53

Isabella

Alessandro entered after a gentle knock, holding a small plastic bag containing the medications and ointments prescribed by the doctor. "Thank you," I said as he handed it over to me.

"Where is he? Damon?" I asked.

"He is outside," Alessandro replied. "He said he has some quick business to attend to. He'll be back shortly," he said in an even-toned voice.

He looked as though he would never get angry in his life. Perhaps he would, but I had never seen expressions on his face thus far. He gave me a nod and left.

Paula walked in soon after. "Are you okay?" she asked. "They said I could see you once the doctor was done." Her face was a mask of deep concern.

I gave her a reassuring smile and patted the foamy couch beside me for her to sit. She was still dressed in a bathrobe, and I made a mental note to give her some of mine. Although I wasn't sure they would fit, at least it would be better than the robe.

"I didn't know he was like that," Paula said referring to Julian, tears sti