Time was ticking, and Nate kept staring at the white ceiling in his disorganized house. He had ten hours, just ten hours to make Rick and his friends suffer.
But at this point, his body was still as weak as it was. The numerous calls he made, calling for help, no one came, however, he wasn't going to give up.
There was one last person he didn't call. He was at the brink of death and he had to let go of all shame.
One ring, two rings...
The call connected and a sweet voice echoed through the phone, "Are you calling because you need help?"
Nyx, a wealthy heiress who had once pursued Nate laughed on the phone, the sound mocking and grating. She must have heard about his predicament and how Rick had ostracized him and she was the only one who could dare to go against Rick.
"Yes..." He replied. "I need to get to the hospital. I might die from blood loss soon."
"So I heard." She chuckled. "But you know I do not render help for free."
"What do you want?" He gritted his teeth, clutching his phone tightly.
"It's simple. Since Aria is out of the picture, I want you." She demanded.
Nate took a deep breath, his eyes dimming. He knew the pros and cons of the system already and he couldn't promise Nyx what she wanted.
"I cannot be yours." His lips pursed, as even in the face of death, the system wouldn't let him bow and neither would he. "If you want me in other ways, I can do anything for you in return."
Nyx went quiet on the phone and all that could be heard was her heavy breathing and Nate waited with bated breath.
"Fine." She agreed. "You are stubborn but I have always liked you that way."
He smiled, his chest tightened due to her words. At least, he had someone like her, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their relationship.
The call ended and he didn't have to wait for too long before an ambulance came and he was immediately administered treatment.
"You don't have to worry..." Nyx smiled down at him, her eyes twinkling. "No one will ask you questions, I have settled everything."
He wouldn't have to answer to the police or talk about the reason for his injuries.
As he nodded gratefully at her, he held her thin manicured fingers and whispered, "Thank you."
"Are you going to be fine? Rick would definitely come after you." It wasn't about him this time, he was concerned about her safety.
However, Nyx didn't look worried at all. Her wide smile didn't diminish in the slightest.
"Do you want to see how I am going to tackle Rick?" She asked, bouncing on her feet as Nate was wheeled into the ambulance.
"Don't tell me you are going to confront him?" He gasped, his grip on her fingers tight as if he wasn't going to let her go do something stupid.
"Of course not." Her brows creased, with her eyes rolling. "There is an event happening tonight. Rick will definitely be there—"
"I want to be there too!" Nate cut in, his gaze holding her down and demanding.
"But...but you are not fine..."
"Pick me up at the hospital on your way." He said quickly. "You will do that, right? You don't have to worry about me."
"Alright..." Nyx nodded, her brows still creased but this time she was worried. Nate seemed adamant to attend the party, she wondered if he was trying to avenge what Rick had done.
Even if that was the right thing to do, she was quite worried that it wouldn't go so well for him. No matter what, she had to make sure Nate was alright. She could use more bodyguards or even get her parents to intervene.
Whatever she had to do, she would!
On the other hand, Nate was placed gently in the ambulance and he was starting to slip off due to the medicine being administered to him. However, the thrill of what was to come kept him awake still.
"I will make you suffer..." He whispered.
But at the same time, the robotic voice echoed in his ears.
[Congratulations, Nate Williams, you have claimed your first woman!"
"Nyx..." He whispered, as a smile shone on his face.
Just because of Aria, he had almost lost a rich heiress who didn't even care about his money, wealth, or status. He was never going to let her go.
Five hours later...
The night sky had taken over, and Nate could now move freely even though he had bandages wrapped around different parts of his body. Parts of his face were still swollen but with his hair swept back messily, he looked rugged and handsome.
"Whoa.." Nyx cooed as she stepped into the hospital room. "That shirt looks so nice on you."
He looked down at his body, the sides of his lips raising. She had sent over clothes he could change into and now he was dressed in a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up, showing off his toned arms.
The black pants he wore, hugged him loosely, giving him a sophisticated look. Nyx couldn't stop staring, her eyes darting all over him.
"Thank you." He said. "I would love to repay you. How much do all these cost?"
"Stop that..." She frowned, her nose scrunching. "They are all gifts from me and if anyone asks tonight, tell them I am your girlfriend."
"Alright." He laughed.
And soon enough, Nyx linked her arm with his, leading him out of the hospital toward the Porsche parked in the parking lot.
"You can drive, right?" She pushed him toward the driver's seat before settling comfortably in the car. "I won't care if you are injured tonight. You asked for this."
Nate could only smile but then, he liked how free and quirky she was. This was the life, the freedom he had missed while he kept slaving away to please Aria.
An hour later, they reached the venue and it was heavily packed with burly guards who laid their hawk-like eyes on the car. However, they let it through immediately they saw it belonged to Nyx.
Finally, they reached the entrance and Nate quickly stepped out of the car to get Nyx, but a few seconds later, he saw several guards rushing toward him, eyes blazing with fury.
"Nate Williams?" They called out. "You need to leave. You are not welcome here."