As Vesper lay unconscious, her mind swirled with fragmented images:
Her father's menacing gaze.
Ethan's concerned face.
Julian's enigmatic smile.
Other men's faces, distorted and menacing.
Memories of her father's abuse, the smell of his cologne, and her mother's pain flooded back.
She felt herself drifting, lost in the darkness.
When Vesper came to, her mom rushed into the hospital room, panic etched on her face.
"Mia, what happened?!" she exclaimed.
Mia's eyes welled up with tears. "She just... collapsed. I don't know what triggered it."
Vesper's mom grasped her hand, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, baby, please wake up."
Vesper's eyelids fluttered open, and she met with the sterile smell of the hospital. The beeping of machines and muffled conversations surrounded her.
Her mom's relieved face came into focus, teras streaming down her cheeks
"Mom?" she whispered.
Her mom's relief was palpable. "Vesper, sweetie, you're safe." Her mom whispered grasping her hand
Vesper's gaze shifted to Mia, who looked worried and shaken. " What... happened?" Vesper stammered trying to piece together the events.
Mia's voice trembled. "You collapsed at school. Ethan was the one who called me"
Vesper's memories began to resurface:
The anxiety overwhelming her in class
Ethan's concerned face
The panic attack
Vesper's thoughts cleared, and her anxiety spiked. "Mom, why is Julian still here?"
Her mom's expression turned evasive. "Ignore it, sweetie. I told you, he's family."
Vesper's frustration simmered.
Just then, Ethan entered the room, concern etched on his face. "Hey, Vesper, how are you?"
Vesper's defenses rose. "Thanks," she said curtly, signaling Mia to escort him out.
Mia's conversation with Ethan in the hallway was tense:
"I don't know what happened," Mia said, her voice shaking.
Ethan's expression softened. "I didn't mean to scare her. I just wanted to help."
Mia's eyes narrowed. "You need to give her space. She's been through a lot."
Ethan nodded, his voice laced with empathy. "I understand."
As Mia returned to Vesper's side, a familiar figure entered the room.
"Vesper, darling, how have you been?" he asked, his voice dripping with familiarity.
Vesper's heart sank, her mind racing.
Godfather Leonardo.
The man who had promised to protect her, but vanished without a word.
What brought him here after all these years?
Did he really ask Julian to come here ?
About her father?
A mix of emotions swirled within her:
Anger.
Betrayal.
Curiosity.
Vesper's eyes locked onto Godfather Leonardo's, searching for answers.
But his expression remained impassive, a mask of concern
As Godfather Leonardo entered the room, Vesper's mind flooded with memories and questions.
Why was he here now, after years of silence?
Had he known about her father's abuse and done nothing?
Did he really have any connection to Julian's sudden appearance?
Vesper's anger simmered, tempered by a deep-seated hurt.
Godfather Leonardo's familiar smile and warm tone only heightened her wariness.
"What are you doing here?" Vesper asked, her voice laced with skepticism.
She studied his expression, searching for hidden motives.
Godfather Leonardo's eyes, once warm and reassuring, now seemed guarded.
"I heard about your... incident," he said, his voice measured. "I had to ensure you're safe."
Vesper's gaze narrowed.
That wasn't the whole truth.
There was more to his story.
She sensed it.
A mix of emotions swirled within her:
Resentment toward Godfather Leonardo for abandoning her family.
And also joy of finally seeing someone she has always considered akin to god in her eyes he was more than just her godfather, vesper was confused she didn't know if she should be happy or wary now.
Distrust of his intentions, trust towards him smile and comfort
Curiosity about his and Julian sudden appearance but more curious about how her dear godfather has been all this years
Vesper's thoughts raced
Was he using Julian to keep tabs on her or was he really worried so he sent him, Or was there another reason entirely?
As Vesper's mind whirled with questions, Godfather Leonardo's expression remained calm.
But Vesper detected a flicker of tension in his eyes as well as a flicker of concern
A hint of something hidden.
She pressed her lips together, determination growing.
She would uncover the truth.
No matter what secrets Godfather Leonardo kept.
No matter how painful the truth might be she must uncover it
Julian's presence at her house.
Ethan's sudden interest.
Godfather Leonardo's unexpected arrival.
Too many questions had swirled in her mind
What triggered the panic attack?. Was it Ethan's touch or something deeper?
Her mom's soothing voice broke into her thoughts.
"Vesper, honey, the doctor will be here soon" her mom said
The door creaked open, and the doctor walked in signalling everyone to exit the room
" Can I stay" her mom asked
" No mom, return to work Mia is here for me" vesper said with a smile on her face
" Fine dear but remember to take care of yourself, Mia don't listen to her listen to the doctors"
" Okay Mrs. Grant" Mia said as she firmly held vesper's hands
As they all existed the hospital room , vesper's mom, her godfather and Julian left together
"How has v been? " Leonard asked concern etched on his face
" She's been managing mostly trying to survive, it's been hell since Julian moved in you know she's always wary" Sofia, vesper's mom said
"Is this her first attack or has there been other ones"
"Lots"
"It's okay, I've been searching and I've found her" Leonard said as he called for someone and a slender lady walked right before them and stood
"Hello " she said with a smile
End of chapter three 🕒 ❤️✍🏾