The Wrong Woman

Candice stayed quiet. The room was still.

Elio switched off the lamp and drew her closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. His nerves wouldn't ease until they exchanged vows and became husband and wife.

…

The next day, Mila boarded a military helicopter bound for Phoenicia. She rushed to the hospital to visit Michaela, who had been injured.

Unexpectedly, Michaela greeted Mila with a hint of dissatisfaction. "It's just a minor injury. You didn't have to rush back from work," she scolded.

Deeply concerned, Mila gazed at Michaela, who was now paralyzed from her waist down. It pained her to see Michaela brush off her condition so casually. Nevertheless, Mila stayed by her side at the hospital for hours.

At dinner time, Fenna arrived at the hospital carrying homemade dishes. It irked her to see Mila again. "Wanda?" she blurted out, surprised.

Mila offered a faint smile, rising politely. "It's been some time, Ms. Hudson."

Fenna forced a strained smile, her irritation growing as she noticed Mila's ageless beauty despite nearing 50. Mila maintained a youthful appearance. Fenna pushed herself to remain courteous. "Yeah, it has been quite some time."

Mila looked at the food Fenna was carrying, and said, "We've hired a nutritionist and chef to handle the cooking. You can leave it to the experts and save yourself the trouble from now on."

Fenna felt awkward, unsure whether to put down the food container or take it away.

Michaela quickly interjected. “Fen’s cooking is fantastic and I love it. Please, bring it in.”

Her intervention brought relief to Fenna, brightening her expression. Fenna quickly approached and smoothly nudged Mila aside. She opened the food container and began serving the meal.

“I cooked your favorite pot roast today,” Fenna announced cheerfully.

Mila moved aside, her expression clouding over.

Michaela pressed a button on the remote, and the head of her bed gradually elevated. She looked at Fenna with admiration, saying, “You’re truly impressive, juggling an influential career while mastering the art of cooking at home. You manage both effortlessly. Josie is equally remarkable.”

Mila’s face twisted in disdain as though she had tasted something foul. She couldn’t shake the memory of Fenna’s harsh criticism, accusing her of incompetence in caring for Nathan.

In the past, Fenna employed sneaky, manipulative tactics to undermine and ridicule Mila. Each time those memories returned, they stoked her anger.

She had once confided in Michaela about Fenna’s actions, only to receive a dismissive response.

“Nathan’s a remarkable man, and it’s natural for him to draw many admirers. Fenna’s behavior wasn’t beyond reason. She was just pursuing the man she desired, which isn’t exactly a crime,” Michaela had remarked.

Since then, Mila realized that Michaela held questionable beliefs. Michaela consistently valued competence and power above all else, often placing self-interest ahead of empathy.

Elio and Candice would inevitably drift apart if things continued in such a way. Mila felt it was time for her to intervene.

Throughout the meal, Fenna tended to Michaela with a closeness that resembled that of a daughter rather than just a visitor.

After dinner, Michaela needed to rest. Mila said her goodbyes and left the ward. As she stepped out, Fenna hurried after her, calling out, “Wanda!”

Mila paused and turned to face her.

Fenna approached confidently, wearing a smug smile. “It’s been many years since we last met. How’s Nate?”

Despite both of them being married to others for over two decades, her curiosity about Nathan persisted.

“He’s doing fine,” Mila replied calmly.

“Did he come back with you?” Fenna probed further.

Mila dropped all pretense of politeness and sternly questioned, “Does your husband know you’re still so interested in another man?”

Fenna’s face darkened, and she fell silent.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Mila’s expression turned icy with a hint of smirk. She continued, “I recall Cameron’s daughter as quite decent—smart, kind, and lovely. When did she start going after other people’s husbands, much like you did when you were younger?”