They were adults and knew each other too well.
Raeganâs departure on the day of Mitchelâs surgery spoke volumes.
It was a clear signal that she had decided to let go of their relationship.
With his mobility restricted, Mitchel was confined to the hospital, growing increasingly withdrawn and despondent.
He showed no interest in anything, mechanically going through his routines, his only engagement being his work.
This ongoing scenario was frustrating for Luis, who found himself at a loss for comforting words.
No matter what he said, it seemed Mitchel barely heard him, continuing on in his own isolated world.
Mitchel even resisted participating in basic rehabilitative treatments.
In this case, how long would this go on before he could leave that bed?
his best friend, Luis felt compelled to intervene.
He couldnât just stand by and watch Mitchel potentially resign himself to a life in a wheelchair.
While sitting next to the bed, peeling an apple, Luis attempted to lighten the mood with some local gossip.
âThe Maxwells sure hold grudges.
They even retrieved Katieâs ashes that Katieâs stepmother had thrown away, brought them back to Aurora, and had a witch perform a ritual.
Itâs said to be a curse that condemns the soul to eternal suffering in hellfire, ensuring it never finds peace.
â
If the chilling legends of Aurora were indeed true, then Katieâs spirit found no peace even in death.
She deserved that fate, though.
She had evaded punishment in life, so it was only fitting she faced retribution in death.
âBut thereâs a bright side,â Luis continued, trying to steer the conversation toward less morbid topics.
âThe Maxwells wanted to retrieve Lorenzoâs entire body without an autopsy, and to sidestep further complications, they negotiated with Ardlensâ authority.
The Maxwells agreed to keep their clan in check and avoid causing issues in Ardlens.
Should a Maxwell step out of line in Ardlens again, theyâll cooperate fully with Ardlensâ authorities to ensure justice is served.
â
Despite their notoriety for ruthlessness and disregard for laws, the Maxwells were known to honor their commitments.
The circumstances of Lorenzoâs death had been a reality check for them.
Their helicopter, sent to collect Lorenzoâs body, was intercepted by Ardlensâ special forces and air force.
This encounter significantly curtailed the Maxwellsâ hubris and altered their perception of Ardlens.
Previously swayed by misleading propaganda that painted Ardlens as underdeveloped, the Maxwells had allowed their people to act recklessly in Ardlens.
They had not realized that Ardlens was far from the primitive place depicted by those baseless articles, boasting highly sophisticated weaponry and technology, some of which even surpassed international standards.
With this newfound respect, the Maxwells promptly extended an olive branch to Ardlens, showing a readiness for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for legal norms.
As Luis finished his apple, he coughed solemnly and mentioned, âIâve heard, just heard, mind you, that Raegan is getting married.
â
At this news, Mitchel finally reacted.
His grip tightened around Luisâ wrist, his dark eyes burning with intensity.
âMarried to whom?â
Mitchelâs expression was colder than ever.
He emanated a chilly air.
It was as if he soaked in ice for a long time.
The calm facade he had tried to maintain for over a month was finally shattered at the revelation of Raeganâs upcoming wedding.
Before Luis could say anything, Mitchelâs urgent and pressing voice sounded again.
âWho is she going to marry?â
âIâ¦â Right after Luis uttered this single word, he heard Mitchelâs knuckles cracking when tightening the grip on his wrist.
And those ink-black eyes of Mitchelâs were like a bottomless abyss capable of devouring everything.
Even though he was lying in a hospital bed, he was still extremely formidable.
With the grip around his wrist tightened, the apple Luis had just peeled fell to the floor with a plop.
The juice splattered out.