CHAPTER 37
Dami's POV:
I stood guard outside Xavier's hospital room, my eyes scanning the corridor for any signs of potential threats. The attack on him had shaken me to my core. I couldn't lose him, not now, not ever. As his loyal protector and friend, I vowed to keep him safe. But the question lingered: who was behind the attack? Cassandra's denial seemed genuine, but I knew better than to trust her completely. Desmond's involvement worried me. His influence over Cassandra was palpable, and I suspected he was hiding something. I needed to investigate further. Just then, Xavier's doctor emerged from the room, a reassuring smile on his face. "He's stable, Dami. Recovery will take time, but he'll be okay." Relief washed over me. I nodded, my gaze returning to the door. I wouldn't leave his side until he was safe.
Jessica's POV:
I sat beside Luna in Xavier's mansion, watching as she patiently coaxed Andre to eat his herb-infused fruit. His treatment required him to consume the bitter mixture twice a day, but he was being stubborn. "Come on, Andre, just one bite," Luna pleaded, holding the spoon to his lips. Andre scrunched up his face, turning away. "Yuck! It tastes awful!" I chuckled, remembering Xavier's similar struggles with the treatment. "I know it's not delicious, but it'll help you feel better." Luna shot me a grateful glance. "Jessica's right, sweetie. You want to get stronger, don't you?" Andre's expression softened, and he reluctantly opened his mouth. Luna fed him the fruit, and he made a face. Just then, my phone buzzed. A text from Dami: "Xavier's stable. Recovery will take time." Relief washed over me. I shared the update with Luna, and she smiled.
As we continued to care for Andre, I wondered about the attack on Xavier. Who could be behind it? And what did they want? Suddenly, Luna's eyes widened. "Jessica, look!" Andre was finishing his fruit.
Luna's POV
As the days passed, Andre's health began to improve dramatically. The herb-infused fruit was working its magic, and his energy levels increased. Luna and I exchanged hopeful glances – this was the breakthrough we'd been praying for. One afternoon, as we sat in the garden, Andre ran around, laughing and playing. His smile lit up the entire space. Luna beamed. "He's getting better, Jessica! We did it!" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. "Xavier would be thrilled."
Just then, Dami walked in, a warm smile on his face. "Great news! Xavier's waking up. The doctor says he'll make a full recovery." I leapt to my feet, elation coursing through me. "That's amazing!" Luna's eyes sparkled. "We should bring Andre to see him. It'll lift Xavier's spirits." Dami nodded. "I'll arrange it. But we need to keep the visit brief. Xavier still needs rest." As we prepared for the reunion, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Xavier's attack was far from over. The perpetrator was still out there, and we needed to uncover their identity before it was too late.
As we entered Xavier's hospital room, Andre's eyes widened. "Xavier!" he exclaimed, rushing to his side. Xavier's weak smile warmed my heart. "Hey, little buddy." Dami and Jessica stepped back, allowing us to take center stage. I grasped Xavier's hand, feeling a surge of relief. Andre chattered excitedly, updating Xavier on his progress. Xavier listened intently, his eyes locked on Andre. After a while, Dami gently intervened. "Time for us to go, Andre. Xavier needs rest."
As we said our goodbyes, I noticed Dami scanning the room. His gaze lingered on a small, almost imperceptible crease on the windowsill. "Dami, what is it?" I whispered. He leaned in. "A hidden message. It reads: 'They're watching. Trust no one.'"
My heart skipped a beat. Who could have left this message? And what did they mean? Jessica's eyes narrowed. "This changes everything."
Xavier's gaze locked onto Dami's. He said weakly "Investigate discreetly. We can't trust anyone."
The tension in the room escalated.
Dami's POV
I strode down the hospital corridor, Desmond beside me. "You're sure this orderly matches the description?" he asked, his brow furrowed. I nodded. "Emma's positive. Let's see what he has to say." We turned a corner and spotted the orderly, restocking supplies in a nearby room. His scruffy beard and dark hair matched Emma's description. "Let's do this," Desmond whispered, falling into step beside me.
We approached the orderly, who looked up, startled. "Can we have a word?" I asked, my tone firm. The orderly's eyes darted between Desmond and me. "What's this about?" "Xavier's attack," Desmond said, his voice low. "We understand you were around his room last night." The orderly's expression shifted from nervous to fearful. "I-I was just doing my job. I didn't see anything suspicious."
I raised an eyebrow. "You're shaking. What do you know?" Desmond placed a reassuring hand on the orderly's shoulder. "We're trying to protect Xavier. Tell us the truth." The orderly's voice trembled. "I... I saw someone. A woman in a black coat. She asked me to deliver a package to Xavier's room. I didn't think twice... I swear." My grip on my phone tightened. "Describe her."
The orderly hesitated before speaking. "Tall, long hair... piercing green eyes." Desmond's eyes locked onto mine. Cassandra. Dami's eyes widened. "What package?" The orderly's voice trembled. "A small box with a syringe. She said it was medicine for Xavier's recovery." Desmond's face darkened. "Where is it now?"
"I-I left it in the supply closet. I didn't think...Dami rushed to the supply closet, Desmond and the orderly following. Inside, they found the box, labeled with Xavier's name. Desmond carefully opened it, revealing a syringe filled with a murky liquid. "This doesn't look right." Dami's phone rang. "Jessica, we need you to analyze this substance ASAP." Jessica arrived, took one look, and paled. "This is a potent nephrotoxin. If administered, it would destroy Xavier's kidneys." Dami's jaw clenched. "Cassandra's involvement just got real." Desmond's eyes narrowed. "We need to confront her, now."bAs they stormed out of the supply closet, they were met with an unexpected sight: Cassandra, standing in the hospital corridor, a sly smile spreading across her face. "What are you doing here?" Dami demanded. Cassandra's smile grew wider. "Just checking on Xavier's recovery... or lack thereof." Desmond stepped forward, his voice menacing. "We know about the package." Cassandra's smile faltered for a split second before she regained composure. "I have no idea what you're talking about."