Chapter 2

Zoe's POV :

I and Michael Ardolf were the best shining stars in the college. Everybody was jealous of me as Michael was the Dean's son and the star of the college. He was the handsome hunk that every girl was after him. But, he was never a playboy and has got eyes for only me. Or I thought so. But, it has ended for good. It's not easy to find her boyfriend sleeping with her best friend. And the nerve of them that they blamed alcohol for it. Michael was not only my boyfriend but my best friend too. But now, he feels nothing but a stranger.

 With a heavy heart, I was walking through the road lost in thoughts. 

Michael has been my friend since I joined college. And Melissa joined our gang later and she was my roommate too. Michael and I had such an intense friendship that I felt that he would stay with me until the end of our lives. That's when he proposed to me, and I couldn't reject him. He was perfect in every sense for me. Caring, funny, loving boyfriend…  Often our thoughts and opinions were the same. I started to feel like we were really meant for each other. And that's when I came to know that he was cheating on me, and to the worst, it was Melissa. At that moment, I decided that there is no going back to him. Or them…!!

The memories made me emotional as the wounds were still fresh. I will get over them… they don't deserve my tears or time... The rain didn't affect me and I continued walking through the rain. Then suddenly, a car stopped in front and they came out.

Michael and Melissa…

"Zoe…" It was Melissa, who had a sarcastic smile on her lips whereas Michael hardly looked at me as his face was filled with guilt.

Melissa came forward by calling out my name. And I stood there watching her.

"Zoe… I am so sorry… I can't see you suffering like this. It was all my mistake. Please, don't blame Michael for it. He is innocent. It was the mistake of the drunken night… And I am taking its sole responsibility… Hate me if you want, but please forgive Michael for it.…" She shed her fake tears to make it more believable. And I felt disgusted to see her pathetic act.

It was like the Melissa I trusted never existed. Everything about her was fake… I couldn't tolerate her naive acting anymore. There was a time I believed her lies. But, now I won't entertain such a scheming character ever in my life.

I folded my arms below my chest and asked,

"Are you done with your drama??... Do you expect me to forgive my ex-lover and ex-best friend after catching them cheating on me..?? And when you people repeat the same mistakes again while getting drunk, then also, you want me to forgive you two?? 

Enough is enough. From now on, there won't be any place for you two in my life. And Melissa, nobody can fake their character for long, it will eventually come out. Thank God, I get to know about it at least now. So, you two, get the fúck out of my life…!!" Even when I was feeling the heartbreaking pain inside I maintained my furious expression uptight.

I knew if I stayed there another second, I would break down. I didn't want that. So. I hurriedly ran across the road without looking around. And then something hit me hard and I fell into the dirty mud. My body was covered in dirt and small scratches, but my pride was hurt more than my body.  At that moment, all I wanted was to run away from them. Then only I noticed that the car which hit me had stopped a few meters away. So, I stood up and felt the excruciating pain in my right leg. But, I didn't care about it and walked towards the car. Without even asking permission, I got inside and pleaded towards the driver.

"I am sorry. It was my mistake. Can you please drop me at the medical university hostel?" .

"Are you okay, Zoe??" The familiar voice rang in my ears.

No, this can't be him…!! And Did I hear him correct??

Leonard…!! She looked at him with wide eyes. Why did it have to be him? He comes in my most embarrassing situations and helps me with them. I didn't feel easy with him as I had talked rudely in the morning. Hm… the moment I got rude to him, I know that my best-paying part-time job is already lost. And now, what if he takes revenge on me here by saying to 'get out of the car'. I am going to get embarrassed in front of them.

But, here he is, asking me politely. But, it made me confused. This can't be a coincidence. Can it be??

"What are you doing here …??" I asked without thinking about anything.

"Zoe, this is my car.." He declared as a matter of fact. Oh damn, he is right. Then only I noticed that his luxury car got dirty because of me… And I couldn't face him as I have made a mess. 

"Sorry, Mr Leonard… I will clean the mess, I promise." And he just hummed in response.

Soon, the car reached the hostel gate. I stepped out by thanking him. But my leg had excruciating pain and I struggled to walk.

"Hey, stop. You got an injury. Get in. I will take you to the hospital." I heard him say.

Am I hallucinating after the accident ?? I couldn't believe that he was offering this favour. Even if he did, there must be a crooked plan behind this statement. Can't trust these evil rich people.

"No, thanks. It's a small injury." 

"I told you to get in. My car hit you, so it's my responsibility to take you to the hospital…"

His insistent tone was driving me crazy. Does he think I am a charity case?? I am not. I can manage myself.

"I said 'No'. I can manage it. I am a medical student. Please mind your own business." As soon as I said it, he stepped out and said.

"There's no use talking now… I will not let you complain later that I abandoned you after my car hit you…" by saying that he strode towards me on his long legs and took me in a bridal style. I was too stunned to react. And I was in his arms and his high-end cologne filled my nostrils. But, once he moved toward the car, I was back to reality and started struggling.

"Hey, stop the car… I said I don't need your help. '' Are you deaf??..." I screamed at him. But, he completely ignored my tantrum and was walking like I weighed nothing. And placed me inside the car and put the locks on so that I glared at him. Bit, he didn't even glance at me after that. Maybe he was telling the truth. He might not want trouble later.

I calmed myself. But, it went into a panic as soon as we crossed the hospital gate. It was one of the most famous luxurious hospitals in my city. And I am sure even to step in they might charge my one month's salary.

"Why did you bring me to such an expensive hospital? I don't have the money to pay their strangling bills…" I exclaimed and seated as if not planning to step out of the car.

"If my car hit you, I will pay the bills as compensation." He declared and even opened the door for me. I thought for a moment. I know he must be very stubborn. And I have already tested his patience enough for today. But, I won't allow him to pay as it was my own mistake that the accident happened. He helped me get down and even supported me by holding my hand.

"Leave me hand… I can walk on my own… and I will pay the bill… I don't need your charity…!!" I struggled against him for a release while saying this. I saw him looking around, then he leaned in and whispered coldly, 

"You better keep your mouth shut and walk with me. Or else you will know the real me…!!"

His words sent a chill to my spine and even goosebumps. Was I that much scared of his dominating tone?? 

But, after that, I followed him obediently. Soon, the doctors rushed to my side as I had had a really terrible accident… I don't know, what is the big deal here?? I only had minor injuries and they had taken care of them. But, what surprised me most was the arrogant cruel labelled man who was next to me all the time.

As I noticed Leo went away to attend the call, I asked the nurse who was taking care of me about the bill. And what she said made me panic. It was more than my salary for all her part-time jobs combined for a month. Damn…!! 

I am doomed.

As the nurse noticed I was getting panicked, the nurse told me,

"You won't have to pay a single penny, as the hospital belonged to him only…!!"

Then only did I realize it was his hospital. The RK Hospital, RK stands for Ruiz Kingston only.

 Leo came out of Doctor's cabin and asked, 

"Are you ready to go?? Have you got the medicine??" He asked and I nodded in response.

He took my hand in his, to support me while walking. And she noticed all the staff there were watching them eagerly.  Somehow, it made her more uncomfortable. As she has already faced the same kind of look when Michael announced her as his girlfriend.

"Leave my hand, I am okay now. I can walk" I struggled and pushed his hands off mine and walked forward limping with the injured leg.

Soon, I felt his hand around my waist and he held me closer. I was shocked and shouted while struggling for a release. 

"What the hell are you doing…??"

As soon as I said this while trying to push him away, he tightened his grip on me and looked at me with intimidating eyes.

"You better stay still, or else I will kiss you in front of all these people. Do you want to be famous? And viral over the internet. It will be sensational news and people might even take you like my new girlfriend."

By hearing this my eyes widened after hearing his statement.

Him… Kissing...Me…!!

My eyes fell on his thin lips… oh No…!!

Somehow, I was scared that I knew he would even do it… 

Leonard Ruiz Kingston, don't just threaten people. So, I closed my mouth with both hands and moved forward along with him towards the car.