Chapter 20
He stared at Cole, who was in the sick bed, then at the woman who had just entered, and then back at Cole.
“She is not the one I promised you,” Cole said to the doctor. “And I would like to take up the offer of sharing a room with my wife.”
“What room?” Vanessa asked suspiciously. “What are you doing here?”
“I will leave you both. Please make sure you don’t stress yourselves,” Edward said to Cole before departing.
“Why are you questioning my presence?”
“I was scared, Cole. I thought I was going to lose you.” She began to sniffle. Cole couldn’t help but roll his eyes, knowing the tears were feigned.
19:45
“Don’t you dare!” He glared at her as she was about to sit beside him.
“Don’t do this to me, baby. I was so worried about you. I thought I was going to lose you. Do you know how afraid I was?”
“I’ve always told you that Hailey is evil, but you never believe me. See what she did to you!” She gestured toward his arm.
“Hailey didn’t shoot me. We both know that, so stop making false accusations.”
“She didn’t pull the trigger, but the bullet was meant for her. That’s why you need to end things with her. She probably stole from someone, and they’re trying to get revenge. Trust me, you can’t be involved with her right now. Hailey isn’t who you think she is. I don’t know what to say or do to make you believe me.”
“And how do you know all this?”
“Because I’m always aware of everything, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. Your obsession with her is blinding you.”
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Chapter 20
“If you hadn’t gone after her, we’d probably be enjoying our lives right now. We wouldn’t be in this hospital. Hailey is an obstruction. Please just break up with her and come to me.”
“If you’re here to badmouth her, your tricks aren’t going to work. I’d take a bullet for Hailey again if I had to.”
Vanessa sighed deeply, stepping away from Cole’s bedside. “I really need to rest. Please leave.”
Vanessa immediately turned around and approached him again. “I’m not going to let the doctor put you and that bitch in the same room, and what do you mean you’d take a bullet for her again? For fuck’s sake, Cole, you could have died! Do I need to remind you of that?”
“Of course you’ve never been in love. Nothing I say would make sense to you.”
“What do you mean I’ve never been in love? I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love you.”
“You were obsessed with me, Cole. You wouldn’t stop sexting me. What changed?”
“I found a better woman. One I can’t afford to lose. And if I die saving her, I’ll know I died a good death, trying to win the love of my life.”
“That hurts like hell,” Vanessa mumbled, wiping tears from her eyes.
“I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. I’m crazy about Hailey, and you deserve to be with someone who’s crazy about you, too.”
“At this point, it’s safe to say she’s cast a spell on you. But it’s fine. I’m not bothered because Hailey doesn’t want you. I’ll be right here waiting for you to apologize so I can take you back.”
Cole rolled his eyes.
“Since Hailey’s fine, I think it’s time I leave,” Tyler said, rising.
“You’re not going to see her?” Debbie said, rising as well.
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Chapter 20
“I’d love to, but it’s best I stay away. At least for now.”
“This isn’t that serious, Ty. Hailey values you, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want to lose your friendship.”
“I don’t want to be just friends. I want more. I can’t be with her without having beautiful dreams and nasty thoughts about her being my woman.”
“I appreciate you encouraging me to pursue her. Maybe I’ll consider it, but I need to think. I need some time.”
Debbie nodded. “I understand. Take your time, but don’t give up and don’t overthink. I used to be jealous you were going to take my best friend.”
“Well, you should be happy now because I lost. You have her all to yourself.”
“That’s not it. Hailey loves us differently, and you have a special place in her heart. Remember that when you overthink.”
Tyler nodded. “I settled the bills, including her medication. Please take care of her, and I’m just a call away if you need anything.”
“Sure, thank you.”
After one last glance at Debbie, Tyler left.
Debbie sighed and went back to Hailey’s ward. Hailey opened her eyes the moment Debbie entered.
“Thank you!”
“For putting that bitch in her place? Oh, no need to thank me. I’m glad I showed her the way out,” Debbie said, sitting beside Hailey.
“I wish I could make her disappear forever. I’m no longer comfortable with you being close to them. I can’t imagine you having a bullet wound.”
“It would have been insane. I mean, what would I tell the twins?”
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Chapter 20
“Right?”
“Where’s Ty? Are you still mad at him?” Hailey asked Debbie.
“He left.”
“He’s heartbroken, and I think he needs time.”
“I’m such a fool, right?”
“No, you’re not,” Debbie assured her.
“It’s sad we’re all going through this, but I promise everyone will find peace eventually.”
Hailey nodded. “I know!”
“The more I think about him buying the ring seven months ago, the sadder I get.”
“I know. But nothing would be worse than marrying him when you feel nothing.”
Hailey sighed deeply.
THE NEXT DAY
A male nurse was helping Cole back to his bed when Doctor Edward entered. Cole had just had an assisted bath.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, Doc,” Cole said, settling into bed.
“You look better today,” Dr. Edwards said, approaching his bedside.
“Yeah, I definitely had a good rest after that bitch left yesterday. By the way, how is Hailey?”
“She’s been discharged.”
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Chapter 20
“She left?” The hurt was evident in Cole’s voice and eyes.
“Early this morning.”
“She left this for you.” Edward produced a neatly folded piece of paper and gave it to Cole.