Page 6 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

"It's not like that." I try to make her understand

"Then how is it? Don't you trust me anymore?" she questions, clearly hurt. Eventually, I decided to share the details with her, omitting a few things, and she ends up understanding the situation.

A week later, I start settling into my new role as Michael's physiotherapist. But I must admit, describing it as a walk in the park would be a lie.

As time goes on, I quickly come to realize that I often want to strangle Michael. His stubborn and know-it-all nature makes it incredibly challenging for him to cooperate, and it's equally difficult for me to effectively do my job. With each passing day, I notice that his grumpiness has only intensified from the first time I met him. I find myself at a loss, unsure of how to handle this situation or what steps to take to improve his mood.

His constant resistance and negative attitude begin to take a toll on me. It's becoming clear that his demeanor isn't just affecting him; it's affecting me too. I start to question whether I can continue in this role without compromising my mental health. The thought of quitting crosses my mind more often than I'd like to admit.

I find myself caught in a difficult predicament – wanting to help him while also struggling to maintain my well-being. As I navigate this challenging dynamic, I can't help but wonder if there's a way to break through his tough exterior and find a way to improve both our situations.

Chapter Five

Troubling Diagnosis

Michael's point of view.

The past few weeks have left me utterly bewildered. Despite my attempts to fathom how I've ended up in this perplexing situation, everything remains shrouded in confusion. I'm typically regarded as a resolute individual who keeps emotions at bay, yet the news of my disorder has jolted me from my equilibrium. How did someone who was physically and emotionally robust find themselves in such a precarious state? My fitness regimen and health-conscious diet were unwavering, with occasional indulgences in less virtuous treats. I consciously steer clear of contemplating my predicament, channeling my energies into the pursuit of recovery.

Amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges — Claire. An unassuming young woman with an uncertain future, she now wields an extraordinary influence over me. She's the sole person I can touch and be touched by, free from the repercussions that surround my disorder. The revelation of this truth was a blend of terror and relief, an intricate tapestry of emotions that washed over me when I first learned of it. How could someone insignificant gain such kind of power? Does she know just how important she has suddenly become? I hope not because that would twist everything.

I'm aware that I've been making things difficult for Claire as she takes care of me, but I can't seem to control it. Most of the time, I'm just drained and lacking motivation to even make an effort. It's kind of ironic that I'm the one who encouraged Claire to stay and assist with my physiotherapy, yet I'm unintentionally causing her stress. All I truly crave is the sensation of someone else's touch and the ability to connect with her on a physical level. It's frustrating that this longing becomes evident when we come into contact. Now, I'm uncertain whether these emotions stem from the role she plays in my recovery process, or if it's merely a physical desire. Could this be the start of deeper feelings, or am I just caught up in a fleeting infatuation?

My phone's ringing jolts me away from Claire and the conflicting emotions she stirs within me. I shift toward the sound and see that it's Jack calling. My heart quickens, sensing the potential significance of his call. "Hey, I'm here. Talk to me," I murmur into the mouthpiece.

"I've received some troubling news, boss. Unfortunately, I don't have the full scope of the damage or who might be responsible," Jack says.

"You can't seriously be bothering me with this right now. I need details, not vague hints. I don't have time for this," I retort with frustration.

"All I can tell you is that there's a mole within your family, someone actively working to undermine you, sir. Exercise caution, as the threat may be closer than you expect. I'll gather more concrete information and get back to you," Jack asserts energetically.

"This level of information isn't sufficient, Jack. I pay you to provide thorough intelligence. If you value your position, make sure you come back to me with substantial information next time," I state firmly before hanging up the call.

I lean back in my chair, frustration and worry gnawing at me. The weight of the situation settles heavily on my shoulders. Claire's presence lingers in the back of my mind, a stark contrast to the turmoil that Jack's call has stirred. As I contemplate the implications of a mole in my family, I realize that I need to act. I can't rely solely on Jack's updates; I must dig deeper into this matter myself. I pull out my phone and start making a list of potential suspects, trying to piece together who might have a motive to betray me.

With a renewed determination, I continue to research and gather information, determined to uncover the truth about the mole within my family. The mixed feelings and uncertainties that surrounded Claire just moments ago now take a back seat to the urgency of the situation at hand.

As I'm immersed in my research, Claire barges into my office, radiating frustration and determination. Her presence commands my full attention, and I put aside everything I'm doing, taking off my glasses to meet her gaze. Something is captivating about her assertiveness that draws me in, and I find myself completely intrigued by her actions.

"You've got my full attention, Miss Claire," I say, and her irritation only seems to intensify.

"You might find this amusing, but I mean every word I'm about to say," she begins, waiting for my response, which I withhold. Unfazed, she continues with an air of determination.

"If you don't want me to continue being your physiotherapist, then just fire me already. I want my life and my job to have meaning, but if you're not going to cooperate with me, I'd rather be dismissed. I'm dealing with stress in my own life, and what you're putting me through is making it worse. You're not a weak man, so I can't understand why you're choosing to remain bedridden and resist the routines I've planned. I'm willing to go through them with you, but you seem indifferent. If I didn't know better, I'd say you don't want to heal and move forward from this tragedy that's left you in a wheelchair. So, what's your deal? Tell me if you're not ready to work with me, and I'll quit on my terms," she asserts, then turns and walks toward the door, not waiting for a response.

"Come on, Claire," I call after her, realizing the weight of my actions. "I promise to do better. I won't give you a hard time anymore. I apologize."

Her disbelief and anger linger as she challenges me, "Just that? That's all it takes to get you to commit?"

I reply, my tone serious and focused, "What more can I say? I genuinely apologize for making things difficult. But right now, I'm dealing with a critical crisis that demands my attention. My life could be on the line."

Though she remains unsatisfied, I push forward, resuming my work. It's a tense moment, but the urgency of the situation compels me to focus on the task at hand, even as Claire's frustration hangs in the air.

*****

Days turn into nights as I delve deeper into the investigation, piecing together fragments of information, analyzing potential motives, and trying to pinpoint the mole. The more I uncover, the murkier the waters become. It's a tense and relentless process, one that keeps me on edge, my mind constantly racing.

During this time, Claire remains a steady presence by my side. Her unwavering support offers a respite from the chaos that has consumed my thoughts. She's there to listen when I need to vent, to offer a comforting touch when I feel overwhelmed. Despite the looming threat, her presence brings a sense of normalcy and stability to my life.

---