Chapter 21

NADIA POV)

The hospital clock ticked loudly in the silent corridors, and I realized it was already three in the early morning. The long night had stretched beyond my endurance, but my thoughts were miles away.

I glanced at Richard, who seemed as composed as ever. Despite the late hour, his tailored suit looked untouched, and his confidence radiated through the room.

Richard turned to Mrs. Johnson and Tamara, speaking in a calm but commanding tone. “Mrs. Johnson, Tamara, it’s late. You both need to go home and rest. My driver is already here with one of my cars to take you home safely.”

Mrs. Johnson’s face softened with gratitude. “But what about Kenneth? I can’t leave him here alone.”

Richard gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about Mr. Kenneth. I’ve already arranged for a special nurse to attend to him through the night. Additionally, I’ve stationed an officer outside his ward. No one will harm him under their watch.”

Mrs. Johnson clasped her hands together. “Richard, I don’t know how to thank you enough. You’ve done so much for my family.”

“It’s nothing,” Richard said humbly. “Just focus on taking care of yourselves.”

Mrs. Johnson and Tamara stood up from the hospital bed, preparing to leave. Suddenly, Tamara swayed on her feet, her eyes fluttering as if the room was spinning. She reached out for support, but her legs buckled.

“Tamara!” Mrs. Johnson cried.

Before she could hit the ground, Richard rushed to her side, catching her effortlessly. He held her close, his expression a mix of concern and authority. “You need rest, Tamara,” he said firmly. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

Tamara’s weak voice trembled. “I’m fine, really...”

“No, you’re not,” Richard cut her off. He adjusted her in his arms, lifting her like she weighed nothing. “You need proper sleep. I’ll make sure you get home safely.”

I watched the scene unfold with a heavy heart. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, Richard’s actions were admirable. But my gaze drifted to Nadia, whose eyes burned with jealousy. She stood frozen, her expression a mixture of bitterness and longing. It was clear she wished she were the one in Richard’s arms instead of Tamara.

Together, the four of us…Richard carrying Tamara, Mrs. Johnson walking beside him, and Nadia trailing silently…left Mr. Kenneth’s ward. The officer stationed at the door saluted as we passed, a reminder of the precautions Richard had arranged.

Outside the hospital, Richard’s sleek black car waited. His driver stepped forward, opening the door for Mrs. Johnson and Tamara. Richard carefully placed Tamara in the backseat, leaning down to press a gentle peck on her cheek. “Rest well, Tamara,” he said softly.

He then walked to the other side of the car, holding the door open for Mrs. Johnson. “Take care, Mrs. Johnson. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Mrs. Johnson nodded gratefully. “Thank you again, Richard.”

As the car drove away, Nadia’s gaze followed it, her pain evident. She bit her lip, her fists clenched as if holding back words she desperately wanted to say.

The moment the car was out of sight, Nadia turned to Richard and rushed toward him. “Richard!” she called, her voice sharp with urgency. “Take me home. It’s late, and I can’t stay here any longer.”

Richard looked at her, his face unreadable. “Nadia, you told Max earlier that your driver was coming to pick you up. I don’t want to interfere with your plans.”

“But…” she started, only for him to raise a hand to stop her.

“I’m sorry, Nadia,” Richard said, his tone final. He opened the door to his own car, got in, and drove off, leaving her standing alone in the parking lot.

Nadia stomped her foot on the ground, her frustration bubbling over her like a child denied a treat. “Unbelievable!” she hissed, glaring at the taillights of Richard’s car disappearing into the night.

For a moment, she stood there, her breathing heavy. Then, something seemed to click in her mind. A sly smile spread across her face as she reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. Dialing a number, she waited for the call to connect.

When the voice on the other end picked up, she spoke with quiet determination. “I’ll be repairing the phone tomorrow,” she said, her tone laced with an unsettling edge. “Make sure everything is ready.”

Her wicked grin deepened as she ended the call, the night’s tension giving way to a new sende of plan.

The events of the night played in Nadia’s mind like an old movie as she sat in the backseat of her car, staring out into the quiet darkness. She couldn’t forget what she had witnessed earlier…something that had the potential to shake everything.

She remembered how she had followed Richard and Tamara closely as they stepped away from the engagement ball. They headed toward the stairwell near the restroom, their voices low but tense. Nadia had crouched in the corner, careful not to make a sound as she eavesdropped on their conversation.

“Richard,” Tamara had started, her voice trembling but firm, “I don’t love you. I already have someone I love, and you know that. That’s the only reason I agreed to marry you. It’s... it’s just for appearances and for my family.”

Richard had been silent for a long moment. Then he sighed heavily, his voice calm but edged with bitterness. “So, that’s how it’s going to be, huh? Fine, Tamara. We’ll play along, but don’t expect me to just... be okay with this.”

Tamara had reached out to touch his arm, but he pulled away. “Let’s just be cool with each other,” she had said. “That’s all I’m asking.”

Nadia’s heart raced as she took in every word. Her fingers itched to capture this moment…evidence that Tamara didn’t truly love Richard. But her phone wasn’t with her. Frustration boiled inside her until she noticed a movement by the restroom door.

A hand holding a phone peeked out slightly from the doorway. Someone else was recording the entire conversation.