They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 23: Pretense 1

"Hey! What do you mean by that?" Ikenna asked, his tone rising in indignation. "How do you even know about that? So, you've been monitoring us? I can't believe you actually planted your people in my hospital!"

Somto remained calm, letting Ikenna rant.

"And what's worse, you two must've been in on this! Did you know he was going to ban me from his room? It's not fair! I'm his doctor, the reason he's even alive right now, and yet, he's barring me from his room!"

Ikenna's frustration bubbled over as he continued. "And let's not even talk about the fact that I still can't figure out why he doesn't want to recover.

Probably because he's still holding out hope for that girl you both keep looking for! It's been years, she might even be dead by now!"

As soon as those words left Ikenna's mouth, the entire atmosphere shifted. A cold chill swept through the hallway, and for a moment, he thought it came from Somto.

But no, it wasn't Somto. It was the man on a wheelchair across the hall.

Four's voice cut through like a blade.

"What did you just say?"

Ikenna turned toward the voice, startled. He stumbled over his words, trying to clarify. "I didn't mean that! She's not dead. I mean, I didn't say she was dead, did I? Did you hear me say she was dead?" His eyes darted to Somto, searching for support.

Somto "..."

Four "..."

sat on a wheelchair motionless, his presence commanding. Without

flatly. His tone left no room for argument.

the environment was safe before anyone spoke. They remained silent, their

the family, excluding Somto, slowly made their way to Nnenna's room. Without bothering to knock, Chidera shoved the door

the room, the sort that spoke of years of unresolved resentment. Their eyes quickly landed on

of discomfort. She hadn't covered herself properly with the blanket, suggesting that her

help. They stood there, their gazes indifferent,

you're sleeping?" the first

her breathing uneven as she tried to figure

around the room in confusion until they finally focused on

on them, bewildered. What

gentle, almost rehearsed tone, her eyes

scared!" she began, her voice laced with false concern. "We were all worried, and now that you're awake, we couldn't wait to see you. Your family came together just for you. Tell me, how are

but Nnenna's tired eyes narrowed slightly. She had heard this tone before, a mixture of pretension and ulterior

Chioma spoke, she reached out as if to adjust Nnenna's pillow, but her hands barely did anything. The gesture was empty, just

sharp gaze followed the woman's movements, her mind spinning. 'She's a Queen, yet she's acting