Sixty Six

CHAPTER 66

The atmosphere in the ER gradually grew calmer. The doctor who had spoken to Antonio earlier entered the room where Cassandra was being treated. After examining her now much more stable condition, he instructed the nurses to transfer Cassandra to a regular care room. Carefully, the nurses began preparing Cassandra’s bed for the transfer.

Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Antonio remained seated with his sharp gaze fixed on the door. When he saw a nurse emerge, pushing a bed carrying Cassandra, he immediately stood up. Ben, who had been standing nearby, quickly followed his movements.

“Is she all right?” Antonio asked directly, approaching Cassandra’s bed. His eyes never left Cassandra’s face, which still looked pale but far calmer than before.

The nurse stopped the bed to explain. “Sir, Miss Cassandra’s condition has stabilized. However, she still requires further treatment and must remain in the hospital for observation. We are transferring her to a regular care room, as she no longer needs to be in the ER.”

Antonio nodded, but his tone remained firm. “I want her to be treated in the best room you have. Make sure she receives the highest level of care. If anything is lacking, inform me immediately.”

The nurse offered a polite smile. “Of course, Sir. We’ve already prepared a VIP room for her.”

Antonio walked beside Cassandra’s bed as the nurse began pushing it toward the designated room. His steps were steady, with Ben loyally following behind. The journey was quiet, accompanied only by the sound of the bed’s wheels rolling along the hospital floor.

When they arrived at the VIP room, the nurses efficiently transferred Cassandra from the rolling bed to a more comfortable one. The room was spacious and clean, equipped with complete facilities. Antonio stood by the bed, his eyes still fixed on Cassandra.

“Sir,” the nurse said softly, “If you need anything, you can press this call button. We will come to assist you immediately.”

Antonio simply nodded, not taking his eyes off Cassandra. After ensuring all of Cassandra’s needs were met, the nurse left the room, giving Antonio and Ben some privacy.

Ben, who had been silent, finally spoke. “Sir, it seems her condition has improved significantly. Perhaps now you can consider resting for a while.”

Antonio turned to face Ben, his gaze sharp. “Ben, I’ve already said this. I will rest when everything is resolved. Until then, I’m staying here.”

Ben sighed but chose not to respond further. He knew that arguing with Antonio would be futile.

Meanwhile, Antonio pulled a chair close to Cassandra’s bed and sat with unwavering vigilance. He observed every small movement Cassandra made, even though she was still deeply asleep. His expression reflected a strong determination, as if he were guarding something incredibly precious to him.

Hours passed. The doctor entered the room to check Cassandra’s condition once again. Antonio immediately stood up, waiting for further explanations.

“Miss Cassandra’s condition is showing positive progress,” the doctor said while reviewing her medical records. “However, she still needs complete rest for the next few days. We are also waiting for additional lab results to ensure there are no further complications.”

“How long will she need to stay here?” Antonio asked bluntly.

“Possibly around two to three days, Sir,” the doctor replied. “We want to ensure her condition is fully recovered before allowing her to leave.”

Antonio nodded slowly. “Do what needs to be done. Make sure she receives the best care. If there’s anything she needs, inform me directly.”

The doctor nodded politely before leaving the room. Antonio sat back down, while Ben stood silently in the corner, observing his employer with a mix of respect and curiosity.

“Sir,” Ben said softly, trying again, “I can handle some things while you rest. You’ve been here all night.”

Antonio turned, giving him an uncompromising look. “Ben, I know what I’m doing. If I need your help, I’ll tell you.”

“Understood, Sir,” Ben replied briefly, remaining silent once more.

Time continued to pass. Night turned into morning, but Antonio stayed in his place. Even when Ben offered to bring him food or drinks, Antonio merely shook his head. He didn’t want to leave Cassandra’s side for even a second.

As the sun began to rise, Cassandra slowly opened her eyes. Her movements were sluggish, and she appeared momentarily confused before realizing where she was. When her gaze fell on Antonio, she tried to speak, but her voice was weak.

“Antonio?”

Antonio immediately stood up, moving closer to her bed. “I’m here, Cassandra,” he said in a gentle voice rarely heard from him. “How are you feeling?”

Cassandra tried to give a faint smile. “A little weak, but... better.”

“You worried me,” Antonio said seriously. “You need to take better care of yourself. From now on, I don’t want to see you overworking or neglecting your health.”

Cassandra nodded weakly. “I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

Antonio sat back down, his eyes still watching Cassandra intently. “Rest. Don’t think about anything except your recovery.”

Cassandra nodded again before closing her eyes. Antonio remained in his place, ensuring he didn’t miss a single detail of her condition. Ben, witnessing the interaction from a distance, felt both surprised and impressed by Antonio’s attentiveness. It was a side of his employer he rarely saw.

That night, despite his exhaustion, Antonio continued to keep watch over Cassandra. He knew this battle was not yet over, but for now, he felt satisfied that Cassandra was gradually recovering.

As morning turned into late morning, a nurse arrived, bringing a light breakfast for Cassandra. Antonio helped adjust Cassandra’s bed to make her more comfortable. The nurse smiled as she observed Antonio’s care for Cassandra. “Miss Cassandra is fortunate to have you, Sir,” she said politely.

Antonio didn’t respond directly, only giving a brief nod. He then helped Cassandra hold a small glass of juice provided by the nurse.

“Take it slow,” he said softly as Cassandra tried to drink. “I don’t want you to strain yourself.”

Cassandra looked at Antonio with eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered softly. “You don’t have to do all this.”

“I’m doing it because I want to,” Antonio replied firmly. “So don’t feel guilty. Just focus on getting better.”

Cassandra gave a small smile, though she still looked weak. She sipped her juice slowly while Antonio stayed by her side, watching her every move. Ben, seated on the sofa in the corner of the room, observed silently.

After a while, Cassandra fell back asleep. Antonio stood up and checked the medical notes left by the doctor on a small table near the bed. He read them thoroughly, ensuring he didn’t miss any details.

“Sir,” Ben finally spoke, breaking the silence. “Are you sure you don’t want me to bring you something? Maybe coffee or food?”

“I already told you, Ben,” Antonio replied without taking his eyes off the notes. “I don’t need anything. Your focus should be on ensuring no disturbances from the outside. Make sure all my affairs today are handled without needing my intervention.”

Ben nodded, though internally, he felt Antonio was being too stubborn. However, he knew this was the Antonio he had come to know\u2014a man who never relinquished control, even in situations like this.

As time passed, Antonio returned to his seat, his gaze never straying far from Cassandra. He knew that what had happened to Cassandra wasn’t just a coincidence. Something wasn’t right, and he was determined to uncover the truth. But for now, his primary focus was ensuring Cassandra’s full recovery.