CHAPTER 14 - I HAD TO SAY SOMETHING
I felt a sudden chill. I realized he was furious, but couldn't understand why. I knew he was always this cold, but why did he seem so displeased with me?
I started feeling annoyed at him again, and thankfully the car finally arrived.
The thought that I wouldn't be this close to Theo anymore and wouldn't feel his icy gaze was such a relief to me. I wasn't sure, but I think I prefer the heated argument than the icy chill of his silence.
Especially if I didn't know what was wrong, or what he was thinking. His silence was more unnerving than his angry words.
The driver got out of the car and opened the back seat door. Theo then gently put me down and closed the door without looking at me.
He was talking to the driver, maybe telling him some instructions or something like that. It's hard to tell, I couldn't hear them. The only thing I could do was wait and see what happened.
Well, Theo must be really pissed off that he didn't want to share the ride with me. It left me feeling both puzzled and anxious, wondering how I upset him so much.
Then again, maybe it was for a different reason?
Was he still thinking about the Don's punishment? I knew it was hard for him to accept these consequences, especially if he wasn't at fault. But, I didn't expect him to act so coldly towards me because of that.
All of this could have been prevented if I had just listened and followed his rules.
But then, this didn't sit right for me. Why should I take responsibility for this entirely?
If only he had been a good husband to begin with, I wouldn't have escaped and treated myself to a good night out with my best friend.
Honestly, even though it was my fault, we should share the blame.
But still, guilt weighs heavy on my chest. I can't seem to shake it off, no matter how hard I think of this as a shared responsibility.
It's just so annoying that I didn't fulfill my mission of clearing Theo's name to the Don. I planned to talk to him and tell him I was at fault too. This was to get rid of this guilt, and to somehow help Theo's standing or reputation at the Don.
But no, none of those plans happened. I had come at the wrong time. The Don was already talking to Theo, and to make things worse, it was a topic I doubt anyone would be happy to hear.
I had to run away from that, too annoyed and angry to hear the rest of it.
And then, as if luck had abandoned me, this happened. I stumbled down the stairs and injured myself.
Well, maybe luck didn't leave me completely. I was still saved from a more serious injury.
That's all thanks to Lukas!
Lukas.
At least he cared, unlike my husband.
I looked out and saw Theo still outside. Despite not seeing his face, it was clear from his body language that he was annoyed. I saw him walk away from the car in a quick stride, and I felt a sudden sense of sadness as I watched him leave.
What?
I looked away and gritted my teeth in annoyance.
Although I had already thought of the possibility that he wouldn't be coming home with me, seeing it happen still left a sting in my heart. At the back of my mind, I was hopeful, but was left feeling disappointed as always.
I groaned, feeling the frustration building up again.
It would have been nice if you had at least made sure I got home safely and left whenever you wanted to.
I looked at my injured foot and tried to move it, but the pain was so bad.
The driver finally got inside the car and started the engine.
The frustration inside of me grew stronger. Not so sure if it was from my injury, Theo's lack of concern, or both.
I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, trying to push back the feeling.
I tried to divert my attention and think about how I will look after myself once I get home. Though I knew Theo had already given instructions about it and stuff to someone.
But, what else can I do to let these frustrations out of my system?
"Is everything okay?"
Startled, my eyes flew open as I heard that deep familiar voice. I may have been lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice someone opening the door from the other side.
I quickly composed myself and took a deep breath before turning to face him.
"Why do you look so surprised?" Theo asked with a raised eyebrow. He didn't wait for me to answer, he got in the car and sat down already. Then, the car started moving.
I gawked at him, my mind buzzed with questions. I was left wondering what was going on and why he was suddenly in the car with me.
I didn't expect you to be here.
That's what I wanted to tell him. But I was too stunned by the fact that he was actually here when I was so sure awhile ago that he already left me in someone else's hands.
"Stop looking at me like that." Theo said in a low voice, then he picked up my feet gently and put them on his lap. I was caught off guard. My heart raced as I tried to process what was happening. I wanted to turn away, but I couldn't. I just stared at him, overwhelmed by his gesture that I was at a loss for words.
"You need to elevate your feet to stop the swelling." He said. He then put an ice pack on my injured foot. I couldn't deny I felt special and cared for in that moment. Even though he told me that he was being protective of me because it was his responsibility, I couldn't help but feel touched at this moment.
Responsibility or not, at least there was something, right?
I guess it's just a matter of boundaries. I shouldn't think beyond that. He was only doing what he was asked for, what he was expected to do, nothing more.
And love wasn't even in the equation. I should be firm with that.
The fact that he cares about my well-being should be enough. I should be content.
"Thank you," I said.
Theo looked at me and nodded. "Does it hurt?"
"It's bearable," I told him.
I could imagine the kind of treatment the others receive similiar to my situation. Being arranged to marry a mafia boss. Not all pleasant I guess.
At least with Theo, I could guarantee safety and security. Something they promised my grandfather.
That should be enough.
I consider myself lucky then.
My smile spread across my face as I turned to look out the window. Then I realized it wasn't the way home, so I turned to him and asked where we were going.
"Where else? To the hospital, of course." Theo replied as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.
"Hospital?"
"That's where someone goes when they're injured," Theo explained.
"I know what a hospital is, Theo." I tried to keep my eyes from rolling. He was being over protective, but I didn't need it.
But then, I appreciate the gesture though, and I had to bite my lip to keep from smiling. "Why do you think I need to go there? There's nothing to worry about, it's just a sprain. You can even treat this with just ice."
He waved away my words. "We can't be sure it's just a sprain," he said. "You need to get checked out just in case. I won't risk it." He spoke with finality, and I knew that there was no use arguing.
Why was I amused seeing him like this? I had to admit, I was enjoying his overprotectiveness. I felt strangely comforted by his protective nature.
He really is the scorpion.
My heart swelled with warmth and affection, and I couldn't help but smile.
I felt like a teenager in love for the first time - all fluttery inside and too shy to look into his eyes. And the way Theo gently massaged my foot sent a thrill through my body.
I felt my cheeks flush and my heart racing.
Stop it, Lia.
I scolded myself.
Boundaries. I reminded myself.
"Besides," Theo drawled, there was a pause after.
I looked at him, and his expression suddenly changed. "The way you lost your balance makes me think it's more than just a sprain. I think you may have torn something."
I was staring at him, still feeling confused about the change in his demeanor. He didn't glance at my direction. His eyes were fixed on my ankle as he continued to examine it.
Theo tilted his head backwards and sighed deeply. "Good thing Lukas was fast enough to catch you before you fell, huh?" He said. His voice cold and emotionless.
What?
Theo turned to me, this time with nothing but coldness in his eyes as he stared at me. I felt a chill run down my spine as I looked at him. My heart pounding in my chest, and all the giddyness I had felt only moments before had vanished.
I could feel the weight of his gaze on me and knew I had to say something.
I tried to recall his last words, and all I could remember was the part of Lukas being fast enough to catch me.
And then, my eyes widened as realization hit me.
How long did he stand there watching us before he showed up?
-END OF CHAPTER 14-
A/N: I hope you're enjoying this story so far! What do you want to see next in the next chapter?
This story is now on Chapter 20 on my Patreon Account: notjustarandomgirl.
***If you've read what happened there already, don't spoil it for others please. :)