Chapter 11 Selfish Intentions
Emelia’s POV
“For once, would it kill you to believe in the truth?” I asked
A few beats of silence passed between us and at first, I couldn’t read Victor’s expression. There was no sign of inner conflict or consideration to what I’d just told him.
Then, it seemed like the dots were trying to connect, as Victor frowned at me. “What are you talking about? Lily would never lie to me about something so serious.”
“There’s no way you’re being serious, right? She literally called me an “annoying telemarketer trying to scam you.
I recalled Lily’s words and repeated them with a hiss.
“Emelia.” Victor’s tone was low.
What was he going to say now?
But the door was opened abruptly by someone I didn’t expect, with a sobbing that I am familiar with and hate “I know you doubt me but things didn’t like the case!”
It was Lily. She almost cried, she was so wronged.
“Victor, you will believe me, right?
“What a surprise. Unable to take accountability for your actions? How are you not tired of keeping up with this charade?” I rolled my eyes.
Victor moved to the other side of my bed and took my hand “Are you sure that’s what happened? Do you think that the car accident affected your memory in any way? Lily, could you call Dr. McKnight and ask him to make sure Emelia’s okay?”
I scoffed. “You’re still defending Lily? I’ve never given you any reason to doubt me, yet you somehow manage to do so every damn time.”
“I’m not saying I don’t believe you.”
“But you’re not saying you do.”
Before Victor could say anything else, Dr. McKnight walked through the door. Alexis stepped back so he could examine me.
“You must be Mr. Russo.” The doctor greeted him politely. It’s a pleasure to meet you, although I wish circumstances were different.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Victor nodded. “What updates do you lave for me in terms of Emelia’s injuries? Has she sustained anything relating to her head? She told me some things but I just want to rule out that her memory hasn’t been affected by the trauma of the crash.”
“Emelia’s scans came back perfectly normal. Despite the crash, the most she sustained was bruising along her torso, along with a few stitches along her arms where the glass cut her.” The doctor explained. “No internal bleeding, nor any head trauma.‘
“That’s a relief to hear.” Victor smiled softly. “Still… I don’t understand how I hadn’t been called about all this.”
“What are your qualifications? Lily interjected and crossed her arms. “How can you possibly say that a car crash caused no brain injury? Are you sure you know what you’re talking about?”
13
Chapter 11 – Selfish Inte
+25 BONUS
“Well, I’d imagine after four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and then another five for my residency, I’d be qualified.” The doctor huffed impatiently.
“Besides,” the doctor added, turning his attention back to Victor. “We did attempt to call you. The first few times, we left messages. However, one of our nurses was able to get a hold of someone–a secretary, if I’m not mistaken.
Victor’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Secretary? Rosalle? She left town to visit her parents. I don’t have a secretary at night-
It was then that Victor looked at Lily. The gears in his head were starting to turn, it seemed like.
Lily stood in the corner of the room, fidgeting under the weight of Victor’s scrutiny. “L.. I can explain…”
“Oh, this should be good.” I raised a brow.
“The first time Emelia did call…” Lily’s voice trailed. “I mean, it was her number, but no one was saying anything! I thought that maybe someone spoofed her number and was playing a prank on you.”
Alexis snickered. “Oh, how convenient.”
“Then,” Lily raised her voice, “as you were taking me home, I just wanted to make sure that you were focused on the road because it was so dark, so I put your phone on silent…”
I rolled my eyes. It was truthfully stunning just to see how compulsive lying came so easy to her.
“You seem to have explanations for everything.” I prodded “And what about pretending to be his secretary?”
“I…” Lily’s voice quaked,
“Don’t think too hard.” Alexis clicked her tongue.
“I didn’t understand all the medical words!” Lily snapped. “But I told them I’d take the message and give it to Victor as soon as I could!”
I rubbed my eyebrows as a headache started to form. Even just listening to her lie was taking more energy out of me! This was so absurd!
Victor let out a heavy sigh. “You should’ve just told me from the beginning, Lily. These were serious circumstances.”
Lily stomped her foot and threw up her arms. “It’s not my fault! So much happened last night and I just forgot! I-
“Forgot? To tell someone else’s husband about his wife being in the hospital?” Alexis scowled.
“Shut up!” Lily yelled as her face turned bright red, “You have no idea what I’m going through! This isn’t even your concern anyway!”
“I’m Emelia’s best friend, homewrecker! It’s exactly my concern!” Alexis screamed just as loud.
Lily broke out into tears and wailed like a child. Alexis continued to stand up for me as she raised her voice to make Lily hear the magnitude of her actions.
As much as it warmed my heart, it was also giving me a massive headache.
Stop!” Victor’s voice boomed like thunder.
The room suddenly went still.
2/3
Chapter 11–Selfish intentions
+25 BONUS
Victor’s eyes landed on Lily as his body tensed. “What you did was selfish and completely disrespectful! You thought of no one else aside from yourself when you decided to keep information about Emelia’s accident from me. What if things had gone worse?!”
mus
The hair on my skin stood as the air around me became charged. This was the first time Victor has actually scolded Lily like an actual adult.
“But Victor…” Lily whimpered. “I’m sorry… I really didn’t mean for things to go like this-”
“Save it.” Victor took a deep breath and softened his voice a little. “Please, just go back to your apartment. I need time to think, and clearly so do you. We’ll talk about this later.”
Lily stood frozen as her eyes welled with tears. She looked to the doctor–who had been patiently watching everything unfold–for any type of reassurance. But she received none.
Lily grumbled in frustration and stomped out the room, leaving the three of us in an awkward, silent room.
“Well…” The doctor was the first to break the silence. “Should you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call, okay?”
“Thank you, Dr. McKnight. Truly.” I replied.
He gave me a soft smile then left us alone.
“Alexis…” Victor spoke softly. “If you’d please allow me some privacy with Emelia, I’d appreciate it.” Alexis looked at me for reassurance and I nodded my head. “I hear the cafeteria’s salads aren’t that bad.” Alexis smiled at me but glared at Victor as she backed out of the room and softly shut the door.
Now it was just the two of us. I looked up to meet Victor’s gaze, although my expression remained as still as a statue. Silence enveloped the room, but even a well–sharpened blade couldn’t cut through the tension in the air. “I… I think it’s time we had a talk.” Victor broke the silence.
Chapter 13–Canng for the
