Richard’s POV
Arabel has been out for almost 24 hours, making me worried with each passing hour.
When she finally woke up, a wave of relief hit me, filling me with joy that she survived it.
When I told her Alex was dead, she cried so much till she fell into a deep slumber. She feels sorry for him, but I don't.
From the bruises around her eyes, one could tell that he hit her. Being forced to the altar is enough damage to a woman's mental health. Not only did he do that, but he also hurt her physically.
A real man wouldn't raise his hands on a woman. And he deserves to be gone for hitting my woman.
The moment I saw the bruises and the black eye, I felt like killing him over and over again.
What would have happened if Gonzales didn't get there on time? What would have happened if we were a minute late?
The thought fills my insides with dread.
Ashley and Caleb flew here last night after I told them what happened. I didn't want my mother to know, so I told them not to tell her.
I know they will soon be here.
When I get to the doctor's office, I knock on it, and his voice rings in my ears. “Come in.”
I push it open to reveal the doctor's beautiful, large office, which looks more American.
“Mr. Giodano?” He demands, stands up, and offers me a hand, which I take as soon as I am within reach.
“Yes, doctor,” I say, shaking his hands.
“Please sit,” he tells me, directing me to the chair opposite him as he sits back on his swivel chair. "Mrs. Giodano will be discharged later today, but I needed to see you to inform you of her condition."
He drags out a file and opens it.
"She has an injured arm which was as a result of how the bullet pierced through her joint. This is why a cast is on her right arm, which will aid in the rapid healing of the broken joint." He informs me, and I nod in understanding.
He continues. “Ensure to keep the cast dry, even when taking a bath. Getting the cast wet can cause the injured part to heal slowly and may even cause an infection. After a month, you need to be back so we can have an X-ray done to check the state of the injury,” he finishes, flashing me a polite smile.
“Ok? You said we needed to be back here?” I inquire with concern, and he nods in agreement. “We are not based here. I reside in the States, New York, to be precise. We will return home as soon as she is discharged.”
He appears thoughtful for a while before pulling out a piece of paper from his drawer. He writes something on it and stretches it out to me.
“I am referring you to a friend in America. He knows what to do when you give him this. I assure you, she is in safe hands. The purpose of the x-ray is to assess whether the cast is ready for removal. We will remove the cast if the injury has healed, and replace it with a new one if not.” He further explains, and I nod.
“Thank you, doctor.”
“You are welcome.”
“Can she travel…”
“Sure. Ensure that she gets enough rest and does not expose the cast to any form of moisture, and she will be good in no time. She also needs to take her medications regularly to help with the quick healing,” he finally concludes.
“Thank you so much, doc.” After thanking him, I stroll out with the paper.
As soon as Ashley and Caleb are here, we will go back home. I came here with Leo in my helicopter, and we'll take that back home.
When I open the door to the room, I notice she is awake and staring into space. I shut the door quietly before moving closer and clearing my throat to pull her back to life.
She jerks upright in fright.
“Sorry, did I scare you?”
“No, no!”
I move further and sit on the bed, sticking the paper in my pants pocket and holding her unhurt arm.
I lift it to my lips, kiss her hand and the inside of her palm, then lean forward to peck her lips.
“You don't need to worry about anything. Everything is all in the past now.” Her gaze dances over my face, and I press another kiss into her mouth. “I'm glad you are alive. I wouldn't survive losing you.”
She looks away, her face tightening with anger. It makes me want to ask her what happened and why she is doing this.
Did something happen while I was away at the doctor's office?
“Why didn't you tell me sooner?” Her voice breaks into my thoughts, making me realize the reason for her anger.
Our eyes interlock, guilt sipping through me. “I'm sorry.”
She shakes her head. “No, you are not. If you were sorry for me, you would have told me sooner. You didn't tell me. You were fooling me. Do you know how you made me feel? Like an idiot!”
“I didn't mean to…”
"I suspected it on several occasions, but what did you do?" You lied through your teeth. You lied to me, Richard. Is this what I deserve?”
I shake my head. “No, the fool is me, Arabel. I was scared of losing you. You said you were going to date me once I had my memories back, but I was scared you wouldn't be as nice to me as you were anymore. I was scared you would return to the cold woman you were before my accident. Caleb told me to tell you and I wanted to. When I made a decision to tell you, you came in with a long face because Alex wanted you two to meet. I didn't want to ruin your mood further, so I decided to wait until the following morning. I didn't get a chance to tell you. Then I thought of telling you after your safe arrival in London, and this happened. You found out and became mad…”
“So Caleb knew? I was the only one who didn't know.”
“No, you were not. No one else knows except him,” I counter quickly, so she doesn't get the wrong idea. “Even my mother doesn't know. I'm sorry.”
“What about the recording?” She demands out of the blues, leaving me staring at her in confusion.
“What are you talking about?” I demand with curiosity, wondering what the recording is about.
“Don't play dumb with me, Richard!” She is trying to raise her voice, but it only comes out weak. “The recording you have in your drawer, back at home.”
Shaking my head in ignorance, I reply. “I have no recording…”
Then it hits me hard.
The recording. The same one I found in the envelope I gave to Matthew at the penthouse. I dropped it in my coat and went to the mansion with it.
Is this what she is talking about? Where the hell did I drop it?
Shit!
If she is talking about the recording of her and Leo, then I am in deep shit.
“I see you figured it out already,” she mutters, turning her face away from me.
I remain mute, unsure of how to explain or defend myself. After receiving the recording, I felt so stupid for going that far and stooping too low. Even though it wasn't useful, the deed is already done.
I should have disposed of it when I had the opportunity. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened. I guess this was what fueled her anger.
Why did I treat that situation carelessly? She must have figured it was Leo who tricked her into telling him about her real identity.
I didn't ask him to do that, though. I wanted him to give me proof, and he improvised.
Shit!
“Arabel?” I call, touching her thighs, but she throws a cold glare my way, making me retrieve my hand.
Just then, a knock comes to the door, and Ashley comes in without Caleb. “Hey.”
The look on Arabel's face is replaced with a light smile as Ashley hurries over to give her a brief hug, careful not to hurt her arm.
“Goodness gracious, how do you feel?” She demands with concern.
“I'm okay, Ash. How are you?”
“Not good without knowing how you were faring.” Ashley becomes teary as she holds Arabel's left hand, caressing it gently. “I'm so sorry. I'm so glad you survived.”
Arabel nods with her glassy eyes.
“Where is Caleb?” I ask her, and she regards me with a nod.
“He is outside with Daisy. He would come in as soon as I am out. Or do you want her to come see you already?” She turns to Arabel, who shakes her head sadly.
“The doctor said you would be discharged later today. On our way home, she will see you. The helicopter will be here soon, so we can go home,” I say to her as she drifts her eyes back to me.
“Home?” I nod. “Where?”
“Back to New York,” I answer, her eyes burning into mine.
Shaking her head, she blurts out. “I am not going back with you to New York. I am going home to London.”
Pain throbs through me, piercing at my heart as I watch her turn away from me again. Ashley gives me an assuring smile, signaling to me not to argue with her.
I don't intend to.
But I intend to be with her all the way. I will remain by her side until she recovers completely and returns to her usual self.
I want to be by her side to heal and get over the trauma.
Reaching a decision immediately, I gulp down the lump of dread in my throat before announcing it. “I'm coming with you.”
Her eyebrows dart to my face, shock written clearly all over her.