Chapter 19

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Chapter 19

Vanessa

Sitting in this king size bed all alone would be so comfortable if didn’t have to be mindful of how I positioned my legs.

So far, everything I need has been brought to me.

The maidservants are right outside the door, awaiting any instructions I might give to them.

I thought going to the bathroom was going to be difficult but now that I think about it, I just have to hop on my good leg and Ill do just fine.

With my food right beside me, I have the remote control in my hand, pressing the same button until I find something I actually want to watch on the large TV screen.

Once I find something, I put down the remote and reach for my food so I can eat, but I pause when there’s a scene of a couple holding hands. Right away, it reminds me of Dominic earlier. That was the longest we’ve ever held hands and until now, there was a moment where it felt real for me.

When I snap out of it, I tell myself to focus on the show and just then, the couple begins to kiss slowly and passionately.

The way he holds her reminds me of Dominic’s hands around my waist, and I can’t help but think about the taste of his lips. The way I felt in that moment was real.

Once the scene switches to some random buildings. I snap out of my thoughts by gently patting my cheeks a few times. This isn’t the time to think about him. In fact, not now, not ever. The bottom line is that he’s an asshole. We’re just married on paper and nothing else matters

It’s been three hours since he left and right now, he’s having a good time with Carmella

Just like he blamed me for keeping them apart, I’m sure she felt the same way.

When I resume my focus on the show and having some more of my food, my phone rings from the bedside table. It’s a good thing I have it so close in the state that I’m in.

Upon setting my eyes on the caller ID, my eyes widen. Why’s Cannella calling me right now? Shouldn’t she be busy with Dominic or something? Curious, I pause the show, then pick up with furrowed eyebrows.

“Hello”

“You fucking bitch!” she yells from the other end of the line, making me widen the distance between my phone and ear with a look of discomfort

After a few seconds, I press it against my ear again and roll my eyes. “What is it this time?”

“This is all your fault! I can’t be with Dominic because of you!”

“What? Aren’t you two together right now?”

“Oh, please! Like I’m actually going to believe you actually give a damn! No, we’re not together right now and it’s your fault”

I scoff “Really? How’s this my fault?”

You orchestrated everything at the orphanage then used it to your advantage.”

“What?”

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“You think you can deny it see right through you, bitch! First, it was your calf and now this! Why won’t you let me be with my boyfriend in peace?”

“Hold on. I think there’s a misunderstanding. What-”

“Just shut up because I don’t want to hear it! Mark my words. I’ll make you pay for this?”

Right after her warning, she abruptly ends the call, leaving me frozen with my mouth hanging open. Em trying to make sense of what she’s talking about, but I can’t seem to figure it out,

That’s strange. I was absolutely certain they were together right now.

Whatever happened at the orphanage, Dominic must know, so right away, I dial his number.

As I wait for him to pick up. I can’t stop thinking about how Carmella blames me for the two of them not being together right now.

No matter how many times Dominic’s phone rings, he doesn’t pick up and my heart races a little.

I’m so curious to find out what’s going on that I keep trying to reach him, but still, I can’t get a hold of him.

Now I dont know what to think. What happened at the orphanage? And why does she really think I orchestrated the whole thing?

Now it makes me feel like with everything that’s going to happen in the future, anything that’ll keep her Dominic apart, she always put the blame on me.

I guess she thinks I’ve developed feelings for him and want him all to myself. That’s not true. It’ll never come to that.

When it seems he just won’t pick up, I put my phone down with frustration and try to continue with the show by pressing play, but it’s not easy to do. I keep looking down at my phone.

It’s not even on silent mode, which means I hear it ring the moment he calls me back. I keep hoping that every time I look at it. that’s when it ring.

I even feel like calling my mother–in–law or father–in–law, but that would just cause trouble. As far as they know, Dominic’s here with me.

Asking them will only expose the fact that he’s not here. Not only that, has instructions were clear – I shouldn’t talk to them

the phone because I’m fast asleep right now,

I bury my face in my hands and sigh deeply. This is making me anxious.

Just then, my phone rings and I lift it with urgency. It’s him so I immediately pick up

“Hey, is everything okay!” I hold onto the phone tightly.

“Just from the way you’ve asked me that, it already sounds like you know something” he says from the other end of the line, his tone a little flat.

“Where are you right now?”

Tm at Little Warriors Hospital. I couldn’t pick up because-”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes, or at least I know part of it. Carmella just called me. She blames me for everything that’s happened. What even

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happened?”

He sighs heavily. “Jimmy, one of the little boys at the orphanage, had an accident while playing with his friends”

I place a hand over my mouth with concern. “That’s awful. Are you with him right nowing with his friends.”

“Not yet, the doctor’s attending to him but it was pretty bad.”

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“So you chose to go to the hospital instead Carmella I raise my eyebrows.

of going to

I nod to myself as I have the full picture. “That’s why she’s mad at me. She thinks I caused this.”

“I have to go now. Remember, if my parents call you, don’t pick up.”

“What difference will it make now? You’re at the hospital”

“Then that makes things easier. I’m going to the doctor’s office now”

As soon as the call ends, I’m left in shock as I lean back against the headboard.

He was already on his way to see Carmella, but at the news of Jimmy’s accident, he chose to go to the hospital instead. It still baffles me that he’s the same asshole who cares so much about these children.

Dominic

As I wait for the doctor to give me an update, Himpatiently tap my foot while in my seat. I’m in her office.

“Well!” I say with wide eyes, looking at the file she has with her.

Just..just a moment, Mr Richards.” She’s nervous.

“Relax. I’m just curious to know how bad it is.” I cross my arms and wait for just a few more seconds.

“You see,” she begins, showing me a few images. “According to this, Jimmy will need a long leg cast and he’ll use a wheelchair for a while.”

“But eventually, he’ll be alright!”

“Yes, Sir. He just needs to be well taken care of

“And that’s exactly what you’re going to do for as long as he’s here. Let me know if there’s anything the hospital needs. If you can’t reach me, inform Frank.”

“Of course, Mr Richards”

“Any updates on Penelope

“Her vitals are stable.”

“In other words, she hasn’t yet opened her eyes.”

“I’m afraid that’s the case.”

Just keep doing everything you can.”

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Chapter 19

She firmly nods.

I lean back in my seat, no longer as tense as I was before she brote the news to me about Jimmy’s condition.

Wanting to speak to him, the doctor takes me to where he is.

As soon as I walk into the room, little Jimmy raises his head at me while in his bed.

“Hey, big guy” My voice is gentle as I sit beside him. “Tell me what happened”

“I was just having fun and then I… His red eyes are almost in tears again. It seems he’s been crying

“Hey, it’s okay” I gently ruffle his hair. “You’re gonna be okay”

“I had a big soccer game coming up.” He pouts.

“You can always take par

part in the next one. You know what? When you’re all better, I’ll get you a new ball to practice with”

His eyes widen with excitement. “Really?”

“As long as you promise me you’ll get better

He nods several times, showing off his crooked teeth and it makes me chuckle.

Just then, Frank walks in and elevates the energy even more, making Jimmy giggle.

Frank’s decided to stay with Jimmy for now and cheer him up

Now that I’m certain he’ll be okay, it’s time to go to Carmella. I need to talk to her face to face. Our conversation when I told her I had to first go to the hospital was heated. She wouldn’t let me explain things to her. And now she blames Vanessa.

Once I arrive at Carmella’s apartment, I dial in the passcode and the gate opens

The moment I’m in the front yard, she swings the front door open and steps outside, approaching my car with a fury I’ve never seen before.

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