In a panic, Katie managed to grab her handbag and struck Luciana on the head with all her might.
The blow brought Luciana back to her senses momentarily.
She gazed at Katie, then at her own actions, and let out a horrified scream, releasing her grip.
âKatie, Iâm so sorry.
I truly lost my senses, confusing you for someone elseâ¦â Luciana paused mid-sentence, her mind racing to recall whom she had imagined strangling.
Her expression turned to one of panic, her fingers quivering.
Luciana was baffled.
Why did Katieâs face seem to morph into Raeganâs in her moment of frenzy? Was Raegan truly alive? The image of that passing figure she had seen in the hospital earlier sharpened Lucianaâs gaze.
Gasping for air, Katie was seized by a bout of coughing.
She never expected that Luciana would spiral into such a state of mental turmoil.
Maybe it was the recent adjustment in the way hypnotized Luciana that tipped her over.
Katie had always been cautious, especially to avoid drawing Mitchelâs attention to Lucianaâs so-called therapy, directing Mr.
Gomez to handle things with the utmost discretion.
Luciana, now somewhat calmer, patted on Katieâs back, asking with concern, âKatie, are you alright?â
With her complexion still washed out, Katie managed a weak nod.
âIâm fine, Luciana, really.
â
Internally, Katie mulled over the situation.
While hypnotic effects were shown on Luciana, it seemed Lucianaâs mental state had deteriorated more than anticipated.
To avoid arousing suspicion, Katie decided it would be wise to ensure Lucianaâs stability, suggesting Luciana continue her medication at home for a few more days first.
Back in the hospital ward, as Raegan entered Mitchelâs ward with a lunch box in hand, she found him engrossed in work on his laptop.
Despite his illness, Mitchel hadnât forsaken his usual attire, opting for a shirt even at bedtime.
The dark fabric contrasted against his pallid, yet strikingly handsome features, lending him an air of mysterious allure, reminiscent of a knight under the cloak of night.
Mitchel possessed a natural allure that was undeniable.
His features served as a stunning testament to his attractiveness, with every motion and pose radiating a sense of exclusivity that seemed beyond reach.
âArenât you going to come in?â Mitchel lifted his eyes, offering a gentle smile to Raegan who lingered at the door, caught up in her admiration.
Raegan snapped back to reality.
Aware that she was caught openly gazing at him, a wave of heat rushed to her cheeks, painting them the shade of a deep sunset.
She mentally chastised herself for such a lapse in poise.
She had encountered handsome men before, surrounded by the likes of Erick and Stefan, both undeniably attractive in their own right.
Stepping inside as if she had just noticed him, Raegan announced, âIâve just got here.
â
Mitchelâs eyebrows arched slightly.
âWhy did I sense someoneâs gaze burning into me just nowâ¦â
Raegan cleared her throat, attempting to deflect.
âYouâre mistaken.
Iâve only just arrived.
â
Mitchel let a smile creep onto his face, not teasing Raegan anymore.
âPerhaps Iâve been missing you so much, always hoping for your arrival.
â
Raegan felt her cheeks warm even further.
What was this about missing her? His words painted a picture as if they were a couple deeply ensconced in romance.
âStop talking such nonsense,â Raegan protested.
Upon opening the lid, the scent of the porridge filled the air.