The incident happened so suddenly, and Viola was taken to the hospital. There were red marks on her fair skin, left behind by the thugs‘ rough handling when they tore her clothes.
Given the circumstances, Melanie could not leave. She followed her to the emergency room. The door was closed, and Eugene was accompanying Viola inside.
Melanie herself was hurt when the thugs collided with her. She was about to turn away when Theodore, who was beside her, hesitated before asking, “Where are you going?”
Melanie moved her arm slightly. “To the orthopedic department.”
Unaware of her arm injury, Theodore asked, “Are you injured too? Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”
Melanie bit her lip. How could she have? To whom should she have spoken to? Viola was busy crying, and Eugene was too preoccupied with concern for her. What difference would it have made even if she did say something?
Theodore sighed lightly at her silence. “Eugene and I were leaving the hospital when we heard the sirens. His face turned so dark that it was frightening.”
Melanie replied, “So, he thinks I was the one who instructed them?”
Theodore’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Not exactly.”
It was already quite evident whether or not he thought so. Melanie could not help but mock. herself silently, ‘Look at that. Even Theodore can tell Eugene’s skepticism toward me.‘
The door to the examination room was pushed open, interrupting Melanie’s thoughts. Theodore stepped forward. “How are you? Are you okay?”
Viola still looked a bit pale in Eugene’s coat. She was clearly still shaken. She shook her head and then glanced at Melanie. Meeting Melanie’s composed gaze, she hesitated before lowering her head timidly.
