Bianca looked at her phone and saw Dave’s name on the screen, making her heart skip a beat.
Her phone was on the bedside table. Blake glanced at the caller ID and felt a heavy weight in his chest.
He almost forgot that Bianca wasn’t alone-she had a boyfriend. The thought of her staying to take care of him while being with Dave seemed unrealistic. It didn’t make sense.
Bianca didn’t rush to answer the call. She helped Blake back into bed, making sure he was comfortable. After a final look at him, she quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.
Dave had been eager to reach Bianca as soon as his flight landed, but she hadn’t answered. He was worried his grandfather might have caused serious trouble for her.
Bianca’s call came through just as he was about to ask Zane for information. Dave answered quickly, “Bianc, are you okay? Where are you?”
His urgent voice surprised Bianca, and she paused for a moment.
Bianca glanced back at the ward door, feeling guilty. She lied, “I’m at the office. There’s a lot to sort out today. I might need to stay late… Have you returned?”
Dave felt a bit relieved hearing she was at the office.
He breathed deeply and responded softly, “Yes, I’ve just arrived. Why are you still at work? Is everything okay there?”
“No, I’m swamped with many projects right now.” Bianca quickly came up with an excuse.
Dave’s brow furrowed slightly. He had heard from Brandon that her company was struggling, with partners pulling out. It didn’t match what Bianca was telling him.
“Are you hungry? I could bring you something to eat. How about your favorite grill?” Dave asked though he kept his concerns to himself, waiting for Zane’s investigation to provide more clarity.
Bianca quickly responded, “Actually, I just remembered I need to go out with my team. Reese is overloaded with tasks and confused about a few things. As her agent, I need to be there for her.”
Her story had changed from staying late at the office to going out with the team.
Dave, always paying attention, noticed the inconsistency and asked, “Bianc, is everything okay? It sounds like you’re avoiding telling me something.”
Hearing Dave’s words, Bianca was surprised. She didn’t expect him to see through her lies. She tried to keep her voice calm. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m so happy you’re back. If I could, I’d fly over to you. But I’m worried about Reese. It’s my job to take care of her. You understand, right?”
In reality, Bianca had promised Paige she would look after Blake today. With Blake being emotionally unstable, she didn’t feel right leaving him.
Still, she didn’t want to explain everything to Dave over the phone. She knew misunderstandings could happen, and dealing with them would be a hassle. So, she decided to bend the truth a little.
Dave listened to her and chose not to ask further. He trusted her dedication to her responsibilities, and if she said she was okay, that reassured him.
“Got it. Take care of what you need to. I’m here, waiting for you to come back.”
Noticing a hint of sadness in Dave’s voice, Bianca spoke more softly, “I’m tied up with work for a few days. Once I’m done, I promise I’ll make it up to you. Then, you’ll get what you want.”
Her voice trailed off, and Dave’s response, full of warmth, made her cheeks flush.
“You know what I want, right?”
Bianca replied quietly, feeling her face heat up, “You’re so naughty.”
Dave laughed through the phone. “I meant I want to see you. What were you thinking? But your voice… it sounded like you were expecting something else.”
Teased by him, Bianca felt a mix of irritation and embarrassment. “Stop it… I’m hanging up now!”
“Okay, I’ll stop. Just be careful, rest well, and call me if you need anything…”
“I know. I’m grown-up. I can take care of myself,” Bianca replied, pretending to be annoyed before ending the call.
The silence returned, and Bianca squatted down, lost in thought.
She had never lied to Dave before. They had promised to be honest with each other, but now she was deceiving him. She wondered how to explain Blake’s situation to Dave and what his reaction would be.
Would they argue, or would it lead to a breakup?
The thought tightened in Bianca’s chest, making her feel anxious. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself.
She knew a serious conversation with Dave was coming. She just hoped he would understand where she was coming from.
Once she felt more composed, she stood and went into Blake’s room. He looked up, waiting for her, and asked, “Did he call?”
She nodded, signaling that she didn’t want to talk about it. “Are you hungry? What do you feel like eating? I’ll go get it.”
“Did he want you to go home?” Blake asked, his voice neutral.
“No, he was just checking me. I’m staying here today to look after you.”
“And what about tomorrow?”
“I’m staying for a few days,” Bianca replied, scrolling through her phone for food options, keeping her tone light and distant.
Blake’s face showed concern. “You were in an accident. Isn’t it strange he hasn’t visited?”
Bianca avoided looking at Blake, brushing off his concern. “He’s busy with work.”
Blake felt frustrated. This man seemed just as neglectful now as he had been when Bianca needed him during a past crisis.
He was sure this man didn’t value Bianca the way she deserved, and he believed there was no real love there.
But then, Blake stopped to think about his own situation. How could he, in his current state, bring Bianca happiness? He felt like a burden, especially when compared to her boyfriend.
Overwhelmed by these thoughts, Blake’s frustration boiled over. He struck his leg, which didn’t respond, his face showing the pain and anger he felt.
Bianca quickly stopped him. “Stop that! What are you doing? Calm down, please!”
Blake kept quiet and stayed still, shutting his eyes and giving Bianca the silent treatment.
Bianca understood what he was feeling. She let out a small sigh. “I know it’s a shock, and it’s hard to accept. But we have to keep moving forward. Blake, don’t lose hope. We’re in this together. I know you can recover and walk again. And as for the company stuff, don’t worry. Diana was there to control everything. The media doesn’t know anything yet. We’ll share the news when the time is right.”