The incident that happened at Hydes didn't leave my head even though three days had passed. The gunshots and their screams kept haunting me, which made me wonder how he would've reacted if he had accidentally shot at some vital point instead of hands and legs. It also made me wonder if he had killed anyone in his life.
Along with my fear and irritation, the loneliness that started to consume me because of staying at Mr. Wolfe's villa most of the time frustrated me so much. My wings were cut off. The only thing that was mine was taken away. My freedom to do anything and to go anywhere was gone.
It did not just impact my mental health but also my relationship with Matthew. He started to think I kept avoiding meeting him from the moment he expressed his feelings. Despite denying it many times, he didn't stop blaming himself.
"It's been weeks. Did I really say something that I shouldn't have?" - Matthew
I let out a frustrated sigh, looking at his message. I couldn't blame him. Anyone would feel the same way.
"It's not like that, Matt. The place I am staying at is far from the city, so it's becoming hard for me to visit you. You didn't say anything wrong." I texted.
"I can come to you. At least, share the location with me." - Matthew
I put my palm on my forehead, not knowing what to do. I had no guts to tell Mr. Wolfe that I wanted to see another man while still bound by contract with him.
I bit my lower lip thinking of an excuse, but a selfish part of me wanted me to meet him no matter what. The truth was, I missed Matthew more than he missed me.
"Can you come to the hospital in the evening? I am going to visit Mira."
"Sure!"
A small smile appeared on my lips with the excitement of meeting him after many days. But it was short-lived when Mr. Wolfe's face flashed in front of me.
Quickly, I sent Mr. Wolfe a text. "I want to visit Mira in the evening."
Immediately I got a reply from him. "Okay. I'll inform the driver and the security."
A ray of relief hit me like a wave. I didn't lie. I only hid the truth, and there was nothing wrong in it.
In the evening, I reached Mira's room while the security stopped at the start of the VIP floor, as I requested them to stay away for a little, as my sister knew nothing about them or my position. It was a half-truth. The remaining half was that I didn't want them to spot Matthew.
My heart leaped up for joy as Mira was chatting and smiling with her caretaker.
"Elira!" She screamed in excitement as soon as she saw me.
"Mira!" I hugged her happily.
"See. I am all better now." She flashed a smile at me. "I am truly grateful for the man who helped me."
I simply nodded my head. She didn't know anything. The doctor, upon my request, managed everyone with our lies.
My gaze fell on the fresh fruits that were placed beside her bed. I asked, narrowing my eyebrows, "Did someone come before me?"
For a moment, I thought it was Matthew, but the caretaker's words stunned me.
She said, "Not just the best treatment, Mira has been receiving fresh fruits and flowers very often. Now not only her physical health but also her mental health became better. I think other sponsored patients are receiving the same."
There was no sponsor or kind anonymous businessman. No other patients were receiving any fruits or costly treatment. It was all Mr. Wolfe's doing. The fact that he was not just paying for the treatment but taking care of her personally by sending fruits and flowers somehow made me happy. It made me realize if he wanted to take responsibility for something or someone, he'd do anything to take care of them.
As we kept talking, Matthew entered, which made my eyes shine.
"Matt!" A bright smile appeared on my lips, which didn't go unnoticed by Mira.
She knew Matthew. I told her about him during my visits to the hospital. She even talked to him on the phone several times and already sensed our intentions for each other.
"Brother-in-law?"
I gave her a warning look, and she kept quiet.
"Hey!" Matthew pulled me into a hug and then greeted Mira in a friendly manner.
"You came for Elira. Not for me." Mira raised her eyebrows.
"But I brought these for you." He handed her the box of chocolates, which made her smile.
We three kept talking about multiple things, and whenever they brought up the topic about me, I carefully ignored or avoided giving more information. There was already a pile of lies, and I didn't want to add more.
Matthew looked at his watch, probably thinking about leaving. I knew his schedule better, and accordingly, I arranged the meeting so that he wouldn't pester me about dropping home or spending more time, which would definitely be noticed by the security.
"Bad timing. I want to stay, but it's the exam time, and I have to support the students and other staff." Matthew said, standing straight.
I nodded my head and accompanied him out. When he started to step towards the elevator, I stopped him. The security would spot me if I went to the start of the VIP floor where elevators were set. I directed him towards the stairs so that I could see him out.
"Finally, I got to spend some time with you." Matthew said as we reached the garden area of the hospital.
"I am sorry, Matt. It's just that… My friend's place is really far. It's a women's hostel, and men are not allowed, and I kept working here and there, doing all kinds of work…"
It pierced my heart to lie again and again. I held his hand and looked at him apologetically as I said, "It's not because of what you said. Please don't misunderstand."
He gave me a look of pity and said, "I am sorry for troubling you. I understand now. I hope you'll again move to the nearby surroundings soon."
Then he cupped my face and looked at me with his eyes gleaming with affection. "At least, we talk to each other on the phone. Even if I don't see you for weeks or months, everything will be the same between us. My feelings won't die that easily."
Then he pulled me into a hug, pouring all his longing into it. His lips touched my forehead as a parting gift, and he walked away.
Never in weeks had I felt so much joy, but a loud gasp of fear escaped my mouth when I turned around to go to Mira's room.
"Mr. Wolfe?"