Chapter 19: chapter 19

The hospital had its usual unpleasant smell, a mix of antiseptic and medicines. Inaya Desai walked in, escorted by Neil Gulati’s assistant. She was alone, without a single person by her side for support.After making her way through the corridors, she finally found Layla Joshi’s room. Standing at the door was Layla’s assistant—the same man who had thrown all the blame on Inaya during the show, claiming she had made all the decisions on her own.He looked at her up and down, his expression full of arrogance. “You’re here,” he said snobbishly, making no effort to hide his contempt. “Wait here. Layla is still resting.”Inaya lifted her handbag with both hands and met his gaze steadily. Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable sharpness. “Do you know my surname?”The assistant scoffed. “What kind of question is that? Everyone knows your surname is Desai.”“Then you should also know about my family background,” Inaya said, her tone unwavering. “How dare a mere assistant like you act so arrogantly in front of me?”“I…” he faltered, suddenly realizing his mistake.Before he could respond, a voice from inside the room called out, “Is that Inaya? Please come in.”Layla Joshi had overheard their conversation and was disappointed in her assistant’s stupidity. If he wanted to go against Inaya, this was definitely not the right way. After all, Inaya still carried the Desai name, even if her family no longer supported her the way they once did.With her head held high, Inaya walked into the room, completely ignoring the assistant’s angry glare. Layla was sitting on the hospital bed, looking weak and pitiful, her injured leg propped up.Inaya smiled, her eyes cold. “Layla, are you okay?”She already knew the truth—Layla had hurt her own leg on purpose to delay Neil’s wedding plans. A woman this ruthless would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.“I heard from Neil that we’re supposed to do a three-minute live broadcast. Is that right?” Layla said sweetly. “Inaya, we’re like sisters. I’m more than happy to help you clear your name in front of the public.”Inaya hesitated for a moment, then let out a small laugh. Layla was shameless—almost as shameless as Neil. The truth behind the whole substitution scandal was known only to the three of them, yet Layla was pretending as if nothing had happened.Taking a deep breath, Inaya looked at her and said in a firm voice, “I only came to visit you, nothing more.”“There’s no need to be so formal,” Layla said, smiling even wider.Neil, who was standing beside her, spoke up. “Actually, we’ve planned a little something for you. When the doctor comes to change Layla’s bandages, we thought it would be a great opportunity for you to show your sincerity. You’ll wash Layla’s feet in front of the cameras. That way, the public will see how truly sorry you are.”“That’s enough,” Inaya snapped, cutting them off. Her patience had reached its limit. “Layla, you and I both know the truth about what happened. Don’t you think it’s time to stop this nonsense?”Layla tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Inaya, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”“Must you really twist the truth?” Inaya’s voice carried a deep sense of frustration. “If it weren’t for Neil, I would have never tolerated you for so long. Haven’t I helped you enough?”Layla let out a soft sigh, pretending to be hurt. “Inaya, it’s one thing that you refuse to apologize, but do you really have to slander me too? You already admitted that you created all that drama just for attention.”Inaya clenched her fists. “I will never apologize to you!” she declared firmly, her eyes burning with defiance.At that exact moment, Layla’s assistant, who had been secretly recording the conversation, uploaded a video online with the headline:[“Attention-seeking Green Tea B caught being insincere! Secretly declares: ‘I will never apologize to you!’”]