Alyssa’s heart started racing at the mention of Nicholas. Even after everything that happened between them, she realized that she still loved him. Her body still reacted at the mention of his name. “Oh, is he serious?” she asked as they rushed towards the orthopedic department.
“He’s better now. They will release him today,” informed Eva, while Alyssa’s heart filled with worry. Would she be able to see him? It had been so many days since she saw him. She felt a little guilty for his condition. After all, it was because of her he landed here at the hospital. All because he wanted her! No one has ever wanted her the way he did! Was it such a crime that he had to be hospitalized because of desiring her?
Eva pushed the glass doors open, and they went inside. She led them to a room and opened the door to let her in. Alyssa peered inside first and her eyes widened seeing Nicholas sitting on the bed, ready to be discharged. The telltale signs of the fight were clearly visible on his body. There was a huge tape over his forehead. His lips which had kissed her so passionately, were red and swollen while his cheek had a purple bruise just below the eyes. Her heart broke seeing his condition, and she moved away and closed the door shut.
“I’m feeling guilty for his condition. I can’t face him, Eva.”
“What nonsense! I’m sure Nicholas knows it isn’t your fault. This isn’t the first time Alexander has bullied him and sent him to the hospital. However, this time, Lucas and Marcus have taught Alexander a lesson he shouldn’t forget,” said Eva bitterly.
“What lesson? How come I do not know of this?” she asked with wide eyes.
“They beat Alexander up and ever since he has disappeared, leaving his business with his manager, Marco.” Alyssa’s mouth hung open with shock after hearing of her brother’s condition. So was that why she hadn’t heard from him after that dreadful night? Where could he disappear? Was he alright?
“I’m now worried about him. He has never disappeared this way, leaving his work.” She wanted to say more but held her tongue since Eva knew more than she did.
“I know, and I’m worried as well. I’ve searched for him everywhere,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“I just hope that he doesn’t harm himself,” said Alyssa with a sigh. A sob escaped Eva, and she clamped her hand to her mouth and just walked away down the corridor towards the exit.
“I’m getting late for work. See you later,” she said over her shoulders as tears trickled down her cheeks. Alyssa sighed, knowing what she was going through. It wasn’t easy to forget the person she loved for nearly ten long years. It wasn’t easy to marry someone else when she still loved him.
She opened Nicholas’s door, and he looked up. Alyssa stood like a deer caught at the headlights, holding his shocked gaze.
“Alyssa?” he whispered almost to himself, his eyes taking her in with disbelief. She came out of the dazed state she was in and entered the room, slowly approaching his bed.
“I just came to know now. I was here, so thought of dropping by,” she rambled on, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Nicholas smiled and nodded at her, his eyes still holding her gaze. “Did you come here to see Eva?” he asked curiously.
“No, I came for a job interview.”
“I see. So have you got the job?” he asked, looking amused, and Alyssa nodded.
“Great then. I was planning to stay here for another twenty-four hours,” he said with a wink, while Alyssa rolled her eyes at him.
“Why would you do that when you’re already better? Anyway, I’ll just came here to apologize on behalf of my brother. We won’t meet after this,” she explained.
“Who said so? I was near your house, busy stalking you when Alexander found out and beat me up. So you don’t need to feel guilty,” said Nicholas, leaning forward as if telling her a secret. Alyssa gasped at his admission. Was the guy crazy?
“And why were you stalking me?” she demanded, while Nicholas chuckled.
“What option did you leave me with? You weren’t accepting my calls, and you had vacated my apartment as well. Where would I go looking for you?” Alyssa searched his eyes for signs to indicate that he cared for her.
“Why do you need to look for me?” Her breath got stuck in her throat as she waited for her answer.
“I’m not letting you go that easily, Alyssa. I still want you to be my girlfriend. At least try me for a month. You can always opt out if you don’t like to be with me, but please at least give us a chance. That’s all I ask of you,” he entreated her. Alyssa was drowned in his eyes which begged her to agree.
“Why me, Nicholas? If it is just for physical intimacy, I’m sure you’ll have millions of women who’ll readily agree to do anything for you,” she pointed out with a deep sigh. Even after the way they separated, it seemed nothing had changed between them. Nicholas still wanted her to be his girlfriend! Her heart started a silly dance, wanting to agree immediately, but her mind battled hard. No, she didn’t need a relationship that was just based on lust. She wanted him to love her, just the way she loved him.
“I don’t want anyone else, Alyssa. I only want you,” he whispered in a hoarse tone filled with longing. His admission pierced her heart, and she gazed at him, completely dumbfounded. The nurse walked into the room with his discharge summary and medicines.
“Are you his wife? Well, Ms. Donnelly, here are the medicines to be given to the patient. An ice pack should relieve the pain in a few days. There shouldn’t be any exertion and no lifting heavy stuff. Sleeping upright and holding a pillow to his chest when he sneezes or coughs will help him heal faster,” advised the nurse in one go without giving her an opportunity to clarify anything. Nicholas gazed at her with an amused expression on his face as she listened to the nurse with wide eyes, trying to understand her instructions.
“Here, this is the prescription. You can take the patient away.” She placed the folder in her hands and went ahead to help Nicholas off the bed.
“And one more thing. No se* for the next two weeks.” She went out with a smile on her face, leaving the two of them dumbfounded. Alyssa’s face reddened with embarrassment and glared at Nicholas angrily.
“Shouldn’t you have corrected her?”
“Why should I? I loved the idea,” he smirked while Alyssa held out the folder to him.
“Here, take your stuff. I’ll be on my way,” she said, eager to get away. Nicholas looked at her with disappointment, while his eyes held a look of longing.
“How can you leave me alone in this condition? I can’t drive myself home. They discharged me so suddenly that I didn’t get to inform mom,” he protested. Alyssa felt a little guilty. After all, it was because of her he was suffering so much.
“Okay, I’ll drop you home,” she agreed and helped him to the door. Opening it for him, she led him to the elevator and down to the parking area.
Once they were inside the car, she checked his seat belt. “Hold the seat belt a little away from your ribs or you’ll hurt them more,” she said, but he simply gazed at her. “What? I’m talking to you.”
“I didn’t mean what I said the day you left me.” Alyssa stared at him, realizing what he just admitted.
“I’ve forgotten what you said that day. It isn’t so important,” she shrugged, starting the ignition. Of course, it was a lie, as she could never forget those words. Nicholas was her soul, her love, and she remembered every minute she spent with him. His touch was branded on her body, and his kisses had her intoxicated for more. It was impossible to forget him.
“I’m sorry. I still want you to be mine,” he admitted with a sigh, searching her face. Alyssa looked away and drove out of the parking area. She didn’t have answers to his honest statements.
“You can’t have everything you want, Nicholas.”
“Why are you so stubborn? Why can’t you be mine? Am I not good enough for you?” Alyssa sighed again, not able to answer him. What could she say? Could she tell him she loved him and wanted him to love her back? She only wanted a forever type of relationship with him, not the temporary fling that he was offering. She didn’t wish to be his girlfriend for a month!
“It’s not that, Nicholas. I told you I don’t indulge in flings,” she admitted at last.
“Did I say that I wanted a fling?”