Bonus - The Billionaire's friends – Paul and Madison – Seventeen

Bonus - The Billionaire's friends – Paul and Madison – Seventeen
Paul’s POV

I was stunned by Madison pushing me away, but I know she is only reacting to the news from the doctor. Madison said she loves me. I know she loves me, and I love her. I need to show her that she’s not a burden to me. That she would never be a burden to me. I need to go home and get the proof to show her.

I walked out of her room and glanced at my phone. God, I’m tired. I haven’t slept for over 24 hours, but it didn’t matter. I needed to be there for Madison, my Madison. As I stood in the hallway, Morgan walked towards me.

“What are you doing out here, Pauly?” Morgan asked, confused.

“Madison kicked me out of the room,” I sighed.

“What?” Morgan questioned. “Why would she do that?”

“She didn’t say, but I think she doesn’t want to be a burden to me,” I advised. “I still have hope that she will regain use of her legs, but if she doesn’t, it’s not a big deal to me.”

“Doesn’t she know?” Morgan asked.

“No, she doesn’t,” I replied. “I’m going home to get my photo album and my tablet to show her.”

“Ok, I’ll go stay with her until you get back,” Morgan said, smiling.

“Thanks, Morgan. You’re the best,” I grinned.

“I know,” she jested and walked into Madison’s room.

I quickly headed to the hospital's front doors and met my car service. I can’t lie, I almost fell asleep on the ride home because I was so exhausted. Madison was worth it, though. When I get back there, I’ll ask for a cot to be moved into the room.

As soon as I got home, I headed straight to my den. I quickly emailed Erica and Meredith at work to let them know that I wouldn’t be back in the office for the rest of the week due to a family emergency. Then I picked up one of my photo albums and my tablet, stuffing them into my work bag.

I guess I should really change. I headed into my bedroom and started to undress. My phone rang and I picked it up.

“Hey, Dante. What’s up?” I asked.

“Hey, Paul. I didn’t want to call you in the middle of the night just in case you were sleeping,” Dante advised.

“I was at the hospital with Madison all night,” I informed him. “Any news on Amelie?”

“Yes, Nathan left to meet Salvatore,” Dante explained. “We haven’t heard from him since. How is Madison doing?”

“Not the greatest. She may never get the use of her legs back,” I stated.

“Shit, that’s so unfair. Madison was doing the right thing by Amelie, and she ended up shot,” Dante declared.

“I know, it’s not fair,” I sighed.

“As soon as I hear from Nathan, I’ll let you know more details,” Dante said.

“Ok, keep me posted,” I said and hung up the phone. I finished getting dressed and called the car service again. I wasn’t going to chance driving because I had been up for so long. I probably should grab a coffee and a sandwich from the café at the hospital as well. I’ll pick up Madison’s favorite London fog tea and a banana muffin while I’m there as well.

I headed down to the lobby of my apartment building and hopped into the car service. I prayed the contents of my bag would show Madison I could never think of her as a burden.

Madison’s POV

What have I done? I just pushed away the only man who has ever been nothing but kind, loving, and generous to me. He never asked me for anything, never pressured me for anything sexual, and he treated me like I really mattered. That was the reason I pushed him away, though. A person like Paul deserved to be happy and loved by someone who can give him everything in the world. I’m basically half of what I used to be. I’m not worthy of him. It may hurt like hell, but it’s better if I pull the metaphoric band-aid off right here and now. He’ll find someone he can be with who can give him everything he deserves. Then I’ll be alone, a burden to no one. I sighed. This is going to break my heart.

The door to my room opened.

“I said I wanted you to leave, Paul,” I called out.

“It’s just me,” Morgan said, waving.

“Oh, Morgan. Come in,” I said, blushing from embarrassment.

“I got you some flowers to brighten up your room,” Morgan stated as she placed a big bouquet of pink flowers in a crystal vase on my bedside table.

“Thank you, Morgan, they are absolutely gorgeous,” I remarked. “Pink is my favorite color.”

“How are you feeling, Maddy?” Morgan asked.

“I’m ok,” I uttered.

“Maddy, you don’t have to pretend with me,” Morgan declared.

I burst into tears. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, Morgan. I may never walk again,” I sobbed.

“Oh, honey,” Morgan said, hugging me. “There is still a chance that it’s not permanent. If it ends up being permanent, we will all be there to support you. Nathan is so thankful for you trying to save Amelie that I’m sure he will get you the best care possible. Several new treatments and surgical procedures are available to help. Have faith, Maddy.”

“It’s just so hard to look towards the positive. I’ve never had positive things happen to me,” I said, lowering my head and looking at my hands.

“Paul happened to you,” Morgan expressed. “He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met.”

“I pushed Paul away,” I whispered.

“Why would you do that?” Morgan questioned. “He loves you, and I’m pretty sure by the way you look at him, that you love him, too.”

“I do love him. That’s why I have to push him out of my life. I can‘t be a burden to him,” I told Morgan. “He deserves happiness. He needs to be with a person who can make him happy.”

I didn’t notice Paul had walked through the door until he spoke.

“You are my happiness, Madison,” Paul stated, staring at me. “Let me show you how you’ll never be a burden.”