Chapter 28

“I have to go, but you should think about everything I’ve said,” Jessica said, ignoring Vanessa’s glare. She went to Cole, crouched down, and said, “I have a client meeting. I just wanted to check on you. I’ll review the documents, find a solution, and we’ll talk tonight.”

“Tra counting on you,” he whispered.

“Sure, I won’t let my best friend down. Take care, and text me if you need anything.” Jess hugged Cole and kissed him on the cheek. “Get rid of that bitch as soon as possible,” she said before pulling away, unconcerned that Vanessa could hear.

She ignored Vanessa’s glare as she left the living room.

“What the hell was that, Cole?” Vanessa sniffled once Jessica was gone.

“You watched her insult me and didn’t defend me at all.”

“Please leave; I’m not in the mood.”

“Why do you keep hurting me, Cole? I do everything for you, but you never appreciate me!”

Cole Matthis stared at her curiously. “What, specifically, have you done for me that I haven’t appreciated?”

“Come on, I’ve been there for you through thick and thin. When your so-called wife ran away and you were miserable, I stayed. Even your gold-digging best friend was nowhere to be found.”

“Don’t you dare talk about them like that!”

“What now?! It’s not just Hailey. You’ve added her to the list?”

“And why does that bother you?”

“Having a female best friend doesn’t exist. She’s in love with you.”

“Not that I owe you an explanation, but do you realize Jess is married?”

“Oh, please, even my mother’s friends are crushing on you. Who says a married woman like Jess can’t have feelings for you?”

Cole sighed. “I regret ever meeting you, Vanessa. You’ve ruined my life. I’m done with you. Please leave.”

Vanessa shook her head. “If I can’t have you, no one else can. What did that bitch mean earlier? Who are ‘your children’?”

“Stay out of my business.”

“No, it’s either me or no one, Cole. I’m not giving up on you.”

“I talked to my mom. She has a friend who can loan us money for our dream wedding.”

“You’re comfortable getting married to me with someone else’s money?”

“Don’t make it sound so terrible! Besides, we’re borrowing it, so we’re fine!”

Cole sighed, stood up, and closed the distance between them. “There’s no way in hell I’m marrying you. I’d rather be single forever than be stuck with you. Please stay away from me and my business.”

“Please, Cole!” she pleaded, her lips quivering. “Please don’t do this to me.”

“I can’t live without you. I know you always wanted a family. We’ll get married, I’ll get pregnant, and we can have as many kids as we want, I promise.”

“You changed your mind? I thought you decided never to have kids because you didn’t want to lose your figure?”

“I did. But I’m willing to do anything to be with you.”

“I’m not interested. Let go of me!” Cole pulled his arm free.

“I hate that you don’t take me seriously.” She stormed out of the living room.

Cole sighed with relief. He was about to call security to ban Vanessa from his home when she reappeared, holding a knife to her wrist.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“I’m going to kill myself if you don’t marry me.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Cole remained standing, staring at her, then at the knife, then back at her face.

“Look, I don’t have time for your tantrums. Put the knife down!”

“No!” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’ll hurt myself if you don’t marry me.”

“What are you, five years old? You’re going to hurt yourself over a man?”

“You’re not just any man, Cole. I can’t let my sister have you. You’re mine. It’s unfair.”

“Are you sure this is about me, or are you jealous of your sister?”

“I’m not jealous of that bitch. I’m fighting for what’s rightfully mine.”

“By harming yourself? Are you kidding me?”

“I’m going to kill myself if you don’t marry me.”

“Can you just… Holy sh*t!” Cole shouted as Vanessa cut herself with the knife. The knife fell, and blood gushed from her wrist. It was clear she hadn’t actually wanted to kill herself; she’d hoped Cole would give in.

“Help me,” she cried, blood running down her arm onto the floor.

“You’re a f*cking psycho! I don’t know why you’d do that to yourself!” Cole yelled, glaring at her as the blood continued to flow.

“I can’t even handle myself; that’s why I hired a nurse to dress my wounds, and she already left. What the f*ck do you expect me to do now?”

“Help me, Cole, do something! Stop the bleeding; it hurts so much! Please!!” Vanessa cried, mucus escaping her nose. “It hurts so much, Cole.” She held out her hand, unable to look at it.

Cole cursed under his breath.

“Matilda!!!” He called for his housekeeper, hoping she could help.

“Vanessa?! Holy sh*t!!!” Cole cursed as he saw her fall.

“Matilda?!!!!” He yelled.

He knelt beside Vanessa and shook her. “Stop this, Vanessa. It’s a joke, right? Please open your eyes.”

“Sorry for the delay, sir. I was…” Matilda said, seeing them on the floor. She loosened her scarf and used it to apply pressure to Vanessa’s wrist. “This is deep. We need to get her to the hospital, sir.”

“Call the driver,” Cole instructed. Matilda did so, and Amos arrived, carried Vanessa to the car, and Cole followed them to the hospital.

Cole was outside the ward when Eric and Connie arrived, worried. He had called them on the way to the hospital.

“How is she?” Connie asked.

“I don’t know. The doctor’s still with her.”

“This is all your fault!” Connie accused him.

“Connie, please!” Eric said.

“Don’t stop me, Eric. You know I’m right.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“If you’d married her as you promised, this wouldn’t be happening! She saved your life, and you won’t do the same for her.”

“Enough with your manipulative talk!” Cole shouted. “I’ve told you I don’t love your daughter. You’re delusional if you think I’ll marry her because she cut herself. How old is she? You have no shame!”

“I don’t love your daughter, and I want nothing to do with her. Leave me alone!”

Connie’s lips quivered, but Cole interrupted.

“I’ll sue if you mention marriage again. I love someone else, so f*ck off!”

Eric was about to intervene when the doctor emerged.

“Are you here for Vanessa Summers?”

“Yes, Doc. How is she?” Connie asked shakily.

“The cut was deep, and she lost a lot of blood, but she’ll be fine. She passed out from shock and pain. She’s clearly stressed, but the baby is fine.”

“Baby?”

“W…what baby?” Connie asked, confused.

“She’s pregnant,” Dr. Telford replied.