Chapter 011: He Knows
1228 Words
(Isla’s POV)
“Isla? You’re here?” he said.
“Yes, Ryder. The doctor called me and said Granny was getting better, so I had to rush in. I knew you’d be busy today, so I decided to take that role.”
“Oh… that’s really thoughtful of you,” he replied, though his tone carried a weight I didn’t like. “But I didn’t see your signature on the record?”
My eyes widened instantly, my throat tightening.
“Oh… oh… tha–that… I really don’t know. They probably mixed it up,” I stammered, forcing a nervous smile.
His eyes lingered on me, dark with suspicion.
I have to do something real quick. He’s getting suspicious…
“Oh, look at Granny, Ryder… she’s getting better,” I said quickly, pointing towards her.
He pulled a chair closer, his hands trembling slightly as he sat down beside her. For a moment, he simply stared at her face, relief washing over his features like a fragile wave. Then, with unsteady fingers, he reached for her hand, bringing it close and pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles.
“Mama… talk to me. How are you?” he whispered, his voice breaking.
Silence.
Tears slid down Lina’s cheek, her fragile face twitching.
“Mama… why? Don’t cry, you’re fine now. We’ll go home together today, okay?” he said, his voice desperate, heavy with hope.
I clenched my jaw, glaring at him, rage boiling inside me.
Argh, this stupid man keeps ruining my plans every single time. Dumb skull… can’t you see she’s dying? Bold of you to assume she’s shedding tears of joy.
He turned to look at me suddenly, his eyes sharp.
I quickly straightened my expression, smoothing my features into calmness. He couldn’t find out I was a hater.
*****
“Why… why’s she not talking?” His voice cracked as he stared at her stiff body.
“I’ve also been trying to talk to her. She’s not saying anything either… her body feels stiff,” I said softly.
His brows knitted. “But the doctor told me she’s perfectly fine now, that my grandma can be discharged today.”
“That’s the same thing I was told, Al…”
The door clicked open.
Sasha stepped in, her gaze darting to the corridor as if checking for anyone nearby.
“Ma’am, there’s bad news, Ryder is—” she turned abruptly, her eyes widening as they landed on him.
My heart thundered violently in my chest.
Ryder narrowed his eyes, suspicion sharp in his gaze.
“Bad news? Ryder? What do you mean, Nurse?” he demanded, his voice low and commanding as he strode closer.
I quickly shot Sasha a warning look, my eyes and body language screaming at her to stay quiet. Granny’s eyes, however, burned into me—blood-red, desperate, as if begging to expose me.
“Sorry, sir… wrong ward. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll take my leave now,” Sasha said, bowing slightly.
She was about to slip out when Ryder’s hand shot forward, gripping her wrist firmly.
My heart froze, my nails digging into my palms.
What the heck does this man want again? Let her be! I need to slap this i***t.
“I’m Ryder,” he said, his tone low, suspicious, heavy with meaning.
“Oh… nice to meet you, sir,” Sasha muttered nervously.
“Woman, don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean when I say I’m Ryder. You came in here, said there was bad news. ‘Ryder is…’” He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing like daggers slicing into her. “Complete the statement, miss.”
“D–Dead…” she stuttered, her lips trembling.
“Dead?” Ryder repeated, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel.
Oh no… I don’t think Sasha can handle this situation alone. I have to help.
“Ryder,” I muttered, forcing my voice to sound calm. “Honey, all this is unnecessary. Granny needs us right now.” I softened my expression, letting my voice drip with false warmth. “She looks pale. She needs our attention.”
His eyes lingered on Sasha far too long, suspicion flickering in their depths. But slowly, reluctantly, he let her go.
Sasha bowed politely, then gave me a quick, hidden wink before slipping out. I covered my mouth, pretending to cough, hiding the smile that threatened to betray me. Ryder’s eyes flicked my way, almost catching it.
“Leave,” Ryder ordered Sasha firmly, his voice carrying a finality that silenced the room.
What did Maya even see in this man? Apart from him being hot, he’s a total jerk. Competing with Maya is ridiculous, though. She actually knows how to handle this fool with patience. I should have left him for her. But no, my mother wouldn’t let me. Now I have to suffer just to keep her impressed.
Maya is too good to be competing with. I envy that b***h more than I should. Humiliating her was pleasing though… and there’s more to come. I’m not done with her yet.
I smirked unconsciously.
Snapping back into reality, I found Ryder staring at me, one brow raised.
“You okay, Isla? Why are you making those weird faces?”
“Oh no, it’s nothing,” I said quickly.
“Nothing? You’re literally smiling while Granny is dying.”
“No… Ryder—”
A knock on the door cut through my words.
“Come in,” I called.
It was a doctor.
“Good day, everyone,” he said, stepping in. “This is Mrs. Lina Vale’s ward, right?”
“Yes, yes,” Ryder replied immediately.
“Okay, good,” the doctor continued. “We need to give her the last dose, that’s why I’m here. So please, kindly step outside. You’ll be called back soon.”
“Okay… okay, thank you, sir,” Ryder said, his voice trembling slightly as he nodded.
Inside, I was already panicking, my heart hammering against my ribs.
As Ryder stepped forward to leave, I followed, but not before noticing the doctor wink at me.
It was Sasha, disguised.
I smiled, victory curling across my lips.
A fake mustache, an auto-tuned voice… she had pulled it off so perfectly. I love this girl for real. She’s such an evil b***h.
She shook the small bottle discreetly—the extra bottle of antidote.
I gave her a slow, wicked smile. Now Grandma is leaving earth for good. Poor brat. She really thought her gods would keep her alive.
Ryder and I stood together in the hallway. He was panicking, his body tense, his breaths shallow. But me? I had everything already set up, carefully planned to the smallest detail.
Now… just one call. One call Ryder was about to receive, and everything would crumble.
I smirked, my lips curling with dark satisfaction.
Five minutes later, Ryder’s phone rang. His jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack.
He turned to me, his eyes blazing.
“Isla!! How could you do this? Why?” he shouted firmly, his voice a whip.
His eyes were bloodshot red, glowing with fury.
My heart froze. He isn’t supposed to react like this. Or… did Mr. Dunlop blow my cover to Ryder? Oh no, oh no… I’m dead meat. Ryder knows.
- Writer
