Page 10 of Exile
"Okay, I found him. He's in surgery at the moment."
"Is he okay?" I ask urgently, shooting up from the pillow. "Is he alive?"
Slipping into the room, she sits next to me, and I notice she's now holding an iPad. "The main concern was hypovolemic shock." Pausing, she clarifies, "Severe blood loss."
"I figured…" I whisper in horror.
She skims over the screen, flicking the page down with her index finger. "The surgeons are working on him but itappears there was no damage to vital organs. They are transfusing him with saline and blood products while repairing the wound."
"Will he be okay?" I ask warily, holding my breath for her answer.
Alyssa looks up, giving me a tight smile. "I'm not a doctor so take everything I say with a grain of salt. They haven't put any operative notes in yet since he's still in surgery, but initial imaging suggests no major organs were hit. As long as they can stop the bleeding, he should be fine, sweetheart."
It's not the definiteyesI was hoping for, but it's something at least. It gives me hope to cling on to.
"And what about me?" I ask quietly. "Will you need to send me back straight away since I'm not hurt?"
She frowns, pulling my paper file back to her lap. I guess they have updated their systems since my last visit.
"What do you mean, Avery? My notes right here say that you are being treated for shock and bruising. You'll be here until tomorrow for observation."
Standing up, she gives me a wink, taking the folder and iPad with her. Holding the curtain, she smiles at me again.
"And since you are married, it means you'll be able to see your husband when he's out from surgery. I'm going to go find you some food, then we'll take a look in case there's any other injurieswe need to tend to. I'm sure you'd love a shower too."
According to the doctor who comes to see me a few hours later, Damon is okay. Lucky—but okay.
It feels like I was holding my breath the entire time, not relaxing at all until I heard those words.
They mentioned I can see him soon once he's out of recovery, but for now, Alyssa has taken it upon herself to bring me all the food the hospital has to offer.
Previously, I was strictly against hospital food. But, Cirque des Morts food aside, this is a damn sight better than the raw garbage they serve us at Lilydale on a day to day basis. No offense to Tony and the kitchen staff…
It's as if my appetite has returned full force once I got the news that Damon was alive and safe. I've managed to inhale everything Alyssa has brought to my little room—Jello cups, sandwiches, roast beef and vegetables. Hell, even the questionable looking stew went down like a lead balloon.
Even better was Alyssa casually telling me that because we're still patients of Lilydale, it means they have to cover our hospital bills. Suck on that Alexander and Whitface.
My temporary newfound freedom is strange. I've been given permission to wander a little in the ward. There's not much to do other than go to the restrooms, watch the grainyTV or visit the nurses' station—which I do a few times to chat to Alyssa while I wait—but walking around like a normal person is something I'm enjoying. It's amazing the things we take for granted… like freedom and autonomy.
I decide to take a second shower for the hell of it. Before I stuffed myself full of food, I took a quick one to get rid of the blood and dirt from my skin, and changed into fresh clothes courtesy of Alyssa. But at the time, the need for Damon's survival weighed heavily on my mind and I was on autopilot, not able to enjoy the unusual luxury. Breathing easier now, I take full advantage of it, washing my long hair thoroughly and lathering myself with lemon scented soap without timers and lurking guards.
When I emerge into the hallway, hair damp and freshly braided, I stop dead in my tracks at the figure by the nurses' station. Unfortunately, he spots me at the same time, a smug smirk crossing his face.
"Avery," Alexander greets, turning away from a tight-lipped Alyssa. "Howlovelyto see you."
My first instinct is to run—far away—but instead, I walk over with my head high, determined to look this asshole in the face. He doesn't deserve my fear, and he sure as hell isn't going to get my tears.
"What are you doing here?" I ask, annoyed. "And don't tell me it's to make sure Damon's okay because we both know that's bullshit since you're the one who pulled the fucking trigger."
Out of the corner of my eye, Alyssa watches our exchange with suspicion. But judging by her expression, she already knows who he is and has made her own calculated assumption.
Protect Damon, Alyssa… Please. Don't let Alexander near him.
"As the Chairman, it's my duty to ensure all members are looked after—including my new daughter-in-law."
His words leave a sickening taste in my mouth, like charcoal ash coating my tongue. Being married to Damon is one thing, but legally tied to this evil asshole? That's a whole issue in itself. But I love Damon, just like my guys love me despite having had a useless, pathetic father too.
"I assure youourrelationship," I gesture between us. "Is on paper only. I want nothing to do with you."
