A black Porsche parked in front of the hospital, and Mia's eyes widened as Ethan Blackwood stepped out, accompanied by three chefs carrying lunchboxes.
"Hello," Ethan said, approaching Mia with a charming smile.
Mia's hesitation was palpable. "Hi."
Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Sorry for my manners. I'm Ethan Blackwood. And you are?"
"Mia," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your friend, I hope she's better. If you don't mind me asking, what's her name?" Ethan inquired.
"She's absolutely fine, and her name is Vesper, but you can call her V," Mia said.
Ethan's gaze lingered on Mia's face. "Is it okay to visit her?"
Mia nodded, leading Ethan to Vesper's room.
As they entered, laughter filled the air. Vesper's eyes sparkled, and Julian's smile was infectious.
"You're joking!" Vesper exclaimed.
"Tots joking," Julian said, "I never imagined two days after being told I wasn't family, I'd be sitting steps away from you, having a friendly conversation."
Vesper's expression softened. "About that, I know I was a bit too hard."
Julian waved his hand. "No need to apologize. If I were in your shoes, I'd have done worse."
Mia cleared her throat, announcing their presence.
Vesper's gaze shifted, and her smile faltered.
"I'll be leaving Vesper I was supposed to meet dad and aunt, we'll be back"
"Hey," Ethan said, his voice low.
Vesper's reply was guarded. "Hello."
Mia gestured for Ethan to sit in the spot Julian had occupied.
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he took in Julian's lingering presence.
"Thanks, Ethan, but I don't see the need for all this," Vesper said, her gratitude tinged with wariness.
Ethan's expression turned sincere. "Please accept my kindness. I feel guilty about what happened."
Vesper's mask slipped, revealing a hint of vulnerability. "It's not your fault, Ethan. I've been feeling dizzy lately."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "If you don't blame me, then kindly accept my kindness."
Vesper relented, opening the lunchboxes.
Inside, she found:
1. A fruit salad, reminiscent of her mom's healthy offerings.
2. Fish (salmon), Edamame, and eggs – a meal her mom would approve of.
3. Meat with cooked red bell peppers and cheese – a nod to her mom's favorite flavors.
It felt as if it was her mom controlling his head
A smile played on her lips. "Thanks."
Ethan's eyes scanned her face. "Do you like them?"
Vesper's response was diplomatic. "I don't really have a say. You think like my mom in terms of my feeding. I just eat anything I'm given."
Ethan's gaze lingered, unsure if she was pleased.
Mia intervened, dishing out portions.
As Vesper ate, Ethan watched, his presence a mix of comfort and unease.
"Thanks, but I'm unable to digest all this," Vesper said, her apologetic smile is genuine.
Ethan nodded. "No worries. Are you fit for school tomorrow?"
Vesper's reply was quick. "Sure. Mia will see you."
__ __ __ __ __ ___ __ __ __ __
As Ethan left, he exchanged unpleasant glances with Julian outside the hospital.
A black BMW pulled up, and Julian, his dad and vesper's mom stepped out they both hurried in leaving Julian out alone.
"Nice meeting you, Ethan," Julian said, his tone laced with tension.
Ethan's response was curt. "Likewise."
The two groups parted ways, the air thick with unspoken rivalries.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Vesper studied Mia confused on why she would just bring a stranger into her room.
"What's going on?" They asked in unison
"You go first" Mia said
"Why did you bring Ethan here and why did you leave in the first place" she asked
Mia shrugged "I brought him because he wanted to come and I left because I needed a stroll"
Vesper's eyes narrowed "As to why you left I do know that. We'll discuss it properly later. What do you want to ask me?"
Mia curiosity was palpable "Is he now family?"
Vesper raised an eyebrow "Who?"
Mia's smile was sly "Don't play dumb."
Vesper sighed "Oh Julian. Well, I figured out I misjudged him. Moreover his godfather's son"
Mia's eyes sparkled "Oh really, are you now forming new alliances"
Vesper's tone turned icy."Thanks to you, my love. New alliances indeed."
Ethan is known to always keep close contacts and she was once affected how many more times will she end up in the hospital because of him or rather because of her best friend she thought to her self when another knock on the door interrupted her
"Come in" she said, expecting Julian.
"Vesper" Leonard said, his voice low
Vesper surprise was evident "You?"
Leonard's expression turned serious. "I want to talk to you... In private"
His gaze shifted to Mia
"Mia stays" vesper said firmly
Her godfather's presence stirrer mixed emotions.
What was it that needed to be discussed in private?
Was she ready?
The end of chapter five 💖😊