Chapter 103 She's a magnet of trouble
I had a nurse keep watch over Nova before I left to visit my father. My mum had been calling non-stop for the past two hours, and I knew I couldn't delay it any longer. My eyes were bloodshot as I drove towards our family hospital. I hadn't had a good night's sleep for days, and it was already telling on me. Rubbing my eyes to have it focused on the road, I tried to keep my thoughts far from Nova. I just wanted nothing to make me turn the car around so I could return to her side like I wanted.
"God," I groaned, blinking to keep my eyes open as I reached for the coffee cup I got at the drive-in.
Lilith, like my mum had been calling, and I had ignored it like I did to my mum. I just didn't have the strength to deal with her telling me how scared she was, not when I had more than enough on my plate already. It wasn't like I wouldn't visit her, I would. The problem was: that I had to sort other things out. Like getting to know how well my dad was feeling and all that.
I walked into the hospital, feeling a mix of guilt and anxiety. I didn't need to ask the nurses for directions. I knew the hospital like the back of my palm as I spent most of my childhood in it because I was a sickly kid.
At the door, I took a moment to catch my breath, knowing my mother would be waiting to chew my ears off for ignoring her calls, before I stepped in, my gaze instantly going to the Lioness. My mother's expression transformed from worry to fury as soon as she saw me, her face scrunching up in anger.
"Where have you been?" she spat, her voice piercing. "Your father collapsed, and I called you hours ago. You promised to come immediately. What delayed you?" She placed her hands on her waist, glaring at me with eyes that seemed like they would freeze me to the floor should I not give a suitable response.
I took a deep breath, bracing myself for her anger. I knew this was what I was going to meet. Hell, I didn't spend those few minutes outside the door for nothing. She was indeed waiting for me, so she could chew my ears out. "I know I'm late. It's not like I asked for it. Something came up."
"Something came up?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "You're always making excuses for that woman. You've wasted your life on her. I know it's Nova. I have always known that you don't care about our family at all!"
My defenses rose, but I tried to remain calm. "That's not fair. They attacked her. I had to stay with her. You don't expect me to not care about her, do you? She's my wife, for crying out loud! Of course, protecting her is my priority."
The earlier she knew about it, the better it would be for her.
My mother's face reddened. "Attacked? That woman is a magnet for trouble. You don't even know what you are up against with such a woman!" She yelled out, barely controlling her rage, her breathing rising with each word she spat out.
My father's weak voice called from the bed, "Maya, stop. It's not his fault."
But my mother continued as if he didn't talk much, "You've thrown away your youth on that selfish woman. You deserve better. You deserve someone who wouldn't bring any problem to you or the family, something who's willing to sacrifice all for you, not a person you will have to sacrifice for!" She yelled out, her face turning red as those words left her lips.
"You don't know what the hell you are speaking about!" I yelled before I could stop myself. "If this is the way you want things to be, then I will leave. I'm bloody tired of coming back to hear you ranting about Nova. Hasn't this gotten too old? Can't you please -"
"No, you please," she cut me off, her tone cold. "You need to open your eyes. That woman doesn't care about this family."
My father intervened again, his voice slightly stronger, "Maya, that's enough." This time, it held an ounce of power on it, enough to make my mum snap her gaze towards him. I could tell she wanted to say something more, to argue that my dad didn't know what he was talking about, but she didn't. Huffing, she left the room, slamming the door shut behind her, and leaving me with my father, who relaxed back on the bed, his expression worried.
"Dad, I'm sorry I was late. I had to take care of Nova," I whispered as I made my way towards him. "How are you feeling now? Any improvements?"
He looked at me with a mix of sadness and disappointment. "You need to take care of yourself, son. Your wife... she doesn't bring much love into this family. You know your mother doesn't like her. The more you cling to her. The more strained you will make your relationship with your mother. I don't think it's worth it."
I frowned at that. "I realize, Dad. But I can't do any of it. Nova is my wife. She has always been, and will always be."
My father's gaze seemed to hold a similar accusation to my mum's words as he stared at me, his expression letting me know what he thought of my words. Though my father never cared about the
She's a magnet for trouble
"Son, I know you don't -"
Just then, my phone buzzed. Ben Ryder's name flashed on the screen. I excused myself, stepping outside into the cool afternoon air.
"Any updates?" I asked, hoping for a distraction from my family's drama. "Have you gotten any lead on the case you mentioned?"
"I have," he said. "I came across a similar case in nearby towns. Looks like our attacker might be a serial offender. I believe it has something to do with the attack. Though the cases are different, it might be the same person."
My grip on the phone tightened. "Keep digging."
"I will," he assured. "But be careful. Your wife's attack might be more than just a random incident. You need to keep her safe."
"I will. Keep me posted on any new development, no matter how small it might be." I ended the call, my mind racing as I turned towards the hospital. I felt drained, but I knew I still had some things to do.