Husband With Benefits
Chapter 410: The Strike

Chapter 410: The Strike

Isabella sat on the stiff hospital chair, the screen of her phone illuminated with an image of their happier times, a stark contrast to the current tense atmosphere. Her fingers traced the edges of a particularly cherished photo, just before the return of Emerald, with her parents hugging her from both sides as she stood betweent hem with a wide smile on her face. How long had it been since she had seen her mother smile openly like that or her father look at her with that soft gaze?

As she thought of that time, even now, she could feel the heavy gaze of her father, seated on the opposite side of the corridor. His eyes bore into her, filled with accusation as if she were responsible for her mother’s current condition. Any attempt to meet his gaze or ask him anything were met with a cold, unwavering glare. She took a deep breath, focusing on the photos on her phone to shield herself from the unspoken accusations. She did not recognise this man anymore. The father who had loved her was long gone.

Just as she was rthinkig of leaving the oppressive atmosphere, the doors to the operating room were opened and the doctor stepped out, calling their name. She stood beside her father, and even as they waited for the doctor to say something, her father seemed to want to throw out of there. She raised her chin and made no move to budge. She was going to find out her mother’s condition, whether he liked it or not.

"Mrs. Ruffalo is out of immediate danger. We’ve stabilized her condition, she just needed a few stitches and will have a minor concussion but otherwise she is doing well, and she’ll be moved to a regular room shortly," the doctor announced.

Relief washed over Isabella, her shoulders visibly relaxing as the weight on her chest lifted. She bowed her head and thanked the lord that her mother was fine. Meanwhile, Gio Ruffalo turned to talk to his daughter but Emerald stopped him, his tone gentle yet persuasive, "Dad, why don’t you go home and get some rest? I’ll stay here with Isabella. The doctors will let us know when Aunt Eliza is moved to a regular room. She will need you to be healthy to take care of her when she wakes up."

Gio’s stern expression softened, and after a reluctant nod, he moved, casting one final disapproving look at Isabella before warning," Don’t trust anyone else to take care of her. I will return in the morning. You can ask the visitor to leave." With than, the older man walked out of the hospital, while Isabella simply collapsed on the bench.

Her father’s words had hurt her. She was a visitor? Did he think she could not take care of her mother? Or she would refuse to? Just how little did he trust her? Or maybe she should ask just how low did he think she could stoop?

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Emerald sat next to her and sighed," It’s going to be okay, Isabella. Aunt is strong; she’ll pull through."

Isabella managed a weak smile but felt the weight of his presence intensify her discomfort. She wasn’t used to his kindness anymore. This closeness felt invasive in the midst of her weakened emotions. She stood up, pacing to the window, her body language defensive.

Emerald watched her with concern, sensing her unease. "Isabella, what’s going on? You’ve been through a lot, but I’m here for you. I know I’ve done things that make me unworthy of being your brother, but trust me, everything will be fine."

She took a deep breath, turning to face him. "Emerald, I just need a moment. I’ll feel better when Mom is moved to a regular room. Please don’t mind me."

"Alright. I’ll go and get some coffee for you."

Isabella sighed and was about to refuse but he’d already walked away. Just then, her phone rang, and a deeper sigh escaped her. It was Ian. She longed to talk to him, yet the knowledge that her father harbored blame toward both her and Ian for her mother’s situation left her feeling emotionally fragile. She decided it might be best to postpone the conversation, fearing that speaking with Ian now might break her down completely.

Decisively, she put the phone on silent mode and slipped it into her purse. Not now. She would talk to him later, when she was sure that she would not end up crying like a new born baby.

When Emerald returned with the coffee, she took it with a sigh, letting the warmth of the plastic cup, warm her hands. This time, Emerald stood away from her and she was thankful for it. She did not want to be close to him.

She looked down at the coffee and was about to sip it, when Emerald broke the silence," Isabella, have you ever wondered why Dad finds it so easy to believe the worst about you? Even in moments like this?"

When Isabella said nothing, Emerald cocked his head and continued," I mean, sure, he doesn’t think you have a good character because of your slu**y ways but why does he look at you as if you are responsible for every trouble he has? Even after you have done everything you can to not trouble him?"

Isabella stiffened and turned around. Gone was the man who has pretending concern a few moments ago. He now smiled at her in a way that sent shivers down her spine.

"Now, for example, this accident. It wasn’t your fault that your mother wanted to convince dad to send me to the rehab, was it? But she met with an accident and the blame for it fell on you... while you were unaware of what was transpiring.

"Emerald, what are you talking about?" Isabella asked cautiously, her unease growing with each passing moment.

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, ominous whisper. "You see, Isabella, there are some things that your boyfriend cannot shield you from. The pain of losing your mother is one of them. Isn’t it?"

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freew𝒆(b)novel.c(o)m Only