alright, apart from some minor scratches, " Naya explained carefully. "Mrs. Borah and Hapilia are doing fine also. Dr. Feroma, on the other hand, is still being monitored in the ICU.
Carla lowered her head like a deflated balloon, feeling disheartened by the news.
Dr. Feroma is my last hope. Now that he's lying unconscious in ICU, will I ever be cured?
"Don't you worry, " Zayn reassured her in a comforting voice. "Regarding the poison in your body, Hapilia says she is familiar with the acupoints and can continue her treatment for you. As for the herbs: Ladona is also well aware of the combination. Together with Naya's assistance, we'll be able to resume the regimen soon."
"Is that true?" Carla turned to Naya.
"That's right." Naya nodded. "I've asked someone to source all the necessary herbs. We're well within schedule to start the procedures tomorrow."
"Thank you…" Carla finally heaved a short sigh of relief before she pleaded with Naya, "Please, make sure you save Dr. Feroma. I feel bad enough as it is."
"That's for sure. We have employed the best surgeons to look after him." Naya's expression was remorseful. "I'm so sorry, Miss Wigston. When I did a full body check-up for you earlier, it didn't cross my mind to do a blood test for you. It's my carelessness that landed you in this situation…"
"Damn right it's your fault!" Zayn retorted.
"I'm really sorry. I'm willing to accept any punishment." Naya lowered her head.
"It's not her fault, Zayn. No one would have thought to check my blood for toxins at that time." Carla tried to calm the man down. "We have more urgent issues to settle right now."
Zayn's expression softened as he stroked her face gently. "Alright. Rest up now. We'll start tending to your illness tomorrow. You'll be better soon."
"Hmm." The woman nodded dutifully.
"Go to sleep." Zayn put Carla to bed before leaving her room in quick steps.
Once he stepped outside the ward, Zayn's expression turned frosty as he ordered in a lowered voice, "Gather the people. I have some scores to settle with the madwoman right now!"
"Mr. Giblo…"
"I said, now!"
"Yes, Mr. Giblo!"
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