Bonus - The Billionaire's friends – Paul and Madison – Fifteen

Bonus - The Billionaire's friends – Paul and Madison – Fifteen
Paul’s POV

Dinner with Morgan was great. She has always had a way of calming me down during difficult times. When we were in school, I used to tease her; it was her pixie dust. Now, I’m glad for her pixie dust.

My phone went off. The doctor at the hospital had said he would let me know when Madison was out of surgery. He texted me that she was out of the operating room, but was in the observation room briefly.

“We need to get back to the hospital,” I advised Morgan. “Madison is out of surgery.”

“Thank God!” Morgan exclaimed. “See, I told you she was a tough girl.”

“Yes, my girl is a warrior,” I grinned.

Morgan squealed, “That sounds so good that you have a girlfriend.”

We made our way back to the hospital and up to the VIP waiting lounge.

“Oh, Paul,” I was greeted by a tearful Angelica Duval. She ran to me and hugged me. I had met her twice when I had stayed over at the Duval mansion. She was a pleasant lady, but very concerned with her looks. Angelica could pass for Madison’s older sister, but only because I swear half of her is plastic.

“Mrs. Duval,” I replied. “She’s out of surgery, and the doctor will come talk to us soon.”

“Thank goodness Madison has you, Paul,” Angelica stated. “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to her.”

“She is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” I replied.

Just then, the surgeon walked into the room. “Mrs. Duval?” The doctor spoke. “I’m Dr. Alzec. I performed the surgery on Madison.”

“Oh, Dr. Alzec, thank you so much for saving my daughter’s life,” Angelica cried. “She’s my only child and I would be lost without her.”

“No thanks are needed. Please take a seat,” he said, motioning to the seating area. “Your daughter had substantial trauma to her lower back and abdominal area. We managed to remove the bullet. It was unfortunately very close to the spinal cord. We aren’t sure if Madison will have permanent paralysis in her legs or not. It’s really too early to tell.”

“Oh my god, my baby,” Angelica sobbed.

“Mrs. Duval, we will be able to assess Madison better when she’s awake. There is one more thing,” Dr. Alzec stated. “The bullet, after grazing the spine, ruptured her uterus. I’m afraid she won’t be able to bear children. We did manage to save her ovaries so that surrogacy would be a potential option. I’m so sorry.”

“Dr. Alzec, you did what was necessary to save Madison’s life,” I declared. “We are grateful to still have her with us. Thank you again for all your hard work on saving her.”

Dr. Alzec stood up, and I followed suit. He patted me on the shoulder.

“Madison is lucky to have the support she has,” Dr Alzec said. “She’ll need all the help she can get in the coming months to get her use to her new lifestyle.”

“And we will be there every step of the way,” Morgan said with determination.

A nurse walked into the room. “Madison is settled in her room if you would like to go visit her,” the nurse stated. “She’s not awake yet, but she is able to have visitors. Her room number is 412.”

“Thank you,” I replied. “Angelica, would you like to be alone with Madison first?”

“No, Paul,” she responded. “I think Madison would love to have you there when she wakes up.”

“I think I’m going to go check with Nathan on the Amelie situation,” Morgan informed us.

“Ok,” I agreed. “Let me know if there is any update.”

“I will, Pauly,” Morgan said, smiling. “Give Madison a hug from me.”

“Will do, Morgan,” I said as I walked out the door with Angelica.

I pushed the door open to room 412, and it broke me to see Madison like she was. She was extremely pale, probably from the loss of blood. Madison was hooked up to a bunch of monitors and an IV drip. She still looked like an angel with her auburn hair fanned out on her pillow.

I walked up to her and kissed her on her forehead. Thank you, God, for not taking her from me. I promise I will cherish her no matter what comes our way.

“Paul, do you love my Madison?” Angelica questioned. “I mean, really love her.”

I grinned, looking down at Madison, “Yes, with every fiber of my being.”

“Oh my gosh,” Angelica shrieked. “I could cry from happiness. You are so caring and loving to her. A mother couldn’t ask for more for their daughter. Thank you for loving her.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” I stated. “I love her because of who she is.”

I sat down in the chair beside her and held her hand. Angelica pulled up the chair beside me. She looked at her phone. “I don’t understand where Franklin is. He wasn’t at work today. Didn’t even show up. Now he’s not picking up his phone. I’ve left several messages about Madison, and he’s not called back.”

It doesn’t fucking surprise me. Franklin is a piece of shit. He can’t abuse Madison anymore, so he’s probably out doing it to some intern or poor college girl. I’ve never wished death upon anyone, but he’s an exception.

“He’s probably out with clients,” I lied through my teeth.

“You’re right, Paul,” Angelica replied. “I’m glad Madison is with someone so smart.”

“Madison is really smart,” I disclosed. “She’s working in my human resources department and doing event planning.”

“My little girl has a job?” Angelica beamed.

“Yes, and she’s really good at it,” I expressed.

“I guess my little girl is a woman now,” Angelica said, smiling at Madison. “I’m so proud of her for breaking free of her father.”

“What do you mean?” I asked her, puzzled.

“I’m not dumb or blind, Paul,” Angelica stated. “Franklin threatened me with death if I told anyone what he did to Madison or what he let other men do to her. Why do you think I took her away so much?”

“Why didn’t you stop it?” I said, my eyes searching hers for answers.

“I did try,” Angelica said, putting her hand over mine. “The first time I tried, he beat me so bad I ended up on bed rest for a month. He wouldn’t let me go to a hospital. He had his doctor friend look after me at home. Then he claimed to his friends that I was away in Europe on a trip.”

“I’m so sorry both you and Madison have to put up with Franklin’s abuse. If you want help getting out, I’ll help,” I revealed.

“It’s too late for me,” Angelica uttered, “but you saved Madison. I will be forever grateful to you for that.”

“Paul,” a faint whisper came from Madison’s lips.

“Hey, sweetie,” I said, smiling down at her.

She tried to speak again with no results.

“Shhhh, Madison, rest my baby,” I purred to her.

She smiled and closed her eyes.