It's funny when the real culprit doesn't even show a smidge of guilt while Edgar has been apologizing non-stop for something he has no control over. It's a little shocking to find out I was targeted because of Edgar since we don't share any other relationship apart from being business partners. But other than being shocked, I don't see why I should blame Edgar for my death.
I've been consoling Edgar for god knows how long. The stabbing pain on my rib starts to feel a little unbearable. Giving Edgar a few more pats, I pushed myself back to lean on the inclined bed. As if finally remembering my injuries, he attentively helps to adjust my body into a comfortable position.
After taking a few more deep breathes and wiping off his tear stained face with the back of his hand clumsily, he returned to his 'nothing in this world can affect me' demeanor. Carefree and leisurely. If only that puffed up red eyes doesn't give him out, I would've believed the one who was crying just now wasn't him.
I guess that's the pride of a man. No man wants to be seen crying before a woman, right? Oh, wait. I'm a man now. I guess that makes it double the damage?
A knock was heard outside the door before it was pushed open. A man in his mid-30s who appeared in a casual outfit walks in carrying a bento box in his hands. He then handed the bento box to Edgar and said a few greetings and wished me a 'Get well soon, Sir.' before walking back out like a breeze.
Edgar briefly introduced him as the driver from the Golding's mansion. Nodding my head in understanding, I kept my gaze on the bento box in Edgar's hand. Noticing my intense gaze, which almost burns a hole through his hands, he immediately drags an overbed table over and neatly places the bento box on it.
The largest compartment of the bento box was filled with a fragrant ginger congee. On the side, the shredded chicken breast, pickled veggies, dumplings, and sesame edamame was arranged neatly in each compartment. Creating a harmonious combination. Both in taste and vision.
Edgar naturally picked up the spoon and gave the congee a few stirs before bringing a scoopful of it to my lips. He did the feeding and I did the eating. Our actions are as harmonious as the bento box.
*****
I spent a good two whole weeks in this manner. Wake up, breakfast, cold compress, lunch, cold compress, dinner, cold compress, and sleep. Edgar has never left my side and has been assisting me like a good daughter-in-law. Attending to all my needs. This feeling of being served like a queen doesn't feel so bad~
Although he has been busy taking care of me, he never neglects his work. The tablet that he always carries around has never left his side. At times, he would make a serious expression while staring at it. And other times, a snicker could be seen forming on his face. When he has to take or make a phone call, he would excuse himself and leave the room.
He looks like someone who's scheming something. Well, it's not like I have any opinion on that. One has to pick up a few things to survive among the Hills. Even if it is a little immoral or unethical. Who am I to judge? I've been the victim of their crime thrice. I for sure won't spare any effort to stop him. If the situation permits, I would even grab pom-poms and starts dancing and cheering for him.
On the third day of my stay in the hospital, the country was startled by the news of Edgar Hill's leave from the Hill Corp. Various assumptions sprouted like mushrooms after a rain online but Edgar didn't even spare them a glance. Looking at the news, I can't help but gave the man who is still leisurely talking to me a side-eye. Although I'm curious to the point of death, I don't think I have any right to ask him anything.
On the eleventh day of my stay in the hospital, news of Roland Hill's embezzlement bombarded the country. The amount involved was so large it might land him a minimum of 12 years sentence in jail. Those who were cooperating with him were dragged along to face the charges. Chris, who was just appointed as one of the Chief Manager in one of the Hill Corp's subsidiaries was one of them. Most of the investors have started withdrawing their funds and demanded compensation. The whole fiasco is making Hill Corp's stock value plummeted. Knitting my brows, I threw a complicated look to the back of Edgar's head.
Just when I thought there was nothing else the Hills can do that could stir up the country more, the shocking news of Reiss Hill's arrest for his involvement in a staged crime towards his ex-wife, Elise Golding, was released on the thirteenth day of my stay in the hospital. This time, my jaw just dropped to the ground.
...
Everything happened so fast as if somebody pushed the fast-forward button of the world. Either that or something/someone up there was too lazy to dive into these messy economic plots that are full of holes. Well, we all know, nothing of the sort is possible, am I right? But, you catch my drift.
On the fourteenth day of my stay, I was finally discharged. With tangled emotions, I followed two steps behind Edgar. Walking silently to the car. How can I possibly not? Edgar went from the most promising heir of the prominent family in the country to the son and nephew of a criminal!
My heart aches for him. It'll be hard for him to attract investors if he plans to start another business with that kind of black material staining his rapport. Is this the reason why I was allowed to return to the world? To help Edgar learn the ways of the commoners? ...If that was the case, how am I supposed to do that when I was just a pampered lady not so long ago myself?
...
Inhaling a good mouthful of air, I hastened my steps to walk by Edgar's shoulder to shoulder. Peeking at his side profile, I bump his shoulder with mine, then softly say, "It's alright. Whatever happens, I'll stay by your side. We're both in this together."
Turning his head in my direction, Edgar's brows knitted in confusion upon hearing my words. But it doesn't stay that way for too long as he bursts into a loud guffaw. He then asks between laughter, "Are you worried that we'll end up in the streets?"
Before my brain could apply a beauty filter to my words, my lips have already betrayed me. With a serious look on my face, I return his question with a "Should I be worried?"
Still laughing, he puts his right arm around my shoulder, then lifted his left hand to give the hair on my head a good tousle. "Don't worry about it. I won't let you end up in the streets. I have enough to raise ten of you for the rest of my life."
I admit I let out a short sigh of relief at his reply. But even if he somehow turned into a pauper, I would never leave him behind. It's not always for one to encounter a kind-hearted bro in their life. After his episode of breaking down and his patience in taking care of me back in the hospital, I can see that despite his tall and big built, he's just a cuddly teddy bear inside. Gentle, warm, and sensitive. A very reliable man. Plus, keeping such a handsome man by my side during hard times can give me more motivation.
It's a win-win, no?