Chapter 7
But Ludo... God, Ludo. She's the first woman I've truly cared about since my last relationship imploded, and I can't bear the thought of losing another love interest. To be honest, I'm done with Nando. He was already walking on thin ice before he hurt Ludo in all these ways. He's not my friend anymore - he hasn't been for a long time.
If she dies... I'll make sure he regrets it for the rest of his fucking life like he fucking deserves.
I took four shaky breaths, but nothing could calm the panic rising inside me. Only good news about Ludo would ease these nerves.
God, please... I know I don't talk to you as much as I should, but please... help her. I promise to protect her and make her happy. Please, don't take another person from me. Please, I'm begging you.
The waiting room gradually emptied until only one other woman and I remained. She sat quietly crying, so I walked over and knelt before her, my own worry and sadness evident in my expression.
"Are you okay?"
"My husband... he... he fell off a ladder and wouldn't open his eyes. He's my best friend, and he means the world to me. I don't know what I would do if I lost him, so I'm trying to think positively." My heart ached in sympathy.
"Well, that is always good; he probably needs all the love and support he can get."
"Why are you here?"
"My loved one is hurt too, and I don't know if she is stable... I'm scared."
"Will you pray with me? Please?" I almost declined, almost said I didn't often pray, but something stopped me.
"Sure. Let's pray." She took my hands in hers and began to pray silently, so I joined her.
I, uh... I know you just heard from me, but can you do me a gigantic favor? Please help this woman's husband too?
When we finished, we looked at each other and managed weak smiles. A doctor came out and led her to the back, leaving me alone with my worries in the nearest chair. After about 5 minutes, she rushed back out and collapsed into me, sobbing. I immediately wrapped her in a hug, dreading what news she might have received.
"He's alive! Oh God, he's okay! You must be an angel. Thank you, thank you so much!"
"I assure you I had nothing to do with his recovery; it was all your love... and your prayers." The doctor who'd informed me about Nando's condition approached us but stopped abruptly, waiting silently until our embrace ended. When the woman pulled away and noticed the doctor, she grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I returned a shaky squeeze and nervous smile before turning to the doctor. I wanted to say I was ready, but fear sealed my throat.
The female doctor smiled, letting out a soft giggle.
"She's stable and awake now, so if you'd like, you can see her." At those words, I released a deep breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I'd never felt such nervousness. The woman gave me one final tight hug before letting go.
"I'm happy she's okay. Now go." She gently nudged me toward the doctor, her smile genuine.
"Go see her. Go on, don't keep her waiting." I offered a meek wave before following the doctor.
"She's in here. Just so you know, there will be police and doctors coming to question her, and possibly you as well, so please keep that in mind, okay?"
"I understand." She opened the door, and immediately the strong scent of rubbing alcohol and disinfectants hit me. But that wasn't important - what caught my attention was her, sitting up in bed, munching on cookies and sipping orange juice while connected to an IV.
My heart leaped at seeing her awake and alert, though I couldn't help but notice the bandages covering her neck, right cheek, and right eyebrow.
She reached up to touch her bandages and offered a weak smile.
"It's not as bad as it looks. The bandages are here to cover the stitches, but I'm fine. They switched me from a blood drip to an IV bag, so that must mean I'm getting better... The doctor said that once the questions start, she'll hang a new bag, and when it's all done, I'll be allowed to leave the hospital until Saturday. That's when the stitches will have to come out."
"Do you have any idea where you will be staying?"
"I made reservations for a hotel room before I came."
"Does Nando know the room you'll be staying in?"
"No, I don't even know the room yet, but he does know the hotel."
"No! You can stay with me at my house. I promise it's fine, and if you honestly don't like it... then I'll pay for a new hotel room for the remainder of your stay." She shot me a very skeptical look, and after a few moments of consideration, she declined.
"No, thank you. I appreciate it, I do, but it's already paid for." I breathed a worried sigh and smiled, nodding my head as I took a seat beside her. A wave of guilt washed over me for feeling disappointed that she didn't choose to stay with me. But I had to remind myself that she was fresh out of a horrendous breakup that ended with an ER visit - being cautious was only natural.
My mind was racing with shoulda, woulda, coulda's, making me increasingly anxious. I should have stepped in and protected her better; I would have sent him packing if I had known he was armed with a knife; I could have called the police at the very least. As I spiraled deeper into these thoughts, I desperately needed something to ground me.
I grabbed her hand and started stroking circles on the back of it, the repetitive motion effectively clearing my racing mind. I was lost in a peaceful blank state - not really thinking about anything, just existing in the moment without paying attention to my surroundings.
She took full advantage of this by poking my lips and cheeks with her cookies, giggling as I came to. I swiped at the cookie crumbs clinging to my face while she laughed. We sat so close together, and despite my overwhelming urge to kiss her—even just on the cheek—I couldn't. Being on her right side, I didn't want to risk hurting her.
"Did I get it all?"
"Nope... You have chocolate on your cheek." She giggled and pointed at me like a playful child. Seeing her make light of her situation filled me with joy.
"Where is it?" She took my chin, drew me closer, and planted a kiss on my cheek before releasing me.
"Right there. Don't worry, I got it." She licked her lips teasingly, and my face burst into flames. Her sudden flirtation left me unable to look her in the face or think straight. I mumbled an excuse and retreated to the bathroom to collect myself.
This was the first time she'd initiated flirting with me. It was earth-shattering, and I struggled to maintain my composure.
Thank you, God. Thank you for helping her. I'll protect her, I swear.
I splashed cool water on my burning face. When I finally calmed down, I turned off the tap and examined my still slightly pink reflection—how embarrassing! I hadn't been this flustered in years. As I turned to leave, voices from outside caught my attention.
"... Out! I mean it, I don't want you in here!"
"This is all your fault. Do you see my face? Have you seen my back?!"
I recognized those voices instantly. I yanked the door open just as Nando was about to strike Ludo. I caught his hand mid-swing, my sudden appearance startling him.
In one fluid motion, I hooked my arm around his throat and used his momentum to throw him left. He lost his footing and slid out of the room—right into view of a passing nurse.
"There he is! He's in her room!" Within seconds, two police officers had him in their grip, demanding answers.
"What were you trying to do?" The question hung in the air unanswered as they dragged him away, presumably to the police cruiser.
A third officer entered the room and approached Luanne, offering several apologies upon seeing her visibly shaken state. He then turned to me, gesturing that I could take a seat, which I did.
He first asked Luanne about what happened on the beach. That's when I learned the horrifying truth - he had attempted to sexually assault her there.
She described how he'd cut her neck while removing her choker with his pocket knife, then deliberately sliced her eyebrow and dragged the blade across her throat in a mock execution before throwing the weapon into the water.
As this unfolded, I kept Julian updated, typing out messages about everything that was happening.
The officer asked for specific location details. Luanne mentioned the overhanging rock formation but couldn't name the beach, so I provided that information. She then explained, looking ashamed, why he'd shown up unconscious at the hospital. The officer reassured her that everything was okay.
When he turned to question me, I recounted what I'd witnessed before being told to stay with the car. But when he asked why I hadn't called for help, shame washed over me and I fell silent, struggling to find an answer.
"I guess I was just hoping everything would work itself out somehow," I finally managed. "I didn't want to make things worse by interfering. I was worried sick the whole time I waited, but for some reason, calling for help never crossed my mind... I'm sorry." I offered this weak apology to both of them before falling quiet again.
The questioning concluded, and the officer asked Luanne if she wanted to pursue a restraining order or legal action. She opted for just the restraining order. After collecting the necessary information, the officer left.
Puzzled by her decision, I asked her why she chose to handle it that way.
"Him being in the military only complicates things, so if I tried to sue, it might not go well. Plus, since I don't live here, pursuing a lawsuit would be both time-consuming and chaotic. I just want to enjoy my vacation and head home."
"But remember, the restraining order would only be valid here. And it'll take over a week just to process it."
"I know that... The question is, does he know that? The police will definitely tell him I agreed to the restraining order instead of suing him." I smiled at her clever thinking.
"I see, you're counting on his ignorance."
"Yeah, I'm banking on his stupidity. Plus, this breathing room gives me time to get to know you better... I could use some new friends right now." Surprisingly, being called a friend didn't sting as much as I expected. Maybe because I sensed she was hinting at more future get-togethers.
"Don't you have friends back home?"
"I have co-workers I consider friends, but beyond that, I'm not very social. Most people are too dramatic and untrustworthy for my taste."
"Hmm." I nodded thoughtfully, then after a pause, my curiosity got the better of me. "What do you do for work?"
"Oh, I'm a bartender." I knew this already but pretended it was news to me.
"Really?"
"Yeah! I've worked at several bars, but now I'm settled at Crystal Water Brewery."
That's when it clicked, but I kept quiet.
"What about you?" Her green eyes met mine inquisitively.
"I'm the C.E.O. of a bar chain and founder of an alcohol company."
"Really? This might sound nosy, but... Which ones?"
"The alcohol company Novocaine."
"Oh! We sell your brand! It's super popular and makes great mixers. Did you really create it?" I nodded, waiting for the inevitable follow-up question.
"So... Which bar chain are you the C.E.O. of?"
"I have just opened up a bar and an office building over here in Puerto Rico." She stared blankly, clearly unaware of the news. Apparently, not all branches had been updated. She just nodded, waiting for me to continue.
"I am the CEO of Crystal Water Brewery."
"What? No way, we don't have a branch over here."
"Hence the whole opening up a new bar and an office building part."
"Is that why you're here? I'm so sorry for not realizing, sir."
"Cut that sir stuff out. We were just getting friendly... You're already giving up?"
"But sir, it would be a conflict of interest. What would the company think?"
"..." She had a point, but I wasn't ready to concede.
"I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble." I was staring at the bed, lost in thought and smirking until I happened to glance up at her face. My heart sank when I saw her eyes welling up with tears. Without thinking, I rushed to comfort her.
"Look, first of all, I'm the boss, so as long as I don't embezzle money, it doesn't matter what I do. Secondly, it's not like I'm improving your position or offering you higher pay, so there's no conflict of interest; you'll get the same as everyone else. Trust me, you're fine..." I flashed a cheeky smile. "In more ways than one."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." A soft knock on our room's sliding door interrupted us, and I slumped in my seat.
"Can't a guy flirt in peace?" I whispered, making her giggle.
"Come in."
The nurse from earlier entered to inform us that the police had left and the IV was ready to be removed. She could go home now. We all smiled while the nurse removed the IV and changed the bandages one final time. After completing the paperwork, we realized it was already well into the day - around lunchtime, maybe even later.
We chose to walk to the nearest Burger King and grab some lunch, then strolled to the beach together. She seemed distant now, so we waited in the parking lot for my assistant to arrive. During the wait, the conversation took an unexpected, heavy turn.
I glanced over at Ludo and saw tears streaming down her face as she stared at the ocean.
"Are you okay? What's wrong?" She remained quiet for a moment, then took a shaky breath before answering.
"Am I a bad person? Because I can't help but feel... like I deserved everything that happened today."
"What!? No!" I blurted out too loudly, making her flinch and give me a worried look.
"He was cheating on you to begin with... Hell, he probably was cheating on you way before you even thought about this vacation. I know the woman he's cheating on you with. She's been up here for almost two months... So, tell me... How long have you two been dating?"
"I think a little over two years now... But I knew something was wrong... It happened so many times I basically expected it. I just thought it'd be different this time. It's all my fault. I'm so boring. That's probably why he cheated so often."
"Even now you're defending him. I have proof from as recent as this morning."
"No. I believe you... I just... I don't know. Do you really have proof from this morning?" Her face crumpled with pain as she shook her head.
"Yes... Look!" I showed her the proof from that morning. The evidence clearly shattered her heart. She stood frozen, fighting back tears and choking down sobs. I knew there was nothing I could do or say to ease her pain. I understood how it felt to feel insufficient or easily replaceable, but I remained close, ready to offer a hug if she needed one. Eventually, she let me hold her, but like all good things, it didn't last.
The familiar wretched growl of a dying car screeched to a halt just out of my peripheral vision at the same moment my assistant parked beside us.
"Look at that, a slut! Taking the first chance to get rid of me and move on with my best friend. I thought you didn't need anyone." Ludo mumbled something under their breath.
"What was that, bitch!" I shot him a poisonous look when he tried to step closer. He stopped but remained planted by my car's passenger door. The hardness in her eyes told me her heart had turned to stone.
"I said! You're damn right I replaced you! You aren't worth a damn, and whatever I choose to do from here on out doesn't concern you!" Ludo pulled back, her voice rising. "Who's the real slut here, huh? You have the audacity to shame me for something I never did, but you can do it for YEARS, and just because I didn't openly tell you that I knew, you decide to be a hypocrite?"
Years? What did I miss? He's been cheating on her since the beginning?
"How fucking dare you!"
"... I'm done... whatever chance you had to redeem yourself is fucking long gone. I don't want your excuses; I don't want to hear you belittling me anymore either. It's over."
"Ludo, come on, let's go."
"You're not going to just steal her; we're having a conversation!"
"Not anymore!" Ludo dove into the back seat and locked the door. My assistant had already claimed the passenger seat by the time Fernando circled to the other side of the car. Each time I tried to get in, he blocked the door, slamming it shut and screaming at Ludo to get out.
After the third time he prevented me from leaving, my patience snapped. When he slammed the door for the fourth time, I landed a punch square on his already-bruised face. He stumbled backward, giving me just enough time to jump in and start the engine. But now he planted himself in front of the car, using his own vehicle and his body to block my only escape route.
I was trying to think of a peaceful way to get out of the parking lot, but Fernando had other ideas. He found the biggest rock he could and hurled it at my car, cracking the windshield. This was my pride and joy, my first customized brand-new car, fully paid off with my own success, and... He. Just. Damaged. It.
My grip on the steering wheel tightened with rage, but my last thread of self-control snapped when he bent to grab another rock to throw at my black and red Lamborghini. He was lucky I hadn't hurt him the first time, but a second time...? I hope he believes in some kind of afterlife.
I slammed the gas pedal, and the car lurched forward, nearly hitting him. I changed my mind at the last second, got out of the driver's seat before I could give in to the urge to run him over, and took the long way around the car. I shot him a look of disgust when I noticed he'd pissed himself...
Fucking pathetic.
I slipped into the back passenger seat beside Ludo; my assistant took over driving. Fernando scrambled to his feet and tried yelling at me through my closed window... Something about almost killing him? I don't know.
I closed my eyes as the car lurched forward, but then Ludo screamed for my assistant to wait and leaned over me. I damn near shat out my heart.
Calm down. What the hell? Why are you panicking? Keep your cool. She was just leaning over.
She slowly rolled down the window and spoke. Her voice was completely devoid of warmth. You could hear the hate and indifference her heart held for this man.
"A little bitch like you doesn't deserve my time or his." Her eyes scanned him up and down. "Did you piss yourself? Heh, a macho man like you afraid of a bumper? Fucking pathetic through and through."
She rolled up the window slowly, leaving him dumbstruck and silent as we pulled away.
Well, shit...
I stayed quiet. I never would have expected her to say or do something like that. He hurt her badly, and now she's cold.
Damn.
I waited a minute before attempting to speak to her, and honestly, I got blindsided once again.
"Well, that went well—wait, why are you crying?" She shrank deeper into her seat and sobbed harder, shielding her face from me. At first, I didn't understand, but then it hit me... She'd channeled all her anger at him, and now that it was spent... she was just empty and sad. I knew that feeling all too well.
"Come here." I pulled her close and positioned myself near the door.
"Julian."
"Yes, sir?"
"Pull over here, please."
"Yes, sir."