Chapter 92 Who Hurt My Bella
DAVID
The hospital waiting room felt colder than the snowstorm outside. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed faintly, and the sterile smell of antiseptic hung thick in the air. My fingers gripped the edge of the chair, knuckles white, as the minutes dragged into hours.
Bella’s face flashed in my mind the way she looked at me with fire in her eyes, even in her weakest moments. How could she say it wasn’t an accident? Who would hurt her? The thought tightened my chest, making it hard to breathe.
A shuffle of footsteps broke through my thoughts. I looked up to see Elowen and Bella’s father approaching. I rose to my feet immediately, my legs stiff from sitting too long. Bowing slightly to him, I muttered, “Sir.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting. “There’s no need for that, son. How’s my daughter?”
I swallowed hard. “The doctors haven’t said anything yet. She should be okay, but I…” My voice faltered. I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince him or myself.
Before he could respond, the door to the emergency ward swung open, and a doctor walked out. His coat flapped slightly as he approached, his expression neutral. My heart pounded against my ribs.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Copperfield,” the doctor said, his voice calm but brisk. “Bella is stable. She’s suffering from severe cold exposure, but with rest, she’ll recover fully.”
Relief washed over me, but it didn’t last long. There was still too much I didn’t understand. “Thank you,” I said, nodding curtly as the doctor walked away.
“You can go in first,” I told Bella’s father, stepping back, ready to leave.
But he surprised me by stopping. “No, let’s go in together,” he said, his eyes soft but firm. “You saved her life.”
I hesitated. Did I really deserve to see her? Before I could argue, he motioned for me to follow.
The door to her room creaked open, and there she was. Bella lay on the hospital bed, her face pale against the stark white sheets. Her chest rose and fell steadily, but the sight of her so still, so vulnerable, twisted something deep inside me.
“She loves you, you know,” her father said quietly, breaking the silence.
I turned to him, startled. “What?”
He smiled faintly, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening. “Since she left you, she’s buried herself in work. She won’t talk about it, but I see it. She spends her nights crying.”
The weight of his words settled over me like a heavy blanket. I glanced back at Bella, my throat tightening. “I don’t deserve her,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “She’s kind and loving, and all I do is hurt her.”
“Every couple has their struggles,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “What matters is how you overcome them. And forgiving each other when you make mistakes.”
I didn’t respond. What could I say? My gaze stayed on Bella, her delicate features peaceful in sleep. If only she had let me explain… If only I hadn’t lied.
“Sir,” I said finally, my voice firm. “Please don’t tell her I saved her.”
He looked at me, his brows furrowing. “Why not?”
“She’s better off without me,” I said, forcing the words out, though they felt like shards of glass in my throat. “I just… I can’t.”
He sighed, shaking his head. “You’re wrong, son. Bella loves you, and it’s clear you love her too. I just want my daughter to be happy again, and I believe you’re the only one who can give her that. There’s a good man in you I know it. Visit me sometime. We should talk.”
I nodded, unable to meet his eyes, and left the room.
The icy air outside stung my face, but it wasn’t enough to numb the storm raging inside me. I pulled out my phone, dialing my assistant.
“Sir?” he answered on the first ring.
“I need you to investigate something,” I said, my voice sharp.
“What is it?”
“The accident at the filming site. I want to know if it was real or if someone planned it. Find out who’s behind this,” I ordered, my tone leaving no room for argument.
Whoever dared to hurt Bella would pay.