Chapter 22

22 BLAME AND REGRET LUKE’S POV Looking through the door, I felt so sorry for Harriet. Her palè face was still and serene, with tubes and wires connecting her to machines. My eyes were almost filled with tears, but I wasn’t the crying type.

When I lost my parents, I barely shed a tear.

But now, it hurts so badly to see Harriet in this condition. And although she cheated, she did have a point back there. I started spending less time with her, getting angry at her easily. Always maintaining a serious expression, even when she tried to lighten my mood.

Seriously, what had gotten into me? It didn’t start like this. The beginning of our relationship was a perfect combination of mirth and humor; every moment was electrifying. Butterflies of glee surrounded us, and tender kisses, heavenly moments, and intense happy occasions. But my recent attitude had ruined it all. What a scumbag I was.

“Oh, sir, you’ve finally arrived,” Jack uttered, approaching me.

“Just look at her right now, unconscious,” I said in a low and calm tone, fixing my eyes on Harriet. “This is all my fault.”

“Your fault?”

“Yes, Jack, if it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t be in this state.” I leaned my head against the door, closing both of my eyes. “I feel so disappointed in myself.”

“You don’t have to worry, sir. Everything is going to be alright. It’s just a matter of time until she regains consciousness.”

I breathed out deeply. “I hope so.”

“I have to go, sir. Some people from the Alfatrium company want to speak with us about a project,”

Jack stated.

22 BLAME AND REGRET “You may go. I’ll stay here until Harriet wakes up. And if anyone asks for me, tell them to send me text messages. Or perhaps they can wait for their discussion to be held tomorrow. Today, it’s just going to be me and Harriet.”

“Okay, sir.” Jack nodded and left.

Oh, Harriet, I remembered the help you gave me when we were both kidnapped. We were still kids back then, with immature senses. That moment was supposed to be lovely and filled with fun. But it was simply terrifying because we were in the hands of kidnappers.

All these thoughts still ran through my head as I continued to look at an unconscious Harriet.

ARIEL’S POV I entered my car and was ready to head to work when suddenly Mason burst inside, holding a bowl of ice cream in his hands. I couldn’t help but glare at him as he settled down in the front seat, near me.

“Why are you in my car?” I asked slowly.

“Don’t ask me that; just start driving, will you?” Mason smiled.

“You need to leave first because there is no way I’m taking you along to work.”

“Who said I was following you to work?” He asked promptly. “I just need to buy some groceries, so I want you to drive me to a nearby store.”

“Take a taxi,” I suggested. “Didn’t you bring your car with you?”

“If I did, do you think I’d be sitting here in this ridiculous car?” He mocked me, but I didn’t want to argue with him. “By the way, when are you going to start your relationship with Luke?

T “I understand that you want this to happen quickly, but remember that I’m also a businesswoman. I have things to do besides just being with Luke.”

22 BLAME AND RECHT “I see.” Mason nodded slowly. “But if you try to act smart with me, I won’t spare you.”

I sighed deeply. “Yeah, I’ve heard you.”

“Want some ice cream?” He offered me his bowl.

“No thanks, I’m good.” I made a serious face, avoiding eye contact. I couldn’t be sure if there was something wrong with it. I was just being cautious.

“Okay, you can start driving now.” Mason fastened his seat belt.

“Wait, are you serious about the grocery store?” I questioned him.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” He took a spoonful of ice cream. “Now start driving if you don’t want to be late for your meeting.”

I was extremely irritated by his attitude, but I was putting up with him. His parents must have raised him well, didn’t they?

As I was about to drive, someone started calling me. It was Andre’s mother, but I knew my children wanted to talk to me.

“Who’s calling?” Mason asked with more ice cream in his mouth.

I gave him an eccentric look. “And why do you want to know?”

“It could be my brother.”

“So what if it could be your brother?” I snapped, but as Mason gave me an unfriendly stare, I composed myself.

I declined the call and put my phone in my bag. I wasn’t going to talk to my children in front of this guy, especially when he was threatening to kill them. He was a pain in the ass.

ANDRET “Why didn’t you answer the call?” He asked, and I gave him another annoyed look. Like, how was this even his business?

“It’s not important.” I gripped the steering wheel.

“Who told you that?”

“Nobody; I did.” I started the car and began to drive.

Mason continued with his irritating talk, which made me even more annoyed. I just wanted to shout at him to shut up. I just wanted to stop the car and kick him out. But what would be the consequences if I followed through with any of those ideas?

I was still driving, and my frustration with Mason was building up. I didn’t notice the little girl running into the road. I accidentally hit her, but not with much force as I hit the brakes. However, she keeled over, and I was not happy about this.

“It looks like someone just committed murder.” Mason taunted.

I gave him a dark look, not having any words for his useless behavior. This accident happened because of him.

A few people gathered around us as I quickly got out of my car. I carried the little girl in my arms, and the onlookers started hurling negative comments at me. I ignored each and every one of them as I rushed to place the girl in the back seat of my car. I needed to take her to the hospital. Mason had already left, and I didn’t know when, but I was glad about that.

LUKE’S POV Still at the hospital, I sat down on the bench along with two other people, a man and a woman. They looked really sad, and tears were coming out of the woman’s eyes as she prayed.

“Is she your wife?” I asked the man who was close to me. He just stared at me before turning his face away. I know that question was not worth it.

522 HAME AND RECRE A nurse approached the three of us. “Sir, please come with me,” she told the man. He stood up immediately and followed the nurse.

As for the woman, she kept on praying silently. Her hands clasped together, and her eyes tightly shut as tears continued to flow. I had no idea about their situation, but I felt really sorry for her. This was so sad.

Just then, I saw Ariel being directed by a nurse to where I was sitting. The moment Ariel saw me, she halted.

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