Chapter 18

CHRISTIAN I gazed at the unconscious woman on the white hospital bed. Her pale, swollen face was red, and her head was wrapped in a thick bandage. The corner of her lips was bruised a dark shade of violet, likely a result of the hard beating. An involuntary ache and despair coincide within me as my eyes scan down her figure further. Her right hand was fractured and is now wrapped in a plaster. Her delicate skin has countless scratch marks, and some go deep. "When will she wake up?" I questioned the doctor beside me, my voice running cold. "It's unsure, Mr Wolfe. Her physical wounds are quite severe, and for the emotional distress— it's likely to leave her scarred for a long time." The doctor informed. "Hmm." My gaze then fell on the cradle beside her bed where lay her daughter. She bore some scars on her body as well. Her left foot was bandaged due to a slight fracture. "And her?" I murmured. "Thankfully, the child's scars are superficial, but the intensity of the violation gave her a high fever." He paused before adding, "She is a little more sensitive than children her age, though; it seems she was a critical birth." I froze, my eyes snapping to the doctor. "What do you mean?" "Considering the condition they were admitted here and since Dr. Granger is a significant part of the hospital. We conducted a thorough examination of both individuals. If our assessment is accurate, Dr. Granger experienced a very complicated pregnancy, possibly a life-threatening one. It is remarkable that they both survived." He explained, leaving me distressed. The doctor's words stirred unpleasant memories of the past... Seven years back, while giving birth to Zeon, she had suffered a life-threatening situation as well. At that time, I was late arriving at the hospital during her labour due to a meeting out of the city. Upon my arrival, she had already selected our son, yet thankfully, both survived by God's grace... I was too heartbroken by the situation and upset with her. How could she choose alone without considering me once? Even after that, she did not inform me of her difficulties, which led me to realize the unfortunate truth that— I am not a significant part of her life; I am merely the father of her child. However, what bothered me most was her decision to give birth to her daughter despite the life-threatening risk. I wonder just how momentous her lover was to her?— A dull ache flowed through my veins, causing a shudder of dismay. "Umm, Mr. Wolfe?" The doctor's call interrupted my thoughts as I turned to him. "You have brought Dr. Granger here and seem quite worried about her. Do you, by any chance, know her from prior?" It stung. The woman I loved and was once married to, now being with her raises questions about our familiarity. I swallowed hard and gave a curt nod, "Hmm... we're distant friends." "I see," he said. "Well then, sir, I'll leave now. Don't worry; apart from being our patient, Dr. Granger is widely famous among our colleagues and patients— a part of our family. We'll surely provide her and her daughter with the best possible care." "Hmm." I quietly hummed as he departed. He was right. Upon her arrival at the hospital, the medical staff demonstrated a high degree of personal involvement in her case. Indeed, several patients inquired about her progress periodically. My gaze fixed on the pale, unconscious woman before me... The situation I've found her in— a cold shiver rushed down my spine, recalling the heartwrenching scene that left me unsettled. If it weren't for Zeon's overconcern for his mother and her not picking up his calls, perhaps today— No! Fucking shut your sick thoughts Christian! She's now safe and before your eyes! Zeon apparently wanted to video chat with his mother and Cadence. He tried several times until midnight, until he found me in my room and worriedly and restlessly asked me to check on them. Despite my initial hesitation, his insistence compelled me to investigate, which quickly escalated into a critical situation. The discovery of her cat, wrecked on the highway, severely compromised my composure, prompting a frantic search. And finally, as the sun rose that morning, I learned of her whereabouts, quite far from the bustling city... The incident raises countless questions within me though— Who would try to hurt her and her daughter? And why? Was it simply a random kidnapping? Or was there a hidden scheme behind it? Everything is uncertain unless she is awake... Submerged in thought, I lost track of time until my phone rang. It was Blake. Glancing at the mother and daughter once, I quietly left the hospital ward and answered the call, "Hmm." "Vice Chairman, regrettably, we have lost visual contact with the abductors. However, several local residents reported observing two suspicious individuals near the derelict warehouse where Dr. Granger and her daughter were located." He explained, "One said that those men didn't look local or English, but they had a thick accent, though they couldn't identify the accent." "How did they escape before your eyes?" I felt a surge of anger welling up in me. "I don't want any excuses, Blake. I want those men as soon as possible." I ordered icily. "Yes, sir," he said. With a brief pause, he asked, "Vice Chairman, how are they doing now?" His voice was laden with concern. "Out of danger for now, though not yet awake," I said, remembering her pale and infirm features. "Please don't worry, sir; everything will be alright," he said gently. A feeling of tightness constricted my chest. I responded with a forceful "Hmm" before disconnecting the call... Why am I feeling this way, as if my world is falling apart? Why does this internal turmoil persist even after her rescue? I am deeply hurt by seeing them in this state, but I'm struggling to understand why it's causing me such intense anger and making me feel as though I'm losing control over myself. Why I want to make those bastards pay for each scar they caused them? Why? Am I even authorized to interact with them closely when she's having a happy life with someone else? I've often told myself it was solely for Zeon's sake, but was it truly?— Even I know the answer well enough. Why is it so difficult for me to move on from her? Why? A loud scattering sound jerked me back to reality. I blinked rapidly, realizing it was coming from Veronica's ward. Hastily, I rushed inside, only to find her on the floor. Running alongside her, I grasped her arm, sharply inquiring, "What are you doing?" My initial concern rapidly escalated to fear as her bloodshot, tear-filled eyes bore to mine— "M-my cad-dence, whe-re is sh-she!?" With an urgent plea and beseeching gaze, she grasped my arm. I secured her carefully, assuring her, "She's fine." I gently repositioned her head so she could see her daughter. "She's safe, Veronica," I whispered softly, struggling to control my emotions. "Cadence..." she whispered, collapsing into my arms, relieved at the sight of her daughter.