Iris's P.O.V. ——————
Well getting through a night of trying to explain how Hunter had an
accident that affected his right shoulder in a car that is still
completely intact wasn't as easy as it sounded.
And arriving home at past midnight wasn't a good picture to it all.
Surprisingly, Louisa was also bothered about him. Accidents seem to gory
for her age so I went with he's not feeling too good.
Now I have settled his household, his employees were a lot harder to
convince. Especially Clarissa, I honestly don't know why she's so
adamant that it wasn't an accident.
So in general, it was a frustrating day. But at least it's done with.
Now, Edward and I are on our way to pick up Hunter from the hospital.
I've never been more nervous in my life.
Not even for my driving lessons.
" Miss Jules are you okay? You've been fidgeting since we began this
journey" his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
My behavior isn't helping him one bit cause he feels the accident was
a lot serious than I presented it to be.
" Jules if there's something I should be expecting I'd rather you tell
me now" he couldn't take his eyes off the road but I could feel the
tension from even a mile away.
" I'm sorry Edward. Hunter's fine, I'm the one I'm not sure of"
Edward squeezed his brows in confusion but that didn't stop him from
speaking.
" What is wrong?"
" Hunter and I aren't really on the best of terms" if that's the way to
put it.
" So why does that bother you now? Even your kid knows that things
aren't really rosy between you two"
" Yeah. I guess situations cause the feel. But he's perfectly fine. That
is, except for the injury of course" I remarked and I feel that ended
the conversation.
We rode in silence to the hospital and wasted no time in marching up
to his room.
As soon as we got to his door, Edward flung it open like it was on
fire but soon calmed down at the sight he was seeing.
A nurse was tying back his bandage to his shoulder with a flirty smile
on her lips and Hunter in turn reciprocated.
I think that's enough sign for Edward to believe Hunter is both
physically and mentally alright.
" See you some other time?" The nurse muttered to Hunter as she was done
wrapping him up. I don't think they see Edward and I as in interruption.
" I hope so" he winked at her in response and she picked up her tray,
still smiling while she walked out.
" Edward! How are you?" Hunter greeted immediately the nurse left us
alone.
" Mr McConnell, I should be asking you that." Edward said almost angrily
at Hunter.
" Well I'm fine if that's what you're bothered about"
" Hunter what are we going to tell your father?" Edward was actually
more concerned about this than the victim.
" I've already informed him" Hunter shrugged
That stunned the elderly man for a while, but he regained his composure
as soon as he lost it.
" Good. Then let's get home" he walked over to Hunter's bedside and
assisted in getting him up, but once Hunter was on his two feet he
needed no further help.
" You healed quick" Edward acknowledged, also shocked at his easy
coordination for someone who had an accident.
Hunter only laughed and continued moving towards the door, where I had
stood since I came in.
By the time he got to the door, he only gave me a one over look before
walking past me like I was invincible.
My sigh was the only thing that gave my frustration away.
Hunter's p.o.v.
I wasn't feeling much pain at the moment except a sting from beneath
the bandage. Although the numbing drug may have a hand in it.
Edward just arrived at the compound as we passed through the gates
with the security crew acknowledging my return.
The ride home had been awfully quiet, except for times when Edward would
chip in and ask questions regarding my accident, no one else had spoken.
Iris had taken the passenger seat leaving me alone at the back and I
couldn't be more grateful.
She hadn't been the one who shot me nor led the shooter my way. Heck!
I saw this coming long ago, but realising Iris had fucked up my plans
and getting shot on the exact same day isn't the best combo I could get.
So let's say my anger is being unjustly transferred, even though I do
think she needs to know I'm no where near happy with what has been
discovered.
Iris would lean back in her seat occasionally and stare out the
window. Only who knows what ravaged her thoughts when she wasn't
speaking. I think it's another habit I've noticed from her.
Once in a while, I'd catch her stealing glances at me which she'll
quickly avert to a fail. But I do see that she's sorry.
Yet! She's not getting off the hook so easily.
We came to a halt in front of the stairway leading up to the door and
I wasted no time in hurrying out.
I needed some sleep. And I mean a clean sleep. I feel so disgusted by
all the hands that touched me at the hospital and not given me the
moment to shower.
At the foot of the step there was an envelope. It looks light so I
assume it's a letter. What spikes me off is that, normally I'll get
postcards from my mailbox but seeing it at my doorstep was a signal.
This was the exact same way Soldo sent his last trick.
Can't I be given a second of rest?
I tried to pry open the envelope but my ringing cellphone interrupted.
I checked the contact and saw it was my dad, so I carried on walking
till I got indoors with the envelope held tight in my palms.
Iris walked in immediately after I did and found her way to the
kitchen while I answered the call.
" Hey Dad" I heard him breathe a sigh of relief as I spoke.
" Don't pick my call after the seventh ring next time! Do you want to
give me a heartattack?"
My confusion had never known such bounds until this point.
" Some times I don't answer at all"
" Well those days weren't hours after you got out of a surgery"
Oh now I get his fear.
"I'm fine Dad. Really" I chuckled into the phone.
" Stop laughing. What did the doctor say?"
" Nothing much. He said it's a flesh wound and I'll require a
physiotherapist to help heal quickly"
" Lovely. You have a physiotherapist at your convenience" he actually
sounded cheery with the news.
" No, I haven't ordered one yet" the hospital gave me a catalogue of
business organizations where I could get accessible and affordable
assistance but I haven't gone through it.
" Order? Why order when Miss Jules holds a training degree in
physiotherapy?"
He's kidding me right?
" How do you know that?"
" It's on her CV. She's even got referrals. Didn't you read it?"
I did but it wasn't important to me as at when due.
" She can't be my physiotherapist" my brain scanning to find the easiest
way to hire one as soon as possible.
" And why?"
" Because she's my secretary who lives under my roof. If anything it'll
look like you're forcing her on me"
It's the truth. She's already involved in my life a little too much
than she should.
" But she'll be the most convenient. I don't want you making someone go
home by midnight cause you had to have your therapy after work"
" Then-"
" And no more people under MY roof" he interrupted my speech before it
began, with emphasis on the 'my' word.
How did he know what I was gonna suggest.
" Then I'll go to the offices and get the therapy there" anything to get
me out of dad's plan.
" And get yourself involved in another midnight car accident when no one
can be awake to see you and save you? I don't think so."
" Who said anything about midnight?" I could adjust my schedule to nine
pm.
" The sun wouldn't be up" he smugly stated.
" Who knew" I scoffed.
" Give this phone to Jules. She's helping you pronto. We're done."
I groaned and walked into the kitchen to find Iris eating a bowl of
soup.
" My dad" I hand her the phone and walked out without waiting for her
reaction but I was able to hear her 'hello'
Now I was in the living room alone, I opened the envelope and
retrieved the letter.
I took my time to read it word by word. And each word pouring more
acid to my veins.
When I was done, I read it again.
And again.
And again.
No words changed. Nothing disappeared from the page. I had not
imagined anything too.
I had read it correctly.
Now I know where everything stands.
My blood drained from my face and my mind went blank. I couldn't even
hear Iris when she had been calling my name till she tapped my shoulder.
" Hunter? Are you okay?"
My dazed self regained consciousness and I squeezed the paper in my
hand.
" Yes" that was all I said to her.