LOVE OR NOT?
“What is wrong with my wife?” I asked the doctor.
“Good news Mr Cross,” the doctor started, a small smile forming on his lips. “You wife’s recovery is going better than we expected. However...” his tone shifted, the smirk fading. “There is something I need to discuss with you.”
“What is that?” I asked, my brows furrowed in concern.
“There is a video circulating online that well... features your wife in a compromising position. I wanted to alert you to it but also assure you that the hospital will do everything in its power to protect your privacy.”
“I do not believe it,” I said, my voice firm. “I do not believe for second that my wife would be involved in something like this.” My gaze shifted to Leila, asleep on the bed. “She is a good person, and a loyal wife. I will not stand for this slander.”
The doctor’s expression remained neutral, his hands clasped in front of him. “Of course, I understand your reluctance, Mr Cross. However I advise you to be cautious. These things have a tendency to spread like wildfire. And once they get out of here and get out there it will become difficult to control.”
Mu grip tightened around Leila’s hand. “Doctor I appreciate your concern. But I trust my wife. I trust her with my life and I will be damned if I let anyone, especially some internet trolls take that away from us.”
Dr.Smith nodded, taking a step back from the bed. “I can understand, Mr, Cross. And if there is anything we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask. In the meantime I suggest you consider taking Mrs Cross home. It might be the best for her to be surrounded by the people she loves and trusts.”
My gaze softened, and my anger melted away as I saw my sleeping wife. “Thank you doctor. That is exactly what I will do. We will leave as soon as Leila is ready.”
As I watched Leila sleep, my mind raced with thoughts of how to protect her from the storm tante as brewing online. I gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, my fingers lingering on her soft skin for a moment longer than necessary.
Soon, the morning sun crept through the open windows of the Leila’s hospital room. It was a new day, and that meant new trouble. But all that mattered to me was the woman lying next to me, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
I rose from my seat and left the room, closing the door softly behind me. In the hallway, I was met by Alfred.
“Sir,” Alfred said, a look of concern in his eyes. “I have heard about what is happening online. We will make sure that you and Mrs Cross are protected from any potential threats.”
I nodded, my jaw tight. “I appreciate that Alfred. But what I need from you now is increased security around the estate , my house and Leila.”
“Understood sir,” Alfred replied, his voice even and reassuring. “We will double the guards on shift and add additional patrols around the house. No one will get within fifty feet of the house without us knowing.”
“Thank you Alfred. I trust you to handle this,” I said, my gaze firm and determined. “But I also want you to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity within the household. There is a chance that the culprit could be closer than we think.”
Alfred’s eyes widened at my words, but he quickly regained his composure.
“Of course sir. I will have the team on high alert and any suspicious activity will be reported directly to me and I will keep you updated.”
I nodded, but but my expression remained tense. “Alfred , I know this is not an easy situation for anyone. But I need you to remember my wife is innocent. She is a victim in all this and I want you to treat her as such. All new staffs should be checked, all deliveries should be checked before being let into the house.”
Alfred nodded. “Yes sir, noted sir. Do not worry about Mrs Cross, That is the only way she will be treated, with love and care without revealing too much.”
“Alright then, take care.” I said to Alfred and we parted ways, each man returning to his duties. As I made my way back to Leila’s room, I found myself haunted by the thought that someone close to her did this to her, her own cousin was working against her.
I entered the room, and tried to hide my worries but it was too much for me to fake even half of it.
Leila stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
“Alexander?” She whispered, her voice still raspy from sleep.
“It is me,” I said, forcing a smile to my face. “You are awake.”
Leila looked at me, I could tell by her facial expression that she was worried. “What is wrong? You look like you have seen a ghost.”
I leaned against the bed, running my hand through my hair. “It is nothing darling. I am just worried about you. That is all.”
“You do not have to worry about me,” Leila said and reached out to take my hand. “I am tough remember?”
I giggled, feeling as some of the tension left my body. “Yes you, you are the strongest and toughest woman I know.”
“How are you feeling now?” I asked.
“I am fine now I know you are here with me. I know I was poisoned by Alison, I had always seen this coming ever since the day I saw the video where she injected mum with a lethal injection. I knew that she would come for my head but what I did not know was it would cost me the life of my child.” Leila mumbled.
I felt bad for her, but I knew she had to know. It would only prepare her for what was coming.
“Babe... I have something to tell you.”