QAIS

Chapter 35: Scattered

The familiar heels tapped furiously against the hospital tiles, sounding nearer by the second. The door was pushed open and it was indeed the doctor. It had been a day since the incident and she had just gotten word that Layla had woken up. Her dark orbs honed in on the figure sitting in the hospital bed.

Yasmin shot to her like an arrow and before anyone could even realize Layla's face whipped to a side as a hard piercing pain shot through her left cheek. Yasmin had slapped her.

"You damned parasite." The doctor hissed.

Before she could do more damage, because she seemed to have much in mind, almost instantly Pasha had pushed her away, coming in between them and shielding Layla. The nurse instantly left the room seeing the tense situation, especially involving the senior doctor.

"Doctor Hayat are you in your senses??" Pasha countered.

But the red imprint on Layla's face was already bruising. She remained still in shock, moisture springing to her eyes but she pursed her lips, steeling herself.

"It's all because of you!" Yasmin unfolded on her, trying to push past Pasha who effortlessly held her back with one arm.

Layla was more startled than offended. What had she even done?

"Do you even realize what he did for you?" Yasmin gritted her teeth, seething with emotion, "He was almost on his deathbed because of you!"

The hazels widened, snapping at the doctor.

"After everything he did for you." Her words were caustic and callous, "He saved you from that murderous family of yours, he had me treat your injuries that were none of his fault, that idiot even planted the fucking gardens for you. And look what you did to him!"

"Yasmin!" Pasha's low voice cut through her rambling. "It was not her fault. The men were there to attack him not her."

Attack? Layla was shocked. The fire had been an attack?

But by whom??

Yasmin jerked his arm off her, foxy eyes flitting up at him distrustfully. Both of them knew if it weren't for Layla Qais would never have gone into the fire.

"I wish I'd left you to die that night." She cursed hurtfully at Layla.

Layla's swallowed the thornful knot that had formed in her throat, unable to hold the hateful gaze of the doctor. She was right, no matter what, Layla would be forever indebted to her and Qais.

"That's enough, doctor." Pasha swiveled her away from Layla so she was facing him instead. Once he looked into those black irises his own softened. The lingering tears in those eyes clearly came from a place of hurt and fear. Fear of losing Qais. Being a doctor Yasmin was the only one who fully grasped the severity of his health and it must have taken a toll on her.

Yasmin glared at him with bloodshot, tearing eyes. "And you, where were you when he needed you most?"

Pasha faltered. She may have a soft spot for Pasha, but Qais was the family she never had. Despite not connected by blood their bond was stronger than any siblings. Just like Pasha, Yasmin too had priorities involving Qais.

"Did you see the state he was brought in?" Her voice cracked and in that moment of vulnerability Pasha was reminded of the naive young teenager they had first met her as.

The greys melted in shame. Yes he was sent away by Qais himself, but Pasha couldn't bring himself to use that excuse. He had sworn to be by his side in every danger. And he had failed.

She didn't let them see her falling tears, storming out of there just like she had come. Leaving behind the guard and the girl in a state of stunned silence.