chapter 2

Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Regret

Adrian Belmont paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his usual cold demeanor cracking under the weight of what had just happened. The sight of Lydia collapsing, her frail body limp in the arms of his security team, replayed in his mind like a haunting melody. His heart, long accustomed to indifference, felt a sharp pang of something unfamiliar—guilt.

The nurses rushed in and out of Lydia's hospital room, their hushed voices filled with concern. Adrian clenched his fists. He had been cruel, unnecessarily so. But why should it bother him? He was Adrian Belmont, the owner of the most exclusive French restaurant in the city. He had no time for weak emotions. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to leave.

Suddenly, Lydia's family rushed into the hospital, their faces etched with worry. When they entered the ward, they found Lydia sitting up on her bed. Her father let out a sigh of relief, but her mother, still bitterly worried, began yelling at her.

"Lydia, how could you let this happen? Do you know how scared we were?" her mother cried.

Lydia simply smiled, her usual resilience shining through. "I'm fine, Mom. Really."

Meanwhile, Adrian was still lingering at the hospital, unsettled by the turn of events. Soon, his close friend arrived, approaching him with a puzzled expression.

"I heard someone fainted in your restaurant. What the hell happened?" his friend asked.

Adrian remained silent for a moment, unable to explain the emotions running through him. Without a word, he simply turned and walked off toward his car, leaving his friend utterly confused.

Back in Lydia's ward, she recounted everything that had happened. Her father's face darkened with fury, but her mother placed a hand on his arm, urging him to stay calm.

The next day, Lydia woke up feeling stronger. As she sat up, she noticed something unusual—her entire hospital room had been decorated with flowers and romantic gifts. Her eyes widened in confusion.

Just then, a group of men in black suits entered the ward, bowing slightly as they presented her with more gifts.

"Who sent these?" Lydia asked, but before she could get an answer, the men left as swiftly as they had come.

Minutes later, Adrian walked into the room, holding a single flower in his hand. Outside, a group of nurses peeked through the window, whispering among themselves.

"Do you think he's here to ask her out?" one nurse speculated.

"Maybe he wants to marry her," another giggled.

As Adrian stepped inside, Lydia's expression turned cold. She wasn't happy to see him. He hesitated for a moment, then, to everyone's shock, he knelt down before her.

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "For everything."

Lydia's anger flared. Without hesitation, she got out of bed, walked up to him, and slapped him across the face.

"That's what you deserve," she said, her voice firm.

The entire room fell into stunned silence. Lydia turned on her heel and walked out of the ward, leaving Adrian speechless.