Chapter 415

Isabella had to swap blood with Lova, so she was on this strict porridge diet to clear out impurities. She couldn't eat much and was visibly losing weight.

Since that day, she hadn't seen Marvin, and Quentin was a no-show too.

Other than someone bringing Isabella her meals and doctors checking on Lova, no one else came into the room. Isabella felt totally cut off from the world.

At first, she barely moved around; the curtain between the two hospital beds was always closed because she didn't want to see Lova!

Eventually, Isabella got braver and pulled the curtain open. Sometimes, she'd just stand there, staring at Lova.

Lova wasn't dead, but Isabella thought her situation was worse than death.

From the looks of it, Lova had been stuck in that bed for years.

Isabella had only been confined for a few days and was already losing it. She couldn't imagine how awful it must be for Lova to be trapped here for so long, completely cut off from the outside world.

If it were Isabella, she'd go nuts!

Lova had to stay here all day and night, unable to move or speak. The only things she could do were move her eyes and breathe.

Right now, Lova seemed to be asleep, her eyes closed.

Isabella stood by the bed, watching her. After a bit, Lova suddenly opened her eyes and stared right at Isabella.

Before, Isabella would've been freaked out by Lova's stare.

But now, maybe because she was used to it or because of the suffocating environment, Isabella didn't find it so scary. At least she could still move, but Lova was stuck lying there day after day.

Isabella sat down on a chair. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Hey, I'm Isabella Miller."

Lova didn't respond.

Isabella asked, "I don't know if you can hear me. If you can, could you blink?"

Lova just stared blankly.

Isabella waited but still didn't see Lova blink.

She sighed. "You must be exhausted living like this, huh? Quentin said he wants to take my life to save yours. I think he's a monster. He must be quite twisted to come up with such a crazy plan."

"Oh, by the way, we're actually sisters. Based on our ages, I'm your big sister," Isabella said with a bitter smile. "I just never thought we'd meet like this."

Isabella kept talking, not noticing the change in Lova's eyes.

A flicker of emotion appeared in Lova's previously lifeless eyes, like a dead tree slowly coming back to life.

The medical equipment suddenly started beeping urgently. Isabella looked up and saw the previously stable lines going wild.

Lova's breathing became erratic. Her frail chest heaved; it seemed like she wanted to get up but couldn't. After a few seconds of struggle, Lova fell back heavily onto the bed.

Isabella watched in shock as Lova grabbed her wrist with a thin, misshapen hand.

Freaked out, Isabella shook off Lova's hand and backed away. She was genuinely terrified that Lova might rise like a mummy from a horror film and drain her blood.

Just then, the door burst open, and a group of doctors rushed in, quickly wheeling Lova's stretcher out.

Still in shock, Isabella saw Quentin arrive.

Quentin grabbed her shoulders, his eyes blazing with anger. "What did you say to Lova? Why did her emotions suddenly go haywire? Isabella, I told you to behave; why won't you listen?"

Isabella was so shaken by Quentin that she almost couldn't stand. She tried to break free, but Quentin held her arm tightly.

A doctor approached, speaking quickly, "Ms. Black's condition is very bad."

Quentin's eyes darkened, and he said without hesitation, "Prepare for the blood exchange surgery immediately."

The doctor said, "But the blood we transfused earlier hasn't been fully tested. What if there's a rejection reaction?"

"We can't worry about that now!" Quentin snapped. "Get everything ready. I'll perform the surgery myself."

The doctor hesitated but eventually went to make the arrangements.

Soon, two doctors came in, gave Isabella a sedative, and laid her on a stretcher, tying her hands and feet.

Isabella saw people gathering around her bed, starting to prepare for the surgery. The surgical light above her was turned on, making it hard for her to keep her eyes open. The sound of surgical instruments clinking filled the room, and the temperature kept dropping, causing Isabella to shiver uncontrollably.

"Lova, my daughter." A familiar voice broke through the noise.

Isabella was startled and turned her head, slowly opening her eyes.

Lova was wheeled back in and placed next to Isabella's bed. They were even closer than before. She could almost reach out and touch Lova's hand.

At this moment, the person crying by the bedside was none other than Isabella's mother, Esme, whom she had been longing to see.

Even though Isabella was lying right there, Esme seemed not to notice her, her entire focus on Lova.

Isabella's heart ached.

"Mom," Isabella called out softly.

Esme paused and looked up. When her eyes met Isabella's tear-filled gaze, she hesitated.

Isabella saw a flash of conflict in Esme's eyes. Then Esme wiped her tears and walked over to Isabella's bed.

"Bella," Esme said, holding her hand, her face showing a hint of guilt. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."

Isabella's mind went blank, and her heart sank.

She had requested to see Esme, as she viewed Esme as her last hope. If Esme was willing to save her, she would have a chance to live.

Esme couldn't bear to meet Isabella's eyes. She pressed her forehead against Isabella's hand, tears falling uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Bella. It's my fault. I don't expect you to forgive me in this life. Even if I go to hell, I will accept my punishment."