When Worlds Collide

Chapter 8: Tatum's Escape

Ethan arrived at the hospital via helicopter, which was parked on the rooftop. He used this unconventional entrance to evade the throng of journalists swarming the main entrance. As he stepped out of the chopper, Ethan was already on his phone, furiously making calls to contain the crisis. He repeatedly muttered

“no comment”

To the relentless journalists who refused to stop calling his phone.

Layla stepped out of the elevator on the first floor, expecting to meet Tatum as planned. Instead, she was met with a commotion at the entrance. Curious, she approached the receptionist, who was typing away on her computer.

“What’s all the fuss about?”

Layla asked.

The receptionist didn’t look up, but continued typing as she spoke.

“Apparently, Tatum O’Neil got himself into a bit of a scandal. He bought a maid at his sister’s charity party last night… and people are talking about prostitution. I mean, she’s not even that cute, if you ask me.”

She snickered.

“But hey, who are we to judge? I’d let him buy me anytime.”

She laughed, finally looking up and locking eyes with Layla.

“Oh, wait… you’re the maid.”

The receptionist’s gaze lingered on Layla, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. Layla felt her face flush, taken aback by the receptionist's blunt words and judgments.

Layla’s eyes widened in shock, her gaze fixed on the receptionist’s smirking face. Then, her eyes darted to the commotion at the entrance, where journalists were swarming like vultures. Panic set in, her heart racing like a jackrabbit.

She spun around, frantically pressing the elevator button until the doors finally slid open. With a sigh of relief, she rushed inside, the doors closing behind her like a sanctuary. She leaned against the wall, her chest heaving, her breathing labored.

As the elevator doors opened on the 8th floor, Layla exhaled a sigh of relief, finally understanding why she had attracted so many stares on her way down. The weight of curious gazes and whispered conversations followed her like a shadow, making her skin crawl. She quickened her pace, as she hastened towards her sister’s ward, seeking refuge from the prying eyes and wagging tongues.

Layla’s phone rang, breaking the tension. She answered, and Ethan’s voice was on the other end.

“Hello, Miss Harper. This is Ethan, Mr. O’Neil’s PA speaking.”

He paused, his tone measured.

“Mr. O’Neil is quite disturbed by the news and prefers not to speak with anyone at the moment, including you. He requests that you refrain from speaking to the press and let him handle the situation. Please stay in the hospital for now, and we’ll manage everything from our end.”

Layla listened intently, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Understood,"

She replied curtly, her voice barely above a whisper, before ending the call.

As Ethan and Tatum arrived at the cabin, the soothing sounds of crickets and the gentle gush of the river created a tranquil atmosphere, a balm for Tatum’s frazzled nerves. He stood on the balcony, sipping tequila, and gazed up at the star-studded sky, the moon hanging low like a silver crescent.

His mind wandered back to the events of the party, replaying the choices he'd made. He couldn't help but wonder: if only he hadn't intervened in his sister’s foolish games, would he be in this mess now? The what-ifs swirled in his head like the liquor in his glass, a potent mix of regret and self-doubt.