Episode 8
1181 Words
Dominic's POV
The morning has already been frustrating, but hearing Arnold was coming back was tipping the point.
I stood at the edge of the bed, my fingers tapping my phone screen impatiently, as I waited for my assistant, Sebastian to pick up the phone. Three rings and nothing, four the same thing, by the fifth dial my patience has already worn thin.
“Pick up the damn phone,” I mumbled under my breath, resisting the urge of slamming my phone against the wall.
How is it possible to have people working for you who can't even get the simplest things right.
“Hel–”
“Why the hell aren't you answering your phone?!” I growled into the receiver.
“I–I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood,” he stuttered an apology.
Exhaling sharply, I ran my hand through my hair. “Any news on Arnold?” I asked.
“According to his schedule he won't be in town for another two weeks, he–”
“He's coming in today,” I snapped, cutting him off. “Why am I the one telling you this? What's your job?”
“I– I'm so–sorry sir. I didn't–”
“Yeah, how could you?” I growled. “You’re too busy being incompetent! Give me one reason why I shouldn't fire you right now.”
“I– I'm really sorry–”
“Tell the doctor to get my room ready,” I cut him off. “I need my act in place.”
“Right away boss,” he answered sharply.
“Alos, send a team to the airport, I need eyes on ground before Arnold arrives,” I told him. “I have a few things to handle, but I'll be at the hospital before noon. Understand?”
“Yes boss,” he replied sharply.
I ended the call, and tossed my phone onto the bed, running my hand through my hair in frustration. How is it possible to have people working for you who can't even get the simplest things right?
Arnold coming back today was the last thing I needed right now, and being surrounded with a bunch of incompetent people is making this whole charade harder than necessary.
I threw a few clothes and some documents I'll be needing into a duffel bag, because I'll be spending a lot of time pretending to be in a coma, and in all honesty I'm not exactly thrilled about it.
As I descended down the stairs, I spotted Ophelia on the couch, scrolling through her phone. I walked over to where she was seated, and paused just behind her.
“I'm sorry,” I mumbled, but loud enough for her to hear.
She slowly turned her head, and stared at me as if I had grown a second head.
“For what?” She asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
I sighed, trying to mask my irritation at her playing dumb. What else would I be apologizing for?
“For how I acted earlier, when you came back to the room,” I managed to say.
She stared at me for a few seconds, like she was trying to figure out if I was serious or not.
“Thank you,” I added awkwardly, the word tasting foreign in mouth.
Ophelia scoffed softly, and just went back to scrolling through her phone.
“Seriously?” I stared at her in disbelief. “You're not going to say anything?”
“You're welcome,” she mumbled, not sparing me a glance.
The nonchalance in her voice made my blood boil. I had just apologized genuinely, something I hardly do, and this is what I get? A half-assed response.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was a message from my assistant, Maxwell.
“If anything comes up again, let me know,” I instructed.
“Sure thing, Boss,” she muttered, still not sparing me a glance.
“Also, after today, make sure my mum doesn't come to the hospital for a few days,” I continued, ignoring her attitude.
“Okay, boss. Got it,” her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Anything else, boss?” She looked at me briefly.
I didn't have the energy for her attitude, I had enough on my plate already. So without saying another word, I walked out of the house.
My engagements for the morning went by in a blur, as I kept all necessary evils in line, before heading for the hospital.
I was just pulling up into the hospital’s parking lot when my phone buzzed.
“Arnold just landed. Madame Eleanor is at the airport to pick him up,” the text read. “They'll be at the hospital in about 15-20 minutes.”
I slipped through the service corridors which was more quieter and discreet. The last thing I needed was to bump into anyone before I got to my room. Even though news of me being in coma hasn't been officially released to the press, and the staff at the hospital are familiar with me, I still needed to be careful.
I arrived in front of Dr. George's office, I knocked lightly before pushing the door open as I got a response from inside.
“Dominic, it's so good to see you,” he said with a professional smile as he stood up and extended his hand.
“Likewise, Dr. George,” I replied, shaking his arms firmly. “I believe Maxwell filled you in already?” I asked, taking the seat opposite him.
“Yes, everything is in place,” he responded.
“And the camera's?” I inquired.
“It’s all set up. No one will notice a thing,” he assured me. “You’ll have full access to the footage whenever you need it.”
“Perfect. After today, no one is allowed to visit me, apart from Ophelia,” I informed him.
“Noted.
“Good,” I said, and stood up. “Let's go to the room, they'll be here any minute.”
Dr. George and I made our way to the room, each person lost in their own thoughts.
“We're here,” Dr. George announced, his voice pulling me out of my train of thoughts.
He pushed the door open and we stepped in. Just as he said, everything was in place, waiting for me.
I quickly changed out of my suits into something casual and more comfortable, and laid on the bed. Dr. George got to work immediately, as he attached all the necessary wires and IV drips to my body.
“Everything is in place,” Dr. George informed me. “Now all you have to do is stay still.”
I nodded slowly, and muttered a thank you.
Dr. George was about to say something when we heard the clicking of heels, and I could already tell they were here.
I shut my eyes, and focused on my breathing, and right on cue the door creaked open.
- Writer
