Gold Digger

Amanda

“We are done with the surgery but your husband will be staying here for a while.” Dr. Bryce explained.

“What do you mean by that, doctor?” I asked, trembling.

“Mrs. Slade, it looks like you don’t understand the challenge your husband just passed. That was a critical situation and only a few got to survive such conditions. That he escaped death was a miracle but he needs intensive care treatment for now. You can go see him.” He explained. I thanked him and left his office.

This is not what I planned. My emotions are getting the better of me which isn't good for my plans. I know I and Gabriel have nothing in common, but I couldn't just let go of him.

I suddenly asked myself why.

I once let go of Sophia and her existence seized. I will never leave Gabriel as long as I'm still here for revenge. It is because of me he is in the condition he's in.

I pushed the ward door open and I saw Gabriel lying on the bed. His hands were tucked into the blanket beside him. The portable X-ray machine was close to the bedside, and the ultrasound machines and the monitor showed his breathing too.

Breathing slightly, the echoes of my shoes enhanced my movement as I made my way in Gabriel's direction. I sat beside him and moved my arms to place my hands on his face but the words I heard behind stopped me.

“Worthless woman, don't you dare touch my son.” With my hands spread across my chest, my heart almost jumped out of it. I gulped when I took in the image of her. It was Caroline, Gabriel’s mother.

“Didn't you hear me?” Her words grated with nerves.

I stood from the bed immediately as I bowed my head. “I'm sorry,” I whispered unapologetically.

She ignored me and ran to Gabriel’s body on the bed. She cried and wailed as she shook his body continuously. I was just happy we were in a private ward.

After she wailed and cried her eyes out. She narrowed her eyes in my direction and fired her words, “Useless woman. You brought this upon my son.”

“I didn't do anything.” I defended myself. “Ask the person who had put your son in the condition he's in.”

She stood from the bed and hurried towards me. “How dare you talk back to me? You, cursed woman. You never bring joy and happiness to the people you surround but pain, betrayal, and lies.”

“Who do you think you are to utter such words about me?” Momentarily, I stated boldly. That is what I won't show to the world, my weakness. Once they take note of that, I would be dragged down again.

“Gold digger!” She raised her hands to me but I was fast enough to grab it before I received a slap.

“What were you about to do? You wanted to hit me? Don't try it,” I warned, my look stern.

She released her hand from my hold and fell to the floor screaming her lungs out. “How dare you push me?” She wailed.

“You!” I heard another old manly voice behind me. I turned to see who it was and it was my dearest father-in-law. How about I give him a taste of his own medicine?

“Ever since you came into our lives, we have known no peace. Starting from the wedding yesterday. You are the type of woman who will send your husband to his grave early. You are Gabriel's Eve.” Jacob thundered.

“Who is the old man screaming? It makes my ear hurt so badly.” I said.

His eyes were filled with annoyance and disbelief. “Hey, despicable lady. You are a freeloader living off our family's wealth and status. No wonder your family threw you out of their lives.”

“Enough!” I screamed suddenly.

“You both lower your voices when you talk to me. You might be Gabriel's parents but I'm his wife. In this family, you might have a higher position than me but in reality, I have more power than you.” My voice echoed through the ward.

I carried my bag and reached the door. I opened it and attempted to leave but the words of Caroline, Gabriel's mother, stopped me. “Once my son wakes up, I will make sure he shows you the way out of this family.”

“Really? Looks like you both should try eating almonds every morning so you don't end up losing your memory soon. You might not hear me earlier, I will make that clear again. First, your family's current situation, which is that I have the legal papers of all the properties that belong to the Slade family. You all are under my control. Specifically, under my feet. Secondly… I will save that for later. If you try to cross me next time, I will show you your place. Not that alone, the son you are so proud of, what's the guarantee that he will be alive? He's half-dead already.”

Caroline opened her mouth and Jacob tried to speak but he couldn't, probably the words got caught in his throat. I smirked after fulfilling my mission of making them hate me before I left the room.

Seriously, I don't mind anyone hating me. Whoever wants to hate me should hate me. Everyone should hate me except Gabriel.

The other day, I remembered when he seduced me after the fashion event…

Gabriel showcased a playful smile before he questioned, “What about your hand in marriage?” He stood from the bed, moved closer to me, and made sure his eyes leveled up with mine.

“Impossible,” I answered without thinking and arrogantly of course.

“Why ‘impossible’ snuggle bug? Am I not good for you? Can't I make you happy?” He inquired.

“You can't.”

Gabriel patted his lips. “I will do whatever you want me to.”

“That only exists in your imagination, desirable or perfect but not likely to become a reality. I have never loved you nor will I ever love you,” I flashed a naughty grin purposely as I shifted my gaze to his.

Instantly, Gabriel surprised me with some of the best words anyone had ever said to me. “I know you've been through a lot, and I understand your hesitation to commit. But I want you to know that I will always be there for you, no matter what. I'll support you through the good times and the bad times.”

Where is he now? Why is he on the verge of death? He had promised to be with me during the good and bad times and tried to love me but I did not accept.

Why is my life so complicated? I thought of accepting Gabriel but my revenge must come first. Is that still possible? I can't continue to put him in danger again and again.

I walked to the parking lot where Kael waited for me in the car. “Should I call Mr. Fordham and let him know?” Kael asked as soon as I settled in the back seat.

“What's your problem with Mr. Fordham? Will you let the old man rest?” I shouted.

What he had with Mr. Fordham is what I don't get. That makes it the second time he asked if he could tell Mr. Fordham about the current situation.

“He asked me to keep him updated,” Kael said pitifully.

“To hell with your reports.” I sneered. I inhaled deeply before I dictated, “To the Slade mansion.”