Lauren, determined to alleviate her father's concerns, reassured him, "Dad, I swear I'm fine. I just felt a little light-headed, that's all. You can ask Doctor Derek." She turned her gaze towards the doctor, hoping he would vouch for her well-being.
In response, Doctor Derek cleared his throat, exuding an air of professionalism and confidence. Meeting the worried father's gaze, he offered reassurance, "We performed an MRI and CT scan, and everything came back normal. She should be discharged by tomorrow."
Just as he finished speaking, the door to their hospital room swung open, revealing a captivating woman in her late forties.
Two people stood beside the woman, one on each side. Derek could feel their energy – it was different, not quite human. He could tell they knew who he was, and their eyes seemed to see right through him.
Derek spoke to the woman in a firm voice. "This is a private ward," he said, letting her know that they shouldn't be there.
Astonishment washed over Mr. Turner as he uttered the name Veronica in sheer disbelief, immediately recognizing the striking resemblance between this strange woman and his late wife.
Veronica reciprocated his shocked reaction with a warm smile, acknowledging the moment of recognition that passed between them.
Lauren, caught in a surreal whirlwind of emotions, could hardly believe her eyes. This woman, standing before her, bore an uncanny resemblance to her deceased mother—a convergence of past and present that seemed impossible to comprehend.
Breaking the stunned silence, Veronica extended her hand for a handshake, her smile radiating warmth. "Mr. Turner... I see why my dear sister was inlove with this realm," she remarked with a touch of nostalgia.
"I have heard so much about you from my late wife," Mr. Turner responded solemnly, his voice laden with the weight of memories. "Whenever I asked for recent pictures, she would always say, 'When you see her, you would know instantly...' Please, have a seat."
Veronica gracefully accepted the invitation, settling into a chair with an air of elegant poise. Turning her attention to Lauren, she addressed her with a mix of affection and curiosity. "You must be Lauren. You can call me Aunt Veronica."
Stammering slightly, Lauren managed to reply, "H-Hi," her voice barely audible. Her aunt's warm smile broadened with genuine delight, capturing the essence of shared family connection.
Veronica turned towards the two women accompanying her, introducing them to Lauren.
"Allow me to introduce my daughters, Alanna and Ariana. Girls, this is your cousin, Lauren," she declared, emphasizing the familial bond that instantly formed.
The room was filled with a mix of excitement, surprise, and maybe a little nervousness as everyone got to know each other again. It was a reunion of long-lost family members.
Lauren felt a bit overwhelmed, taking in all the new information. Just a few minutes ago, she hadn't even known she had an aunt and cousins! Now, they were suddenly claiming to be her family.
Alanna, her cousin, sensed Lauren's confusion and gave her a kind smile. "I know it's a lot to take in," she said gently. "But it's really nice to meet you, Lauren." Her warm smile helped Lauren feel a little better, even though things were still pretty chaotic.
Lauren was still feeling a bit confused and turned to her father, who hadn't said much during the whole meeting. "Dad," she asked, a mix of curiosity and surprise in her voice, "You never told me mum had a sister?"
Taken aback by the sudden question, he cleared his throat before responding, "Uh... I was going to tell you eventually.... at the right time of cause" His voice wavered slightly, revealing the unexpected nature of the revelation and the reasons behind his silence.
Meanwhile, Derek, having completed his examination, prepared to depart from the room. He sent a text message to Damien, prompting an immediate call, which he disconnected immediately, undeterred by the chilling hostility emanating from the witches present.
Ignoring the palpable tension in the room, Derek approached Lauren once more, checking her vitals to ensure her well-being.
Satisfied with his observations, he addressed the gathering with a polite tone, "Everything looks fine... Now, if you will excuse me." With those words, he turned on his heels and strode out of the room.
Already near his office, Derek's phone rang once again, signaling Damien's persistent call. Expecting an urgent matter, Damien got straight to the point, asking, "Where are you?"
Just as briefly, Derek replied with a curt tone, "At my office."
Without further ado, Damien's commanding voice came through, "I'm coming." The line went silent as he abruptly ended the call.
____________________________________________
Venessa's bewilderment propelled her to rise from the plush sofa she had been seated on. Clearly taken aback, she asked, "Veronica Benneth and her daughters are in Lauren's private ward now?"
Suspicion tinged her words as she pondered the mysterious timing of their appearance. "Do you think it's a coincidence that she chose to show up in Lauren's life now? Why now?" she queried, her voice laced with curiosity.
With a confident air about him, Damien responded, "Why not? She is a priestess, after all... Let's go." Determination etched upon his face, he led the way towards the exit.
Venessa followed him, their footsteps echoing within the elevator as they traveled downwards. She couldn't help but inquire, "Where are we going?"
"Damien's office," he replied.
As the elevator came to a halt and as the doors opened, they found themselves face to face with another closing elevator opposite their own. Inside stood Veronica Benneth, her daughters and her entourage, their expressions hollow and unreadable. Damien's smirk spoke volumes as he locked eyes with Veronica, a silent challenge passing between them.
"Follow me," Damien commanded, striding forward with steadfast determination. Venessa matched his pace, her mind swirling with questions, anticipation, and an unspoken sense of intrigue.
Meanwhile, in Lauren's private ward, a momentary quiet settled upon the room. Lauren noticed her father's unusual silence and couldn't resist breaking it.
Seeking to understand his thoughts, she queried, "Dad, you've been quiet ever since Aunt Veronica left." Her voice radiated concern, her question shattering his reverie.
Putting on a reassuring smile, Mr. Turner gently patted his daughter's hand.
"Ah, nothing to worry about, my dear," he replied, attempting to appease her curiosity.
Inside, his emotions roiled, his mind grappling with the question that gnawed at his heart. Why had his late wife's sister, a powerful witch, chosen to pay them a visit today of all days?
Casting his gaze upon his daughter, who was focused on her work, he pushed aside the unwelcomed question. There was no need for Lauren to know about her witch lineage, he resolved. He would ensure that her paths and Veronica's will never cross again, if it meant safeguarding her from the complexities of her heritage.
Sighing softly, he approached the coffee maker in the room and prepared himself a steaming cup of coffee. The warmth and aroma offered a moment of respite amidst the storm of uncertainties that loomed before them.