Juan's POV
As rage coursed through my veins;I struggled to contain the darkness within.As I tried to suppress the clawing anger, it surged to the surface as Matt's presence continued to poison the air. Nia's calming influence, usually so potent, was absent, leaving me alone with my demons.
"It's okay, Nia. You'll be fine," I reassured her, standing by the hospital bed, my heart heavy with concern. Gently, I touched her fragile features, trying to convey a presence of comfort. The room was charged with anxiety as I awaited the doctor's arrival. Adorned in a white coat and carrying a clipboard, the doctor entered, as I lingered anxiously by Nia's side, aware of the impending message he was about to deliver.
"Mr. Juan," the doctor began with a sympathetic tone, "your girlfriend needs rest; she's been emotionally and physically strained. Her body cries out for repose, and I strongly urge you to grant her the time to recover fully."
Immediately addressing Nia as my girlfriend, I couldn't help but notice an uneasy grin on Matt's face. Nodding in deep comprehension, concern etched across my face, it struck me how much she had endured, especially since Mencia came back into my life. Whatever harm she inflicted on Nia, she must face consequences.
"Thank you, Doctor. We'll ensure she gets the rest she needs."
As the doctor headed for the door, I escorted him out, and a pat on Matt's shoulder earned me an uneasy stare.
Upon my return, I caught wind of hushed whispers. Matt stood by Nia's bedside, his words sending shivers down my spine. He hesitated, unaware that I was lurking silently behind the door, eavesdropping on his conversation..
Matthew whispered to Nia, "I'm so worried. I don't understand what's going on. Who is this guy? Why is he here with you?"
Nia's eyes flickered, still in unconsciousness.
Matthew, visibly uneasy, murmured, "Juan ?He looks... violent, intimidating. Nia, I don't trust him. Once you wake up, we're getting out of here. I'll take you back to LA. You can't stay with someone like him."
Leaning in, Matthew asserted, "You don't know what he's capable of. Trust me, Nia, you're safer with me. I won't let anything happen to you."
As I stood there, glaring at Matthew, my fists clenched with a seething rage, I couldn't fathom the audacity of this man. Nia lay unconscious, vulnerable, and he had the nerve to show up and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. How could he dare come back into her life after all the pain he caused? My protective instincts kicked in, fueled by the jealousy of seeing him close to her again.
As he continued speaking, I cleared my throat, and he fell silent. "You know, Matt, I can be anything but not a coward," I declared, and he dropped his head, reluctantly exiting the room.
"You need to leave, Matt," I spat out the words, my voice low and threatening. "Before Nia wakes up. I can't watch you hurt her again."
Matt,turned to face me. "And why should I listen to you?" he retorted, a defiant glint in his eyes. "I'm not leaving her alone again. She's mine and I'm here to take her with me."
Jealousy and anger surged within me, but I kept my composure. "You're pretending about that amnesia, and I'll expose you," I warned. I knew he was playing games, and I wouldn't let him manipulate Nia again.
With a sassy, almost mocking tone, Matthew responded,"Good luck with that, Juan. You're not as smart as you think."
That was it.His nonchalant attitude fueled the flames of my anger. In a moment of frustration, I grabbed him by the collar. "Trust me, Matt, you don't want to mess with me," I growled, my tone dripping with warning.
He feigned fear, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, I'm terrified," he retorted, before breaking free and making a hasty exit from the room ,slamming the door behind him.
Barging out of the hospital room, I felt the weight of my reputation intensify. The hospital staff and patients alike recoiled in fear as my shadow darkened their path. Whispers followed my every step – "Isn't that the leader of elchupadores?"
As I entered the hospital's outpatient area, my gaze landed on the son of a b*tch flirting shamelessly with a nurse. The rage boiled over as he turned to face me. "Hijo de puta," I roared, and before he blinked, my fist collided with his face. Blood sprayed as he crumbled, begging for mercy.
His pleas for help were met with my relentless assault. The scene attracted onlookers, their phones capturing the brutality unfolding before them.
Amid the chaos, his words cut through the noise, "Nia's going to hate you so much, trust me." I couldn't bear the filth spewing from his mouth. "Get her name off your filthy mouth," I snarled, drawing my gun from my pocket.
The deafening sound of a gunshot echoed, and the world momentarily stood still. The air thickened with tension as the consequences of my actions hung heavy. I knew I'd let my darkness consume me. Nia would hate this version of me.