After the wound was finally bandaged, Dr. Zhang arrived. While re-treating the wound, Dr. Zhang couldn't help but sigh, "Madam, this wound is quite deep; any later and it might get infected. Mr. Liam ... didn't he see it?"
Clara didn't speak, she just closed her eyes. She didn't want to mention Liam again ; every time she did, it felt like a stab to her heart.
After her wounds were treated, Clara drifted off to sleep. The pain in her back kept recurring like waves, making her sleep restless. Her dreams were filled with scenes from seven years ago—she was standing on stage in her dance dress, Liam applauding her from below, his eyes shining brighter than a spotlight. Suddenly, the stage collapsed, and she fell into darkness, all she could hear were Lila 's curses and Vanessa 's laughter.
She was awakened by a commotion. Opening her eyes, she saw the living room was crowded with people—nurses were pushing wheelchairs and physiotherapy equipment, and several doctors in white coats were busy moving various medical devices into the guest room. Vanessa sat on the sofa, a small bandage on her elbow, being carefully supported by Liam , who asked softly, "Does it still hurt? The doctor said you need to do physiotherapy for a few days. I'll move the equipment home so it'll be more convenient for you."
“ Mr. Liam , this is too much trouble for you…” Vanessa ’s voice was trembling with tears, her eyes red. “I only scraped my skin, and you’ve gone to such lengths. It’s making me feel bad.”
Clara leaned against the bedroom door, looking at the expensive medical equipment, then down at the gauze on her back that was faintly bleeding—her wound was ten times worse than Vanessa's , yet she had to find the first-aid kit to treat it herself, without even receiving a word of concern.
Liam turned and saw her, the gentleness on his face instantly fading, and he gave a perfunctory explanation: " Teacher Vanessa is injured, so it's more convenient for her to recuperate at home. Consider this an apology on your behalf."
“She just scraped her hand.” Clara ’s voice was as cold as ice as she glanced at the equipment. “Why are you making such a fuss? You never even mentioned bringing this equipment home when I broke my leg while practicing dance.”