Chapter 44
Chapter 44:
Alice burst into the lounge after hearing the uproar.
She froze at the sight of David lying motionless on the floor, then let out a panicked scream. “What have you done to my husband p>
Adrian shot her a look as cold as steel. “Move out of my way,” he said, not raising his voice.
A shiver went through Alice, and she stepped aside without even thinking.
When Adrian strode away with Sophie in his arms, Alice finally snapped out of it and rushed to David’s side.
Sophie caught the last of David’s wild shouts echoing down the hall. “You’re nothing but trash! I want a divorce! Stay away from me p>
Once they reached the car, Adrian gently settled Sophie inside and told the driver, “Take us to the hospital p>
𝖯о𝗉𝘂l𝖺r s𝘁𝗈𝗿𝗂𝘦s 𝗈𝗻 𝗀𝗮lո𝗈𝘷𝘦𝗅ѕ.𝘤оm
Sophie shook her head, clearing her throat before she spoke. Though her words were quiet and rough, she tried to sound sure of herself. “It’s not that bad. I just need some ointment. It’ll heal p>
Adrian ignored her, his gaze fixed on the bruises that stood out starkly against her neck. The marks had shifted from bright red to deep purple. The sight of them sent a slow, painful throb through Adrian’s chest, his heart tightening with every beat.
With a tense sigh, he rubbed his temples, wishing he had done even more to David.
“We’re getting you checked out. No arguments,” Adrian said, his tone brooking no debate.
Sophie glanced over at him, noticing the hard set of his jaw and the storm simmering behind his eyes. She knew better than to argue and kept her thoughts to herself.
At the hospital, the doctor assured them it was nothing more than bruising and suggested using warm compresses while recovering at home.
Adrian said nothing as he reached for Sophie and gently lifted her into his arms once more.
Sophie protested weakly, her words barely more than a whisper. “The doctor said I’m okay. I can walk just fine p>
Adrian acted like he didn’t hear her. He only held her closer.
He brought Sophie all the way back home, carefully placing her on the couch. Then he went straight to the kitchen and put some water on to boil an egg.
Sophie tried to open her mouth to speak more than once, but the rigid set of Adrian’s jaw and the heavy tension in the room kept her quiet.
Once the egg was ready, Adrian brushed off Sophie’s attempt to take over. He pulled her onto his lap, and with a careful touch, he rolled the peeled egg across the bruises on her neck. He looked every bit in control, but the way his hands moved revealed a tenderness he couldn’t quite hide.
“Does it hurt?” Adrian asked, his voice just above a whisper.
Sophie started to shake her head, but when the egg found the most tender spot, her hand shot up, clutching his shirt without thinking.
Adrian noticed right away and softened his movements, his brow creasing with concern.
Watching him work so carefully, Sophie found herself staring at the way the light caught his lashes, casting a faint shadow across his face.
The steady warmth of the egg did wonders for the pain, relaxing the knot in her neck.
Out of nowhere, Adrian broke the silence. “Is there something you want to say to me p>
Blinking in confusion, Sophie asked, “How did you even end up there p>
He nearly laughed, caught off guard by her question. Was that seriously all she cared about right now?
Adrian kept rolling the egg over her bruises. “My boss had me at a meeting at that hotel. Didn’t expect to run into you p>
Sophie’s panic slipped through. “What about work? Did I mess things up for you p>
Adrian stopped her from sitting up, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine. I took the day off. My boss actually loaned me his car and driver p>
Her voice dropped to a whisper as she looked down. “Sorry p>
Adrian lifted her chin so their eyes met, his voice gentler now. “What are you apologizing for p>
The truth was, when Adrian realized Sophie had dressed up to meet her ex, something inside him snapped. He had followed her to the hotel without a second thought.
As the car had rolled to a stop, he rubbed his temples, frustrated with himself. He never lost control like this.
The moment he saw Sophie and David standing together, it was like his legs acted on their own. He watched them slip into a room. For a second, pure rage clouded his mind.
He tried to convince himself he just wanted answers, that any husband would react the same way if their wife met her ex behind their back.
Then, hearing Sophie’s faint cry for help through the door, he felt his heart seize up. As he burst through, every ounce of anger vanished, replaced by overwhelming relief that he had shown up in time.
Even now, the fear lingered. If he had hesitated for just a moment…
His thumb brushed softly along her jawline. “Are you sure you don’t have anything else to say to me p>
His voice was barely above a whisper. “Like maybe… who was that guy p>