Billionaire Bad Boy, Broken Underneath

Chapter 12

Carissa's POV

Ezra is discharged the next morning so we prepare to leave the hospital. When I'm done putting things in place, the doctor comes in to check on Ezra briefly before we leave. I put a call through to the driver to bring the car around as I ride the elevator down together with Ezra. He looks a bit pale but at least, he's standing on his feet on his own so I guess that's a good thing.

The ride back to the mansion is a short one and in no time, I'm helping Ezra to his room. I was shocked he let me up here because from what I know, no one comes up here, only Miss Michelle, the few times she cleans. Ezra’s room seems like a whole apartment on its own. He has everything he needs here. And his room has to be that largest I've ever seen. It screams Ezra from every corner. I help him to bed and pull the covers over him a bit. He seemed really tired and hasn't really said much since he woke up this morning.

I feel his skin to make sure he isn't running temperature. I turn around in search of his closet and when I find it, I drop the duffel bag by the corner of the room. He would sort it out when he feels better. Going through his things seems inappropriate to me. I walk back into the bedroom to find Ezra, struggling to open his MacBook and I shake my head.

“You know you shouldn't be doing that right? The doctor specifically said you need lots of rest” I walk towards him.

“I know. It's just a few emails that needs to be answered. Nothing much” he says as he attempts to type. I close the device gently and place it on the table at the far end corner of the room.

“They can wait, Ezra. You need to fully recover first”

“You don't have a right to do that. I don't pay you to tell me how to run my life” he says annoyed

“You sure don't. Though that would have cost a lot more because it would be a difficult task, running your life” I shoot back and he huffs.

“Listen Carissa, I appreciate you coming with me to the hospital but all of this is a bit much. I need to work. What don't you understand? I. Need. To. Work” he almost yells.

“And I understand that. But your health comes first in this situation. Just focus on getting better and then you can work for as many hours as you like. I need to go make some chicken soup for you. I'll be right back” I say to a very frustrated looking Ezra. Why is he so obsessed with work? I shake my head and I leave the room, heading straight to the kitchen. I bump into Miss Michelle on my way.

“How's Ezra doing?” she asks

“Better than yesterday. Though he's wants to work in his present state. He's being really stubborn about it” I almost roll my eyes

“Typical Ezra. There's never a day that goes by without him working like he's being threatened” she smiles at the memory.

“Tell me about it” I let out a breath

“Anyways, I'm on my way to do some grocery shopping. Anything you want to add to the list you gave me earlier?” she asks

“Nothing I can think of right now” I answer

‘Alright. I need to be on my way right now. See you later” she taps my shoulder lightly.

“Take care, Miss Michelle”

Shortly after, I begin prepping. I'm done making his soup after a while. I plate it and set it on a tray and I'm about to take it up when my phone dings. I see it’s a message so I open it to read. My boss has just sent my first pay for the month and he even added a little extra, stating it's for yesterday. This is a lot and I'm so happy that I can finally pay off the mortgage. I slip my back into my pocket and head to Ezra's room with his food. He's on his phone when I enter and he turns to stare at me. I place the tray on the bedside table and help him up.

“I'm really not hungry. Honestly, I don't want to eat anything at the moment, Carissa. Can we please not do this?” his eyes seems tired. The more reason he needs to eat and rest and not think about work.

“You need the food, Ezra. I know you don't feel like it right now but your body needs it. Then you should rest after. Your eyes are really tired” I sit next to him on the bed, looking deep into his eyes. Despite his pale look, his eyes are still beautiful and I can't help but stare. We stare at each other silently for a moment. The atmosphere in the room warms up and I'm the first to look away.

I clear my throat. “I just received my first pay. Thank you. You didn't have to add the extra though. I didn't do it to get paid. You really didn't have to” I uncover his food and place it on my lap.

“I don't like feeling indebted to anyone” his look seems guarded and I wonder why.

“So I can't return it?” I ask

“No, you can't” he states. I take a spoonful of soup towards his mouth. He hesitates before opening his mouth and I resist shoving the spoon into his mouth. He has been grumpy all morning.

“I can handle it, you know” he says, referring to the fact that I'm feeding him.

“Alright. Here you go” I hand him the spoon

“I didn't say you should stop though” he looks away from me and I smile. I continue feeding him. Who knew my boss is a big baby when sick? I hold in my laughter. After a while, he says he's full and I let him be. He's had enough already.

“I’ll be stepping out for a short while. I'll be back soon” I say to him as I gather the plates.

“Where are you going to? Hope everything is alright?” he asks

“Yea. I just need to return some things to my friend. I'll be back before you know it” The lie comes out freely. I mean, I can't possibly tell him where I'm headed. It's none of his business anyway. Ezra gives me a quizzical look before slowly nodding and sinking into the bed. He's out before I even leave the room.

I seize the opportunity to quickly call up the property managers. I head over to their office and pay up what's left of the mortgage and I only let out a sigh of relief when the receipt is handed to me. I carefully put it in my purse and head back to the mansion. I check in on Ezra to see he's still sleeping so I retire to my room to rest as well.