After attending to Emilia, Christopher retreated to his study and called for Patrick. It wasn't long before his assistant appeared. His face was full of guilt. There was no doubt that he was responsible for the situation that caused Emilia so much distress but Christopher still required more clarity over what has happened.
"Explain yourself." Christopher said sternly.
"I-…"
"Is it true that you concealed the truth about the nature of the marriage contract?" Christopher didn't have the patience.
"I wouldn't say that I've concealed it. I've omitted it."
"Why?"
"Because Emilia was a perfect candidate and someone who would never bother you unnecessarily. She was exactly the kind that you needed as per your own requirements. But… she was too smart to just go through that ridiculous selection process." Patrick spoke quickly, an avalanche of words. He was done with lying. But his words hit Christopher like bricks. Emilia would have never married him and that was the truth.
"You're suspended until I decide what is the right way of dealing with this." Christopher decided.
"Understood, Mr Hayden." Patrick nodded as he turned to leave. He stopped by the door. "You must admit that she was perfect." Patrick said as his last words before he closed the door behind him.
Christopher couldn't deny it. If anything, she was too perfect. He sighed as he leaned back in his chair.
He was very conflicted on what to do. Emilia shouldn't suffer due to Patrick, but Patrick's actions now meant that he was likely to lose the company and Emilia at once. He found it surprising that the latter hurt him more. He returned to her beside and watched her face in peaceful somber, his thoughts were racing.
*
Emilia woke up many hours later, her eyelids heavy. She saw a shadow of a person beside her but it was a good few moments and a few blinks before she could work out that it was Christopher. He sat on the chair beside the bed with a sullen face, in deep thought. He propped his chin with his hand.
"The doctor has upped your painkillers. You might feel drowsy, dizzy or nauseous." He said as soon as he noticed her brown eyes fixated on him.
"Mr Hayden…" Emilia said with concern written on her beautiful face. Christopher's heart was still in many pieces since he found out what has happened to Emilia and how she was lied to as to the nature of their relationship.
"Do not worry about anything right now. You need to preserve your energy to recover fully."
"Urgh…" Emilia grunted and then she winced as she tried to move.
"I promise that as soon as you're better, everything will be resolved. I've already contacted the lawyer. You have my word for it. You have my promise."
"Thank you, sir."
Christopher smiled sadly as he stood up and reached for a glass of water then passing it to Emilia.
"Thank you." She repeated as she sipped on the liquid. It was soothing to her dry lips and throat.
"I took the liberty of contacting the Smiths University. They were reassuring that you will receive appropriate extensions for any work due in the next few months. I didn't want you to be negatively affected by this… nightmare." Christopher let out a sigh as he remembered all atrocities Emilia went through without even knowing why and it was all because of his negligence.
"Thank you."
"I'll let Bernadette know that you're awake. She'll bring you up something to eat."
"Thank you, Mr Hayden." Emilia said again. Her voice was weak. She was no longer driven by her anger like when she confronted Patrick Cosby. It was clear that Christopher was in a dark about it as much as her. He thought of her as his wife for the last few months. It must've been difficult for him to accept that she was his wife against her will. Or maybe not. He was rich and he probably didn't care for others that much. Especially someone as insignificant as her. Emilia kept trying to dismiss the impact on Christopher as much as possible, even if she was noticing his mood change.
Christopher left her in the room alone so he could request food from Bernadette.
Emilia wondered about what has happened. It was still surreal that she was kidnapped. It was more unreal that she was the wife of Christopher Hayden all along. The mysterious wife. So mysterious, in fact, that she didn't know herself. She sneered at that thought.
Bernadette came into the room with a tray of Emilia's favourite tea and porridge.
"Thank you, Bernie."
"I thought the porridge might be a good start if you're not feeling well." Bernie explained as she set up the tray across Emilia's lap.
"Thank you."
"It is good to have you back, Emilia." Bernie said shyly.
"Thank you." Emilia repeated. She was beyond grateful for the people surrounding her and the care they've shown.
Her body was still struggling so after a few mouthfuls she fell asleep again whilst Christopher hid in his darkened study, pained to know that he was going to pay a big price for what has happened and still troubled that Emilia was taken away so easily.