"Isabella, please don't do this to me." Alex kept on sobbing as he drove Isabella's lifeless body to the hospital. He knew that he was in trouble if something bad happened to her and regretted his reaction to their argument.Apart from his aversion to the sight of blood, he was also a hot-tempered person, always avoiding altercations, which is why he was a man of few words.He prayed silently at the hospital's reception, pacing around as Isabella was being treated in a ward there."Doctor, please, what's happening?" He rushed to the doctor immediately upon his appearance in the reception. ""Be rest assured, Mr. Alex. She is going to be fine." The doctor replied."But what happened to her?" He asked.Alex lied that she slipped in the bathroom and fell, but the doctor seemed not to believe him as he shot him a quizzical face."Yes, you can, but do not disturb her because we gave her a drug to make her sleep." The doctor replied after Alex had asked him if he could visit her in the war
Alex's gaze remained fixed on the phone's screen.There was a moment of silence between them; the only sound was his ragged breaths as he stared at the phone in his hand.He could not believe what he was seeing. He blinked again, but the scene on the screen remained unchanged. It was real!He shot his gaze at Isabella in disbelief because he couldn't fathom her motives.He wondered why she captured the moment."How could I have let my emotions control me so utterly? I should not have hurt her in the first place, whether it was intentional or not."Shame, acrid and bitter, flooded his thoughts.His gaze darted from the phone to Isabella, who curled her lips."How could you?!" He croaked, his voice hoarse with a torrent of conflicting emotions. His heart pounded with a desperate need to understand her motives, even as shame weighed him down for what he had done."How could I not?" She countered, her voice low but laced with steel. "How could I stand by and watch you, the man I love,
Reaching the lobby, Alex threw open the glass doors, ignoring whether it was against the hospital's ethics or not.His fists clenched tightly, nails digging into his palms. He needed air, needed escape, and needed anything to quell the rising tide of fury and hurt.His legs carried him to his car, the latest Subaru Outback, which he affectionately nicknamed "Blue," each step heavy with the weight of shattered hope. He reached the car, fumbled with the keys, and finally, with a frustrated growl, threw the door open.He slammed the door shut.The black leather seat, which did offer him comfort, did not. He slammed his hand on the steering, realising the mess he had gotten himself into through his stupidity—heeding his parents' wishes like a dog to his master.But reality, like a persistent itch, wormed its way back into his thoughts. He could not stay parked there, lost in the wreckage of his emotions. He needed to act—to do something, anything—even if it meant talking to someone f
Alex stood in front of his bedroom mirror as the soft glow of the morning light filtered through the curtains. He buttoned his crisp shirt and straightened the tie as a faint hum of a cheerful tune escaped his lips, echoing the room.The events of the previous day lingered briefly in his thoughts, but a newfound optimism pushed them aside. Today held promise—a deal was on the horizon.He was confident in himself and smiled—a genuine, full-bodied smile that reached his eyes.He was not just Alex today. He was Alex the Closer, Alex the Dealmaker, and Alex the Man Who Gets Things Done. He took a deep breath, anticipating the day. Today was his day.Isabella smirked at him from the bed.Although she did not know the reason, she knew he was in a good mood and intended to ruin it."Darling, did I tell you that we would be visiting my parents today?" She said."Today? You didn't. We never had any discussion like that." Alex furrowed his brows.She also did not plan it but decided to, sinc
Alex immediately dashed out of his car as he drove into his company's 'compound.He shut down the entrance's door behind him. His employees, sensing the volcanic eruption within, scurried past like frightened mice as they muttered their greetings, which he ignored. His only focus was the meeting hall to handle the negotiation himself. The manager stammered out the news like a death knell. "Mr. Alex, they... they left. The deal... it's off."His world, balanced on the precipice of success, crumbled.He immediately called them, but his disappointment heightened when they told him that they had called the deal off. His phone rang in his pocket, and he fished it out, as he was still sober about losing the contract.His blood simmered at the sight of the name—the devil herself, Isabella, displayed on the screen.He ignored it, but she continued calling.Each ring tore into him like a fresh cut.Finally, unable to ignore it anymore, he answered it."Yes?" His voice was laced with annoyan
"Hey." Alex beamed in smiles as he sat on a stool behind the bar stand."And here comes my benefactor." Emily returned it with a smile."Come on, stop calling me that, please." He smirked."What drink would you like?" "My usual," he said."There's a question I've been meaning to ask you, though." She poured the whisky into a highball glass and gave it to him."Really?" She nodded her head in affirmation."Then shoot.""Why are you usually wearing a baseball cap whenever you come here? It's really weird wearing it to a bar at night, you know?" She chuckled."Maybe I'm wanted for a crime." He chuckled.She gave him the glass."Why am I always genuinely soft whenever I'm with her?" He questioned himself inwardly.She seemed surprised and drawn back."I'm just joking, come on!" He laughed hysterically."But it's because of who I am." He added, but in a normal and composed tone."If I may ask...who are you?"He wondered if she truly did not know who he was or if she truly did not know th
The next morning, Alex's eyes snapped open, the jarring white of the ceiling searing into his vision.His head throbbed like a drum solo in a heavy metal concert, each beat echoing the confusion swirling in his mind. He tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea washed over him, pinning him to the bed.He blinked, trying to clear the fog that had clouded his thoughts. He groaned as he touched his head, trying to jog his memory.A sliver of sunlight peeked through the narrow window, casting long, stark shadows across him and someone lying beside him on the floor.In curiosity, his gaze drifted, landing on the figure curled up beside him. His breath hitched on seeing that it was Isabella.She was a beautiful sight to behold, but not with her. Never!Her raven hair cascaded over her porcelain skin.A wave of revulsion instantly washed over him. The thought of being so close to her, of her breath mingling with his, sent a shiver of disgust down his spine.For a split second, he had forgott
"Hiii. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. The lecture took longer than I expected." Emily walked to the table where Alex was, which he had reserved for them.Alex directed her there when she texted him to let him know that she was done with her lecture.Since he was hiding from faces, he could not wait for her on campus. He had to wait for her in a nearby restaurant, just a few feet away from the campus. "I should be the one apologising to you for discomforting you with this." His smile faltered slightly. The sudden urge to talk to her had overcome him."What do you mean you're discomforting me with this? You are actually helping me out." She countered with a genuine smile gracing her lips. "It has been long, too long, since I've had someone to share a conversation with, someone who wasn't a colleague or a client." "Don't tell me you are a loner." He scoffed. His tone hid a hint of curiosity. "I am not," she insisted. "It's just that I don't have time for it, not really. My job
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
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
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 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 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,
"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's heart raced as he clung to Emily's hand, his voice breaking with desperation. "Em...please stay with me. Don't die on me, please. Wake up; I'm now here." His words echoed down the hospital's hallway, his tears falling on her lifeless body as three nurses wheeled the stretcher rapidly towards the emergency ward, their faces masked with determination.As the stretcher approached the heavy doors of the emergency room, he tried to follow, his grip tightening on her hand and his heart pounding in his chest. But a nurse, her eyes kind but firm, gently blocked his path."Please, Mr. Thornton..." she said softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "You can't enter inside with us. Stay here while we attend to her in the ward," she said, her tone firm but understanding."What do you mean?" He scrunched his face in annoyance."Look, that may be your protocol, but I'm going inside there. Nothing can stop me from that." He added sternly.The nurse sighed, her expression serious. "Mr.
Upon arriving at the location, Alex was disappointed to find that the police officers had not arrived."I don't see the point of these useless officers," he muttered under his breath as he got out of the car.Henry called for him to return to the car, but he ignored him and walked determinedly towards the house at the address the private investigator had given him."Mr. Thornton," a voice from behind made him halt his track as he turned to see who it belonged to. It was the private investigator."What do you think you are doing? Where are the police officers? What's taking them so long?" He inquisitively asked Alex."Those useless officers are not here, which is why I have to go in myself." His face was creased. Henry had moved to stand behind them."Do you know what you are saying? You don't know what is in there, and you still want to go in regardless.""I don't care what awaits me in there or who the hell is there... All I know is that I'm going in." Alex insisted. "What is happ
As promised, Henry returned to the city the next morning and headed straight to Alex's mansion.Alex could not believe his eyes when he saw Henry at his doorstep. In fact, it was Henry's arrival that woke him from his slumber, the remnants of last night's drinking still weighing him down.He chuckled in disbelief and threw his arm around Henry's shoulder, pulling him into a brotherly hug."Thanks, man. I really appreciate this. Thanks for always being there for me," he said, his breath reeking of alcohol as he patted Henry's back. "Man, you drank a lot last night," Henry chuckled as they disentangled from the hug.Alex's eyes, which had been bright upon seeing Henry, suddenly transformed into gloom. "You can't blame me, man. I just didn't know what to do.""It's okay. It will be fine." Henry assured him as they walked inside.Once inside and seated, Alex explained to Henry how his conversation with the investigator had gone."I'm very sure we are going to save her. I trust the invest