"You're back," Betty said, appearing out of nowhere with a smile. But Miguel, still seething from his father's harsh words, ignored her and stormed out of the house, leaving Betty and his father alone once again.
Miguel drove to a bar, even though he had promised himself he wouldn't drink again. The frustration and confusion swirling inside him were too much to bear. Once he parked, he pulled out his phone and called his best friend, Robert.
Robert arrived quickly, concern etched on his face as he approached Miguel. "What's going on?" he asked, sitting down next to him at the bar.
Miguel took a deep breath and began to explain everything. "I like Audrey, but my father wants me to marry Betty. He's planned it for years, and he won't listen to anything I say," Miguel said, his voice filled with despair. "What should I do, Robert?"
Robert listened intently, then placed a reassuring hand on Miguel's shoulder. "You need to follow your heart, Miguel," he said. "If you love Audrey, you have to fight for her."
Miguel nodded, but his mind was clouded with doubt and fear. "I told myself I wouldn't drink again," he muttered, looking at the glass in his hand.
Robert sighed, trying to stay supportive. "You said you wouldn't get drunk. Don't do this to yourself," he urged. But when he saw the tears welling up in Miguel's eyes, he knew his friend needed space. He stood up to leave but gave one last piece of advice.
"Just go and tell her how you feel," Robert said softly. His words echoed in Miguel's mind.
"Okay, I will," Miguel said, determination replacing the doubt in his eyes. "Do you know her address?"
Robert quickly pulled out his phone and did a Google search. "She lives at Rose Mansion," he told Miguel, who was already heading for the door.
Miguel hailed a taxi, his heart pounding with anticipation and fear. "Take me to Rose Mansion," he said as he climbed into the cab. The driver nodded and pulled away from the curb, heading toward Audrey's home.
As the taxi sped through the city streets, Miguel's mind raced with thoughts of what he would say to Audrey. Would she feel the same way? Would she feel he's trying to take advantage of her cause he helped her?, The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he knew he had to try.
The taxi pulled up in front of Rose Mansion, a grand, elegant building that seemed almost intimidating in the twilight. Miguel paid the driver and stepped out, his legs feeling shaky but resolute. He walked up the path to the front door, each step feeling like it took an eternity.
He hesitated for a moment before ringing the doorbell. As he waited, he tried to steady his breathing and calm his racing heart.
Audrey sat alone in her apartment, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and worries. She planned to leave the apartment this week, hoping a change of scenery would help her forget the pain. Her godmother's body was still missing, and she was in constant touch with the police, hoping for a breakthrough. As she sat on the couch, she couldn't shake the feeling that the same person who kidnapped Jonathan was behind her godmother's disappearance. She needed Jonathan to wake up soon; he held the key to all the secrets.
Determined to get an update on Jonathan, Audrey picked up her phone and dialed the hospital.
"St. Mary's Hospital, how can I help you?" the nurse answered, her voice calm and professional.
"This is Audrey Charles . I'm calling about Jonathan Reynolds. Can you give me an update on his condition?" Audrey asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
There was a brief pause as the nurse checked the records. "Yes, Ms. Charles. Jonathan is stable, but he had a close call last night. He nearly died. Fortunately, our team managed to stabilize him, but he's still unconscious."
Audrey's heart skipped a beat. "He nearly died?" she whispered, the fear gripping her tightly. "Can I see him?"
"Of course. Visiting hours are open, and you're welcome to come any time," the nurse replied.
"I'll be there shortly," Audrey said, ending the call. She grabbed her keys and rushed out the door, her mind racing, luckily Rosaline was around, so Rosaline drove her to the hospital.
When Audrey and Rosaline arrived at the hospital, Audrey hurried to Jonathan's room. The beeping of the monitors was the first thing she noticed, each sound a painful reminder of how close she had come to losing him, and how she lost her god mother. She reached out and gently touched his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin.
"Jonathan, please wake up. We need you. I need you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
A nurse entered the room, checking the monitors and adjusting Jonathan's IV. "Ms. Charles, it's good that you're here. He responds better when he hears familiar voices."
Audrey nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you for everything you're doing. I need to take him home. It's not safe for him here."
The nurse looked concerned. "I understand your worry, but moving him might be risky in his condition."
"I have to. His family agrees it's for his safety. We'll make sure he has everything he needs at home," Audrey insisted, her voice resolute.
After discussing it with the doctors and getting their reluctant approval, Audrey made arrangements to take Jonathan home. She also spoke to his family, explaining the situation and getting their agreement. With Rosaline's help, they carefully transported Jonathan to her apartment.
As they settled in after a long day, trying to rest, the doorbell rang. Audrey, still on edge from the day's events, went to open the door. Standing there, swaying slightly and smelling strongly of alcohol, was Miguel.
Audrey was so shocked to see him, she never expected to see him in front of her house and how the heck, did he find her place?