“We’ll help you,” I said firmly. “We’ll get her upstairs.”
The next twenty minutes were a struggle. Nora led the way, clearing our path. Astrid and I pushed Rachel’s bed through a maze of corridors and elevators.
By the time we reached Astrid’s hotel room, I was drenched in sweat, my legs threatening to give out. My illness made even this exertion almost unbearable.
“I’m taking a shower. I smell like garbage,” Astrid announced, disappearing into the bathroom,
I collapsed into a chair beside Rachel’s bed, trying to catch my breath.
“Are you alright? You look pale,” Nora asked.
“Just tired,” I lied, wiping sweat from my forehead.
“Would you like to shower?”
I shook my head. As much as I wanted to wash away the basement grime, I knew my legs wouldn’t support me.
I turned to Rachel, gently taking her hand in mine. Her skin was cool, her fingers fragile.
“I’m so sorry it took me so long,” I whispered.
Her eyes locked onto mine, intense and clear despite her immobile state. For four years, I’d believed she was being treated abroad, never imagining she was just miles away.
“She understands everything,” Nora said quietly. “She appears unresponsive, but Miss Hayes is aware. She just can’t express it.”
I nodded, running my thumb over her knuckles. “I know. I took care of Blake when he was like this.”
Nora sighed heavily. “She’s been aware of everything these past four years – every neglect, every harsh word, every time they discussed if keeping her alive was worth it.”
My chest tightened at the thought of Rachel trapped in her body, enduring such cruelty without any way to respond.
“I always thought she’d recover someday,” Nora continued. “Mr. Parker woke up, didn’t he? Why not Miss Hayes?”
Her eyes flashed with anger. “But what has the Rose family done in four years? Even her mother once said Miss Hayes doesn’t need to wake up, she just needs to stay alive.”
“She’s been imprisoned in her own body for four years, with no end in sight, Nora said, tears streaming down her face. “Is that even living? Sometimes I wonder if death would be kinder.”
As those words left Nora’s lips, I felt movement against my palm. Rachel’s index finger twitched. A tear leaked from her eye.
The sight broke my heart. I tightened my grip on her hand.
“Listen to me, Rachel,” I said firmly. “You’re going to be alright. I promise.”
I held her gaze, determination flooding my voice. “I’m getting you out of here tonight, away from the Roses.”
I glanced at Nora, whose mouth had fallen open. “And I’ll find you proper treatment – the same specialists who helped Blake. You will recover, I won’t give up on you.”
1/2
Chapter 239
If only I’d known earlier, I thought bitterly. I could have contacted Dr. Harrison Clarke immediately.
Even if he can’t help, there are other doctors. Rachel has time all the time in the world to recover. Unlike me.
Nora stared at me. “Sinclair Miss, are you saying…”
“I’m taking Rachel away tonight,” I confirmed. “Thank you for caring for her all this time.”
Nora burst into tears, clutching my free hand. “Thank God Miss Hayes has friends like you. You’re her blessing.”
She wiped her face. “I wanted to help her too, but I’m just an old servant. I’ve done terrible things just to stay by her side, to keep from being
dismissed…”
“I couldn’t even acknowledge you at the mansion last time. I was so afraid…”
I smiled gently. “It’s alright. I understand.”
“But there’s something I’ve been wanting to know for a long time now.”
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