Chapter 76 Chapter 76
Chapter 76 Chapter 76
"You might put the company he worked so hard to build at risk.”
My fist hardened at her statement, as if I were a huge burden to my husband. From the way she spoke, it felt like I was some kind of villain who would cause Hendeix’s downfall.
“I just gave him food. What’s wrong with that, Roan?” I snapped before storming back into the villa. She followed after me.
“He’s my husband, and I am his wife! Is it wrong for me to be affectionate and ask him to eat with me? He won’t be able to come home again, will he? Because it’s my fault! Because I got drunk last night! Because he had to pick me up! Because I became a burden to him! Did I even ask to be fetched? I didn’t, did I? He did that out of his own free will—just like how I cooked breakfast for him earlier! So why are you making it sound like it’s something bad?!”
“That’s not what I meant, Miss Jade. I’m not your enemy. I’m just worried because I value everything Mr. Lavarre has worked hard for. Without him, my brother and I wouldn’t have anything. We owe him a great deal, so when we see something that could threaten his success, we do everything we can to protect it,” she said in her defense.
I faced her, disbelief written all over my face. “Then am I a threat?! Do you think I’m nothing but a huge obstacle to Hendeix?! You don’t know how grateful I am that he saved me! He saved me too, Roan—not just you! And if I do anything for him, it’s because I want to show how thankful I am, especially after what happened yesterday!”
Tears finally fell down my cheeks. The heavy weight in my chest that I had been trying to hide spilled out on its own. Why have I been arguing so much these past few days? Will I never run out of fights in this world? Does everything always have to turn into an argument?
I grabbed my bag and my keys. No matter how many times Roan called after me, she couldn’t stop me. I got into my car and sped away from Sky Villa.
I had no intention of going to a bar this early, and Hendeix would surely find me right away if I did. I don’t want him to find me and see me like this. He needs to focus on his company. Besides, I’m sure Roan wouldn’t immediately tell him that I left—it was she who said she didn’t want Hendeix to have any distractions.
At times like this, I wish I had a job—something to occupy my mind so it wouldn’t be eaten away by all these thoughts.
I decided to go home because I had no other choice. I had nowhere else to go but my house. But when I was just a block away, I received a call from Dr. Apolinaris. I quickly made a U-turn and headed to the coffee shop where she wanted to meet.
“Doc. Jade! I’m so glad you agreed to meet me!” she greeted loudly. I covered my face when people started looking at me—she had practically announced my name to everyone.
I walked up to her quickly. Of all the seats she could’ve chosen, she picked the one I liked best—the corner table. I’ll give her that. She did well there.
“Why did you want to talk to me?” I asked as I sat across from her. She was about to answer when the waiter approached and served our drinks.
“Black coffee,” I commented.
“Yes, I noticed that’s all you ever drink. Would you like something else? How about pasta and cake?” she offered.
“Black coffee is fine, though I usually drink this in the morning,” I explained.
“Ah, right! Our medical missions are always in the morning, so I’ve only ever seen you drink black coffee. Anyway, if you want something else, we can always change it.”
“No, it’s okay. Actually, I’d prefer wine—but it’s still too early.”
“Then let’s order tiramisu instead?” she asked with a smile, not even waiting for my answer. She called the waiter and ordered a slice of tiramisu. A moment later, it arrived. We both took a bite, and it was really good. It had a hint of alcohol, which I liked. The sweetness complemented the black coffee perfectly.
“So… why did you call me again?”
"Uhmm… well, Doc. Jade,” she began. “I know you don’t see me as a friend, and I was even more worried that you might dislike me even more after what happened, but I want to sincerely apologize for my unprofessionalism. I was the one who invited you to join our medical mission, yet I failed to inform you in advance that your mom would be there. I was actually told very late myself. That same day, I was surprised to find out that Doc. Solieza was coming too. With so many instructions being thrown at me, I completely forgot to get back to you. Even when you arrived, it didn’t immediately register that your mom was there. I’m really, truly sorry, Doc. Jade.”