Chapter 22: I need answers

Knoxville POV

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The sterile hospital room came into focus, and my gaze landed on Henry's worried face beside me. His eyes, red-rimmed showing tiredness, sparkled with relief.

"Thank God you're awake, sir," Henry exclaimed, his tone filled with concern. He grasped my shoulder, helping me sit up.

"How many hours have I been here?" I asked, my voice rough from sleep.

Henry smiled weakly. "Just four hours."

I shot him a wry glance. "Just four hours?" I repeated, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and Henry quickly steadied me.

"Easy, sir. You should take it slow."

I stood up, testing my balance. "Did anyone aside from you know I'm here?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Henry shook his head. "No, sir. I made sure to keep it private."

"Great. Don't tell anyone, including my father," I instructed, my voice firm.

Henry's brow furrowed. "But, sir—"

I raised a hand, silencing him. "No discussions, Henry. Just keep it quiet."

Henry nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "Why did you drink alcohol when you know you can't take it?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

I rubbed my temples again, warding off the lingering headache. "It was a momentary lapse of judgment."

Henry's eyes narrowed. "You know better, I know you will not take it without a reason" he said.

Henry's expression turned sympathetic, his eyes filled with understanding. "You know better, I know you wouldn't take it without a reason," he said, his voice softening.

I stood up, pacing slowly around the hospital room, my frustration boiling over. "I had to take it because Dad was trying to compare me with Maxwell. You know what that means."

Henry nodded, his face a mask of empathy.

"How can he tell me Maxwell is more fun and lively than I am just because I refused to drink with him?" I asked, my voice laced with indignation.

I stopped pacing, my eyes locking onto Henry's. "So unfortunate my dad doesn't know about my health, what I must take and what I must not. He's always pushing me to be someone I'm not."

My shoulders sagged, defeat creeping into my voice. "I'll just do anything to impress him from now on."

Henry stepped forward, his hand on my shoulder. "Sir, you shouldn't have to compromise your health to impress anyone, especially not your father."

I shook my head, a bitter smile twisting my lips. "You don't understand, Henry. My dad's approval means everything to me. And if drinking myself into a hospital bed is what it takes..."

Henry's grip on my shoulder tightened. "No, sir. That's not the way. You deserve better. Your health deserves better."

His words struck a chord, but I pushed aside the doubt, determined to please my father, no matter the cost, with this I cab have more chances than Maxwell.

"Let's get out of here," I ordered, already heading for the door.

Henry hesitated, his eyes darting towards the hospital staff. "But, sir, you haven't been discharged."

I didn't slow down. "I'm okay, go and talk to the doctor. Take my card and pay the bills."

Henry hurried to keep up with me, his voice low and urgent. "Sir, please, you should listen to the doctors. You're not well enough to leave."

I spun around, my eyes flashing with anxiety. "If I spend any more minutes here, my father will find out. I can't risk that."

Henry's expression softened, understanding etched on his face. "Okay, sir. I'll take care of it."

He quickly detoured to the nurse's station, speaking in hushed tones to the doctor. I paced near the exit, my eyes fixed on the door.

Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours. Henry returned, holding my discharge papers and a receipt.

"Everything's taken care of, sir. The doctor wasn't happy, but I explained the situation."

I nodded curtly, snatching the papers from Henry's hand. "Let's go."

We swiftly made our way out of the hospital, into the bright sunlight. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

I gazed out the window, my thoughts drifting to Electra and my father's earlier words. "How can she arrange a wedding for me when I'm in love with someone else?" I whispered to myself. "Someone I missed so much and willing to do anything to get her forgiveness."

My eyes refocused, and I turned to Henry. "Take me to the cemetery. I need to visit Mum. I have things to tell her."

Henry's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Why all of a sudden, Sir?"

I scoffed, my tone dismissive. "That's what I want."

Henry nodded, his expression understanding. "Would you like to take flowers with you, Sir?"

I shook my head. "Not like it's a special occasion or her remembrance. I just need to clarify something and tell her what I think."

Henry nodded silently, directing the driver to the cemetery.

As we drove, my mind replayed memories of my mother. Her warm smile, her gentle guidance. I longed to share my struggles with her, to seek her wisdom.

Upon arriving at the cemetery, I stepped out of the car, Henry following closely. The serene atmosphere enveloped me, and I walked purposefully to my mother's grave.

I stood before the headstone, tracing the engraved letters. "Mum," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I wish you were here. I'm lost, your son is lost and confused. Life has been really messy after you left."

My words poured out, a mixture of sorrow, love, and confusion. Henry stood respectfully distant, allowing me a private moment.

"I love Electra, Mum. I betrayed her. Instead of being truthful to her, I lied to her and divorced her. I hurt her deeply, and I'm to blame for her disappearance." My words trembled.

"I kept telling you for the past five years I'd bring her to you. I haven't found her." The weight of my failure settled heavy on my shoulders.

"And on top of that, Father wants me to marry someone else – someone he claims you chose for me yourself." Bitterness seeped into my tone.

"I feel trapped, Mum. Between my own guilt and Father's expectations." I paused, collecting my thoughts.

"I know you always wanted the best for me, but I need your guidance now more than ever." My voice faded to a whisper.

"What would you want me to do, Mum? Should I keep searching for Electra, or surrender to Father's plans?" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

"Would you want me to forgive myself and move on, or hold onto the hope of reuniting with Electra?" The silence was deafening.

I stood there, waiting for an answer, as if expecting my mother's gentle voice to whisper guidance in my ear. But the only response was the rustling of leaves and the dist

ant chirping of birds.

Still, I stood, lost in thought, seeking solace in the memory of my mother's love.