Elias's heart skipped as he stared at Jace, who stood awkwardly by Lila's hospital bed, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
"You paid her bills?" Elias asked, his voice shaking with disbelief. "Jace, you didn't have to do that."
Jace shrugged, his cheeks faintly pink. "It's no big deal. The doctor said she was in bad shape, and if the bills weren't paid, they'd stop treatment. I had some savings."
Elias's eyes widened, his hands trembling.
"I'm working hard to cover them. I can't owe you like this... not for my sister." His voice cracked, guilt twisting in his chest. Lila was his responsibility, not Jace's.
Jace's expression softened, but a small smirk tugged at his lips.
"If I take the money back, they'll kick her out. She could die, Elias. Is that what you want?"
Elias froze, the truth hitting hard. He swallowed, his throat tight. "Okay," he said, his voice small. "But it's only a loan. I'll pay you back without missing a cent."
Jace nodded, his smirk growing.
