CHAPTER 6
1440 Words
Rainah’s POV
“NOOO!”
My mind screamed, but I went blank.
My eyes moved from Mimi and the man to the old chandelier hanging just above their heads. It looked like it would fall any second.
“Move!” I screamed and ran toward them.
Everything happened so fast. I pushed the man’s back, and I saw him hold Mimi tightly to shield her from any harm. I thought he would fall, but at the last moment, he regained his balance. On the other hand, I lost mine and fell flat on the floor.
An earsplitting crash echoed through the hall, followed by the terrified screams of children. On my right leg, I suddenly felt an unbearable pain. It was so intense, it felt like the skin was being peeled from my foot.
I turned my head to check, but all I could see was blood. The bottom of my white dress had turned red. Shards of glass were embedded in my leg. I didn’t think it was serious at first, but the amount of blood said otherwise.
Then, I felt someone scoop me up into their arms.
I looked up and saw a familiar pair of eyes staring into mine.
“Are you okay, Miss?” His deep voice sent a strange shiver through me.
I had seen those eyes before—eyes that looked just like my mother’s… like his. Could it be him?
“Miss, are you okay? Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the hospital.” His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I nodded and nervously fiddled with my fingers in my lap. I looked away from his face, not liking how familiar he felt, not liking how every detail reminded me of someone from my past. His warmth, his presence… his hugs that used to make me feel safe.
He gently placed me on the car seat. When he closed the door and walked around to the other side, I instantly missed his warmth beside me.
What is this feeling? I had never felt something so strong before—not even toward Luca.
He sat next to me, maintaining a respectful distance, and told his men to drive to the hospital. I glanced out the window and saw Sister Johnsey’s worried face. The children must be terrified. And what about Mimi? I hoped the incident wouldn’t affect her too deeply… though I was relieved she was unharmed.
Then I felt something on my leg and flinched.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said gently. “I was just trying to tie this around your wound to slow the bleeding.”
He tied a white handkerchief around my leg, more carefully this time so as not to hurt me.
“Hey, don’t cry. You’ll be okay, alright?” he said softly, looking into my face.
That’s when I realized—I had been crying the entire time. I tried to wipe my tears, but then he gently brushed them away himself. His touch was soft, warm.
“Thank you,” he said suddenly.
“For what?” I asked in a barely audible voice.
“You saved me,” he said, patting my cheek like I was a child. I nodded, and as he pulled his hand away, I missed his touch already. What is wrong with me?
I looked toward the front of the car and saw two bulky men in black. The one driving was bald, and the sun rays hit his shiny head, making it look like a piece of gold.
I smiled to myself. A piece of gold… seriously?
I suddenly felt eyes on me. Turning to look, I found him staring—those eyes locked on mine intensely. His gaze made my heart pound. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and looked down at my lap.
Why does the embroidery on my dress suddenly seem so fascinating?
“Arthur,” I heard him say. I looked up. He was gazing out the window now, his perfect jawline catching the light. I wanted to reach out and trace it.
“My name is Arthur. What’s yours?” he asked, still looking away.
“Rainah,” I answered shyly.
I didn’t know why I was so nervous around him—it’s not like he was going to eat me.
‘Oh, but being eaten by him might not be so bad,’ that annoying voice inside my head whispered seductively. I rolled my eyes at myself.
Why am I having these kinds of thoughts all of a sudden?
“Hmm… nice name,” he said quietly.
The rest of the car ride was silent, but I didn’t really mind. About half an hour later, we pulled up to a building, and my eyes widened.
Jwell D’s Care. One of the most elite hospitals in Alabama. Only the super-rich could afford to be treated here.
There’s no way I can pay for this, I panicked.
Just as I opened my mouth to protest, the door on my side opened—revealing a very handsome Arthur. Before I could say a word, he scooped me into his arms again. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck for balance.
His face was close—too close. I tried not to stare, but his features were perfect.
As he walked forward, I noticed light flashes from a corner and turned my head. A few people were taking our photos.
My heart sank.
I buried my face in his shoulder and hugged him tightly, trying to hide.
Oh no. I don’t want to cause him any trouble. He’s famous. I didn’t want to end up in some tabloid mess.
I felt his body stiffen for a moment, then he continued walking. I held onto him tighter, feeling my body heat up with every step. But I didn’t move—I didn’t want to.
At long last, he laid me down gently on a bed, and I lifted my head. My jaw dropped.
This… this was not a hospital room. It looked like a palace.
There was a freaking chandelier hanging from the ceiling. In a hospital room?!
“Um… you can let go of me now, Rainah,” he whispered near my ear. His warm breath tickled my skin. I turned toward him, and our faces were just inches apart. If either of us moved, our lips would touch.
His eyes shifted to my lips.
Without realizing, I bit my lower lip.
He sighed.
“Ahhm… Mr. Delacruz?” A voice interrupted us.
We both jolted and quickly looked away. I pulled my arms from around his neck, cheeks burning.
“Check her leg,” he said firmly to the doctor, switching to business mode instantly.
“I’ll wait outside,” he added gently and stepped out.
The female doctor smiled at me playfully, clearly having noticed everything. She was in her late 40s, with kind eyes.
“What’s your name, dear?” she asked as the nurses cleaned my wound.
“Rainah,” I whispered, trying to suppress a moan from the pain.
“That’s a beautiful name. May I call you Rain?” she asked, now preparing an injection.
My eyes widened in horror.
“No!” I almost yelled, startling her so much she nearly dropped it.
“Why, sweetheart?” she asked, confused.
“Please… can you treat my wound without that?” I begged, pointing at the syringe.
She chuckled.
“You remind me of my daughter. She’s terrified of injections too,” she laughed.
“Please?” I pleaded again.
With a sigh, she put the injection down and walked out, leaving me confused.
Did I offend her?
A couple of minutes passed. Then the door opened again—and in walked Arthur.
I panicked.
Did she tell him I was scared? That’s so embarrassing!
He sat next to me and held my hand. Our skin touched, and I felt that spark again. His eyes were warm and familiar.
“Rainah, it’s important you get that injection,” he said gently, like he was speaking to a child. I looked down, unsure.
He sighed again.
“I’ll stay with you. I’ll hold your hand the whole time, okay?”
Now I was really regretting refusing earlier. If I hadn’t, he wouldn’t be here… so close. So soft. So caring.
“You don’t have to,” I whispered. “You’re a busy man. I’ll be okay.”
“I’m not wasting time. You saved me. I’ll stay until you’re okay.” His voice was firm.
And that’s when I gave up.
Nobody wins against Arthur Delacruz.
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- Writer
