Chapter 28: I’m So Sorry, Evonne

Oh, God... Her head was hurting, she couldn’t open her eyes, and she could barely move her limbs. She had so many blanks. “What happened? Where was I?” She fought a bit more and managed to crack one eye open. Blinding lights stung her eyes, and she immediately shut them. She tried again, this time managing to open both eyes. She slowly opened them to her pupils, adjusting to the lights. She slowly looked around and saw her leg was plastered and raised, the room was empty, and there was no sign of life. “Was I in the hospital?” She asked in her mind. She heard a couple of voices outside passing, but no one came in. She suddenly felt very drowsy, and her eyes against her wish started closing again. Just as someone came in, it was the nurse who checked her vital signs. **** At the company Seth sat quietly, listening to the various pitches his employees were throwing his way in their meeting, when his secretary approached him. He’d managed to get himself a nerdy-looking secretary who, despite his appearance, was pretty good at his job. This time around, he asked the HR department to pick a man as his secretary after what had happened in Thailand. “Sir, you have a call from Sanders hospital, they refuse to leave a message.” His secretary informed him. “Tell them I’ll return it after this meeting.” He waved his hand dismissively, returning his attention to the presentation. “But sir-” Seth threw him a look that made his blood freeze, but he was determined to pass on the message. “It’s news regarding your wife, sir.” He let out in a rush and took a step back waiting for further instructions. Suddenly everything went quiet for Seth. His wife? Evonne? Hospital? He slowly stood up. What was she doing in France? The questions kept piling on. Absent-mindedly he said, “The meeting is adjourned.”  He flew immediately to France after hearing the news about his wife. **** She slowly opened her eyes after the incessant mumbling of the people around her wouldn’t stop. She opened her mouth to say something, but her throat was so dry. Finally, she changed her mind and croaked out, “Water.” Both of their heads snapped at her, and she forced a weak smile. She noticed Toby in bandages looking at her, worried. He immediately rushed over to her side. “I’m so sorry, Evonne. I don’t mean for any of this to happen.” He looked so worn out, snuggling at her bedside. One of his eyes was patched up, and he had bandages around his forehead and a sling around his arm. Otherwise, either the clothes were hiding the bruises pretty well, or he was okay. He handed her the water, helped her sit up, then carefully placed the glass in her mouth, helping her drink. The warm water soothed her aching throat, and she was finally able to let out a few words. He gently placed her back on the pillows and then stood back. “What the hell happened to you? You look like shit.” She said in a light tone, trying to clear the heavy air that was hanging in the room. It only brought a semblance of a smile to his face. The doctor stepped forward before he could reply and softly asked, “What’s the last thing you remember?” His face was etched in concern. He means he knew things were pretty bad since she was in the hospital, but... It all just seemed too much. “Well...” She tried recalling what happened then she suddenly remembered. A wry smile formed on her face. “Toby and I were throwing a little party.” She wagged her eyebrows suggestively at Toby before continuing, “To celebrate completing our degree. Were you the one driving?” She looked at him in mock fury but honestly just glad she was done with the campus. “Well, what are you going to do now?” Toby prompted urgently. “I thought we already talked about this!” She told him, groaning as she closed her eyes. “Come on, Evonne, just remind me.” “Well, I don’t know yet. I’ll probably still be the life of the party. Then after I’ve had my fill, I’ll relocate to a different city where my father’s business has a branch and take over the whole operation.” She finally looked at the expression on the doctor and Toby’s faces, and they were both so downcast. “Look, I know it’s not the best plan, but it’s something, right?” She looked over from one to another, waiting for some kind of response. “That’s a great idea. At least you have your life planned out.” Toby said and added a weak laugh. “Anyway, Mrs. Cohen- Ms. Evonne, you were involved in a car accident, you sustained minor physical injuries, but there was a lot of internal bleeding, and we barely managed to save you. You have a couple broken ribs and some fractured bones, but so far, you’re in no danger. You are now stable. If all goes well, you should be discharged in a week, two tops. I’ll leave you two alone, so you can talk.” The doctor did a slight bow, then walked out. “Not so bad, right?” She tried humor again with Toby. He moved forward and sat beside her bed. He ruffled her hair a bit, then smiled. “Evonne!” She turned to the door, wondering who it was that thought she was not only incapacitated but deaf too. A man dressed in a smart business suit and looked like sex on legs stood by the door, shocked. His hair seemed ruffled as he’d repeatedly run his hands in it. She could practically smell money off this guy. Damn, he is incredibly handsome, to be exact. “Who’s asking?” She threw back at him, trying for a smile. He gave her a puzzled look which didn’t quite fit him, then stepped in. “What happened to you?” He increased his speed until he was standing beside her, not acknowledging Toby’s presence. He softly ran his thumb across her face and slowly looked at her from top to bottom. “Look, sir,” She emphasized the sir especially, I appreciate all the affection, but who in the name of all that’s good in this world are you? Who the fuck are you??” Evonne asked him directly.