When I Met You

Chapter 5 (Cassie's POV)

The lawyer gave a small smile and waved. “Good morning Ms Cassie,” he said “My name is Isaac Bennett and I am the legal representative of Mr Vance. Once again, I apologise for the inconvenience and pain we've put you through.” He opened his briefcase and brought out a sheaf of paper, placing it on the overbed rolling table, alongside a black fountain pen .

“What’s this?”

“Mr Vance assumes full responsibility for the accident. He will reimburse your medical expenses and provide adequate compensation for your lost wages and physical discomfort.” He paused. “We are offering this immediately to ensure you receive proper financial aid without the need for a stressful litigation process. Please go through the documents before signing.”

I skimmed through the papers and my eyes popped out when I saw the amount of money I was being offered- a million dollars. Was I dreaming? I closed my eyes and opened them, but the figures didn't change. I would have consistent medical checkups and caretakers, a house and a well paying job after my recuperation. My brows furrowed.

“You ran a background check on me?” My teeth clenched.

“I needed to know the person who I hit,” the man- Damien replied. “You were just complaining about your job and I came here to offer you a solution.” My hands started shaking, the paper squeezing underneath. “You had no right!” I shouted, then I took a deep breath. “Let me guess, you also looked into my family history?”

The man didn't reply, he just frowned. He couldn't fathom the fact that someone had just rejected everything they wanted. I couldn't believe it either.

“You're insensitive and insufferable.” My chest was thumping but I couldn't let go of the papers. I had to calm down. I flipped to the last page where there was a signature requirement. I had to think through this carefully. I could visualise my future, I would no longer have to struggle or survive. I wouldn't have to work in a place where everyone hated me. I could finally prove my mother wrong. But was this how I wanted to get it? I picked the pen up, my arms were still shaking. I was just a dot away, I couldn't mess this up. Then I paused and turned to the lawyer.

”Without the need for a stressful litigation process? You want to buy my silence?”

The lawyer furrowed his brows, but my eyes left him to Damien. I searched his face but didn't find any trace of guilt. I laughed. I should have known, it was too good to be true.

“After almost ending my life, making me lose my house and job. After barely surviving, you think you can buy your way out of this? I should remain silent? What do you take me for?”

Damien blinked. “You think I came here to threaten you? You can go ahead and inform the press, but I'd advise you to think carefully before doing that. Right now, you are in a cast and need proper medical attention.” He paused. “If you decline this offer, what would you benefit? If you file a lawsuit, what's the possibility that you would win?” He turned his back on me. “I came here to apologize, nothing else. My lawyer will provide my contact information. When you're ready, we can rediscuss this.” Then he walked away.

“Stay safe Ms Cassie,” the lawyer said, removing a card from his pocket and replacing the paper with it. He gave me a nod before turning to follow Damien. The doctor shook his head in disdain.

“I apologise for the discomfort they have caused. You must be very angry. We're going to leave now, please ensure to eat.” He pointed at the tray. One nurse - Martha I think uncovered it to reveal an array of food, an apple and a carton of juice, and adjusted it to be right in front of me.

“If you need anything, just press the button beside you.” He proceeded to show me a button that I hadn't noticed beside my bed. There were many in fact. “The remote is on the nightstand if you're interested in watching anything. Make yourself at home.” How ironic.

The room fell into a deep silence. I stared at the door. What's the possibility I would win? My hands gripped the sheets. I couldn't understand him, if he were simply here to bribe me, why say all that? Why would a man of that calibre apologise to me? I picked up the apple and took a bite but I couldn't bring myself to eat any more. I got the remote and turned on the TV. It directed me to a news channel. A female reporter was speaking.

“Damien Vance, the current CEO of NexSteel Development’s memorial speech sparks controversy.” “He says, in quote, “Every great company must evolve past its founding phase and whilst my father's work is commendable, the company’s performance in the present day has greatly improved.” This sparked backlash among board members. Major investors like Dr. Gerard are threatening to suspend funding in the absence of a formal apology. In his words, “Julian was a close friend of mine and I promised to support him to the end, but I'm afraid his son doesn't share the same virtues and I do not endorse that.”

A video of Mr Vance appeared on the screen, addressing a large crowd of reporters. How had he gotten there so fast?

He spoke fluently, an apology that was too well crafted to be genuine. The crowd didn't fall for it. Endless questions were thrown at him but he remained composed. I turned the TV off.

The silence was unbearable. My eyes went around the room again and this time, I noticed how beautiful it was. It was bigger than my one bedroom apartment. The bed was so soft, I felt like drowning into it. Is this what luxury felt like? I could start over again, somewhere where nobody knew me, even my family. But why did my chest feel tight? What if nothing changed? I still wouldn't be accepted. I closed my eyes.

After an hour of contemplating, I picked up the card. It was a simple black card with Damien's name and company details printed boldly across. I typed in the number and watched it ring. Was I doing the right thing?

“Hello,” a deep voice echoed. I sucked in a breath.

“Hello.”