Chapter 33 When Healing Meets Chaos
Rowan instructed his driver to get them away from the abandoned building, leaving the police officers to continue their search.
"Destination sir?" The driver asked.
"Hospital" Rowan responded.
Amanda protested immediately. "Why? I am fine. I just want to go home."
"You are bleeding Amanda" Rowan said expressionless. Amanda checked her body for bruises unsure of where the blood was coming from. She soon discovered that she had a cut on her arm.
Seeing that she was not aware of the cut, Rowan scoffed. "You didn't know you had a cut? Don't you feel the pain? Anyways, I am taking you to the hospital." He said, looking away.
Amanda sensed his anger but could not place why he was mad at her. Rowan's heart still raced with worry for Amanda, even though they had escaped the immediate danger. Silence dominated the car.
They arrived at the hospital where Amanda was quickly taken into the emergency room for a medical evaluation. Rowan paced nervously in the waiting area, his mind filled with concern for her well-being.
After what felt like an eternity, a doctor emerged from the ER and approached Rowan. He was the Xi family Dr.
"Hello, Rowan" He wore a solemn expression that deepened Rowan's anxiety.
Rowan ignored his greeting. "Is she okay?" He asked, unable to conceal the worry in his voice.
The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "She's going to be fine. Amanda sustained some minor injuries, mostly bruises and scrapes, but nothing serious. She's currently resting in a recovery room."
Relief washed over Rowan, and he thanked the doctor profusely before he was allowed to see Amanda.
"Don't mention." The doctor said and walked away.
Inside the recovery room, Amanda layed on the hospital bed, still looking visibly shaken but safe. Her eyes lit up when she saw Rowan enter the room. Without a word, he moved closer and sat at the end of the bed, frowning.
"Just say it already," Amanda remarked.
"Say what?" Rowan asked, pretending not to know what she was asking of him.
"You definitely have something to say." She answered.
Rowan sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't know on time that you were in danger. I thought you were ignoring my calls.
"I was ignoring your calls" Amanda answered, dismissive of whatever Rowan had to say.
"Really? So how did that happen? Were you hijacked on your way home? And when did that happen and where? Rowan asked, curious.
" On my way home," Amanda began to explain. "I received a text and then a call to come to the address sent to me."
"And you did? On what basis? What was the reason for the invite?" Rowan questioned.
Amanda knew she could not tell him that she was lured because of her daughter. "Yes, I did."
Rowan was furious. "Amanda, did you listen to yourself? A stranger texted you and demanded that you come to a place just like that and you did? Does that make sense to you?" Rowan raised his voice.
"Yes, but why are you angry? You are raising your voice." Amanda retorted.
Rowan's voice went higher. "Yes, I am angry. I'm angry because your safety does not seem to matter to you, Amanda. You walked into that stupid building to be kidnapped by yourself. Make sense out of that."
"I was threatened okay?" Those words already left her mouth before she realized she should not have said that.
"Threatened? Rowan asked.
"Yes," Amanda stammered. "He was going to kill my mother," She quickly added.
"What?" Rowan exclaimed, more like a roar. "You should have called for help immediately."
"You think I didn't? I called Detective Wills but he was unreachable. I felt like I had no time. I didn't want my mother to die" Amanda said.
In a soft voice, "You could have called me" Rowan said.
"Call you? The same you who chastised me in front of the whole employees at the office for something I didn't do." Amanda snapped.
"Amanda!" Rowan said softly.
"You didn't believe me, you yelled at me." Amanda added.
Rowan leaned closer and took her hand, offering a comforting squeeze. "I am sorry, Amanda," he said softly. "I was worked up and angry of course. But that does not justify what I did. I wish I could take it back."
Amanda managed a weak smile. "It's fine and thank you for saving me, Rowan."
He nodded, his expression filled with both relief and tenderness. "I'm just glad you're safe, Amanda. I was so worried. I would have never forgiven myself if something had happened to you today."
Amanda smiled again. This time she blushed. "I am fine now"
They spent some time in quiet conversations, with Amanda recounting her ordeal and Rowan assuring her that everything would be okay until a nurse interrupted their conversation.
"Miss Amanda, you have been discharged," the nurse who stood at the doorway said.
"Oh, finally." Amanda sighed in relief.
When the car halted in front of Amanda's house, they both sighed simultaneously.
"What was that for? Amanda asked surprised.
Rowan smiled. " I don't know. I guess I am just glad you are finally home, safe, like I promised your mother.
"Same here. Thank you once again." Amanda opened the door to got out of the car. She noticed Rowan was about to do the same.
"What are you doing? She asked.
Confused by her question. " I want to get down of course." Rowan answered.
"To do what?" Amanda continued to question.
"Jeez, Amanda. I want to walk you to the door and probably say hi to your mother." Rowan said. He dropped out of the car without hesitating further.
When he walked to the other side of the car, Amanda blocked him by staying in front of him.
"What is it?" Rowan asked, still confused.
"You don't have to walk me to the door and I can say hi to my mother on your behalf." Amanda said, uncomfortable.
"And why would I prefer that when I can just walk in to say hi myself? Why don't you want me in your house? You don't feel comfortable with me being here. What is your excuse this time? Rowan asked frustrated.
"It is not what you think." Amanda stammered, finding it difficult to put words together. "It's just.. Hmmn. My mother does not like visitors. She does not entertain people like that."
"I'm sorry, Rowan." Amanda said in a soft whisper.
"It's okay" Rowan said but his expression did not change. It was still obvious that he was hurt.
"I just want to put this behind us," Amanda said, looking at Rowan with a grateful smile.
Rowan nodded, his expression softening. "I understand, Amanda."
Just as they were about to say their goodbyes, Rowan's sharp eyes caught something that made his heart skip a beat.
Detective Wills was coming out of Amanda's house, accompanied by Amanda's mother.
Rowan's jaw tightened, and he turned to Amanda, his voice laced with frustration. "Is that Detective Wills?
Amanda's heart skipped and she turned immediately. She hesitated, her eyes darting to her mother. "I... I guess."
"Why is Detective Wills in your house, Amanda?" Rowan asked softly though Amanda could sense the tension building up.
"He's been helping with the investigation. He must have come after hearing what happened today" Amanda answered sincerely.
Rowan's expression darkened. "You asked him to come? And then you let him into your house?"
Amanda sensed Rowan's anger rising, and she tried to explain. "Rowan, he is a detective and I am a suspect of murder now a victim of kidnap. I need him. I need his help and I can't even restrict him from coming into my house."
Rowan's frustration grew, and he ran a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Amanda, I can't believe you right now. You let someone into your house in the name of being a detective when there are places you could have met him instead. Why not the police department? Why not the office? Why your house?"
"Rowan" Amanda tried to calm him.
"Suddenly your mother does not seem to disapprove of visitors anymore." He added before she could talk.
"He is a detective," Amanda snapped.
"Oh, yeah! What am I?" Rowan asked.
Detective Wills, who had been observing the exchange while he walked towards them, stepped in.
"Hi, Mr. Rowan," he said smiling.
Rowan shot him a sharp look before turning back to Amanda. "I see our dear detective is more comfortable investigating your house more than staying in his workplace."
Detective Wills, who knew exactly where the conversation was heading, continued smiling. "Mr. Rowan, I apologize if coming here did not sit well with you, but I want you to know this is my job and my case. After hearing what happened today, I thought it was best to show up here since she did not give a statement yet."
Rowan clenched his fists, clearly not pleased with the detective's presence. "I see somebody is finally taking his job seriously. The last call I made to the police, the detective in charge was not available.
"Rowan, please don't make a big deal out of this." Amanda snapped in frustration.
"What did you say?" Rowan asked like he didn't hear her.