Chapter 16: Bonds Tested
Brian's Perspective
Brian paced the hospital waiting room, his thoughts consumed by Niva's condition. The doctors assured him she would recover, but the emotional toll of Tamara's betrayal weighed heavily on him. He glanced at his phone, expecting updates from Victor or Emma, who were keeping watch over Tamara until the authorities arrived.
Victor (via text):** *Brian, Tamara is in custody. She won't be a threat anymore.
Brian sighed with relief. He knew justice would prevail, but he couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. How could Tamara, someone from his past, disrupt the happiness he had found with Niva?
Niva's Perspective
Niva woke up in the hospital room, feeling groggy but relieved. Brian sat by her side, his hand gently holding hers.
Niva: "Brian…"
Brian looked up, his eyes filled with concern and love.
Brian: "Hey, how are you feeling?"
Niva: "Better, I think. What happened?"
Brian hesitated, unsure how much to share. He decided to be honest with her.
Brian: "Tamara… she did something terrible. She poisoned you, Niva."
Niva's eyes widened in shock, pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
Niva: "Why would she do that?"
Brian sighed, struggling to find the right words.
Brian: "She wanted me back, Niva. But I want you. Only you."
Niva squeezed his hand, tears welling up in her eyes.
Niva: "Brian, I love you."
Brian leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Brian:
"I love you too, Niva. I promise you, we'll get through this."
Emma's Perspective
Emma sat in the hospital waiting room, her mind replaying the events of the past few hours. She had never expected Tamara to go to such lengths, but she was relieved that Niva was going to be okay.
Victor approached her, concern etched on his face.
Victor: "Emma, how's Niva?"
Emma: "She's stable. Brian's with her now."
Victor nodded, his gaze distant.
Victor: "Tamara… I still can't believe it."
Emma sighed, knowing Victor had feelings for Tamara once. She placed a reassuring hand on his arm.
Emma: "You did everything you could, Victor. We'll make sure she pays for what she's done."
Victor nodded, his jaw clenched in determination.
Tamara's Perspective
Tamara sat in the police interrogation room, her hands trembling. She knew she had made a terrible mistake, one that would cost her everything.
Detective Ramirez entered, his expression stern.
Detective Ramirez: "Tamara, why did you do it?"
Tamara hesitated, her mind racing with regret.
Tamara: "I… I wanted Brian back. I thought if Niva was out of the picture…"
Detective Ramirez shook his head in disbelief.
Detective Ramirez: "That's not how you handle things, Tamara. You're facing serious charges."
Tamara bowed her head, tears streaming down her face.
Tamara: "I know. I'm sorry."
Brian's Perspective
Back in the hospital room, Brian held Niva close, grateful that she was safe. They had faced challenges before, but nothing had tested their bond like this.
Brian: "Niva, I promise to protect you. Always."
Niva smiled weakly, her fingers tracing the lines of his face.
Niva: "I know you will, Brian."
They stayed like that, finding solace in each other's presence, knowing that together, they could overcome anything.