A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer The Back Up Novel

At the hospital , Brian waited for what felt like an eternity before the light above the operating room finally turned green .

The lead surgeon and several nurses emerged , wheeling Ariana on a gurney .

Seeing her lying there , Brian immediately moved toward her .

But a quick handed nurse stepped in front of him and said , Im sorry , sir .

The patient needs rest , and she specifically said she doesnt want to see you .

Those words hit Brian like a hammer .

His heart sank .

Just then , Emily received a call from the police station and approached Brian .

Mr.

Lodge , our people just arrived at the police station , but the female prisoners are already dead .

How did they die ? It was Victor .

Brian let out a cold laugh .

Of course .

Victor Smith .

Ariana must have been closer to him than he thought .

Victor rarely acted personally unless it was for someone truly important to him .

Forget it .

Ill deal with her later .

Right now , her recovery is the priority .

But , Mr.

Lodge , Its already late .

If you dont return soon , Mrs.

Lodge .

Senior is going to ask questions .

They had already been waiting at the hospital for Ariana to finish surgery well past midnight , and there was an important meeting scheduled for the morning .

Belinda had specifically reminded Brian to return early tonight , especially after that argument earlier in the day .

You head back first .

Send me the meeting materials for tomorrow .

Ill stay here .

Youre staying here alone ? Emily could hardly believe her ears .

Mr.

Lodge had never stayed overnight for anyone .

Stop wasting time and do as I say .

Yes , Mr.

Lodge .

As Emily turned to leave , Brian added , Wait .

Yes ? See if theres any place nearby that sells supper food .

Youre hungry ? Brian didnt respond , but Emily quickly understood- it wasnt for him but for Ariana .

She quickly replied , Ill find something right away ! After Emily left , Brian entered Arianas hospital room .

The doctors and nurses had already left , leaving the room quiet and still .

The room was dim , illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the window .

Brian softened his steps as he approached the bed .

Ariana lay there with her eyes closed , likely still under the effects of the anesthesia .

Chapter 223 +25 BONUS This was the first time Brian had taken such a close look at Ariana while she was asleep .

Ariana had always been beautiful .

She possessed the kind of beauty that was stunning at first glance and even more captivating the longer you looked .

But now , her face was bruised and partially wrapped in bandages .

The deep red marks on her neck were shocking enough to make anyone wince .

Her arms and hands were covered in cuts and scrapes .

At this moment , Arian looked fragile , like a hedgehog stripped of its quills or a cat without its claws .

She lay there quietly , defenseless .

Somehow , she didnt seem so … annoying after all , Brian thought to himself .

Just then , the door creaked open .

A nurse entered , frowning slightly .

Sir , only family members are allowed to stay in the room .

Are you a family member ? The interruption snapped Brian out of his thoughts .

He turned to the nurse and frowned in annoyance .

Are you new here ? Before the nurse could figure out the meaning of his words .

Richie , the hospital director rushed in .

Mr.

Lodge ! I deeply apologize .

This nurse is an intern and wasnt aware of your status !