She Got A Better Man

After Elvira had been patched up and taken her pain meds, she crashed out in her hospital bed.

Zach woke to a world of pain, momentarily disoriented, his head throbbing. He was haunted by flashes of last night's intimacy with Elvira, those moments of intoxicating bliss that he just couldn't shake off.

"You're finally up, Zach. How're you feeling?" Spike peered at him anxiously. The room was still in disarray, the aftermath of last night hanging in the air.

"Where's Elvira?" Zach probed, looking around.

Spike, recalling Elvira's parting words not to spill the beans about her hospital visit but to simply say she had things to do, cleared his throat awkwardly. "She said she had something to attend to and left as soon as she woke."

At that, Zach felt a stab of worry. He sprang from the bed, and the sight of the glaring red on the sheets-a stark reminder of Elvira's virginity-sent a sharp pang through his heart.

He had always tread lightly around her, hoping to gift her a night of beautiful memories, only to have it end in a nightmare.

The memory of their night was still vivid, a stark contrast of pleasure for him and undoubtedly pain for her.

At that moment, he seethed with a desire to make Sherry pay.

Even Spike, catching a glimpse of the bloody sheets, turned beet red and quickly looked away.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Zach covered up the sheet with the quilt and headed for a shower. He was determined to find Elvira and apologize.

Post-shower and change, he tried calling her but got no response. At the time, she was still asleep and thus unable to pick up the phone call. But his heart sank. 'Is she upset with me?' he wondered.

The thought of how he'd lost control last night, virtually ravaging her, made him loathe himself. After learning from Tracy that Elvira hadn't shown up there today, he realized how little he truly knew about her. If she wasn't at home or with Tracy, he was clueless about where else to look for her.

Racing back home only to find Elvira absent, his anxiety spiked. Calls went unanswered, and he felt the weight of each ticking second like never before.

Spike's call came through, revealing last night's ordeal was orchestrated by someone in the Gilbert family, who bought off Sherry.

Zach had his suspects, the same leeches that had been after him for years.

"Then make an example out of Henry Gilbert! Break his legs!" Zach ordered coldly.

"What about Sherry, Zach?" Spike asked.

"She seems to have an insatiable appetite for men. Well, why not send her to a place where she can indulge that desire to her heart's content? Make sure it's somewhere she can be 'entertained' around the clock. Just make sure she comes out of it alive."

Zach's eyes were filled with disgust at the mention of Sherry. She had ruined the romantic wedding night he wanted to give Elvira. She deserved the worst.

Spike got right on executing those orders.

*****

80% +13

Elvira woke up to darkness outside, feeling significantly better after a long sleep. Though the pain had lessened, she still felt a burning sensation in her private area, as if she'd been hollowed out.

It was only now she realized how physically demanding intimacy could be.

Olivia, who had stayed by her side, checked on her upon waking. Elvira assured her with a smile that she felt much better.

"You still need to apply these ointments, though. This one's for down there-just apply it before bed. And this one's for the bruises, it'll help them fade faster. Make sure to drink some energy-boosting beverages to refresh your vitality. And absolutely no intimacy for a month!" Olivia instructed earnestly.

Elvira nodded in agreement, quickly checking her phone to see several missed calls from Zach and calling him back.

He answered instantly, his voice raspy with concern, "Elvira, where are you?"

"I stayed at a friend's place. I was just too exhausted last night," she reassured, not wanting him to worry too much. "What's the address? I'll come get you," he said, eager to see her, wanting to apologize and ensure she was fine.

Elvira, reluctant to let guilt consume him, sent him Olivia's address, preparing to meet him.

"Elvira, you shouldn't let this slide. He needs to understand the gravity of his actions!" Olivia protested, believing that even with excuses, Zach should still feel remorseful.

'Shouldn't make it so easy for him,' she thought.

"I know what I'm doing. Thanks for everything, dear," Elvira said, grabbing her medicine and leaving the hospital.

Olivia's family had bought Olivia an apartment close to the hospital, so by the time Zach arrived, Elvira was already waiting for him at the entrance.

Zach practically leaped from the car without waiting for it to stop to embrace her tightly.

"How are you feeling? Are you okay?" she asked, concerned for his well-being as well, hugging him back.

Holding her felt like a revival for him.

"I'm fine, Elvira, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," he said, clutching her closer, overwhelmed with guilt.

"It wasn't your fault, you were drugged. Let's not dwell on it, okay?" Elvira was somewhat embarrassed, their relationship having crossed a new threshold with last night's event. Despite the pain, the memory of their intense intimacy made her flush and her heart race. "Let's get in the car, let me carry you," he said, lifting her into the vehicle.

Once inside, he attempted to check her injuries, but she stopped him, "Head back first, It's not as bad as you think. It's just what happens between couples, right? It's all normal."

She was covered in bruises, which looked quite severe, but Olivia had assured her that they would heal. The most important thing was that her most intimate area needed more time to recover.

"Elvira, do you blame me?" Zach asked tentatively, fearing her resentment.

"You couldn't help it. Let's not overthink it, okay? I know you were betrayed by Sherry, but you've got to be more careful with who you trust from now on," she said, more concerned for him than herself, thankful she arrived in time to prevent worse outcomes.