Chapter 0209

Gloria's smile never wavered, her eyes shining with a sincerity that Ava didn't believe for a second. "If you don't want me here, Ava, that's fine. But know that I care deeply about Luke's wellbeing. I only want to help, to support him through this difficult time."

Ava's expression turned venomous, her lips curling into a snarl. "I don't care," she spat, her voice low and deadly. "Get the fuck out, Gloria. You're not welcome here. You're the last person Luke needs right now."

Gloria's eyes widened, but she held out a bouquet of flowers, her hand trembling slightly. "Okay, I'll leave," she said, her voice soft and placating. "But please, Ava, accept these flowers. I brought them for Luke, to brighten up his room and lift his spirits, maybe, just maybe if you put this flower beside his bed, he would wake up."

Ava's gaze fell on the flowers, and for a moment, Gloria thought she saw a glimmer of softening. But then, Ava's face twisted in anger, and she snatched the bouquet from Gloria's h