Chapter 30 His stubborn Love, Her Forlorn

Four months!! That's how long I have been in an induced coma. The news came as a shocker earlier in the morning as I was conscious enough to understand the happenings around me. It still felt like it was just yesterday when I was fighting with my demons to find my peace, and now my mind was out of any stress. I just felt blank, like a weight has been lifted off forever.

From what John informed me, I had internal bleeding, and it became unstoppable. To avoid further damage to my body, the doctors thought it safe to put me in a temporary unconscious state, till my mind can become strong enough to deal with the stress. They wanted me to rest well so that the seeds of depression could be put to rest for once.

But now that I was in my senses, I wanted to see my soul. My heartbeat.

But where was she? From my staff to board members have come to visit me, but she was nowhere in sight.

I can feel John's hesitancy whenever I inquired about her; in fact, even Nathan seemed to be upset whenever I mentioned, Serena.

What were these people hiding? Was she ok? I hope I didn't hurt her that night; because I can't seem to remember, anything, after I have dropped the knife on the floor as the realization of Carolina not being there, has dawned on me.

I was staring at the ceiling only when John walked in with a very light smile lingering on his lips. For once, I wasn't bothered about his presence. In fact, I wanted to thank him for being a constant support to me and my family.

"When do these people plan to throw me out from this hell?" I asked little irritated, scrutinizing the glass walls of the private I.C.U. They won't allow many people inside 24*7, but since John himself was a renowned doctor, plus he was handling my case, so he was an exceptional case here.

"Why? Do you want to break some asses outside?" He joked sitting on the stool and checking on the notepad that was stating my present condition.

I shook my head at his unwanted teasing, and replied in a little low voice, "You very well know why I want to be out from here. So why pretending?"

His jaw became stiff, while he shifted his gaze away from me. Standing up, he paced around the room, while I watched him with an annoyed look.

"I think I should give you this. But you have to be calm Daniel. You are still not in a position to handle stress, but I can't lie to you anymore". His words were igniting fear inside me, and I felt dread creeping up.

"Here, read this!" He passed an envelope to me. My hands were shaking as I held the piece in between my weak fingers. He walked out of the room hurriedly, not sparing another glance at me while still with that unsettling feeling, I opened the envelope and took the paper out. It seemed like a letter to me. I opened it, and as soon as the handwriting, registered in my brain, the color started to run south.

Hi Dan Baby,

I hope you are doing better now but still, I will ask you, are you okay? Do you feel light now?

Yes, I feel light. In fact, the best I have felt in years, darling.

My subconscious replied instantly with a proud smile, before continuing the letter.

I know you will search for me once your mind registers what has happened with you; but you won't find me, Dan. I am far away from you now. I know I promised you that I will not leave you ever, but this life is twisted. The truths that I have learned in just a few days have shaken me up badly, and I don't have the guts to look into your eyes.

How ironic! That I fell in love with you when the first time we got lost in the eyes of the other, but see my fate. Now it will only make me feel guilty because unfortunately, I have the same blood as the one who is responsible for your years of pain.

I don't know what you think about yourself, but I think that you are the strongest man I have ever come across in my life. Despite all the happenings, you fought to live and you did it. That's certainly an achievement, baby.

I know you blame yourself for all the mishap, but you have to believe that you aren't the one only at fault. Yes, infidelity is wrong but in the situation you were in, I think anyone at your place would have ended up doing that. I.wont justify your actions, but I won't even blame you for it and I believe that even your family understands you, just like me.

And believe me, I never wanted to hide anything from you, but I was so torn and lost in my own fears that to hide one life, I spoke many more. My intention was only to protect you from further harm, but I only ended up Harming you.

Because of me, your mind forced you to attempt suicide. And it killed me more than I died on the day I got to know about my mother's betrayal.

I love you so much Daniel but we can't be together, because I know every time you will look at me, you will remember her. And I don't have it in me to see you in any more pain. You have born enough for a lifetime, and if my presence haunts you, then it's better we stay apart.

I don't know whether it makes a difference or not, but if you can then forgive me and my family for causing an unnecessary nuisance in your life. I am not asking you this because I am sympathetic towards her, but I am asking this for your own closure of her.

She won't return to hurt you now, so why even letting her memories haunt you. Bury her forever and start a new beginning with Nathan.

I may not be with you, but my love for you will always be there with you. Whenever your heart will beat, just think that your Serena is kissing it and I will be doing it, 24*7.

Don't get mad at John or others for letting me go. They all begged me to stop, but after seeing you in that vulnerable state, I couldn't take it anymore, darling. I am tired of everything and I hope you will understand.

Take care of yourself and Nathan for me. And don't you dare go back to your old ways because you are still mine. And I hate sharing with you. Got it!

I love you always and forever❤❤❤❤

Yours and only yours,

Cow face.

A tear slid down my eye, as I crumpled the letter in my fist. My muscles began to shake in fury, while my teeth were grinding in unexplainable anger at her. How dare she decide all this alone? How dare she think that I wouldn't want her because, through some twisted fate, she was related to the bitch?

My trembling fingers moved on the IV drip, and before I knew it, I pulled it out with a force, letting the stand fall.

My body felt weak, while my head spun a little as I tried to sit up, but nothing compared to the desperation my heart felt at that moment. I want to crush her in my arms, as well as hurt her for doing this to me once again.

I stood on my feet with great difficulty but immediately fell down due to the shaking of my knees but this physical pain didn't hurt.

"Serenaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," I cried finally as I couldn't control myself. My tears fell freely as I wanted to crawl up in a corner and cry my heart out.

"Daniel!!" I heard John holding me, as he approached me in fast steps, with other ward boys who attended me. They helped me to lay back on the bed, but the way I was fighting with them to let me go, was making it hectic for them.

"Dad!!" I heard Nathan's Scarry voice behind John. All of them moved aside giving me his clear view. We both stare at each other for a while, and then I forwarded my hand towards him.

His feet ran in my direction automatically, and he rested his head on my heart as if he too wanted to soothe that loneliness. I wiped my tears, from my other hand as one hand stroked Nathan's back. I can handle anything but not his pain.

You don't want to be here, Serena, then so be it.

Stay away from me. Don't even show me your face. I have lived miserably for eternity now and will die miserable too. Definitely, it won't make a difference.

I signaled the ward boys to leave, while John still stood there. I can sense several questions crossing his face, but I didn't know what should I even answer? Or does his questions have any answers?

"If you want we can sea....," I showed him my hand, stopping him from completing his statement.

"Falling in love with me was her choice, moving in with me was her choice, the break up was her choice, the patch up again was her choice, and now giving up after everything we have gone through so far is also her choice. Where is my choice in all this? These girls have made me a puppet. Whenever they want, they claim their fucking love, mess up with my life and then very bravely they choose the most easy way out. While here I am made to feel like an asshole. She is tired then I am double tired of all this. No one will talk about her or even take her name. She can go to hell now. I don't give two hoots about her". I burst on him but my own words were creating a deep sense of hollowness in my chest.

"If you don't give two hoots about her, then why are your eyes still shedding the tears?" He retorted back to my eyes. I snapped my eyes open suddenly as I realized that I have just burst on John in front of Nathan. I looked at Nathan, he was standing near the bed but bending his head down. I don't know when he moved away or when did I even closed my eyes, but all I knew is that I wanted to get away from all these memories.

"I need some time alone. Can you keep Nathan with yourself". I requested John who gave me a bored look.

"As far as I remember from past four months, my baby is staying with his favourite Uncle only." John replied holding Nathan's hand who gave me a small smile finally. I felt so bad for him. He needed both parents, but we both were so messed up. But guess the idea of John and his wife staying with him, is absolutely satisfactory for my mind.

I nodded at them, as they both left giving me assuring smiles.

Once they were gone, I closed my eyes as her face revolved in front of my eyes. I was tired and defeated from my heart, but still, that victory of defeating Carolina made me relax.

My recovery wasn't an issue, but these days and nights that passed in a jiffy were definitely a worrisome deal for me because they reminded me of my loneliness despite being a winner.

Two weeks since I gained consciousness have passed in a blur, and much to my amusement, my staff along with John and Nathan have been pestering me to search for Serena.

And today was no different when all of them entered the room together, like the past week. Seriously, don't these people worry about hospital rules?

"We will worry about hospital rules, when you will worry about yourself". John smirked at me, replying to my unvoiced query. Seriously, how does he read my mind?

"We all can read your mind because it's in your eyes. And your eyes want Serena, Daniel. What are you going to take to accept it?" Jenna step in giving me a glare. Who was the boss now? Aren't these people afraid of me?

"We aren't afraid of you, Mr. Price!" The kitchen head Max stated with a proud look. What the hell was happening? These people have got some nerve to stand in front of me, and speak as they own me.

Before I can utter a word, all of them yelled in a pissed tone, "We want Serena Back or we will quit the Price Inns!"

"What??" I gaped at all my staff. My eyes turned to John who was staring at the ceiling and there I knew it, that he is the real culprit.

"I want my mommy back, Dad. Or else I will never talk to you!" Nathan threatened to glare at me. His hands crossed over his chest. Someone tell me, I am his damn father. He is not supposed to order me.

"Are you going to bring Mommy or not?" He asked in a challenging tone, and why was I sweating? Yes, because somehow he was more like Serena's son.

"What if I don't?" I dared to ask back. Nathan didn't seize to mind my challenge. Instead, he exchanged a look with John, and answered me in a strict and confident tone, "Then I will move permanently with John Uncle and won't even come to see you ever".

"Bloody hell! What the hell have you taught my son? You dimwit of a doctor!" I yelled sitting up straight, but hell no one was scared of me, not even Nathan. Didn't I scare them anymore?

"We will go on a revolt if you don't bring Serena back, Daniel!" Jenna added smirking at me.

"We are done with your stubbornness. You need her, so just get up and be a man rather than playing this hide n seek!" John supported her, while the kitchen staff was glaring at me as if they will shoot me anytime now.

"Dammit! Give the phone!" John passed me his cellphone, raising his brows at me. Grabbing the cell, I dialed a few numbers to my personal investigator who was the best in handling all sorts of tracking devices.

"Hi Rafe. Daniel Price here. I want you to track someone in lle Saint Louis in Paris, France." I ordered in my strict tone as all the other occupants in the room stared at me dumbfounded. I know what was running in their mind, but that's my little secret that I know where she would be if not in America.

"Serena Daniel Price!" I replied confidently her name as he inquired me. A gasp escaped their lips, but I wasn't joking here. I knew that she won't ever use Waldorf or Rodriguez now. She is mine, and hence my name and my family is what is hers. And if I have known her enough, then I know that she will stay with my name wherever she might go.

Though she might think that I won't think about all this, or worst even think of searching her. But I knew that sooner or later I would have searched for her.

"Book me a private jet now. And send the details on this number. Work should be done in one hour. Is that clear?" I sat up straight on the bed and signaled others to go out.

Holding the phone to my ears, I removed the hospital T-shirt. "Any doubts?" I cross-checked him and hearing his positive reply I hanged up the call, walking up to the washroom.

Taking a nice shower with my limited speed, I came back. I knew the doctor would be banging his head, but hell who cares for him?

I saw my clothes kept on the bed, and I assume John might have bought them. The man was thoughtful. I just wanted to cross these 7 hours 46 minutes of the flight journey and reach up to her. Though I was being pushed, seeing the desperation of the people for her, I wanted to give it a try. If not for myself then for Nathan.

John's phone buzzed, and knowing full well that it might be Rafe, I smirked widely checking the time.

I started to chuckle seeing the address. My girl was still bad in hiding. She needs to improve. So like I predicted she was in France, staying with my name. How cool is that? Will teach you hiding skills darling.

Grabbing my staff, I walked out of the room in my full glory but this time as an ardent lover, not a lost man who was fighting his past. Signaling John and Nathan, we three made our way to the car, with their questioning eyes following me.

The drive to the airport was a silent one, but as soon as the flight took off, John posted his query while Nathan was busy looking out. My boy sat in flight for the first time after all. I was thankful to John for getting his passport made in my absence. It was a very thoughtful move on his part. Like he knew that we will be needing it soon.

"How did you know where she would be?"

"I heard her telling to her friends once that she wants to settle in France on this Louis Island because it's serene and calm. She loves water places. And regarding my name, well. Isn't it obvious that after being betrayed from both sides, she has only got me in her life"? I replied crossing one leg over the other.

He smirked amazed at me, while ignoring him I turned my attention outside staring in between the skyline. It was heavenly.

The next few hours were sheer torture watching John sleep, while Nathan munched on anything and everything he can get his hands on. He wasn't speaking much to me yet, but I knew he wanted Serena. He needed his mother.

With her memories flashing in my mind, the time passed and we finally landed at the airport. Nathan looked excited, while John was glaring at me for not revealing the address. He can't be patient ever and the irony is, he handles patients like me! Wow!

Hiring a cab, I instructed him the address and after another strenuous ride, we arrived at our destination which was a lonely house near the small island. It looked deserted but it wasn't the truth. Since it was situated on the backside, thus it was hard to trace any human otherwise the place was heaven.

We walked towards the house, with Nathan getting impatient. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to open it.

I heard the feet running towards the door while my heart began to beat rapidly. As the time was nearing us to meet, I just wanted everything to go perfectly.

"Who the hell is it?" The girl blasted opening the door and as her eyes scanned my face, a look of recognition dawned on her.

"How do you do, Jessylyn?" Raising my brows, I entered the house as I owned it while her jaw touched the ground. She stood still gaping at me while John and Nathan looked at her with amused looks.

"Daniel Price!" She whispered my name like she saw a ghost.

Tugging my hands in my jeans, I passed her an evil look and replied, "Nope, his ghost has come to see you, Jessylyn". My sarcasm caught her off guard as she began to cough.

"Now stop faking those coughs, and go call your best friend. I don't have time to waste". I ordered her to sit on the couch. John gave me a ridiculous look but shrugging his shoulders he sat down followed by Nathan.

"Serena is not here".

"I never took Serena's name. I only said your best friend but still you yourself confirmed that Serena is here. How intelligent of you? You friends seriously have no regards of your privacy thats why you never hesitated, in discussing your likes and dislikes openly in my restaurant!" I mocked her while her mouth hung open in shock.

Giving her another devilish smirk, I straightened my feet on the coffee table, crossing my arms under my head. Clearly, my attitude can piss anyone off and that's what I wanted to do now.

"Who is it Jess?" And there I heard her voice as she stepped down the stairs, looking radiant as ever. Her hairs plated up in a high ponytail, while she wore dark blue jeans and striped black and red top accompanied by a short jacket.

The moment our eyes met, everything froze around us. Her body went stiff as her eyes scanned my face while I stood up from my place, automatically. My feet moved in her direction as I wasn't able to handle this distance anymore.

I reached to her in slow steps. We kept on taking in the other features. I was drinking in her every expression that crossed her face. Even that small frown was beautiful for me.

I raised my hand to touch her, but she stepped back making me feel rejected.

"Mommy!!" Nathan broke our trance running to her and hugging her legs. Ignoring me, Serena sat down on her knees taking Nathan in her arms while I turned my back on them. If she doesn't want me, then so be it.

"Come back home, Mommy. I miss you. Dad misses you too. Please, come back. We don't like it without you." He begged to cry uncontrollably while I closed my fists.

"I can't Baby. I am sorry." She replied. I heard him pleading with her, but she wasn't ready to meltdown.

Having enough of her tantrums, I turned around pulling Nathan away forcefully while he looked at me with his teary eyes.

"Enough of begging her, if she doesn't want to come back then let her be. Our life won't stop without her. It didn't all these four months, right? Then still it will not end without her!" I lashed at him and pulling out of my grip, he ran out wiping his tears.

"Nathan," I called still trying to grasp my own words in my mind. Serena was staring at me with wide eyes. Before I can follow him, John assured me through his eyes and left to fetch Nathan. Jessalyn went inside on the pretext of some work, while I and Serena stood there alone.

"I didn't want to hurt him......

"Enough. I don't need your fake words, Ms. Waldorf or Ms. Rodriguez. Whatever you use. Hurting me has become your part time job lately but I only want to tell you that, in a relationship you don't decide for yourself. You discuss with your partner and then make a choice. But guess in my case, you sisters have to decide everything on your own. Carolina decided that I need her, and you decided, I don't need you. Where the fucking hell is my choice?" Cutting her off, I snapped at her losing my all patience. A look of regret washed over her face but that didn't tone down my anger.

"I...

Gripping her shoulders, I shake her harshly and roared with everything inside me, "You what? You decided that I don't need you. Like really! Did I told you that you disgust me or does it affect me that you came out to be her sister? Then how the hell did you assume that, I wouldn't want you now? How did you thought that I will be haunted by your presence?"

She winced as tears started to make their way out from her eyes. While frustrated I left her and turning my back I walked up to the exit door. Her sobs echoed in the room and my heart ached for leaving her. But I wanted her acceptance genuinely. And this last push was needed.

I waited for her to say something, but when she didn't, gripping the doorknob tightly, I shut my eyes and blurted the rudest and harsh words ever I could have used on her.

"I wish you never came in my life but then when it has happened already and if someday, you get to know about my death news also, then don't consider it a necessity to attend my funeral. I have lived alone and I can d......

Before I can complete the word, I felt her arms wrapping around my waist, as she hugged me from behind crying like a child.

"Stop it. How much are you going to punish me for my one fault? Enough if your blabbering. If you talked about funerals again, I will kill you with my hand. You stupid man, don't you dare leave me. I can't see you walking away from me. Don't leave. I can't live without you. I can't". She chided me and expressed her heart out finally, enclosing me in her warmth. I can feel her lips pressed against my back as she hiccuped due to her cries.

I turned around slowly, and the second her face came into my view, I immediately embraced her in a bone-crushing Hug as she clutched my jacket on the back.

"I love you, Daniel".

"I love you, too". I whispered planting my lips on her temple.

"I want you all for myself now, Serena. Your smile, your frowns, your kisses, your hugs, your anger, your slaps, your punch, your smart mouth, but most of all I want your heart forever. This time not for letting to go, but for holding it for lifetime commitment. For savouring you with my very existence. Will you give yourself to me? All of you?" I confessed in my brutally honest tone, cupping her face in both palms. Her teary eyes fixated on me as her trembling lips were inches away from mine.

A smile tugged at her lips, as she nodded smiling through her tears.

"I have been yours, since the first time you laid your eyes on me. And just so you know, even I want All of you. So will you Daniel Price make me officially yours?" And as usual, she surprised me by her question, but instead of replying to her; I pressed my lips to hers for a deep passionate kiss.

Instantly her lips molded against mine, as we stood there pulling the other as much as we can. Our tongues mated in the need of that strong desire of love that erupted inside us due to this unplanned separation, and also because of the mess of our lives. My hands gripped her waist, as she pulled me by jacket collar to herself.

I devoured her mouth, tasting her sweet saliva while she licked my lips a little more than usual. I missed kissing her and I knew the feeling was mutual. She was mine and I was hers. And there was no stepping back today, from this Bond of love.

She pulled away from me with a broad smile and I groaned, missing her lips on mine. I rested my head on her shoulder, as she patted my back.

"Wake Up, Sexy. We have a wedding to plan and mind you; I want everything perfect. Including my caveman of a husband!" She teased back getting in her usual cocky self. I pinched her waist.

"I am not a Caveman". I argued. Giving me a devilish look, she pushed me back making me fall on the floor. Please remind her, I have just run away from the hospital.

What the?? I gaped at her.

"First go, shave then come and kiss me. Your beards suck big time, Price. You are really looking Original Wolf!" She warned suppressing her laughter. I can't believe this woman.

"What??" I glared at her as she continued to laugh. Standing up, I pulled her to myself with a jerk, while she blushed to sense my fingers on her exposed area of the waist.

"Laugh all you want, Cow Face. The Caveman or the Wolf face will have you, tonight. All of you. Mind you, Mrs. Future Price!"