Chapter 87

MARK

The city streets hummed as I drove through them, the scent of anticipation mingling with the crisp air. My heart was racing, but not from the excitement of the date with Giulia; rather, it was the frantic rhythm of my errands. The suit, the flowers-each task had to be completed before I could relax and prepare for the evening. I had always enjoyed these small bursts of organized chaos, but today, they felt like they were stretching beyond my control.

Kenzo should have been the one running these orders, but since what happened happened, it felt like he had broken out of a cage and now realized that he had the strength and will of his own.

I manoeuvred through the grid of city blocks, keeping my eyes peeled for the upscale men's store where I hoped to find the perfect suit. Kenzo was on speed dial, and I was barely able to concentrate on the road as I juggled conversations and errands.

"Kenzo, I'm almost at the store. Just a few more minutes, okay?" I said, my voice cracking slightly with the stress.

"Got it. Just make sure you get something that looks amazing-Giulia deserves it," Kenzo replied with his newly attained confidence.

I pulled into the parking lot of the store, barely taking the time to lock my car before rushing inside. The sales assistant greeted me with a practised smile, and I quickly explained my need for a suit. As I was shown several options, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the evening's expectations pressing down on me.

"This one looks great," I said, pointing to a sleek, charcoal grey suit. "I'll take it."

The sales assistant nodded and began processing my purchase. I paid quickly, eager to get moving. "Kenzo, I got the suit. I'm heading to the flower store now."

"Perfect. I'll keep an eye on the time. We're all set for tonight, right?"

"Yeah, just need the flowers now. Talk soon," I said, disconnecting the call as I made my way to the car.

The flower shop was a charming place nestled between a coffee house and a bookstore. The vibrant display of flowers was like a splash of colour on an otherwise ordinary street. I entered the shop and was greeted by the floral aroma and the sight of dozens of arrangements. I approached the counter, where an elderly woman was arranging a bouquet.

"Hi there. I need a beautiful bouquet. Something really special," I said, trying to sound as composed as possible despite the time crunch.

She looked up with a warm smile. "For a special occasion?"

"Yes, a date," I said, returning her smile. "Something elegant, romantic. Can you help?"

She nodded, and after a few moments of thoughtful arrangement, she presented a bouquet of delicate white roses and deep red lilies. It was perfect-just the right mix of sophistication and passion. I took it, paying swiftly, and headed back to my car, trying to calm my racing heart.

As I drove back home, my thoughts kept drifting to Giulia. I imagined her smile, the way her eyes would light up as she saw the flowers and me in the suit and the gasp she would let out when she got presented with the red dinner gown. It was specially picked, beautiful, and embedded with reflective crystals in the dip of the neck.

After our dinner at the reserved hotel, I had plans to fuck her in that dress.

Everything was falling into place, or so I thought.

Traffic had been light up to this point, but as I approached a busy intersection, it started to slow down. I glanced at the clock-time was slipping away faster than I could manage. My pulse quickened, and I pressed the accelerator, hoping to make up lost time.

Then, in a flash, everything changed.

A figure appeared in my peripheral vision. I barely had time to react before there was a massive jolt. My heart stopped as I realized what had happened-I had hit a woman crossing the street.

I slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt. My mind raced as I rushed out of the vehicle. The woman lay sprawled on the pavement, her body motionless. Panic surged through me, drowning out all other thoughts.

"Someone call an ambulance!" I shouted, my voice trembling as I knelt beside her. Her face was pale, and she wasn't moving. I could hear the faint sound of sirens in the distance, growing louder - someone must have called them.

As I waited for help to arrive, I tried to keep calm, although my hands shook uncontrollably. I kept talking to her, even though I wasn't sure if she could hear me.

"Please, hang in there," I murmured, my mind running in all directions. "Help is on the way."

The paramedics arrived quickly, taking over the scene with practised efficiency. They loaded her into the ambulance, and I followed, unable to tear myself away from the situation. At the hospital, I was instructed to stay while they tried to contact her family. I could do nothing but wait in a sterile, uncomfortable waiting area.

I called Kenzo and explained everything. It seemed the universe was against my happiness. Fuck!

"Shit, that sounds terrible. Are you okay?" Kenzo asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine. Nothing I haven't seen. I just pray she I okay. They're still trying to get in touch with her family."

"Let me know if you need anything. Hang in there," Kenzo said. "And I pray you make it in time. I have told Giulia to freshen up already in preparation for a surprise. If it turns out it won't be possible today, I can just cook up an excuse. Thank heaven I haven't given her the dress yet."

And thank heaven for Kenzo. He was always quick to come up with alternative plans, and lovely solutions.

I sat in the waiting room, the minutes dragging on like hours. My heart was heavy with worry, not just for the woman, but for how my plans had unraveled. Giulia's face kept flashing through my mind, and I felt a deep pang of regret.

The evening wore on, and though the woman's condition remained uncertain, I stayed, hoping for the best and wishing I could turn back time. The anticipation of the evening had turned into an unplanned ordeal, and I could only hope that somehow, I would be able to make things right once more.

"Mr Mark?"

I was on my feet in an instant, my palms folded. "Yes, Doctor." He shook my hand, and I asked, "How is she?"

"Um... she is conscious now. But....." He looked up and tried thinking of a word. "I would say that she may have lost her memory from the trauma. She needs a little time to get herself back."

My blood dried up. Was I going that fast?!

"Have we gotten her family?" I asked, hope rising in me. "She needs somewhere she can stay. Don't worry about the financial-"

"That is the problem, Mr Mark," he cut in politely. "She remembers your face as the last thing she saw. And now she is asking to go home with you. According to law, her request stands... Mr Mark."