With a weary sigh, he decided to wait for a calmer moment to share the news.

In the medical ward, Sandra reclined on the cot, her complexion pallid and worn from the blood sampling. Elijah positioned himself beside her, his brow furrowed with concern as he handed her a diagnostic report.

“Here’s the analysis. Everything is fine—but you really need to avoid straining yourself like that again.”

Sandra’s lips curled into a teasing pout, about to chide him for the delay, but noticing the distant look in his eyes, she paused. The uncertainty of her position in Elijah’s life since her return weighed heavily on her mind. She also grappled with the apprehension that Elijah might feel deceived by her and Sophia's covert plan to replace Elizabeth.

With a nervous nibble on her lower lip, Sandra softly asked, “Elijah?”

“What is it?” Elijah’s tone was sharp, his gaze snapping to hers with anxious interest.

Concealing her unease with feigned worry, Sandra murmured, “I realized today that the other candidate the director considered was Ms. Elizabeth. Do you think she might assume I deliberately competed with her? I regret not clarifying earlier. When Sophia approached you for assistance, I should have intervened…”

Her voice trailed off, burdened by remorse. After a brief hesitation, a painful realization dawning, Sandra began to weep.

“I’m sorry, Elijah. I never wanted you to quarrel with her. I can relinquish this role. Other opportunities will come. As long as it means you two won’t argue over me…”

Elijah’s features softened, his expression warming at her words. Gently, he tucked a stray strand of Sandra’s hair behind her ear, his lips curving into a small, reassuring grin.

“You’re overthinking, Sandra. The disagreements between Elizabeth and me aren’t your concern. Concentrate on your recovery and stop stressing over this. I promised you this role, and I intend to keep that promise, regardless of Elizabeth’s involvement.”

Sandra’s smile flickered through her tears. “Elijah, you’re overly generous. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. But still, I can’t shake this feeling of responsibility for the misunderstanding with Ms. Elizabeth. Maybe you should talk to her? I wouldn’t want this to escalate because of me. I’m used to managing such matters; I’ll be fine soon.”

“She’s merely acting out for now. Don’t let it trouble you,” Elijah reassured her, though the thought of Elizabeth’s recent defiance brought a frown to his face and a slight throb to his head.