Chapter 14

Contrary to my loss of appetite, Nicholas had a huge craving for what he was eating. He had pushed what I had said to the back of his mind ignoring me completely.

When I least expected that to happen, I heard Nicholas after pausing on his meal say,

"Do you hate me that much to blurt it out for the world to hear?"

This question came like a bullet to me. I choked, coughing. I recovered slightly seconds later ignoring his question completely.

I knew that he had heard it, he was just waiting for the right moment to spill the poison out to me.

I remained silent, knowing well that it will only lead to series of questions.

"I asked a question and I hate being ignored," Nicholas baritone fired at me.

I swallowed hard wishing that the Earth would appear and cover me up. It didn't though, therefore I had to face my problems on my own.

I stared at this man with so much reserve, feeling uncomfortable.

He raised a brow urging me to reply.

In a stammering voice, I confessed, "I did... not mean... what I said,"

The look he shot me was that of intimidation, he knew what he wanted to hear from me.

"Why did you say it then?" he queried.

For once in my life, I could not find the possible words to explain what had really

happen to make me say such.

"Go on, you have my ears," he blurted out smirking urging me to talk.

"I have no reason, in particular, I said it because when I woke up I didn't see you in this room, I thought you had abandoned me in this hospital. Like, how was I going to pay the bills which might have accumulated by now before going on? it was all this frustration that made me say that, I am truly sorry I said that. I did not even know you would burst into the room at that moment, I should have just held my tongue," I explained.

Nicholas did not say anything, it was now his turn to give me the silent treatment.

"You hate me too right?" I questioned eyeing him wearily.

"Did I say so? I am not like you who voices any negative thoughts that first come to the mind," he replied eating.

Changing the topic of discussion, I let out,

"I don't think I am going to eat again," I announced.

"You've barely eaten a slice of plantains, if you do not want me to actually go mad at you now and allow you here alone... you better finish your meal," he announced.

I widened my eyes as Nicholas's striking words penetrated my mind.

I could not tell if he was bluffing or serious but I better not challenge him.

"Okay Sir," I responded sarcastically.

He brushed away the last part of my sentence ignoring it.

*

It took a while before I could finish my second slice of plantain. I was hungry but I had low stamina to eat. If not for Nicholas' threat I could just have eaten only my meat and shove the rest of the meal in the bin.

Picking my piece of meat, I chewed it. It had a small bone in it, yet did not stop me from savoring it.

"I don't think I can push it down, I am good," I said.

He inspected my plate, nodded before taking it away from me. I washed my hands in a plastic bowl, then wiped it with the napkin he offered.

"Thank you so much, I appreciate," I let out.

"It's nothing," he said.

He had finished with his meal too and had packed everything inside the bags.

I was happy to see him remove two bottles of milk, and handed them to me.

"Drink, you need strength," he ordered.

"What about you?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I have a bottle of water," he pointed.

"Wait, here are two bottles of milk we can share them," I explained handing him one.

He chuckled.

"You are too funny Megan, I bought those for you. Besides, the bottle of water is enough for me," he uttered.

I got confused yet did not dare say anything further. I opened the bottle of milk and had a long gulp from it.

The taste was exquisite and the milk thick and fresh.

"Thank you, Sir," I mumbled.

This time, he hanged on the 'Sir' part of my sentence brushing the message aside.

"Megan, did I not ask you to cut off the formalities?" he inquired his tone heavy with menace.

"You did, but it is difficult for me not to respect you and..."

I was cut short.

"To hell with the respect part, I might accept it from others, but from you, that's a no, so please stop," he begged.

It was difficult for me especially now, what will people think about me calling him that way? that was a no for me.

Before I could answer, the doctor knocked on the door then entered.

"You are awake my dr, how are you doing?" he questioned walking towards me.

I was grateful because he had come just in time to save a quarrel to escalate between this wealthy man and me.

I did not mind if I were to give a sweet portion of my mind, at least if it will keep

him saint then I was ready to release my mind to him.

"I have a migraine and my leg hurts me so much. Other than that, I can swear that I am fine," I replied.

"You will be fine, just relax it will keep your head from paining you that much," he said.

Turning towards Nicholas, he added, " Please ensure she has enough rest".

"Alright, Doc. I will," Nicholas promised.

The doctor removed the sac of drip which had already finish, placed it on a tray, and left. Leaving my fate in the hands of this man.

Immediately as he was out of ear reach, Nicholas asked,

"Why didn't you tell me you had a migraine?"

Rudely, I replied, "Because it is none of your business."