The hospital smelled like antiseptic and second chances.
I walked beside Damien, the echo of our footsteps muffled by the polished floor Every corridor we passed reminded me of the nights I had spent here on the edge of panic — waiting for news, clutching paperwork, wondering how I would ever pay bills that kept doubling like shadows.
But today felt different. Today i wasn't walking to and fro as the desperate daughter of a failing man. Today i was Damien Blackwell's wife.
The thought sat heavy in my chest.
But I waved it off, it's for the better.
What is the worse that could happen anyways?
My dad would be in health today with no fear whatsoever, that's all that matters at this point.
He has already been wheeled into the theater few hours ago, And I'm sure he's been prepped right now.
I paced around not knowing what to do right now.
I mumbled few prayer in my head.
Damien looked and me smiled and faced his work quickly without saying a word.
I paced a little more before joining Damien to sit though my whole body was shaking.
Damien sat calm and immovable scrolling through his phone as if business couldn't pause for human suffering.
"How can you work right now?" I asked, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
He didn't look up. "Because that's how I survive. Work keeps me from thinking too much."
"About what?"
"About everything I can't control." His voice was quiet, almost lost under the buzz of the lights.
I looked at him, surprised. "You mean like this surgery?"
His eyes turned to mine, dark and sharp. "Like this marriage."
My breath caught. "So you regret it already?"
"I don't regret deals," he said. "Regret is for people who don't understand consequences. I make choices. I live with them."
Spoken like a businessman, I muttered.
He leaned closer, his tone sharpening. "Spoken like a man who doesn't have the luxury of failure. You think I can afford mistakes, Eva? One misstep, and everything I've built comes crashing down. That's why trust doesn't come easy for me."
My pulse quickened. "And you don't trust me."
"I don't know you," Damien admitted. His honesty was brutal, but not cruel. "All I know is you had the courage to bargain with me in a hospital corridor. That makes you dangerous. I haven't decided yet if that's a good thing."
The words stung, but beneath them I heard something else — a reluctant respect.
Before I could open my mouth to say a word.
The nurse ran by..
Too fast, A fast that screamed something is off.
She didn't look at us, she just moved past is and then came another prodding her behind.
I and Damien exchange glances if confusion.
I stood up sharply calling out on the last one but no answer.
Is everything okay, I asked myself.
I walked towards the theater room hastenly.
Damien tried to stop me but I snatched my hands before he could get a hold of it
It's unprofessional and against the rules Eva you know that he called out.
Then someone should address what the tension is.
You need to hold up I'm sure they'll when the time comes.
I didn't listen my ear was already at the door of the theatre when the door flew open and I saw my dad in a pool of blood the doctor was at one end calling out to the nurse that ran past me leaving me with too many "what ifs" running like a scattered marketers inside my heard.
I screamed and Damien ran toward me.
What are you doing here! The doctor fired with his eyes wide open and his gloves covered with blood, his head filled with sweat admits the air conditioner present
Damien pulled me back with his hand trying to cover my mouth.
I tried breaking free but he was stronger.
The door shut closed and the nurses ran past me again.
One stopped and tried to calm me down briefly before disappearing.
I sat down looking around angry and exhausted at the same time.
Damien looked at me and shoke his head.
Why? I asked angrily.
Nothing, he replied "no energy for a fight please" he said slowly afterwards. But I heard him.
You shouldn't have held me, No you shouldn't have done that Eva.
This is a hospital anything can happen and that might spoil the hospitals reputation.
They where only doing there job, that area you trespassed was out of bounds and I'm sure you know what that means.
I was scared no one was answering me and…
The doctor came out and I stopped talking.
He ushered us into his office.
And he explained all that happened.
I was ashamed and apologized for my misbehavior, Damien apologized also.
It's okay young lady, I know you where scared, everyone in your situation would be.
But that doesn't mean you did the right thing.
Anyways, your dad is fine and recuperating very good.
Can I see him.
Of course miss.
But he is sleeping now, the anesthesia given to him hasn't still left his system.
But hopefully he will be awake before midnight.
We both walked out the office, I entered the room my dad was put in for a rest and Damien followed me.
I see little resemblance now, I smiled shyly.
before I could answer, Silas appeared at the doorway. His face was as composed as always, but his voice carried tension. Mr. Blackwell, there's a problem. A reporter's sniffing around. They've caught wind of the marriage."
I stiffened. "What?"
Damien's expression darkened. "Already?"
Silas nodded. "Someone leaked it. They're waiting outside the hospital right now. If they catch a photo of you two here together"
"It'll look like a charity stunt," Damien finished grimly. His eyes met mine . "Are you ready for that?"
She blinked, heart racing. "Do I have a choice?"
He gave a short, bitter laugh. "Nahh, Not anymore."