Aria’s POV
“Carter! Carter!” I screamed as I limped quickly towards where he was pacing back and forth in front of the mansion, waiting for Matteo’s return.
“What’s wrong.” He asked, alarmed by the heavy flow of tears from my eyes.
“Matteo” I whispered tearily. ” He fainted by the lake. I don’t know what to do, I couldn’t carry him” I took a deep breathe “I’m sorry… sorry.” I cried, burying myself into his chest while crying.
“Its okay, just stay calm, okay… He is by the lake right?.”
“Yes.” I said breathless.
Carter pulled out his phone and dialed Alonzo’s number. “Alonzo, Don passed out by the lake.” Carter said, mentally wincing at his choppy Italian. Alonzo let out a string of curses.
“Drunk?” Alonzo asked in English.
“Yes.” Carter sighed.
“Cazzo, and wife?”
“She was with him before it happened, but she’s here with me.” he replied.
“Hmm” he grunted, no doubt suspecting me. “Call the doctor.” The line went dead, with the speed of a hare Carter called the family doctor, suddenly he became aware of me limping in anxious state, a tight grip on his shirt following him around.
“The doctor will be here soon. You should sit down, Aria.” Carter pleaded, yet I stood by the entrance with my shaking arms by my side and my injured ankle that barely carried my weight, as I shifted uncomfortably on the balls of my feet to reduce the pain.
Suddenly, the door flew open, Alonzo walked in along with four other people, carrying Matteo’s still body. I rushed to his side, only to be halted by one of Matteo’s bodyguards and Alonzo’s acerbic stare.
“Take him to the infirmary.” He ordered before turning to Carter. “The doctor?”
“On her way.” He grunted in response, probably due to his mutual dislike for me. Silently, he followed the others up the stairs, not before casting a cold glance at his me.
“I have arrived.” A tall mysterious woman announced in a singing voice as she waltz into the room in shabby blue scrubs and her hair in a messy bun that looked like it would fall out at any moment.
“He is upstairs.” Carter told her, already looking tired at her arrival.
“I’m not going.” She sat on a sofa, her legs crossed and a cat-like grin on her stunning face.
“I’m not sure I heard you properly, Evelyn. This is Matteo Marino we are talking about.” Carter threatened, walking towards the chair she sat on, until he stood in between her legs. I could see her face soften from my hiding spot by the stairs where I watched their exchange. A fond look of pain and something else when she heard Matteo’s name.
The soft look was gone the second it came.
Turning to look at me, she said, “You must be the new wife. My name is Doctor Evelyn.” her face was back to its original aloof grin. “Could you please tell the loyal dog that his master is being taken care of by my juniors.”. Mischievous green eyes met my cautious brown ones. The toothy smirk on her face did not give me the safety most doctors were supposed to.
“Juniors? Are you fucking joking? This is Matt-” cutting Carter off.
“Matteo Marino, knowing him it’s not a serious issue. He was probably hi-”
“Ma’am.” a man said to Evelyn, his clear white scrubs indicated he was one of Evelyn’s juniors, despite his salt and pepper hair and the wrinkles on his face.
“Who?” Evelyn asked with faux confusion.
“I mean, doctor.” He corrected. He continued to speak after he saw her nod of approval. ” It’s about the patient.”
He whispered in Italian, his eyes darting at me, hoping I would not understand.
“Well then, a moment. Please don’t go anywhere, wife. I’ve not met you yet, personally.” Evelyn gave me a bow before walking with the man outside.
I quietly stepped out after she left, pondering quietly on the last statement she made. Matteo, high? “Are you okay?” Carter asked, making his way towards me before visibly withdrawing, almost as if touching me was forbidden.
“I think so. I feel better knowing that a doctor is here.” I confessed hesitantly, not sure whether to call the eccentric woman a doctor. He smiled fondly at me in response.
“… thank you, Mr. Carwl. Keep me posted.” Evelyn said as she walked into the living room to meet Carter and I after dismissing her junior. Looking at her clearly now, It was obvious the kind of person she was; from the rumpled clothing to her aloof yet focus behavior. Evelyn was disorganized, like a mosaic; broken, torn things that when put together in a chaotic order to form a beautiful artwork.
“Mrs. Marino, do you mind excusing us?” Evelyn asked, standing in between me and Carter. The same unsettling grin on her freckled face.
“I don’t understand.” I was confused.
“I want to tell him about your husband’s current situation.” Evelyn articulated in a slow manner like she was talking to a three year old. It was obvious she doubted my intelligence.
“Why must I go then? He is my husband.” They exchanged glances, silently agreeing on Carter being the speaker.
“The nature of this conversation is private-”
“I am his wife.” I said in disbelief that they won’t let me know about Matteo’s health.
“Matteo wouldn’t want you to hear this.” Evelyn piped.
“I am his wife.” I whispered. ” I’ll accept the consequences, just tell me what is wrong with him and how we can fix it.”
“He was on narcotics.” Evelyn blurted, ignoring the pointed look Carter gave her.
“Is it very dangerous?” I asked, scared for him.
” No, like I said, it’s experimental, so it was easy to neutralise. You can see him in about an hour.” I let out a silent sound of relief at the news. My frantically beating heart slowed down after hearing the news.
“The twins are coming over.” Carter told her. “They would be happy to see you after-”
“I’m busy, Carter. I have some things to do at the hospital. ” She sighed while massaging her forehead, a tired expression om her face. For a second, I saw what looked like the real Evelyn. Just for a second.
“But,” her smile was so wide I felt her lips would break. “Who gives a fuck?”