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2023-11-17 05:09:52"Rhys" Nonna calls out, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He turned away from the window and walked back to the hospital bed where she lay. Rhys had been so lost in thought that he didn't notice when she had woken up.
He walked to her with concern itching on his face, getting a hold of her fragile hands.
"Yes," he answered, his eyes softening from the tensed ones he had a while ago.
"Where is she?" Nonna asked roaming her stare around the room to get a glimpse of her figure but to no avail.
Rhys knew exactly who she was talking about yet he chose to act oblivious hoping she wouldn't ask for his wife; Natalie but who was he kidding?
"Huh?"
"Natalie."
He shakes his head, "She's not here...Uhm, Natalie got caught up with some work--"
She cut him off before he could go any further, "No, please I need to speak with her at least before my time is due--"
"No. Don't say that" Rhys cut her off not liking the words she had just said.
"My child. I can feel it, it's inevitable and you have tried your best. Any grandmother in my shoes would be proud of the person you've become." She paused gulping down painfully, "Call her for me, I need to speak with her, please"
Rhys stood emotionless but inwardly battling with his feelings that were going haywire. The thought of losing Nonna didn't sit well with him but there was nothing he could do about it not anymore.
Right from day one Rhys had seen Nonna's medical reports, he knew death was inevitable for her no matter how much he tried to sort things out and work on how to help her, there was no way out.
Nonna has been an important figure in his life or undercover life; rather, she's more like that grandmother he never got to meet.
"Rhys" Nonna yet again pops his bubble though.
He cleared his throat offering a curt nod before walking out of the room while slipping his hand in the pocket of his sweatpants and pulling out his phone.
Rhys found a corner outside of the hospital that was less crowded dialing on Natalie's number as he impatiently waited for her to pick up.
"Fuck!" He cursed seeing as her phone kept slipping to voicemail.
He dialed for the tenth time before she finally picked up.
"What is it?" She spat annoyance evident in her tune.
Rhys Jawline harder, "You need to come to the hospital now," he says trying as much as possible to remain calm and keep down the irritation and annoyance he felt.
"I'm not in on this now Rhys. I don't have time to entertain your mind games, I'm in a meeting now" She fires back
Rhys knew she thought that he called her to apologize for the fight they had yesterday night or patch things up but that was his least worry at the moment, he had better things to worry about.
"Natalie, I'm sending you the address of the hospital now, you need to be here. Nonna needs to speak with you, her health is deteriorating--"
"Oh please. You liar, find a better way to lie next time." She hissed, cutting off the call.
"Natalie!" He semi yelled, roaming his stare around and meeting people's weird glances which irked him more.
He clutched his phone, heaving out a hiss in annoyance. The fucking hell did she just cut off the call on him?
He rubbed on his temple attempting to call her again but this time her phone was switched off.
Rhys's anger intensified at her audacity. He can't fathom why Nonna needed to see her when it's clear that Natalie wasn't interested or rather she thought it was one of his mind games.
Rhys knew that Nonna had always been fond of Natalie for some reason that remains unknown to him and he never bothered to push.
Rhys is never the one to indulge in personal matters.
He loves Natalie but these past few days, she's been acting all strangely and distant which resulted in the fight they had yesterday night when he confronted her.
He decided to call Natalie one more time but his action was paused when he noticed a group of nurses and the doctor in charge of his Nonna's health ran in panic.
Rhys didn't need to be told twice as he knew she was gone.
Losing Nonna felt like he had lost a huge part of him yet he remained strong cause that was what she would have wanted.
Nonna had played an important role in his undercover mission to find true love. She's not only been kind to him but has treated him as a grandmother would treat her grandson.
Rhys doubts if such people exist anymore but Nonna had changed that perspective.
Would she had accepted him for who he is and not what he has if she had known? Yes, certainly. He's lived with her for too long to know that she isn't a greedy woman.
Heaving out a sigh, he walked back into the hospital his limbs cold and sore as he dragged his legs to the room.
•••
It's been three days since he lost her and Natalie never bothered to call. Her funeral had taken place immediately after she had passed.
Rhys couldn't reach out to Nonna's family as she's never really spoken to him about them. Nonna found and adopted him when he was only seven for that he'll forever be indebted to her.
"May your soul rest in peace" Rhys says, placing the flower on Nonna's grave.
He had come to the graveyard a few minutes ago to visit her. Her loss had made him feel lonely and departed from reality almost as though she was alive.
He turned on his shoe to leave but a ring on his phone halted his steps. He paused, huffing out a breath before pulling out his phone.
He was surprised to see Natalie calling.
He slid the answer button.
"Hello"
"You should come home now" She ordered, urging Rhys' brows to draw in confusion at her audacity.
Nonna had passed away, the part of his life when he needed her the most to support him and reassure him that just as a wife is supposed to, she's doing otherwise.
"Okay," he answered, not having the zeal to entertain any of her tantrums.
"My parent's house I mean," she says before cutting off the call, not giving him the chance to respond.
Rhys groaned in annoyance at a Mysterious message popping on his home screen which urged him to take a look.
Just as he clicked on it his eyes fell on the most heartbreaking news he had received this week yet again.
Headline: Natalie Watson and Alec Freeman seem to be winging things. Are they our upcoming celebrity couples?
Attached to it is a photo of Natalie in the arms of another man looking like they had a blast.
No this couldn't be, Natalie would never do something like this to him.
Rhys grip on his phone tightens his heart burning with a mix of jealousy and betrayal.
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Rhys walked into Roderigo's abode, his emotions on the edge. The betrayal of his wife was freshly on his mind. Part of me believes that nothing is going on with Natalie and Alec.She'll never do that to him, or would she?His mind believes the possibilities of that happening but his heart is blinded by the love he has for her. Rhys decides to go for the latter by trusting his wife, hoping that he doesn't get slapped in the face by the truth after confronting her.What he and Natalie share is more than that. There's trust, love and respect. "Rhys, good to see you" Teresa the housekeeper of the Roderigo greeted.Forcing a slight smile, I give her a curt nod "You too Teresa" he mumbles barely above a whisper.Teresa stepped aside making space for him to walk in before shutting the door."Where is she?" Rhys inquires his face returning to the scowl it had in a blink."Oh. Natalie is at the guest parlor waiting for you" She responds.Rhys nods, taking calm and precise steps to the parlo
Vindictive Dr Rhys 3. A Fair Warning.
Rhys paused as Mr and Mrs Roderigo walked in, not just behind them was no one other than Alec Freeman; the man his wife chose over him.Oh wait, he's ex-wife now.So Natalie isn't his anymore? Rhys has never imagined that a day would come when he had to give her up. All this while he has been living in deceit. "You" Mrs Roderigo sneered, sparing him a disgusting look along with her husband brushing past him.His jawline tightened as his eyes fell on Alec who had a smirk darting on his lips. "Natalie, what is this poor deceitful man doing in our home?" Mrs. Roderigo questions. Rhys turned to face the family that never really liked him or the relationship he shared with Natalie. They always mocked and insulted him at how incompetent and not wealthy enough to meet up with their daughter's standards. No matter how much Rhys tried to please them, it was never enough. "Natalie. What's wrong? Are you crying?" Alec asked, walking towards her in concern.Rhys felt the burning jealousy br
Vindictive Dr Rhys 4. A Taste Of Deceit.
Rhys walked out of the house feeling agitated and betrayed. The cold night air hit through his skin making his hands more cold. Natalie's words rushed down to him making a hiss of displeasure slip out from his lips. He rubbed on his temples lifting his sleeves as though he was going to punch anyone that dared to come his way.He gave up everything for Natalie and this is what she repays him with?His family went against them and married her when they tried to point out how much of a bad idea it was yet he was blinded by the love he had for her. He thought their love was more than anything one could ever imagine.Out of all the girls he has been with, he has never felt the way he felt with Natalie. He went against his mum's words after she had warned him Natalie didn't sit right with her yet he didn't listen.His father, sister, and brothers, all of them; he gave them up for her and this is what he got in return.Rhys knew that Natalie's family wasn't fond of him seeing as he wasn't
Vindictive Dr Rhys 5. Grave Mistake
Rhys gulped down the third cup of the Vodka wiping off his mouth. It seems to be the only tasteful and ease he feels as of the moment. "I think that's enough" the bartender reasons, giving Rhys a pitiful look.Rhys shot his eyes briefly as though calming himself as it didn't seem to work. He wasn't drunk, and a few drinks won't do the trick, he has had much more than he is now, but Rhys has it by composing himself. He felt a hand placed on his shoulder while he lifted the cup to his lips. He paused, keeping the cup down before turning.He growled seeing Blake of course he was here too. Mum would never let Angela attend gala's on her own without having one of the Mickelson brothers tag along.Angela is like the golden egg of the family, she has everyone's love, respect, and protectiveness. "Yeesh! You look like crap" Blake spat playfully, settling down on the seat next to his brother.Rhys shrugged. "You're here too?""Of course, Angela is here after all." He responds to which Rhys
Vindictive Dr Rhys 6. On Second Thoughts.
"The fuck" Austin hissed getting up. He gave Rhys a flabbergasted look spitting out a pile of blood.Austin's minions made an attempt to lunch on Rhys but he halts them."Stop! He's mine" Austin blurts hissing, "Why don't you say we take this somewhere else? Huh? There's an octagon behind the hall, Let's fight it off, whoever wins gets the lady""No!" Angela instantly spat her eyes widening in horror.She took pity on Austin and didn't know who he was dealing with. If that fight does happen, only the god from heaven could save him from Rhys. It was a bad idea trying to fight him, it's not even an option Austin should be choosing."Fine. Let's go" Rhys says after a momentary SilenceBoth Blake and Angela interjected, "No! We should leave"They both shot Rhys pleading looks yet he didn't look like he was having it today. He's been patient enough. For two years he had to burn down his rage. Every emabarssment, torment and insult they thre at him, Rhys had taken it all because of the lov
Vindictive Dr Rhys 7. It Comes With A Price
Rhys walked into the hotel room they had boarded. He had Blake send off every person that was lounging in discarded as Rhys wanted a peaceful environment for the night. He didn't want to be disturbed or have any sort of disturbance. He's trying to recollect his lost self and get a hold of his emotions. He needed to rise back to his true self and not someone he had been pretending to be for a while now. Only now did he figure that most of him had been lost due to the impact of his actions. He deeply regrets ever giving love a try, thinking that true love could be found in a world like this was absurd and now he has come to terms with that. Sadly, he didn't notice till it was too late.A knock came through his door cutting him out of his thoughts. He had told his sister and brother not to be disturbed. He didn't need any of their support right, all he needed now was time to himself. The door clicked open revealing his sister who came in with a tray of food. "I brought you some food
Vindictive Dr Rhys 8. Burning Thirst Of Revenge.
"Son" She reached out for him, slipping a hand on his side cheek as a tear rolled down. The longing in her eyes is evident in how much she has missed him. Breaking into sobs, she pulled him in for a hugRhys stood stiff, unable to retaliate as he felt a pang of guilt. He has not only been selfish but a disappointment to his mother. He chooses a woman that has not only caused him pain over his mother."I thought I'd never see you again " She cried out patting his back. She pulled back from the hug cupping his face, "You look different" The way she said the word differently had him comprehend what aspect she meant not only because of his physical appearance. Yeah! He looks like crap. "Come" she ushers, leading him to one of the seaters. "How have you been my child? I thought I'd lost you"Rhys clears his throat having enough of the sentimental moment, "I'm fine mum--""No. You're not!" She goes against it, "Look at you, Rhys. You're not the same as you left years back."He sighs o
Vindictive Dr Rhys 9. Dwelling In The Past.
He stirred on the bed with the sheets covered around his body. Every inch of his muscle felt numb and drained. A sharp pain hit his forehead, urging a growl out of his lips.Fucking hangover. He brought his right hand to his head and mumbled curses under his breath."Good morning, Master. What would you like for me to do for you today?" Curella questions her sound, piercing his ears.He hissed, putting the pillow on his face, with a feeble groan. "No." He mumbled, knowing that if he didn't reply, she'd go on with her questions, which would only irritate him further."Okay, but you should know that your sister is approaching," she says.His eyes instantly split open. "Whatever you do, do not give her access," he warns."Angela has access to my security panels."Rhys curses; of course she does. It's Angela, after all; she always finds her way in and out of his affairs or belongings.Rhys could tell one or two things why she's here: either mom sent her to check up on him orHis thoughts
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- Vindictive Dr Rhys
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His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
- Vindictive Dr Rhys
78
His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
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77. Who Are You?
His heart dropped as he sighted her figure at the distinct end of the room. His breath heavier feeling the rage surge through him, just by her silent sobs.“Tigress” he mumbled walking towards her but she didn’t move an inch, probably didn’t hear him.He stood by her side and still no amount of awareness being shown by Ashley. It’s like she’s suddenly turned into a rock.The thoughts of what Giovanni has done to his wife don’t sit well with him. It bothers him big time knowing Ashley had to go through it alone.He had a choice either to save her or the mission and once again he chose the mission. He maybe doesn’t have feelings for her but he cares for her that’s for sure.Heaving out a sigh, he placed a hand on her lower back urging her to bolt her head up in terror with a scream smiling from her lips.Soon her screams died down as her sight came in contact with Rhys’s.He knew he was the last person she was expecting but he didn’t think it’d be this obvious.He cupped on her cheek, “
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76. Coma.
Rhys walked out of the building with Alec tailing behind. Before Rhys could register what was going on, Alec had pinned him to the ground launching punches on him.“You dare lay your hands on my wife” he punched on Rhys.“How dare you place a finger on her?!” Punch.He had already gathered a scene just as he wanted. Rhys had to struggle with his inner thoughts, one side of him telling him to retaliate and the other urging him to keep calm and not endanger his wife.It was hard to choose which to go with the embarrassment Alec was causing him.“What’s going on here!?” A third party arrives with his guards standing at the back of him.Rhys lifted his gaze meeting with Giovanni’s just then Ashley walked out of the building but soon her steps came to a halt when she met eyes with Giovanni.“Clear the path” Giovanni orders the guards to which they adhered.Soon it was only, Ashley, Giovanni, Alec, and Rhys in the scene.Rhys stole a glance at his wife who looked like she’d pass out any mo
- Vindictive Dr Rhys
75. Natalie.
Rhys walked into the boardroom oozing confidence and power. His jawline hardens to be sharp, sharp enough to slice through any obstacles that come his way.His breath hitched as he walked meeting with his wife in converse with Damien. One of the perverts in the Freeman Corp.He burned his stare making his presence known to her. Just as their eye clicked he didn’t miss the way she moved uncomfortably.“You’re late” Alec spat sending daggers at Rhys that seemed to be unhinged.Rhys had almost forgotten about the role he was to play before his true identity was revealed. He didn’t care at the moment, what irked him was the fact that his wife was seared a few steps away conversing with Damien while he rubbed her shoulder.His hands fisted, “Sorry” he mumbled taking a seat with his eyes still glued to his wife.Ashley moved away from Damien making Rhys smirk before he turned his stare away, letting the poor girl breathe.Soon enough the meeting began.Rhys knew the meeting had everything t
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74. Anger, hurt And Disappointment
Rhys walked out of the car with Ashley by his side walking their way to the entrance of the house.He wasn’t only introducing her to his parents but rather a way of telling them he has agreed with their decision even though he knows deep down his siblings would be the last person to agree to the fact that Rhys accepted defeat.The door swings open revealing one of the maids.“Good Morning Master” she greets sharing a look with Ashley.He didn’t miss the way the duo had smiled at each other causing his left brow to arch up. He didn’t need to be told that the two had formed a relationship with the days Ashley had spent in the villa.He placed his hands on Ashley’s lower back ushering her inside the house and caught into their staring contest moment.“Let’s go” he ushers.He led them to the dining table where he’s sure by now they must be having breakfast. Their presence has the air suddenly filled up the place seizing Mickelson’s attention.Rhys's eyes dropped on his mother who has her
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73. Be Your Worst Nightmare.
Ashley watched as he walked away unsure of how she was feeling at the moment. Seeing a different shade of Rhys kept her on the edge these days.It’s like he’s a different person. Deep down she knew that right from the start Rhy had more to what she thought of him even though she couldn’t point it out.Rhys Mickelson.Her husband, or rather disguised billionaire into a riffraff. There is more to Rhys that she’s yet to see, she’d be lying if she says she says she wasn’t afraid deep down but the comfort Rhys had been rendering makes her feel insecurely safe.The sincerity in his tune when he said he’d protect her and make sure her uncle and Giovanni would stay a length away from her has her doubt cleared out now that she knows what sort of a person he is.Maybe not know him completely but she has a hint.He’s a Mickelson after all. Their power and dominance are enough to wipe their enemies out of existence with a snap of a finger and with no trails left behind.She huffed out a sigh gett
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72. Acceptance.
“Where is she?” Ron grumbled through the phone as Rhys placed the fry that threatened to slip from the plate he had assembled Ashley’s breakfast.Heaving out a sigh Rhys held onto the phone on his right ear. “With me, is there a problem with that?” he asked knowing very well who Ron was talking about.“Mum thinks she’s unsafe with you. You better not try—“ Before Ron could complete his statement Rhys cut off the call discarding it to the side.Rhys paused for a second placing both hands on the counter as he let out deep breaths of frustration and annoyance.He’d be lying if he said it didn’t bother him but how his relationship with his mother is going? It’s like she has completely diverted away from him and turned him into an outsider.She has no ounce of respect or faith in him which makes his heart squeeze in displeasure. He knew it was going to take a lot more than fixing Ashley’s life to patch up their relationship but nothing he wasn’t willing to try to get her back to to his si
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71. Speak.
Rhys stared as she forcefully took spoons of the food with her limbs shivering here and there while she stole glances at him.He probably shouldn’t be making her much more panicked and as uncomfortable as she is but he couldn’t help but stare at her.She is a freaking goddess in all shades of her, beautiful yet poisonous to him. Ashley is a forbidden fruit that he needs to abstain from before she fully becomes part of his life. He feared he would pull her into his already messed-up life.How on earth does his parent expect him to live with her for the rest of his life without breaking the boundaries? As it is, he has tried crossing limits here and there but he always backs out before it’s too late.He moved his eyes around her shuddering lips gulping down as he tried to keep himself calm until he could no longer contain it, he leaned up grabbing a hold of her left cheek before claiming her lips. Rhys groans nibbling on her lower lips till she eventually gives in and grants him access