Chapter 4 - Whispers in the ICU
The steady hum of the life-support machine beat like a slow metronome in the dimly lit intensive care unit. Elena slowly opened her heavy eyes, met by the stark, sterile ceiling. Her hand reflexively drifted down to her stomach. The dull, burning ache remained, but the sharp agony had subsided.
Mark sat slouched beside the bed, his head buried in his hands. When he felt her slight movement, he looked up, his bloodshot eyes swimming with unshed tears. “You’re awake... God, Elena, you’re awake.”
“The baby...?” she croaked, her throat parched.
“Still fighting,” Mark choked out, lifting her hand to kiss her cold knuckles. “Elena, the doctors found a poisoned capsule inside you. Someone put it there before today. Did someone touch your medication? Who has been near your food?”
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Elena stared at him, her gaze darkening with sudden, terrifying recollection. “It wasn't food, Mark. Three weeks ago, when you were in Zurich... Beatrice invited me for afternoon tea. She insisted I take a special prenatal supplement.”
Before Mark could process the accusation, the shadow of a figure paused outside the frosted glass door, turning the brass handle slowly.
