Chapter 5 - The First Lie
Beatrice returned to the ICU.
Lorenzo's condition remained stable.
Sebastian was sitting beside the bed.
He looked up.
“Where were you?”
“Laundry.”
“At two in the morning?”
“There were linens to replace.”
Sebastian smiled without warmth.
“You're lying.”
Beatrice placed the basket down.
“You asked where I was. I answered.”
His eyes remained fixed on her.
Then Lorenzo's heart monitor beeped.
Both turned.
Lorenzo's fingers moved.
Sebastian stood immediately.
“Doctor.”
Caldwell rushed inside.
Lorenzo opened his eyes.
This time, they stayed open.
His gaze moved across the room.
Sebastian leaned closer.
“Boss?”
Lorenzo tried to speak.
Nothing came out.
Beatrice stepped closer.
“Don't force yourself.”
Lorenzo looked directly at her.
His lips moved.
One word.
“Bag.”
Beatrice froze.
Sebastian turned.
“What did he say?”
“Nothing.”
Lorenzo's eyes remained on Beatrice.
He knew.
He remembered.
Sebastian reached for the nurse call button.
“Maybe his oxygen is dropping.”
Caldwell checked the monitor.
“No.”
Lorenzo's pulse remained steady.
Beatrice understood.
He wasn't asking for medicine.
He was asking about the bag.
The one she had hidden.
She quietly nodded.
Lorenzo closed his eyes.
Sebastian watched her.
Then he noticed the smallest movement between them.
His expression changed.
“You two know something.”
Beatrice didn't answer.
Sebastian stepped toward her.
But Dr. Caldwell moved between them.
“Mr. Rossi, please leave the patient alone.”
Sebastian stared at him.
Then smiled.
“Of course.”
He walked out.
The moment the door closed, Caldwell whispered:
“We have until sunrise.”
Beatrice looked at Lorenzo.
“Why?”
Caldwell answered:
May you like
“Because Sebastian has already ordered the second dose.”
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