Chapter 16
1030 Words
My phone vibrated relentlessly, ringing for the tenth time, yet I stubbornly refused to pick it up. It was my mother calling, and in my mind, everything that had happened to me recently was her fault.
On the eleventh ring, I finally relented and answered, my voice sharp with accusation. "Mum, don't try to apologize. I won't ever forgive you."
"A different", unfamiliar voice replied, calm and professional. "This isn't Madame Ruth on the line. It's a doctor from your family hospital."
"Huh?" My heart lurched. "Why are you calling on my mother's phone? Is anything a problem?"
"Your mother is badly injured," the doctor stated, his tone grave. "There are bruises all over her body, but she has been treated."
"What?" I gasped, bolting upright from my desk. Mark, I won't forgive you if my mother dies. I quickly told Princess to inform D-James that something had come up, and I would be leaving early.
I sped to the hospital. Seeing my mother, bandaged all over, brought fresh tears to my eyes. "Mother, I told you to divorce Mark! You never listen! See what he has done to you?"
"Stop crying, Neeve," she said weakly, a faint smile on her bruised lips. I'm already old, and my body is used to it. "These injuries will heal in a few days."
"You're so stubborn, Mother," I sniffed, wiping my tears. "Do you have a secret that Mark knows, and you're afraid he would spill it if you divorced him?"
"No…" Ruth shook her head, her gaze distant.
"Then why is it so difficult to divorce him?" I pressed, my voice thick with emotion.
"Neeve, can you not talk about Mark for now?" Ruth pouted, her eyes pleading.
"Okay, Mother." I wiped my tears again.
"Is it because you refused to give him money?" I probed gently.
"No…" Ruth shook her head once more.
"Mother, I'm so sorry," I choked out, a fresh wave of guilt washing over me. I should have picked up your calls. "Maybe Mark wouldn't have injured you to this extent."
"Not your fault, Neeve, huh?" Ruth murmured, using the back of her palm to gently wipe away my tears.
It was late evening after nursing my mother. I was tired and sleepy, but I couldn't bear to leave her alone. Just as I was lost in thought, a hand gently touched my arm. I glanced back and saw James and his mother, Aunt Hannah. It was as if I had been expecting him. I threw myself into his arms, and he held me close. Aunt Hannah, James's mother, told me to go home and rest, assuring me she would take care of my mother on my behalf.
James drove me home in his car. Before I got out, he gently kissed my forehead and left. I reached into my pocket for my house key, but my fingers met an empty space.
"OMG!" It must have fallen at the company earlier when I was rushing home. I cursed under my breath. I waved down a cab; I was so damn tired and sleepy. At the same time, I was cursing Mark, that thug. I would make sure Mother divorced him.
"Head to Dolly Group of Companies," I told the driver, and the journey began.
I paid the cab driver and walked into the company. It was half past nine, and the place was eerily dark and empty; only the security guards were there.
"Miss Neeve, why are you here this late?" one of them asked.
"Sir, I forgot my house key, and I'm here for it."
"Oh, Miss Neeve, as you can see, the electricity is out. You should go crash at a friend's place."
"Oops." I scratched my head. "I have no friends?" Well, actually, there was Molly, but she had already gone to the club. And the Princess? I had only just met her recently; sleeping at her place wouldn't be polite.
"Miss Neeve, why are you here?" A familiar voice cut through the darkness. I glanced back. It was the CEO, Adrian.
I wasn't in the mood to talk to this arrogant jerk. My mood was already terrible. If I replied to him, he would surely slander me again. I didn't respond and pretended he wasn't talking to me.
Earlier that day, during lunch hour, Adrian had asked Stephen to call "that rude woman" into his office, saying he had something to ask her. However, Stephen had returned, saying Miss Neeve had already left the company. Do you think my company is a place where you could come and leave anytime? Adrian had thought, his irritation building.
I knew it, I thought now. This guy is cursed. Once he sees me, it's as if he's seen his worst enemy. He will surely libel me.
"CEO, I had sought an excuse from D-James before I left this morning," I said calmly, trying desperately to avoid an argument.
Adrian ignored my explanation and dragged me by the wrist. "Let go of me, Adrian!" I shouted, struggling against his grip. "Please, let me be!" "I don't want to talk to you!" "Get lost!" I roared, my frustration boiling over.
Adrian was genuinely shocked by my outburst. He had been working on some projects, which was why he was still at the company. "I can see you're in misery; however, I will take my leave." He turned to go.
I fell into a ruminative mood. I couldn't possibly pass the night outside. Here was a God-sent opportunity, but he was a demon in nature. With the type of person he was, I was sure he wouldn't help me sleep over at his place. Well, no harm in trying.
"CEO…" I stuttered, calling out to him.
"You need my help now…?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. How does this d**k head know I'm stranded and need serious help? I scratched my head.
"Actually, hmmm… mind if I passed this cold night at your place?" I wanted to say, but the words that came out were entirely different, as if controlled by some mischievous devil. "Mind if I passed the cold night on your bed, CEO?"
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