72: The Day I Used My Own Weapon
Emil's POV
I looked at my shaking hands; the same hands brought pain to my own Nonno. I still can't believe he would do that to me for his own selfish reasons. He inflicted pain and suffering to Biya; the only woman I introduced in the family. The horror finally settled in my gut and it was tearing me apart like a parasite consuming all of my being.
"Sir, it's not your fault." Marcus spoke beside me. The police came to read his rights while they arrested him. I didn't know what to feel. I felt like I was being torn into pieces. The fact that my own grandfather fucked up my life was a living nightmare. Everything that was happening right now felt like it was going in slow motion. However, the feeling of inevitable damnation in him and the fear of losing Biya made reality an ugly truth. I caught the gaze of my grandfather who seemed calm yet vengeful. He smirked at me and it shook me to the core. His handcuffs glinted as he passed by me; his hands clutched together tightly. I felt guilty for doing this to him but at the same time I felt repulsed by him. The disgust and resentment I had on him grew bigger and I couldn't help but scowl at him. He played me and took advantage of my trust on him. The police escorted him out of my house. Another policeman stayed and took my statement. Once I told him everything that happened, he sighed and offered a hand to shake.
"Thank you, Sir." He spoke as we shook hands.
"It's unfortunate to meet you in a time like this. We're going to take care of it. Expect a call from us soon." He said before he bade goodbye and left. I slumped on the floor, completely defeated. No one won. I didn't win. How could I declare that I won? My own grandfather played me and it's ripping me to shreds. I drew out a quick breath and rose up. My bodyguard stood beside me silent and respectful. I didn't know how to process what just happened. How would I break to Biya that it was my own grandfather's doing that put her into life-and-death situation? How do I tell her parents what happened? How the fuck would I tell my own family what Nonno did? I rubbed my face in frustration before huffing out a breath.
"Let's go back to the hospital." I told him and we both went out of the house only to see a crying Geno in the arms of Mina. I quickly rushed to her and took him.
"Hush, child. What's wrong?" I kissed his forehead and he sobbed. I began to sway him and he slowly stopped crying. With his head on my chest, he sucked on his thumb and cuddled on me.
"Oh... He wants you." Sam commented and I looked at the now peaceful boy in my arms. Should I leave him here or take him with me? If I take him with me, the media will see him and I didn't want that to happen.
"Get inside. Sam, make us lunch. Marcus, call the Morettis and tell them we will give them lunch there. Mina, come with me." I ordered and everyone quietly went back to my house. Everyone went to where they were needed to be and Mina followed me to the Master's bedroom.
"Take care of him while we're out." I told her. As I tried to lower Geno to the bed, he began to squirm in my arms and cry. His tiny hands clutched on my shirt and I knew he didn't want me to let him go.
"I guess I have to carry him around for a while." I smiled and kissed his forehead again. I dismissed Mina so I can have my privacy with Geno. I held him dearly in my arms and it was comforting in a way that this innocent boy was calming my nerves. I continued to sway him while thinking about Biya. It pains me to see this young boy sleep peacefully while he remained clueless what his mother was going through. I didn't want to expose him at such a harsh world out there and I wanted him to stay here, protected and cared for. I stayed with him until I sensed that he fell into a deep sleep. Laying him down on the bed, I created a pillow barrier around him. Slowly opening the door, I peeked through and called for Mina. She rushed to me in a hurried pace.
"Yes sir?"
"Watch Geno, okay? I need to go back to Biya." I told her and she nodded. I went out of the room while she entered but before I could close the door, she whispered.
"Will Signorina Biya be okay?"
"She will be." I smiled but my heart broke at the thought of her still in the hospital. There was sympathy in her eyes but I didn't comment on that. I nodded at her, whispered my goodbye and closed the door for her. Walking to the kitchen, I could smell the pasta wafting in the air. Sam busied herself with whatever she was cooking. I checked the time and it was almost 12 in the afternoon. I paced across the hallway, agitated of not being in the hospital right now. I have never received any call from them. It worried me to the death and the silence was killing me. I have to go...
"Sir? Sir." Marcus tapped me by the shoulder. I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Yes?"
"I can drive you back to the hospital now if you want. I can come back here and take the food later."
"That sounds like a good plan. Let's go."
A few minutes later, we were back in the hospital. The media has already set camp outside and I had to to use the emergency exit just to avoid them. Patients and medical staff had their eyes trained on me but I ignored them and went straight to where Biya was. But my steps came to a stop when I saw the two people I didn't want to see right now: Dotoressa O'Brien and her son, Zeke. She gasped the moment she saw me and Zeke turned to see me. He spoke to his mother a few more seconds before he left. He didn't leave though without shooting me a warning glance. I scowled at him. What the fuck is he doing here?
"Mr. Carini." The owner of the hospital called my attention. I took a deep breath not wanting to get my emotions take over my senses.
"Yes? How is Biya?" I asked approaching her.
"She's still in the OR."
"That bad?" She nodded before sighing,
"Does her parents know?" I spoke in a low tone. She sighed but nodded.
"How bad is it?"
"We had to revive her twice now. Multiple lacerations all over her body, broken ribs, internal bleeding, a muscle tear on her shoulder..." She looked down and played with fingers.
"What is it? Tell me everything now, Doctor." I demanded and she looked around. Everybody was paying attention to us and she bit her lip.
"Ignore them. I need to know. What is it? Tell me now." I began to demand and she looked at me with deep sadness in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Carini. She has trauma in the head as well as broken bones in her legs. And..." She sighed before she looked directly into my eyes.
"She has spinal injuries. We are still looking at her but those are the initial diagnosis."
"So what happens to her now?" My voice cracked and avoided everyone's gaze. Even her. I stared at the floor trying to control myself from shaking.
"We don't know yet but there's a possibility of her not being able to walk again." I went weak and my feet faltered into staggering steps. I looked at her in horror. There was sympathy in her eyes. I wish this was all a dream but the loud noises around, the pain in my heart and reality hit me all at once.
"No. This can't be." I whispered in disbelief but she shook her head.
"Unfortunately, it's true, Sir. I'm so sorry." She rubbed my shoulder trying to bring comfort but I couldn't. I tried to search for words and explanation as to why this was happening but I couldn't. My chest was in pain and I felt like I was being deprived with oxygen.
"The Moretti family is waiting in the suite. Nurse Vero here can guide you to where that is. Again, I'm so sorry. Excuse me." After that, she left. The nurse immediately told us to follow him and without a word, we did just that.
Arriving at the suite room made the news feel heavier on my shoulders. Dark tension loomed over me and I was clinging into hope. My feet felt like it was cemented on the floor and I cannot move. Her life is going to change forever... because of what Nonno did... because of me. I swallowed the heavy feeling I had and looked at Marcus. There was also sadness in his eyes but he didn't say anything. He only patted my shoulder and gave me a sad tight smile.
"I'm going back to get the food, Sir. Be strong. You can do this. For her, you must be strong." He said before he left. I breathed out and leaned against the door. I could hear muffled noises coming inside. I knew the Morettis were there and the guilt I had was eating me away. I did this to her.My hands shook as I clenched my hands into fists. I could imagine her lying on the operating room trying to fight for her life. My eyes burned, pain stabbing me all over my chest. I couldn't breathe and I had to blink my tears away just so I can fucking see. I paced across the empty hallway, trying to earn the courage to go inside and face them. It was my own fault for not letting her go. Was loving someone a selfish act? It was torture to be in this position; not being able to see Biya now and to face her family. I knew they're angry. I just know. Was this the payment of us fighting for each other? I love her too much to let her go. It must be cheesy to hear it but I cannot live without her. All my life, I tried to find myself only to be blinded by the spotlight. And when she came to my life, she dragged me back to earth and taught me to enjoy the simplest things in life. Her warmth, comfort, serenity, care, character, smiles, laughter, touch and words; everything about her were my lifeline. She was my lifeline. She was my home. It took me a few minutes pondering how to face the Morettis before I finally had the courage to face them. I took a deep breath and opened the door. At first, there was silence but then the moment I entered, everything crashed down upon me. Signora Lorena was crying her heart out in the couch with Signore Paolo hugging her while crying as well. I spotted Nyle on the other couch with his head hung low in defeat.
"Emil... our daughter... Oh my Biya..." She cried for Biya. Her husband kissed her silently and held her tight.
"I...I....I'm so sorry." I spoke before the damn broke lose and everything I bottled up came out. I couldn't stop myself from crying. Tears burned hot on my face and I tried to wipe them off but they kept on coming.
"I'm so fucking sorry. I-It's my fault." I approached them and in front of them all, I kneeled in front of them. Signore Paolo watched as I repeatedly apologized. My heart ached, my soul wanting to be liberated from the pain I had and my whole being craving for good news about Biya.
"It's my fault she's in this situation. I should have been more careful. I should have seen this coming. I-"
"What do you mean you should have seen this coming? Who the fuck hurt my daughter, Carini?!" Signore Paolo's voice boomed and I stood up to answer him. He knows what my statement meant. I could see it in his eyes. There was sudden realization and anger in them.
"I didn't know this until now. Believe me, I tried to protect her with all that I have but I didn't expect that Vicenzio will be living with me."
"What?!" Signora cried, pushing her husband away so she can look at me.
"Who was it?" Nyle spoke this time but his head was still hung low with his gaze on the floor.
"Who orchestrated everything? Who dared to hurt my sister? Who was it?" He asked and this time, he slowly looked at me.
"My grandfather..." I admitted to them with such shame and humiliation. Lorena gasped loudly before she cried again while her husband stood up and approached me.
"You mean to tell me that your grandfather, your own fucking blood, Lorenzo Carini, did this? Why? Why the fuck would he go this far?"
"He doesn't approve of us being together." I replied and his face loomed with great anger. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he spoke.
"That's it? He tried to kill Biya just because he didn't like you two together? Where the fuck is he?!"
"He's been taken by the police." His face went from anger to shocked and then to relief in a flash.
"He is? He's arrested? You put your own grandfather to jail?" I sighed and nodded.
"Yes Sir. He deserved it. He put Biya into so much pain and suffering. He maybe my grandfather but he hurt the one I love." I said and he slowly back away. He pushed his hair back and stood there for a second.
"So what happens now? Have you told your parents?"
"No, Sir. Not yet." He sighed.
"Well, thank you for making him accountable. It must be hard for you right now." He patted my shoulder and I nodded. Looking down on the floor, I cannot bear the weight of having my grandpa live freely while Biya suffered.
"It is."
"Thank you, Emil." I must have heard him wrong. I quickly looked at him. He had a small smile on his face. He patted my shoulder again.
"I mean it. Thank you. You cannot put all the blame on yourself for things you cannot control. I just hope Biya is going to be okay." His eyes watered as he spoke those last words. He went to his wife and hugged her tight. Nyle stood up and came to me.
"What are you going to do now? There must be a way to save her... to make her walk again." I wiped my tears away and sucked up the courage to face everything.
"The doctors are trying their best, sweetie." Signora Lorena spoke while sniffing.
"I'll do my best to fix everything. I'll be right back." I said and went outside. Taking a few minutes, I composed myself and thought of ways to help Biya the best I could. There must be a way... Thinking of the possible things I can come up with, an idea popped in my head. A dangerous and risky idea. A gamble. I quickly went to Blaze's office again. Knocking on his door, I heard a faint "Come in".
"Oh Emil! I heard the news, bro. I'm sorry." He stood up from his seat and went to give me a quick hug with a pat on the back.
"Thanks, man... I am planning to help her as much as I could."
"Oh. Hmmm... We cannot transfer her now to a better facility although I have already a few recommendations in mind. They're in America though. With Biya's current condition, sadly, we can't give her a go yet."
"Yeah. I know. That's why I have another plan in mind."
"Oh? Let me hear it."
"How is the rehabilitation center doing here?"
"Hmmm... It's great but not best of the best. There are a lot of improvements needed and a lot- by a lot- I mean, A LOT of equipments needed to make it better. We're just at a capacity of like 40 patients right now. However, we can't do that because of financial means. Dotoressa O'Brien is trying to provide for everything in this hospital, ya know. Even though it's a great hospital, there are still some necessary things needed to make it better." He explained. Bingo!
"Uhm... Emil? Why are you smiling like that? Are you planning something? Oh God... You have a plan!" He exclaimed with a slight worry in his tone. I only smirked and got my phone to call Gabriel.
"What's up?" He immediately answered.
"I need a favor."
"Sure, amico mio. What is it?" He asked.
"I want to know the financial statement of the Salvare General Hospital."
"Okay. I'll give you the information in a few minutes." He replied before he hung up. This man and his power with information. It scares me that a man such as him could do this but again, it was for our own good.
"What are you planning to do, Emil?" Blaze asked in horror. He knew what I can do and with Gabriel involved, he must know that it would probably be about trouble and serious business.
"I'm going to save Biya's life."
A few minutes later, I got an email from Gabriel. I opened the document it had and read through it.
From: Gabriel Montessoro
Subject: Financial Statement
Heads up! They got cut off by funding because of the scandal Ezekiel has caused to Biya. Stakeholders don't want him as the next CEO of the hospital. They're on a tight budget right now.
What the fuck are you going to do?
I smiled at Gabriel's message.
To: Gabriel Montessoro
Subject: Thank you
You'll see. I'll tell you the reason why later. I need to go.
Once I read the entire document, I was sure I can do something for Biya.
"Blaze?"
"Yes?"
"Where's Dotoressa O'Brien's office? Can you lead me to her?" He shook his head.
"I am sensing something big is gonna happen."
"Oh. You'll see." He narrowed his eyes at me but helped me anyway. When we were in front of her office, I told him to go first.
"Hi Dotoressa. Are you busy?" I heard him speak the moment he was inside.
"Yes but I'll make time for you. What is it?"
"Signore Emilio Carini is outside. He wants to talk to you."
"Oh. Okay. Let him in." I heard them speak. Blaze's head pop by the door and gestured for me to come in.
"Signore Carini! It's an honor to have you here. How may I help you?" She stood from her seat and went to meet me halfway, her hand held forward for a handshake. I took it and we shook hands firmly.
"Please, have a seat." She gestured for Blaze and I to take a seat by the black sofa in the middle of her office. She went to sit on the sofa chair opposite to ours with the polished wooden table in between us.
"So, how can I help you?" She asked and I went down to business.
"It seems like you have been cut off by your major sponsors and investors." I started and her smile immediately dropped.
"Yes but I am trying to fix it. Everything will be alright soon." She let out a nervous laugh.
"What if you can fix it now?" Her eyes widened both in confusion and nervousness.
"What do you mean?" She asked in a whisper. Taking out my blank cheque pad I have with me all the time from my suit jacket, I took one out and set it in front of her.
"Name your price, Miss O'Brien. I'm going to buy your hospital and make it a hundred times better with the healthcare services."
"You're buying the hospital?!" Blaze exclaimed beside me and I nodded at him with all seriousness in my face.
"Yes. I know now that Biya cannot be transported to America right now so I want to bring the best services here. And I also have one more condition."
"W-What is it?"
"Ezekiel will never step inside this hospital again." I told her. She noticed her swallow before taking the cheque with trembling hands.
"You seem to have underestimated the price of this hospital, Mr. Carini. Do you think you can afford this hospital in the blink of an eye?" I arched a brow at her.
"How so?"
"This hospital is worth 800 million dollars." She spoke with such pride and confidence. I smiled.
"Okay. Great. Blaze. Give me a pen." My friend quickly gave me one. Taking the blank cheque, I wrote on it.
"DUDE! WHAT THE FUCK?!" Blaze exclaimed again the moment I finished writing. Giving the cheque to her again, she went pale and she slumped on her chair.
"1.5 billion dollars for your hospital and keep the change. Put it into funding more equipment here. Make sure Biya receives the best medical care and the best therapy there is. I'll have my people contact the medical group I know in the U.S. I'm sure they will be willing to provide their services here for quite a while and train everyone here. Biya needs the best of the best. Do you hear me?" I told her and she drew out a shaky breath before nodding. I will do whatever it takes to save Biya and this is what I am good at... money. I will make sure she will get better and get the help she needed.
EMIL DOING BUSINESS IS SCARYYYYY. Hello hello! How are you all? Hope you're doing well because me... haha not good. Been sick a couple of times now lol. Anyway, here it is! This is a very long chapter and it tackled so much of the issues in this story. Comment your thoughts down below and don't forget to vote. The story is ending soon. Thank you for staying with me in this rollercoaster ride.
Love you all!
- L
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