Chapter 21

“She insisted that you read it,” Dr. Edward said when Cole refused the paper.

“You told me you were going to move us to the same space where we would share a bigger room. What went wrong?”

“It’s against policy to keep a patient here against her will after recovery. She insisted on being home with her boys, saying it would make her completely whole.”

Cole sighed, taking the paper defeatedly.

“This is my sixth attempt to write this because I honestly don’t know what to say. You saved my life, and I can’t thank you enough. I would have visited, but I think it’s best I didn’t, as being with me puts your life at risk. Please take good care of yourself and recover soon. Hailey.”

Cole glanced at the doctor and asked, “When am I going to be discharged?”

“We’ll assess your progress today and then decide.”

“But you let Hailey go?” Cole said, feeling like a child.

“Hailey only suffered shock and mild scratches; you were shot in the arm.”

“But I’m fine! Do you want me to dance to prove it?”

“You’re definitely better, but we’re keeping you for one to two more days for tests to ensure no future complications.”

“Can’t I have regular appointments instead?”

Edward shook his head.

Cole sighed, speechless.

“You have a visitor,” the doctor announced.

“I don’t want to see anyone,” he grumbled, closing his eyes.

Chapter 21

“She said her name is Jessie.”

Cole slowly opened his eyes. “Fine, let her in.”

Edward nodded. He examined Cole’s wound for about two minutes, verifying it hadn’t gotten wet during his assisted bath and that it was healing well. He also checked Cole’s arm mobility.

Cole ignored the examination, preoccupied with Hailey’s letter.

“The nurse will be here soon with your medication, and I’ll check back on you.”

Once the doctor and nurse left, Jessie entered with a food basket.

“Why so grumpy? Are you in pain?” She placed the basket on a table and approached Cole.

“Hailey left without seeing me.”

“That’s it?”

“Don’t I have a right to be angry?”

“Come on, Cole. Are you saying she should have licked your ass because you saved her?”

“No! I expected her to show some concern, to visit. But she left! As if she didn’t care!”

“That’s strange and impolite.”

“She didn’t text or anything?”

“The doctor brought a letter from her.”

“What does it say?”

Cole gave Jessie the letter, which she immediately read.

Chapter 21

“Come on, she didn’t run off like you said,” Jessie said, sitting on Cole’s bed, facing him.

“I’m not saying she ran off. She could have visited before leaving.”

“From what I see,” Jessie said, looking at the letter, “she’s probably embarrassed. This contradicts everything you’ve said and your mood. She appreciates what you did.”

“If she didn’t, she would have left without a trace.”

“Well, she left, didn’t she?”

“Stop being a baby! How are you?”

“Fine, until I heard the bad news. Dr. Edwards was supposed to get a bigger room for me and her.”

“What did you expect from that?”

“We’d make up and be friends again.”

“I don’t know why her boyfriend didn’t tell the hospital we were a couple.”

“Would you have, in his shoes?”

Cole sighed. “I hate that she didn’t give me a chance to talk to her.”

“You got shot because of her. She doesn’t want to risk your life!”

“I see it differently. I want to protect her. You need to get on this, Jess. That stranger pointed a gun at her. I don’t know why he wanted her dead.”

“I’ll pay a visit to the police when I leave.”

“Thank you. Two more things: I need restraining orders against Vanessa and her mother, and for Hailey against them.”

Chapter 21

“That sounds good, but aren’t you being overprotective?”

“No! If she won’t let me near her, I’ll protect her from afar. She has two boys, and even though they’re not mine, they’re precious to Hailey. Get restraining orders for them too. I don’t trust Vanessa, her mother, or Eric.”

“The police are investigating, but I’ve already contacted someone to find the culprit.”

“Why are you smiling?” Cole asked intently.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you so possessive. And I love it. You’re more handsome when you’re possessive about Hailey.”

“If you’d made the right decision earlier, you wouldn’t be struggling now.”

“You don’t need to bring up my past. I learned my lesson.”

“I’m not mocking you, Cole. I see your effort, and it warms my heart. I dream everything works out for you.”

“Yeah, me too. And if not, I’ll know I gave it my all.”

Jess nodded.

“What’s the third favor?” she asked.

“Help me escape.”

“That’s impossible.” She shook her head.

“Please, just think of something.”

“I’m a lawyer, not a doctor. They’re keeping you here for a reason.”

Chapter 21

“You won’t be here forever. A few more days, I’m sure.”

“Easy for you to say. Vanessa will come again, and I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“You don’t have to let her in. Tell reception.”

“You don’t know Vanessa. She’ll find a way, she and her mother.”

“I’ll try to get the order quickly, but stay away from them in the meantime. Be ruthless if you have to. They seem desperate, and I don’t trust them.”

The Next Day!

“Mama?!” Enzo called.

“Yes, baby,” she answered, turning from the TV.

They were on the couch, watching the twins’ favorite cartoon. Hailey was in the middle, Enzo to her left, and Oliver to her right.

“Any news about Dada? You promised you’d look for him.”

“Yes, Mommy. When is Daddy coming?” Oliver asked.

Hailey mentally facepalmed. “I don’t have any information yet. But soon.”

“What’s wrong, Enzo?” she asked, seeing his sad face.

“You’re not being truthful, Mommy.”

“Yes, Mommy,” Ollie added.

Hailey was hurt.

Chapter 21

“No,” Hailey shook her head.

“Why are you asking?”

“We saw a picture on your phone,” they said together.

Hailey’s heart dropped. “What picture?”

“A man’s picture. We guessed he was our Daddy,” Enzo said.

“The article says he lives in our city,” Ollie added.

“What article?” Hailey asked, confused.

“The one on your phone.”

Hailey understood. She’d forgotten to clear her browser history, and they’d seen Cole’s picture.

“Yes, Mommy, is he?” Ollie asked curiously.

Hailey opened her mouth to answer when the doorbell rang.

“…I’ll get it,” Hailey said, getting up. Though it was late, she didn’t mind answering; she didn’t know what to tell her sons. She opened the door and froze, face to face with someone unexpected.