Xavia
1416 Words
When I opened my eyes, the white light from the hospital lamp blinded me. The monitor beeped softly beside me. My body felt heavy, but not as tired as usual.
"Are you awake?" a man's voice sounded from the side of the bed.
I turned my head. A man was standing there—neat black shirt, expensive watch, firm jawline. Too handsome to be someone who would pay attention to me, because usually handsome men are only for beautiful girls, and I don't fall into that category.
I blinked. "Excuse me... who are you?" I asked.
"I'm Leonard," he replied calmly.
I narrowed my eyes. The name was familiar, but his face didn't resemble the messy teenager I knew at all.
"Leonard?" I repeated, still confused.
"Yes," he replied. "You fainted in front of my house yesterday."
I was stunned. “I fainted for a whole day? What happened to…”
He quickly cut in, “You were taken care of by the doctors here.”
I looked around the room. A hospital bed in a room three times the size of my bedroom, covered with a blanket that smelled soothing—not the musty smell of the hospital I usually went to—and patient clothes that seemed to be made of soft, comfortable fabric.
I sighed softly. "Thank you... You're very kind."
"You don't have to thank me," Leonard replied. "I had to help you."
The way he spoke made my heart race. I didn't know why.
I tried to get up, but my waist refused. Leonard quickly held my shoulder.
"Don't force yourself," Leonard said firmly. "The doctor said your kidneys are unstable."
I looked at him in surprise. "You... talked to the doctor?"
"Of course," Leonard replied. "I had to make sure you were okay."
"I don't want to be a bother—" I said.
"You're not a bother," Leonard interrupted. "And I've taken care of the hospital bills."
I immediately tensed up. "Wait. What?"
"I paid," Leonard said flatly.
I shook my head quickly. "No. I can't accept that."
"Xavia," Leonard called in a deep voice. "I paid. That's final."
The tone of his voice silenced me. It wasn't harsh, but it didn't give me any room to refuse.
I swallowed hard. "Why are you doing this?"
Leonard looked at me for a long time. "Because you deserve to be helped," he said. Then, in a softer voice, he added, "And because I want to do it."
My heart warmed after that.
---
The doctor came in and examined me. Leonard stood in the corner of the room, listening intently to every word the doctor said.
"Her job makes her tired. Patients with one kidney must take good care of their bodies," explained the doctor. "She shouldn't lift heavy objects or walk long distances."
"I understand," Leonard replied immediately.
This was strange. The doctor was explaining my condition at length to a rich man whose house happened to be where I had fainted. I felt like I had lost control of myself.
My impression of this man changed 180 degrees. Every glance he gave me as he listened to the doctor's explanation seemed to say, "You must obey."
I glanced at him irritably. "Why are you answering as if it's your business?" I asked.
Leonard looked at me briefly. "Because it is my business."
Well, that's right. He was the type of person who could always get what he wanted with a wave of his dollar bills. I had better be careful. He could have evil intentions behind his kindness.
After the doctor left, I sighed. "You're meddling too much."
"If I didn't meddle, you would faint again and your condition would worsen," replied Leonard.
I clutched my blanket. "How long have you known about my condition?"
Leonard stared at me sharply. "Since last night. The doctor explained everything and I've made my decision."
"You have no right to decide," I said.
"Yes, I do," Leonard replied quickly.
I snorted softly. "You don't even know me."
Leonard stepped closer. "Listen to me, Xavia. For now, it's enough for you to know that I care."
I swallowed. "What do you mean?"
"I want to offer you a job. Like you heard from the doctor earlier," Leonard replied.
I fell silent. "What kind of job?"
"A job that won't tire you out. Won't make you walk far. And won't make you faint again."
I frowned. "Why are you offering this?"
Leonard tilted his head slightly. "You're not stupid or deaf, are you?"
"Of course not," I replied weakly. I sighed. "Fine. What's the job?"
"Work with me," he replied.
"At your company?" I asked.
"Yes."
"What will my duties be?" I asked again.
"You'll take care of light paperwork, schedules, and accompany me to some meetings," Leonard explained.
I quickly shook my head. "I don't have any office experience."
"You'll learn," Leonard replied. "I don't mind teaching you."
I clutched the blanket. “I’m not sure I can.”
Leonard looked at me with an expression that made me look down. “Or do you want to stay a courier until your body gives out?”
I bit my lip. “I… need money.”
Leonard leaned down slightly, as if to make sure I was really looking at him. “I know.”
I couldn't look at him. "The salary?"
"More than enough," Leonard replied. "Your medical expenses will be covered. Your family's too."
I was surprised. "You... how did you know I help my family?"
Leonard shrugged. "I asked the hospital a few questions."
I gasped. "You... investigated me?"
"I was checking on your situation," Leonard replied calmly. "That's different."
I was silent for a long time. "What if I make a mistake after working for you?"
Leonard smiled slightly. "Didn't I already tell you, I'll teach you,"
I swallowed hard.
“Alright, I accept,” I finally said.
A satisfied expression appeared on Leonard’s face. “The right decision.”
He stood up and smoothed his shirt sleeves. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll pick you up.”
I protested quickly. “I can go by myself.”
"No," Leonard replied curtly. "I won't let you take the bus."
I closed my eyes for a moment. "Leonard..."
"I'll pick you up," Leonard repeated without a hint of doubt.
I opened my eyes and met his gaze. It was gentle, but intense. It confused me.
"And I'll come back tonight," Leonard continued.
I furrowed my brow. “Why?”
“To make sure your condition is stable,” he answered.
“There are medical staff here, and I’m not a child anymore.”
Leonard stared at me for a long time. “There are, and I know you’re an adult woman.”
My heart started pounding when his gaze fell on my body, which was already able to sit up.
"What do you see?"
"A beautiful, stubborn woman."
My mouth opened halfway. On what basis did he say that to me?
"Listen. Thank you for helping me with this treatment and also for the job offer, but I need to tell you that I can read the minds of men like you."
"What am I like?"
He approached me. Instead of becoming bolder, I shrank back. I used all my courage to keep my distance, but he closed the gap between us.
His hand reached out to me. I didn't blink, torn between curiosity and fear of the truth.
"Like a man..." My words trailed off.
His scent was so soothing. Breathing it in was like I needed oxygen. My mind raced away to his innocent self, full of masculine visuals, completely dominating me.
What was I thinking?
"I didn't mean to do that. But if you want... I can be what you imagine... Xavia."
“Can you step back a little?” I finally managed to regain control of myself.
Leonard stepped back and stood tall with his lanky body.
“Remember what I said earlier.”
I turned my face away. “I’d rather sleep than remember it.”
Leonard smiled faintly. “Good.”
I couldn't say anything. My heart was still pounding even after Leonard had completely walked away. The sound of his footsteps faded, but his presence lingered in the air, warm and unsettling my thoughts.
I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing, but every breath was filled with the image of his face, his voice, and his gaze that was too confident in me.
- Writer
