**Chapter 4: Playing The Part**
Laila opened her eyes, wincing at the bright light overhead. She tried to lift her head, but a sharp pain shot through her temples, making her wince again. She let her head fall back onto the pillow, taking slow, deep breaths.
As her blurry eyes adjusted to the light, she took in her surroundings. She was in a hospital room, with beeping machines and sterile white walls. A figure sat beside her bed, holding her hand.
Laila's gaze drifted to her side, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Peter's concerned face. For a moment, she forgot about the betrayal and felt a surge of relief that he was there. But as her memories came flooding back, her face hardened.
"Peter," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Peter's eyes snapped up to hers, his gaze filled with worry. "Laila, thank God. You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Laila's gaze drifted to his hand holding hers, and she felt a wave of disgust wash over her. She tried to pull her hand away, but Peter held on tight.
"Laila, don't try to move," he said, his voice low and gentle. "You had an accident. You need to rest."
Laila's eyes locked onto his, filled with anger and hurt, but Peter didn't seem to notice it.
"Let go of my hand," she said, her voice low.
Peter's expression didn't change, but his grip on her hand loosened slightly.
"Okay, okay," he said, releasing her hand. Laila pulled it back, her eyes never leaving his face.
Just then, a voice behind Peter spoke up. "Laila, oh my God, I'm so glad you're awake." Nina's voice was sickly sweet that made Laila feel disgusted and her eyes narrowed at the sound of it.
Nina stepped forward, her face etched with concern, but Laila saw right through it.
"How are you feeling, girl?" Nina asked, her voice dripping with fake concern, Laila wondered how she never noticed it before.
Laila's gaze flicked to Nina, a fake, weak smile building up her lips, but then she frowned.
"My head hurts," she said, groaning slightly, the machine suddenly beeped loudly and Laila's face twisted.
Nina's face fell, but Peter's expression remained calm, before it quickly shifted to show fake concern. "Nina go get the doctor, hurry." He said in panic, Nina left the room quickly.
The machines beeped louder, and Peter's eyes darted to the monitors, he tried to calm Laila as her face twisted in pain. "Hey, just relax ok, the doctor will be here soon ok."
Laila's gaze wavered from his face, her eyes unfocused.
The doctor stepped into the room with a nurse and Nina behind, it was a female doctor and a female nurse.
"Sir please step out," the nurse said, leading Peter and Nina out.
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
The doctor stepped out of the ward and Peter and Nina quickly went towards her,
"How is my wife doctor?" Peter asked, somewhat worried.
"She's fine now," the doctor replied before saying, "can I speak to you in person?" She asked,
"Yeah, of course." Taking Peter to the side, the doctor said,
"She seems unhappy, which is unusual for a patient just waking up, did something happen?" The doctor asked, Peter's eyebrows furrowed as he tried to remember something happening that could make her unhappy, but then he didn't.
Shaking his head, he replied.
"No, nothing out of the usual, she even seemed happy when we spoke on the phone," Peter replied,
"She had also been crying before the accident, you should try to lift her spirit because the patients state of mind right now can lead to depression," the doctor said, Peter's face contorted in confusion,
"Can we see her now?" He asked.
"I suggest you allow the patient rest and see her when she's awake." The doctor said before leaving.
Noticing the doctor leave and Peter unmoving, Nina walked towards him,
"What's wrong Peter? What did the doctor say?" She asked,
"That she's sad enough to have depression." He replied, Nina was surprised.
"But that's impossible, you said you spoke with her earlier right? And she seemed happy," Peter nodded his head in agreement.
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
Laila's eyes opened for the second time in six hours, focusing again to her surroundings, but she wasn't too surprised as she already knew where she was. Her gaze drifted to Peter's concerned face, and she forced a weak smile. "Hey," she whispered, trying to sound calm.
Peter's eyes lit up with relief. "Laila, how are you feeling? You gave me a fright there."
Laila's eyes shifted slowly to Nina, who stood beside Peter, looking worried. "I'm okay, I think," Laila said, her voice hoarse. "What happened?"
Peter's expression turned serious. "You were in an accident. But then you woke up and passed out, we are just glad you are ok. The doctor said you should be discharged in a few days."
Laila nodded, her eyes locking onto Peter's. "Thank you for being here," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. He still cared right? That's why he's here, she thought, but then she remembered everything. This was just fake concern.
Nina stepped forward, her face etched with concern. "We're just glad you're okay, Laila. We were so worried about you."
Laila's gaze lingered on Nina's face, but she didn't betray any emotion. "Thanks, Nina. That means a lot to me."
"Your accident was way passed our house babe, what happened?" Peter asked,
"I don't know, I can't remember," Laila replied.
"It's ok don't force yourself ok, just rest, I'm here. Peter said.
Nina's eyes darted between Laila and Peter, a look of unease crossing her face. "Uh, well I'll go get something for you to eat ok, rest up," she said, backing away slowly.
Peter stayed back, keeping Laila company and speaking to her. But as they chatted, Laila's mind was already racing with plans. She would play the part of the injured wife, and she would use it to her advantage. They were partly responsible for her accident. She would find out exactly what they were planning, and she would make them pay.