Meanwhile, in the second emergency ward, Grace met someone she didn't expect to see in their hospital — Mr. Trevor Baliante, the king of the business world.
She, and every other person conversant with the business world new him to be the CEO of the biggest multi billion dollar company in the country and the hottest, most sought-after bachelor.It was not news that Mr Trevor was single to stupor and was not ready to mingle yet. However, his hot physic and otherworldly facial beauty made ladies gush whenever they set eyes on him.Grace was not an exception. Only, in her case, she told herself he was out of her reach seeing how he avoided women. For this reason, she made no real effort to get noticed by him.Seeing him there, Grace didn't need anyone to explain what Amira meant when she said high profile people were involved in the car crash. What she didn't understand was why they were brought to their small hospital when there were bigger and better equipped ones around.Dropping all her questions she got to work, already knowing what to do. Minutes passed as the doctors and a few nurses tried to revive one of the other men involved in the crash, who was a state official. Grace and Amira were left to put finishing touches on Trevor, who looked to be in less danger than the others.Just as they completed their jobs and were about to leave his side, the man opened his eyes and pushed himself up the next second, disconnecting some of the attachments on his body and alarming the nurses."Sir, please, don't move. You're injured." Grace stopped him from making any further movements and she noticed the confusion is in his eyes at the mention of being injured."Huh? What are you talking about?" Trevor asked with a slightly gruff voice, looking down at his body. "I can't be—Aahh! Where is my shirt?" He screamed in panic only just realizing that he was bare-chested."There's no need to panic, Sir. You were in a car crash and you were badly injured. We had to take off your shirt to ascertain the level of your injuries and to clean off the blood stains on your body." Grace responded in a calm manner, watching in worry and slight amusement how the man covered his exposed chest with his hands.She noticed, however, that instead of calming down, the panic in his eyes seem to be intensifying."Boss!" She heard him whisper, his eyes widening as if he just realized something. Before she could ask what he meant, he had jumped out of the bed disconnecting the remaining tubes attached to his body, and was about to start running away.But Grace was not having it. Suspecting he was still in shock, she successfully intercepted him, blocking him from taking another step forward."Please, Sir, you have to stay calm. We are doing everything possible to ensure you remain in good health..." Grace started speaking to him but he shook his head."My boss... I need to see my boss right now. Where is he?" Trevor probed, throwing Grace and the others who have approached them into confusion. He was the boss. What other boss was he looking for?"Sir, I think you hit your head too hard and may have suffered a concussion. Please sit down so a doctor can have you examined." Grace spoke again and Trevor felt his frustration heighten. He looked around the ward, scanning the people lying on the beds but the one he was searching for was not there and these nurses were blocking his way. He could easily force his way out of there, but that would only do more harm than good."What is going on here?" A deep, rumbly voice resonated from behind, effortlessly prompting all of them to turn around toward the direction the voice came from.Everyone, apart from Trevor, widened their eyes when they saw another powerful man standing by the doorway with a different group of nurses."Good morning, sir." The nurses and doctors chorused.Williams Xander, the mysterious former chief advisor to the president, had a question on his usual stoic face as he looked from one person to the other, finally settling his gaze on Trevor."Thank goodness you're here, Sir Williams." Trevor's voice hinted at his relief."Where's Roman?" Williams questioned, going straight to the reason he was there."He isn't here. I've been trying to go find him but they won't let me. They think I hit my head too hard and may be saying nonsense." Trevor explained, still covering his chest as he threw Grace an accusatory look. "Also, I can't connect." Trevor added, returning his attention to Williams, who understood what he meant by his last words."There was another man in the car with him. Where is he?" Williams questioned, shifting his gaze to Grace."Only five men were brought in. The other two are in the main building." A doctor answered before Grace could say she knew nothing about the number of people in the car."Take me to them." Williams demanded, and the doctor led them to the main building and into the first room where they found Roman.Grace followed them out of curiosity. She wanted to know the person who Trevor referred to as his boss, and who is important enough for Williams Xander to come after."This is him. Thank you. We'll be transferring him now." Williams stated, pulling out his phone to make a call.In a short time, four men in suit walked into the room with a stretcher and swiftly transferred Roman out of the hospital to a waiting car."Take him home." Williams said and Trevor nodded. They were now beside one of the cars and Trevor was buttoning up a shirt that was provided by the hospital for him."You are not coming with us?" Trevor asked and Williams shook his head, turning toward his car."I have business to take care of." He answered and climbed into his car.Trevor watched as the car drove away from the hospital. Knowing Williams, he didn't bother to ask how he found out about the crash or their location. He was just thankful the guy showed up on time. It saved him some extra stress and ensured Roman didn't spend more time in the hospital.Letting out a soft sigh, he signalled to the men to start driving as he jumped into the van holding his boss.Back in the hospital, Grace just stepped out of the room Roman had initially occupied, still confused about everything that happened when she saw Joan walking toward her. She couldn't believe she almost forgot about her drunk and heartbroken friend."Hey baby girl, you don't look too good. Are you sure you are up to this? Sure you don't want to go home and rest?" Grace asked."What's going on? Why are you here?" Joan asked in alarm, her voice slightly above a whisper."The patient here was just transferred. Turns out he's a big shot." Grace answered."Big shot?" Joan probed, her eyes widening."Yeah. Williams Xander came for him, and Mr. Trevor Baliante calls him boss. I wonder why his face doesn't ring a bell." Grace said, wearing a thoughtful expression.When she lifted her eyes, she was shocked to see Joan's face had turned white due to shock."What's wrong?" Grace asked."I'm dead! I'm so dead!! I'm so so dead!!!" Joan responded, breaking into fresh tears.Grace couldn't believe her ears after everything Joan told her. It was not even up to an hour since they arrived at the hospital and so much has happened already. So much that they both knew trouble was already close to their doorsteps. At the close of their shift, Grace, determined to help her friend escape the mess she had created for herself, led her to the travel agency to complete all the necessary documentation needed for Joan to leave the country as soon as possible. While they were there, Joan couldn't sit still. She was physically trembling and her mind was a mess. She was yet to deal with one trouble and here she was trying to get out of another. She couldn't tell if this was just ill luck or if she was being punished for something she did in her past life. "Relax, Jo. This shouldn't take too long." Grace tried to calm her down, seeing how she was up on her feet and pacing about again for the fourth time since they arrived."I can't. What if he wakes up and comes looking
At the sight of the latest addition to the number of people in the house, a well-known kind of fear and curiosity hit everyone. There were a few people in the country that nobody dares to mess with or get into trouble with. One of the most feared ones was Trevor Baliante. Ironically, he was the most harmless looking one, and the biggest investor in the Brandon's business.No one knows how he does it, but all who got into trouble with him had somehow ended up badly, and the police had never found Trevor wanting. He, also, was one of the few businessmen allowed to have heavily armed guards for no apparent reason.So seeing him in their presence at that time and in that manner, signified nothing but trouble. Their fear was justified.Joan and Grace were worst hit. With their hearts pounding in their chests and their eyes stretching as if they were about to pop, they exchanged glances, knowing that what they fear the most had finally caught up to them. Joan willed herself to calm down,
For a brief moment, Joan forgot all of her troubles as her eyes feasted on the unbelievably handsome being that just walked into the house and was standing by the doorway with his mesmerizing blue eyes fixated on her. Nothing could have prepared her for that sight. This was the same man from the hospital, she could tell. But how was he now looking a hundred times better than he did a few hours ago? It couldn't be the clothes. He was dressed too simply to attribute the changes to his attire. Moreover, the change didn't only affect his physical looks. The aura surrounding him was strong, intimidating yet alluring, and dark.She didn't know how she knew these things because they were things she wouldn't notice about a person on a normal day. But she noticed and felt all of it as soon as her eyes met with Roman’s. The bubble burst when she heard his voice and his words. He had the kind of voice that makes it easy for one to obey his every command, but his words sent a wave of confusion
“What?! Five minutes? That's too short—”“Your time starts now.” Roman cut her off, and Joan was about to protest again when her father's voice broke through.“Who's this man, Joan, and what business do you have with him?”“And who's asking?” Roman asked, turning away from Joan to face Mr. Elvin.“I am her father.” He answered.“Her father? The one ordering her to kneel and apologize to her oppressors?” Roman probed “How did you know about that?” Joan asked, surprised because they had not arrived when her father told her to do that.“Sweetheart, he wasn't whispering when he said it. I was right outside the door.” “What I say to my daughter and how I correct her shouldn't concern you. She is my daughter, not yours.” Mr. Elvin said.“Is she?” Roman asked, narrowing his eyes as he took slow steps toward the man. “Tell me, Mr. Elvin Connor, is she really your daughter? Because I see not even the tiniest bit of resemblance.” Roman uttered, catching sight of the shock that registered on M
It all felt like a dream and everything happened so fast – the joining, the exchange of rings which Roman surprisingly provided, the signing of the marriage certificates. Everyone was left dumbfounded at the speed at which a marriage was conducted and concluded. Although the groom looked like he was having his best day, the bride still looked confused as if she still wasn't sure she wasn't dreaming all of it. Now sitting in the back seat of one of the luxury cars driving away from the house she once called home, she let out a loud sigh, then turned her head to stare at the man who turned her entire world upside down in less than thirty minutes.He was seated comfortably beside her, his eyes closed and his head thrown back against the headrest. He looked so peaceful and possessed more than everything she desired in a man.Strange as it was, in only a few minutes, he had made her feel better than Richard had made her feel in three years, but she still couldn't get rid of that nagging
Another 30 minutes of traveling and the car slowed down as they approached a small hill on which stood a gigantic white mansion.Joan's eyes widened when she caught sight of it. Judging from the direction they were driving and the fact there were no other houses around, she knew that was where they were headed. Could that be his house?That part of the city was reserved and occupied by the wealthiest and most influential people in the country. She had been there once for special duties but never imagined that something as grand and extravagant as that mansion existed there. Probably because it was farther away from the other houses in the area.As they approached, a grand wrought iron gate adorned with intricate scrollwork swung open, welcoming them into the realm of opulence. The architectural grandeur and meticulous designs of the mansion’s exterior left her in awe. Majestic columns, Marble-framed windows, lush, well-lightened gardens, fountains, and sculptures. The roof features e
Joan's legs grew heavier with every step she took as they walked further into the house. Moments ago, she was admiring the wonderful work of art displayed in the building. But that admiration was dissolving into something else – the heavy feeling that she had been brought to her place of death.But she didn't stop following Trevor, who was moving a step ahead of her. Maybe if she was cooperative, they would let her go without harm.They arrived at the top floor and walked a little further to the right of the rather quiet hallway until Trevor stopped in front of a shut door. “Here we are. This is your room, Madam. I hope it meets your taste.” Trevor spoke, moving his hand to the door handle to open it. “You too are calling me Madam?” Joan asked in a soft voice and Trevor turned to her. She looked into his eyes and realized he was the same man who used to call her Mrs. Joan Brandon whenever she had the opportunity to meet him in the past. Now he was calling her Madam and acting like t
It felt like part of the burden in her heart had been taken away after Joan ended her over thirty minutes call with Grace. If there was one thing in her life she was grateful for, it was the fact that she had a friend like Grace. The girl had always been her pillar, listening ear, adviser, partner in crime, and defender since high school.Letting out a long sigh, she looked around the room again, then moved to the bed and plopped her butt down on it. The mattress moved slightly under her weight, signifying it was the perfect balance between soft and hard. She sent Grace a text with a list of things she would bring when coming with her the next day. Knowing she would get to see her friend soon, if she survived the night, gave her some relief. After sending the text, she dropped the phone on the bed and stood up, deciding to explore the room. The bathroom which was the first place she checked didn't disappoint. It was one befitting of the house and room. The closet, which she checked
Joan's expectation was disappointed when Roman started the car, and drove out of the house. She expected him to drive like a madman just like the night before, but he drove at a normal speed like a normal human would. A few times she threw him side glances, but forced herself not to make a comment, so that his invincible demons won't come whispering to his ears to start speeding like a lunatic. “Aren't you going to say something about my driving?” Roman asked with a smirk as if he had heard what was going on in her mind. “You are surprisingly better than I thought.” Joan responded, having bit back on the sarcastic comment which was about to escape her lips. She flashed him a small smile to back up her words.Although he was shocked she responded, a contented smile graced Roman's lips.They soon arrived at the house and Joan's brows knitted as she stepped out of the car. There was a police van out front and some policemen outside. Did something happen?She hurried into the house, ig
The moment Joan walked into the room and shut the door behind her, she paused, looking ahead into space. She didn't know which emotion to focus on. There was anger, and then there was confusion. Anger because of the scene she met at the stairs, and confusion because she didn't understand what on Earth's name was going on with her. She had already proceeded to put her room in order after Roman left. But just about a minute later, she heard noises, then voices. They were so clear that she thought they were right outside her door. When she opened her door to check, she saw no one. The voices, however, became even clearer, confusing her. So she decided to figure out where it was coming from, only to arrive at the stairs and see Roman with the woman. She ran her fingers through her hair and shut her eyes. Was she going crazy? How was she hearing things from far away as if it was happening right beside her?Something was going wrong with her, and the fact that she didn't know who to tru
The noise from the drama downstairs caught the attention of other people in the house, including Williams, who returned to the house that morning with Roman and Trevor. He had already gone into one of the rooms to rest his head when he heard the disturbance, and he walked out to catch sight of Trevor and Daniel pushing themselves off the floor. Just one look at Cody, and the latter began to explain what had just happened. Roman, on the other hand, was about to step inside his room after speaking with Joan, when he heard the noise. Pausing his movement, he smelled the air and caught a familiar but unexpected scent, which made him frown when he realized who it belonged to. What was she doing there so early in the morning? Changing his mind, he headed out of his room and started toward the stairs with the intention of meeting her downstairs. However, she was faster than him as she showed up before he could completely descend the first floor.“If it isn't the one and only Roman Gavri
Joan's heart raced as her eyes caught the blood on Roman's shirt, her mind immediately darting to worst-case scenarios. Yet before she could even get a word out, Roman cut her off with a sharp question."What's going on with you?" he asked, his tone suspicious but not in any way tired or worn out as his appearance suggested.Joan blinked, taken off guard. "What do you mean?" she shot back, her voice steady, though the pulse in her throat quickened."The noise," Roman said, his eyes narrowing. "I just heard a crash."His gaze shifted toward the gap between the door and frame, clearly wanting a glimpse of whatever chaos was inside. Joan quickly leaned against the frame, blocking his view, her body rigid as if she could physically stop his curiosity."It was nothing," she replied, forcing a tight smile. "Just... just some rearranging." She added.Roman didn't buy it. "You're sweating. And your eyes are red." His gaze was unflinching, his brow furrowing as if to unravel the lie she was tr
Joan lifted her eyes to find the headless man standing right before her. The sight was too much for her. He was dressed in an attire she knew to be worn hundreds of years before she was born, his clothes tattered and worn out as if he had just stepped out of an ancient painting.He stretched his hand in silent demand for his head, his fingers were long and skeletal, trembling with impatience.Terrified was an understatement of how Joan felt. Her heart hammered in her chest, every beat a painful reminder of her confusion. She extended the head toward him, her hands shaking so violently she feared she might drop it.The head felt heavy and unnaturally warm against her palms. As she held it out, she felt a strange compulsion to look at it, as if drawn by an unseen force. Against her better judgment, she turned the head around and a gasp escaped her lips.It was alive. The bright green eyes were open, staring at her with an intensity that cut through her soul.Joan frowned. Those eyes… t
Joan stood frozen, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the damaged car. The front was crumpled, the windshield shattered, and the tires looked like they had been clawed. She couldn't comprehend how anyone could have survived such a wreck."How did you... how did you survive this?" she stammered, looking at Trevor with a mix of disbelief and fear. "And Grace? Was she hurt?"Trevor shook his head, his expression calm. "No, your friend is fine and at her house already. She wasn't in the car when it happened."Joan's mind raced, trying to piece together what could have caused such destruction. She was still reeling from the sight when Roman pulled Trevor aside, speaking in a low, urgent tone."Take her home," Roman instructed. "But wait ten minutes before you leave.""Boss, they are too much. This fight is not one you should confront alone." Trevor spilled, his frown deepening."When did you begin to underestimate me?" Roman probed, narrowing his eyes at Trevor."I would never do th
Roman's car zoomed off with the same speed as they came. This time, Joan kept her mouth shut even though her heart was hanging in her throat. He made a sudden, sharp, and dangerous turn, causing the tires to make a screeching sound, but that was not all that got Joan extremely agitated. He was driving toward a very tall grass barricade which led to a farm, and he was driving at a high speed.“What are you doing?” Joan managed to get the words out of her mouth. Despite being secured by the seat belt, her hands searched for something to hold on to as she imagined her life coming to an end already.Instead of responding to her questions, Roman kept his gaze and focus ahead, already sighting danger around them. He was thankful for the fear in Joan's heart because that was the only reason she kept her gaze forward. If she had managed to shift her attention to the side, she might have caught sight of the fast moving creatures in the shadows following their car.The field he was aiming to b
“Boss, it's almost time.” Trevor said, bringing down his arm after glancing at his wristwatch for the umpteenth time. His face held a deep frown, unlike his usual demeanor. Inside, he was a panicky mess. If it were just him and Roman out there by that time, he wouldn't be worried. They could very easily handle anything thrown at them. But having Joan with them complicated the issue.“I know that.” Roman answered, his eyes fixed on Joan and Grace. He was seated on the top of the bonnet of his car, while Trevor stood beside him. It's been over thirty minutes since they arrived at Joan's parents’ house, and the man was nowhere to be found, neither was he taking his calls. If he didn't know how worried she was at that moment, he would have suggested they leave. But he didn't want to come off as uncaring. Trevor let out a long sigh, running his fingers through his hair, a move that Grace's eyes caught just when she moved her attention to his direction. “She is gonna freak out.” Trevor c
Surprised at how easily Roman agreed to Joan's request, Trevor's lips parted. He watched the latter walk away before turning to look at Daniel, who looked to be in the same dilemma.“You should go after him. He may have forgotten.” Daniel said to Trevor and as if suddenly woken up from his slumber, Trevor followed Roman out.Grace, who didn't understand what the men were on about, simply watched Trevor leave before setting her gaze on Daniel. She couldn't help noticing his handsome features, which she had been too agitated to notice earlier. It seemed all the people surrounding Roman were specially carved by the creator. Daniel flashed her a smile, and she didn't hesitate to return it. “Please tell Madam not to worry too much. Her mother will be found.” He said, hoping to ease the tension and break the silence. He would have gone with Trevor, but he knew that Roman would not want him to be involved in anything happening that night. “Thank you, Grace responded, appreciative of his k