Scars of Time

Chapter 35: "Opportunist"

Jo's POV

We left the hospital bright and early this morning. I still think that it might be a bit too soon as he appeared to be in pain, but he simply refuses to acknowledge it. On the bright side, this works out quite well for me since I won't have to take care of him any longer.

Nevertheless, I still made sure to accompany him to his house, despite his bodyguard and driver being present, because I believe in completing my job thoroughly.

But, just when I thought I could slip away once he settled down, he started bombarding me with his never-ending list of requests.

"Jo, can you bring me some water?"

"Jo, which one of the pills should I take now?"

"Jo, I'm cold. Could you bring me a blanket?"

"Jo, can you turn on the TV? I'm bored."

Jo....Jo....Jo.

I've been running errands for him non-stop since we arrived, and the short break I managed to get was anything but long-lasting.

"Jo, can you go get a document from my room? Ben needs a photo of it real quick."

"Isn't Ben on leave? Why are you making your employees work today?"

"Why? What's happening today?" he questioned, and of course, I wasn't surprised at all.

I mean he was in the hospital, but I doubt he even celebrates anything in his life.

"December 31" I answered and it really seemed to have slipped his mind. Without skipping a beat, he swiftly pulled out his phone, frantically confirming the date, and then proceeded to type away with a newfound urgency.

"Ben says it's important. I just asked and he was in the office because he got a call from one of our partners from Italy. I'm not making my employees work on New Year's Eve. I'm not that cruel of a boss."

"Fine. Where exactly is the document?"

"Inside the second drawer on the left side of the bed."

I made my way upstairs to fetch it but I was taken aback when I stumbled upon Alex exiting one of the rooms. Behind him was Hope and they both had the disheveled look of just having woken up.

With a sense of urgency, he called out, "Jo?" His eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of guilt and a burning need to explain himself.

"Time got discharged today," I responded with indifference, deliberately shifting the topic. I didn't even want to know. We broke up anyway. He can do whatever he wants.

"Already!" Hope asked and ran downstairs, leaving me alone with Alex.

"Hope was really sad last night..." he started to explain but I cut him off.

"It's okay Alex. You don't have to say anything"

"But..."

"They are going to misunderstand us. You should go downstairs."

He lowered his head and obediently followed my words making his way downstairs. Meanwhile, I entered Time's room, determined to find the document I was looking for. Yet, amidst my search, a tear found it's way towards my cheek, which I hastily wiped away.

I'm glad he's happy. I was scared he would fall into depression when I broke up with him.

He didn't.

He moved on.

I'm happy for him....but it still stings a little bit.

...................

Time's POV

Hope came running to the living room as soon as Jo went upstairs, which reminded me that Alex was also supposed to be here.

That means he is probably sleeping in my room, but foolishly I sent Jo there.

Witnessing her yearning to leave, I seized the opportunity to take advantage of her willingness. I commanded her to fulfill my every need, reveling in the knowledge that it would prolong her stay, even if it's against her wishes. I was determined to do whatever it took to keep her by my side for a little longer.

However, what bothered me at this moment was their delay in coming back downstairs.

What if their love sparked once again there in my bed?!

I couldn't bear the anticipation any longer. I had to go upstairs.

As I rose to my feet, my eyes caught sight of Alex making his way into the living room, his expression filled with sorrow. It's not ideal to feel joy at someone else's sadness, but it indicated that they hadn't reconciled. I was relieved.

"Is there something you need?" Hope asked while I sat down again.

"Did you know today is December 31?"

She nodded, wanting to know why I asked.

"Should we do something together?"

"All of a sudden? You never celebrate New Years!"

"I just felt like celebrating today."

"Okay. What do you want to do?"

"Should we cook dinner for our guests?"

"What is wrong with you today? Do you have a fever? You never cook."

"Mrs. Williams is on leave and I wanted to show Alex and Jo my appreciation for helping us."

"You don't have to" Alex said with a frosty tone, and Jo echoed the sentiment as soon as she descended the stairs. It appeared as though she was also feeling down, but tried her best to hide it.

"And you are still hurt. I can't let you stay up for that long." she added, causing a smile to appear on my face. She can't let me!

"Then what should we do?!" I asked, and their pensive silence indicated that they were thinking about it.

"I'll try to make something. You are our guests after all" Hope said and I knew by that statement that we were going to be left hungry today.

"We should order something from outside."

"Fine. I'll cook. But someone has to go shopping" Jo sighed and without any hesitation, Alex volunteered for the task.

Determined, he walked outside, and Hope tagged along.

"They didn't have to go this early" she remarked as soon as we were the only ones remaining.

"It will take them a couple of hours."

"Hours! Why?"

"You'll see."

I said, knowing my sister very well. Groceries are not the only thing she will be buying.

"It's okay, I can make a quick trip back home to change in the meantime"

"Are you going to leave me here alone?"

"You are not a child. And didn't you say your wound didn't hurt the other day?"

"Why are you being this harsh towards someone who just got out of the hospital?" I played the victim, which seemed to always work with her. I love her innocent nature.

"Then what should I do?!"

"You could wear something of mine."

She seemed to hesitate, so I had to convince her. I'm afraid that if she goes home she won't come back. She just wants to get rid of me as soon as possible. She's been trying to do that since this morning.

"I'll ask Hope to lend you her clothes later. I can't lend you her clothes without her being here" I lied as I was really qurious to see her in my clothes.

"Then, I'll just wait until she returns."

"Okay. Then...could you help me get dressed?"

"What???" she screamed, which was so funny.

"I can't lift my arms because my stitches might burst."

"Aren't you benefiting from the situation a little too much?"!I got busted.

"Fine. I'll just go get dressed myself. But don't cry for me later if I get an infection."

She rolled her eyes and didn't move an inch.

I guess it wont work this time.