"Could she...could she..." Alex shook his head, not bringing himself to believe the thought that had overwhelmed his mind upon hearing the doctor's utterance. "Mr. Thornton, it would be better if we discussed it in my office." The doctor added. That confirmed his worst suspicions, and he felt his world crash down, believing Emily had died because of him—or so he thought."What do you mean by that?" Henry interrupted, while Alex stood in shock, convinced of the worst."I'm his best friend and confidant," Henry continued. "There is no need for him to follow you to your office to hear the news. I will be there too. Please tell us right now."The doctor glanced at Alex, as if seeking permission to break the news. Alex nodded sluggishly, convinced he already knew what the news was about.The doctor began, "Whatever she witnessed caused her severe shock, resulting in a panic attack and loss of consciousness. Given what she endured while being held captive, including physical and emotiona
Alex was relieved when the doctor smiled before he spoke. The doctor then told him that the operation was successful."Thank you so much, doctor." He thanked the doctor, beaming with a smile."When can we visit her in a room?" he asked, his voice tight with worry."We will be moving her to the post-op floor in about 20 minutes. However, I'm afraid you won't be able to until tomorrow morning, Mr. Thornton," the doctor replied.Alex's face fell, his shoulders slumping. "Seriously? Why can't I see her tonight? Is it because of the visiting hours?" He pressed, frustration creeping into his tone because visiting hours were not meant to be a restraint for a person like him. "Or is something still wrong that you are not telling me?" He added."No, Mr. Thornton, it is not because of the visiting hours." The doctor smiled."It's just for precautions to avoid some implications because she would be examined closely in the room throughout today. But rest assured, they are both fine." He added,
Alex could not tell if the chaos in his life lately was karma for what he had done, especially to Emily and their child. He wished he could take the punishment instead of them. Seeing Emily suffer was unbearable.Even without knowing the full extent of her ordeal during the abduction, watching her struggle on the hospital bed for the past two days was gut-wrenching."Mr. Thornton..." The doctor began."She experienced severe cardiac arrhythmia due to the extreme stress of recent events. We have managed to stabilise her condition, but she remains unconscious. The trauma appears to have been overwhelming for her system. At this point, we are monitoring her closely and hoping she regains consciousness soon. Her recovery is largely dependent on her body's ability to heal itself now."The doctor's words hit Alex like a sucker punch, leaving him winded and hollow. His mind reeled, trying to process the gravity of Emily's condition."God knows what happened to her in there." He muttered afte
Alex pushed open the door to Emily's hospital room, his heart sinking as he saw her still form on the bed. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound breaking the silence. For a moment, he just stood there, frozen, as the weight of everything crashed down on him.He approached slowly, his eyes fixed on her pale face, willing her to open her eyes. She looked so fragile, surrounded by tubes and wires.He sank into the chair beside her bed, taking her hand gently in his. It felt so small and fragile. A lump formed in his throat as he struggled to find words."Hey, Em," he whispered, his voice cracking.He took her hand gently, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. "I'm back. I... I need you to wake up, okay? Please."He then squeezed her hand, searching for any sign of response. Nothing.His voice broke as he continued, tears welling up."I'm so sorry. God, I'm so sorry for everything. I know I've messed up big time. But I swear, if you just open your eyes, I'll make it r
Alex froze just a few a few steps away from Emily's hospital room. He had just returned from home with the doctor-prescribed meal and some clothes, but what he overheard stopped him cold."Those few days... I've never been so terrified in my entire life." Emily's voice trembled from behind the door.He knew she would probably never open up to him about the horrors she had endured in captivity, no matter how much he begged her to share. Torn between respecting her privacy and his desperate need to understand what she had been through, he hesitated, deciding to listen."They starved me," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even though I was in agony, even knowing my condition, they only allowed me one meal a day. Like an idiot, I asked who was behind all this torture. They said it was Isabella's order." She let out a bitter laugh that barely masked her anguish. "Asking that question... God, they made me regret it."Her voice dropped to a whisper. "But the worst part, th
Weeks had flown by, each day adding another vibrant brushstroke to the masterpiece of Alex and Emily's relationship. The storm that had once threatened to tear them apart seemed like a distant memory now, their bond stronger than ever. Their love had blossomed into something even more beautiful: an engagement. He had popped the question in a cosy little restaurant, the kind of place where fairy lights twinkled like stars and the aroma of exquisite dishes filled the air.***Flashback***"Em..." His voice cut through the comfortable silence, with a hint of nervousness in his tone.She looked up from her plate, a forkful of pasta halfway to her mouth. "Hmm?" she mumbled, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.He took a deep breath, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. "So, there's actually a main reason I set up this date. I mean, besides just hanging out and enjoying this sick view of the city lights."Her interest was instantly piqued. She set down her utensils with a so
In the heart of the bustling city, amidst towering skyscrapers and the ceaseless hum of urban life, stood the magnificent headquarters of 'Thornton Screen and Stage', the undisputed pinnacle of the entertainment industry, which was owned and controlled by Alex Thornton. Born into a lineage of affluence and the only child of extraordinarily successful parents and heirs, Alex was the sole heir to a vast fortune; his path was paved with golden opportunities. Yet, despite his privileged upbringing, he possessed an insatiable drive and a relentless pursuit of excellence that propelled him to the forefront of his chosen domain.His company helmed an empire of creativity, where dreams were nurtured and stardom was born. His agency, a beacon of hope for aspiring talents and famous celebrities, wielded an unparalleled influence over the entertainment landscape.He was born into a world of privilege and wealth. His parents, renowned for their entrepreneurial prowess, possessed manufacturing em
"Your mom and I, and her family have made the agreement for years." His dad said."How could you have made the agreement for years without my knowledge, dad?" His emotions were fueled by anger over the news, but he tried to control it from erupting."It is what it is, son. Nothing changes, whether you were aware of the arrangement or not. You just have to wed her. You have no choice but to." The way his father talked with composure and confidence infuriated him."How could he not see anything wrong with this? An arranged marriage for Christ's sake!" He lamented inwardly."Besides, she is beautiful and also a public figure. She will be a good asset to your life due to her influence." His mom cut in for the first time since they started the conversation.He ignored her and furrowed his brows at her instead, because she had never gone against his father's words—not in his presence before."You can both decide to stay in a relationship for months as boyfriend and girlfriend to understand