MAYELI.
As we waited anxiously for news from the doctor, the door to the emergency unit swung open, catching our attention.
"How's he doing, Doctor Nelson?" Adam hurried towards the doctor emerging from the unit, his voice laced with concern.
"Thank goodness you brought him in early. We would have lost him," Doctor Albert informed us, his expression sombre despite the news of Dane's improved condition.
A sense of unease settled over me, sensing that something was amiss even in the midst of the relief that Dane was going to be okay.
"Is there anything else wrong?" I inquired further, my curiosity piqued as I searched for answers.
"He drank a lot and will need to rest for a bit before resuming his duties. He shouldn't be stressed," Doctor Albert advised, and I nodded in feigned concern, masking my true feelings towards Dane.
"You can go in and see him now. I'm sure he's waiting for you," the doctor added before departing, leaving Adams and me alone in the hallway.
As Adam made his way towards Dane's room, I followed closely behind. Stepping into the room, my heart sank at the sight of Dane lying weakly on the bed.
"Sir, are you okay?" Adam rushed to Dane's side, his voice filled with genuine concern and worry.
It was evident that Adam cared deeply for Dane, perhaps even more than Scarlet did.
"She called you to the room, didn't she?" Dane's voice cut through the air, his gaze shifting towards me.
He seemed to ignore Adam's inquiries about his well-being.
"She saved you, Dane... tonight could have been the end for you," Adam acknowledged, bowing his head respectfully.
"If she saved me, then my illness shouldn't be exposed, right?" Dane continued, his eyes still fixed on me. He didn't waver in his gaze, and I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine.
Feeling uneasy under his intense scrutiny, I found myself at a loss for words.
Staring into his eyes, I realised that Dane was just a man, and yet I had expected so much more from him.
"I'm sure no one will hear about it. She's been by my side this whole time," Adam reassured, but the damage had already been done. It was too late for such assurances to ease the tension that hung in the air.
"We can't trust her, Adam," Dane's sudden declaration left me bewildered, unsure of what he was implying.
"I'm being asked to give up the company, Adam! The order has been sent, and if we don't do anything about it, I'll be a broke billionaire from the day I got married!" Dane's words struck fear into my heart, sending shivers down my spine.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I hadn't uttered a word to anyone about Dane's illness, yet somehow, the news had reached his company.
"Did you do this, Mayeli?" Adam turned to me, his eyes searching for answers.
"I didn't do it, Adam! I've been with you all night. How could I possibly do such a thing?" I protested, my voice filled with disbelief and desperation, but Dane remained unconvinced.
"She did it, Adam! She came for the money, and I bet she'll do anything to get it! She's a gold digger, just like the others," Dane scoffed, his words dripping with sarcasm and contempt. His accusation only fueled my anger further.
I couldn't believe his audacity. He was the one who flaunted his lover in the same hotel room meant for us on our wedding night, and now he was accusing me of being a gold digger.
"I helped you out, and this is your way of saying thank you? I knew you could be many things, but I never believed you to be this delusional!" I snapped, my voice trembling with fury as I confronted him.
"How dare you!?" Dane began to rise from the bed to confront me, but he suddenly clutched his head in pain, his weakness evident.
"Dane, you shouldn't stress yourself," Adam urged, attempting to make him stay put, but Dane brushed him aside, determined to confront me.
"She has to cover up for what she did, Adam! She will be reporting for duty at the company from tomorrow! No matter what, no one must know about my illness... not even my father," Dane stated firmly before reclining back onto his bed.
My heart sank at the mention of Dane's father. It was clear that Dane was determined not to disappoint him, and as his bride, I felt a sense of responsibility to do what was right.
"But she can't go out there yet, Dane! She's still..." Adam began to interject on my behalf, but I knew what needed to be done.
"I'll do it. If speaking up will prove my innocence, then I'm willing to do so!" I declared, my fists clenched in determination as I glared at Dane.