Chapter 3- Surprise

Stephanie‘s POV

The sterile scent of antiseptic fills the air, sharp and overwhelming, as my eyes flutter open. The harsh fluorescent lights above blur in and out of focus, and for a moment, I can’t place where I am.

What happened? How did I get here?

“Don’t move,” a familiar voice cuts through the haze. It’s low, steady, and completely unexpected. “You’re hurt. Just lie still.”

I turn my head slowly, wincing at the dull ache spreading through me. My gaze lands on him, and my breath catches. Henry.

He hasn’t changed. Thick, dark hair that frames a chiselled face. Bright grey-green eyes. He’s smiling, face gentle, but his bulk fills the small plastic chair. He’s even more muscular than I remember.

He's a character I used to know, now a stranger—or more precisely, an enemy—due to his betrayal of Vince's company.

But now Henry’s sitting by my bedside like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Why the hell is he here? The last we spoke, he’d left Vince’s company. It was bad, too. Bad enough he shouldn’t be here.

He leans forward, “Stephanie, you look pale. Take it easy, or you’ll hurt yourself again.”

My mind races. Hurt? How badly? I try to sit up, but the dull ache spreading through my body stops me in my tracks. I glance at Henry, his calm demeanor unnerving me. “What happened?” I croak, my voice hoarse, as if it hasn’t been used in days.

He hesitates for a moment, his gaze flickering over me before he responds. “A car accident,” he says simply, as if that explains everything. “You should focus on recovering, not asking questions.”

His tone, so detached, reminds me of what kind of person he is. “I wasn’t asking for your medical opinion,” I snap, the remnants of fear and confusion sharpening my words. “I want to know why you’re here, Henry.”

Henry leans back slightly, his arms crossed. “Calm down,” he says, his tone neutral. “You were hurt. I brought you here.”

The words don’t settle easily. I study him, my mind racing with questions. This man had once been a rising star alongside Vince, his partner in building their company.

Then everything came crashing down when he was accused of financial crimes. Vince had been the one to hand him over to the authorities, and Henry disappeared. Until now.

It crosses my mind that he hails from a family of billionaires, a privilege that perhaps explains why he can be here, instead of behind bars.

Why would he help me?

If I were him, I would rightfully hold a grudge against Vince. I don't care about Vince, my only concern is whether Henry might retaliate against him by hurting me, pulling me into their dispute unwillingly.

He stands, brushing invisible dust off his jacket. “You don't look convinced. I should let the doctor explain this to you.”

Moments later, the doctor enters, his presence brisk but reassuring.

“You’re lucky,” the doctor says after checking my vitals. “Nothing too serious—a mild concussion and a few bruises. With some rest, you’ll be fine.”

Relief washes over me, loosening the tight knot in my chest. “Thank you,” I murmur, but my gaze drifts toward the door where Henry had disappeared. “Henry ...... that gentleman, why is he here?”

“He's the one who brought you to the emergency room.”The doctor adjusts his glasses and offers a small, polite smile. “Said he was in the area.. Without him, things might’ve been much worse.”

The weight of shame settles over me. I’d been so quick to distrust him, to assume the worst. “I see,” I reply softly, my voice barely audible."I should thank him."

The doctor gives me a few more instructions before leaving the room, and told me I would be discharged later today. Henry reappears, his expression as unreadable as ever. He steps inside, leaning casually against the wall as if he’s waiting for something.

“Thank you,” I say, forcing the words out despite the hoarseness of the throat. “I’m sorry for doubting you earlier. I appreciate your help.”

His lips twitch, but the almost-smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “You don’t need to thank me,” he says. “It was just luck that I was in the right place at the right time.”

I noticed the pristine white walls, the state-of-the-art equipment, the hushed efficiency of the staff. This is no ordinary hospital. “This place…” I trail off. “It’s the best in the area. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”

“I must have delayed you a lot.”I glance at the clock, startled to see how much time has passed. The sun is already dipping low, casting long shadows across the room. “You’ve been here all day,” I say, guilt tightening my chest. “I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time. I’ll find a way to repay you. Please allow me to do so.”

He chuckled softly, ‘Mark your words, Stephanie. But the only thing you have to do now is get some rest.’

His tone makes my skin prickle, but before I can ask what he means, he changes the subject. “Do you want me to call Vince for you?”

The mention of Vince sends a fresh wave of nausea through me. “No,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “That won’t be necessary.”

Vince Sinclair is nothing more than a bastard, indifferent to everything except his own desires. What makes them think I deserve to suffer all of this? I will make them pay. Those who shattered me will beg for mercy, and they will suffer what I once suffered.

Henry’s brow lifts, his curiosity clear, but he doesn’t press. His soft chuckle pulling my attention back to him. "Fine. We'll see you again soon when you're feeling better." he says.

What does he mean? Does he want me to pay a large sum of money? He’s gone before I can respond. My phone buzzes, it’s my mother.

I pick up, already dreading what she’s going to say. Somebody must have told her I’m divorced. Vince?

It continues to ring. So, biting the inside of my cheek, I answer.

“Mom?” I say softly, “It’s not like you to call in the middle of the day.” Understatement.

“Stephanie,” her voice is calm but firm. “You need to come home. We need to talk.”