12 ELIJAH
The door to the room opens, revealing several nurses and the doctor attending to Alicia's father. Upon seeing them enter, Alicia immediately becomes alert.
"What's going on, doctor?" Alicia asks, visibly concerned.
"Nothing's wrong, Alicia. In fact, we're here because we're moving him to a different floor for more comfort."
"Doctor, that's not necessary. We're fine here, and you know we can't afford so many things."
"Don't worry about that, Alicia. You must have a guardian angel looking out for you."
The doctor offers a warm smile to Alicia before going to Mr. Star's bed to check his vital signs and then proceed to move him out of the room. Alicia and I leave the room together, following the doctors' steps to the elevator.
"I hope you're not involved in this," Alicia whispers to me.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I shrug. "You heard the doctor, maybe you do have a guardian angel."
"I'm dead serious, Elijah. I don't want you getting involved in my personal life without my permission."
"Then accept my proposal. You'll never say 'I can't afford it' again," I stop her to prevent the doctors from overhearing our conversation.
"Do I need to say 'no' in another language for you to understand?" Alicia looked angry. "Elijah, I deal with so much in my life, too much to get involved in a family drama. And not only that, I'm supposed to give birth to your child? Do you think that's fair to me?"
"I can't see another woman as the mother of my child."
"I'm sorry, but that's completely out of my control."
"If you think I'm giving up, you're wrong."
"You'll hurt yourself if you keep doing this."
"Nothing hurts me," I assure. "Not when you don't know what it's like to have feelings for someone else."
"So what do you intend to do?"
"Just listen, accept my proposal, and set an expiration date."
"Expiration date? And what happens with the little one? You'll keep it?"
"Well…" I'm not sure what to say, and giving a deal an expiration date was reckless.
"It's better if you leave right now. I can't stand to see you at the moment."
"Fine, if that's what you want!"
I huff angrily. I've done all these things for her, and Alicia keeps rejecting me. But this time, there's no turning back. I'll find another woman willing to do anything to be with me.
"Finally, you're getting the message," she responds just as angry.
"I'll make one thing clear, Alicia." My voice turns cold and stern. "You won't see me again."
"It's the best thing you can do for me."
"Goodbye."
I turn around without looking back, and without a trace of remorse. I've endured her foolishness for many days, and it's clear she won't back down. I have my pride, and she won't be the one to trample on it.
I head down to the parking lot where my security team is waiting for me.
"Let's go," I inform them as I get into the car.
And then, I leave the hospital and Alicia behind. I won't get entangled with her anymore. I'll completely remove her from my system, and there's no turning back. Alicia Star will only be a bitter memory of something that never came to be.
I have this feeling of resentment, but not towards Alicia, but towards myself for trusting so quickly and thinking that she would easily fall at my feet like other women do. And it's clear that this redhead is a woman of high value.
Damn it!
I want her at all costs. Alicia has infiltrated my system like a damn computer virus, and forgetting her won't be easy.
...
In the morning, I decide to go to the restaurant where Alicia works, and yes, I'm a masochist. I'd rather see her reject me a thousand times than not see her at all. It's as if I've become addicted to a drug, with the only difference being that my drug is seeing her beautiful face.
Harold stops the car right in front of the restaurant, and the rest of my security team moves to clear the area and ensure there's no danger. After receiving approval from my team, I step out and enter the restaurant, drawing the attention of some people inside.
My gaze lands directly on Alicia, who's tending to one of the tables. When she sees me, she rolls her eyes and moves away from me as much as possible.
"Good morning, Elijah!" Alicia's friend approaches me with a smile and a certain flirtatiousness. I raise my gaze to see if Alicia is watching, but her indifference is so intense that it feels like hell.
"Hello…" I pause for a few seconds to recall her name.
"Monica," she responds, maintaining her smile.
"Monica, of course." I nod. "Is there an available table?"
"Of course, follow me this way!"
Monica leads us through the tables, and I can't stop looking at Alicia. I want her to notice, to come to me, and throw herself into my arms, begging me to make her mine once and for all. But her response is non-existent.
I sit down with Harold at the table, and I immediately speak up.
"I'll have the house breakfast."
"Same here," Harold replies.
"Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes." Monica walks away, leaving me with my bodyguard.
"Sir, if I may intrude, what's going on with Miss Star?"
"I was an idiot," I admit. "And I don't think she'll forgive me for what I said."
"Is it because of Mr. Edward's warning?" He looks confusedly at Harold. "Rumors are circulating around the house," he replies immediately.
"Yes, I told her that what we have might have an expiration date after she gives me a child."
"And what did she say?"
"She practically wanted to slap me," I scoff, then glance in her direction.
And what I see is a dagger straight to the heart. The guy she gave her number to, the one she plans to go out with, is inside the restaurant hugging her. Not only that, Alicia seems to be enjoying his company.
I stand up from my seat, intending to go and separate them, but Harold stops me.
"Sir, it's best not to cause a scene."
I look at the scene with frustration but nod my head, pushing aside all the jealousy flooding my body. I couldn't make a scene in front of everyone when she isn't even my girlfriend. Right now, Alicia is a complete stranger to me.
I avert my gaze from that disgusting sight when my phone starts ringing in my pocket. I check the caller ID and roll my eyes upon seeing that it's Mike.
"What?"
"Wow, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed!" my friend says from the other end of the line.
"What do you want, Mike? I don't have all day."
"Well, I'll tell you that I'm throwing a big party on the fourth floor."
"No way am I letting you have orgies on the fourth floor again."
"Oh, come on, buddy!" he complains. "It'll be fun, plus you can finally get it on with your Jessica Rabbit!"
"Don't talk to me about her, please." I pinch the bridge of my nose. "But I've already told you that you're not doing it, end of story."
"I am doing it. I remind you that I'm your partner too. Do you forget that? Also... what happened with Ali?"
"That she's hugging another guy right in front of me."
"You're a crazy lunatic, Elijah Morgan. She's not your girlfriend; I don't understand why you're jealous. Remember, I kissed her last night."
"Harold, please remind me that I have to murder Mike Scott." I say to Harold. Meanwhile, my friend laughs like I'm some kind of clown.
"Friend, I must leave you now. I have a sexy bunny that's demanding my attention."
Without saying goodbye, I hang up the call just as our breakfasts arrive, along with Monica and Alicia.
"Enjoy your meal, gentlemen," Monica keeps smiling as she places my plate in front of me and Alicia's in front of Harold.
And then a devious idea crosses my mind.
"Thank you very much, Monica. You're an angel," I say. "Monica, this might sound indecent, but a friend is throwing a party tonight, and I don't have anyone to go with. Would you like to come with me?"
Alicia immediately moves away from the table.
"I have no problem at all!" the waitress responds excitedly. "I'll call him to give him my address."
"I'll be waiting for that call eagerly."
The woman walks away from our table, completely thrilled, and then approaches Alicia, who gazes at her disinterestedly.
"Are you planning to make her jealous?" Harold asks, taking a bite of bacon.
"More than that," I smile broadly, seeing Alicia's displeased expression.