Chapter 21
Ava’s POV
1+8 Pearls
“My back hurts,” I said, keeping it brief because I didn’t want to start a fight or cause any chaos between these two lunatic brothers.
Fabio put me in the back of his car. He stared at me so intently that it made it difficult to focus on my back pain or his dangerously piercing eyes, which felt like they could steal my soul at any moment. I bit my lower lip and narrowed my eyes as I stared back at him. He then placed his finger on my lower lip and said. That’s why it’s bleeding–you keep biting it so hard. Stop biting your lower lip. Ava.”
I parted my lips to say something, but he was already pulling away. He closed the car door, walked around to the other side. and then opened the door to sit next to
- me. He then told his driver, “Drive. We don’t have all the time in the world.”
“Yes, sir.
1 took a deep breath, feeling his body close to mine. Nothing worried me exactly, but I was getting worried that I was getting used to his kindness,
When we finally arrived at the hospital, he stepped outside and opened the car door for me. To my surprise, before I could even say a word, he had already scooped me up in his arms like I was a doll he could carry around.
“Y–You can put
put me in a wheelchair, Fabio, 1 stammered, nodding towards the empty one near the entrance.
There’s no need, he stated, his tone brooking no argument as he strode inside with an air of absolute authority.
The moment the nurse and doctor spotted us, they hurried over, wasting no time in attending to me. They ushered me into the doctor’s clinic, and the doctor began examining the strain in my back.
The doctor, who had a kind smile, introduced himself. “My name is Doctor Harold Smith. And it looks like you’ve sprained your back right here.” He gently touched the area. “You’ll need to rest for a few days to ease the pain, and I’d like you to take this medication for pain relief.”
“Yeah, thank you, Doc. And It was just an accident,” I replied.
“I’m glad you didn’t break any bones,” he said, his fingers lightly brushing my back again.
From his spot in the corner, Fabio raised an eyebrow, a hint of impatience in his voice. “Are you done, Doctor?”
The doctor straightened up and nodded. “No, not quite.” He glanced at his nurse. The back brace, please.”
A few moments later, the nurse returned with the brace. The doctor carefully fitted it around me, his hands gentle, and offered another reassuring smile. “If you start to feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to call me anytime.” He picked up a card. from his desk and handed it to me.
I nodded and offered a small smile. Thank you again, Doctor Harold.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Ava.”
I stood up slowly, and Fabio was instantly there, offering his support. I looped my arm around his neck as he helped me walk, completely ignoring the doctor’s presence. Once we were out of the room, he leaned in and whispered. “Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you?”
I shook my head, “No, I’m okay. I’ve been bothering you so much lately… this is too much.
He then pulled his phone from his pocket and made a call. “Handle all the fees at the hospital,” he instructed his driver before slipping the phone back into his pocket.
“Well,” he said, turning his gaze back to me, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. “you did say it was my fault. And now you feel guilty for taking up some of my precious time.”
“It’s still not okay to take any of your time. I know how busy you are, and time is gold for you…” I said, a sofi groan escaping my lips as a swell of throbbing pain shot through my back with each step. The brace helped, but it wasn’t a miracle cure.
He sighed just as his phone rang. “Let me take this. Can you wait here for a second?”
Chapter 21
+8 Pearls
I nodded. He walked over to the hospital balcony, putting a few feet of distance between us, and answered the call: his expression immediately turned serious
Just then, the entrance door opened, and a woman in a wheelchair was wheeled in. My former mother–in–law. Caspian and Erica followed closely behind, and then my mother’s first cousin, Auntie Fatima. Married to a Pavlov senator, she looked every bit the sophisticated and well–maintained society woman. All four of them stopped short when they saw me
Felicity gasped, struggling for air. “I can’t breathe…
Erica immediately called out to a passing nurse, her voice sharp with urgency. Soon, Felicity was being rushed into the ward. and another doctor was attending to her.
Erica returned, letting out a frustrated sigh before fixing me with a glare. “Well, look who what you’ve done!”
Caspian’s gaze landed on me, his face contorted in disgust. He scoffed. “Mom’s health is critical because of you, Ava. You know
that.”
Why do you always blame me, Caspian?” I retorted, my voice rising slightly. “Was I the one who gave your mother her illness? No, I don’t think so.
Auntie Fatima stepped between Caspian and me, her expression earnest, almost pleading. “Ava, could I have a word with you. for a moment?“,
I nodded, and we walked a short distance away from Caspian and Erica. “You’re the only one who can contact Doctor Charles she said, her voice low and urgent. “I need you to talk to him. Please, Ava, do this for me. You know how close the Pavlov Family is to my husband. They’ll do anything to divorce me, and you know I’ll lose everything… and my daughter”
“But..
“Please, Ava,”
A tide of pity washed over me for Auntie Fatima. It had been years since I’d seen her, but she was close to my family, and the thought of her being cast aside because I refused to help.
With a sigh of resignation, I pulled my phone from my pocket and called Doctor Charles. To my relief, he answered immediately.
I explained the situation, and Doctor Charles, undoubtedly swayed by my request, agreed without much hesitation
Ending the call, I walked back towards Erica and Caspian. “I’ve already spoken with Doctor Charles, I announced, my voice flat. Triple the price you were going to pay him monthly to treat your mother.”
Erica’s voice shot up in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind?”
Caspian, however, held up a hand to silence her. “It’s okay, Erica.” Then he glances at me and says, “Tell him we’ll pay that price.
Aunt Fatima beamed at me, silently mouthing, “Thank you.”
I glanced at Erica, who was practically glued to my ex–husband’s arm, and then slowly looked away, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of seeing I noticed.
Just then, Fabio returned, his brow furrowing when he saw Erica and Caspian standing near me.
Erica said, her eyes flashing, “Good evening. Don Moretti! Wow, you’re here?”
“Don Moretti, What brings you here?” Caspian asked as if he wanted to get Fabio’s favor.
But they were ignored by Fabio. I was about to say something, but he walked straight towards me, and to my surprise, he scooped me up into his arms.
A few gasps rippled through the small group; the Don displaying such a gesture was clearly unexpected. Ignoring their reactions, Fabio said to me, “Let’s go home….”
