Chapter 249: A Radiant Smile (Part 1)
“I-I’m fine,” Alison said, one hand clamped over her mouth, her voice muffled.
“Okay, you scared me half to death. Forget the cab — I’ll drive you back to the hospital,” Jack said.
“Jack, you’ve been drinking. You can’t drive. Maybe you don’t care about your life, but I still want mine,” she snapped.
“Then I’ll have the driver take us,” he said lightly. “I can stop in to see Aidan while I’m there.”
He slid an arm around her waist, steering her toward the stairs despite her protest.
“Jack, keep your hands to yourself. If anyone sees us, I’ll never show my face in YD again.”
The thought of those office whispers made her temples ache — her reputation was already hanging by a thread.
“Don’t worry. We’re legally married,” he said with a grin. “I’m planning to give you a real wedding once Aidan’s discharged.”
“Forget it,” she muttered.
“Pick any day you like,” he insisted. “I’ll go along with whatever you decide — Mom already approves.”
“We’ll talk later,” she said quickly, hurrying down the stairs — only to nearly collide with the secretary at the door.
The secretary froze, eyes flicking between her and Jack. “Miss Fairchild, the president’s been looking for you — said if you didn’t come, he’d head to the company himself.”
Alison shot Jack a quick look — his jaw tightened.
“Got it. I’ll head back to the hospital right away,” she said and strode for the elevators.
Being seen beside Jack again would only fan the gossip.
Jack gave the secretary a few clipped instructions, then sauntered toward the elevators.
By then, Alison’s elevator was already descending.
Just as she thought he’d stayed behind for work, a blaring horn jolted her.
Jack’s Lamborghini idled at the curb; he rolled down the window. “Alison, get in.”
She froze, uncertain whether to obey.
Then came another round of honking — relentless. “If you don’t get in, I’ll just park here all day!” Jack shouted.
“You—!” she sputtered.
Cars behind them began honking in frustration.
“Stop that! You’ll get fined for honking in a city zone!” she yelled.
Jack ignored her completely and gestured for the driver to keep going.
“Get in, or I’ll come out and carry you,” he warned.
Scowling, Alison yanked the door open and slid in.
“Jack, you’re getting more childish by the day,” she muttered.
“Am I? Why?” he teased.
“You kept honking just to force me in — and blocked the curb so I couldn’t even call a taxi!”
“Shh.” He pressed a finger gently against her lips. “Stop talking. Just let me hold you for a minute.”
He looked utterly exhausted.
She fell silent — the car stereo was playing that song, the one she’d sung at Rebel.
She couldn’t help humming softly along.
“Alison,” he murmured, “sing for me tonight?”
“Only if you sing too. I’ve never heard you before,” she said with a small smile.
“Deal. Let’s hit a karaoke bar,” he said.
“No way.”
“Fine, then we’ll sing at the apartment. I’ll get the sound system fixed.” He smiled faintly, remembering her voice from that night.
By the time they reached the hospital gates, Alison spotted Aidan waiting in his wheelchair.
A nurse stood behind him, hands on the chair handles.
When he saw the Lamborghini, Aidan lifted a hand in greeting.
Alison rolled down her window. “Aidan! I’m back.”
“What took you so long?” Aidan asked, wheeling himself closer.
Jack stepped out, smiling easily. “You’re looking better, bro.”
Aidan froze, his expression darkening. “What are you doing here?”
The air thickened with tension; even Jack looked momentarily caught off guard.
“Just giving Alison a ride — thought I’d drop in to see you,” Jack said evenly.
“Really? To see me, or just to drop her off?” Aidan’s tone sharpened.
Alison blinked, startled by their sudden hostility.
“Aidan, have you eaten? Come on, let’s go upstairs,” she said quickly, reaching for the wheelchair.
But Aidan shoved her hand aside. “Get away! I don’t need your help. Just leave — I don’t ever want to see you again.”
What’s gotten into him? she thought, stunned.
Unsure what had happened while she was gone, she shot the nurse a desperate look.
The nurse glanced from her to Jack, then shook her head slightly — warning enough.
Alison understood immediately. It’s because of Jack…
“Aidan, don’t be like this. You might not want to see me, but I still want to see you,” she said gently, forcing a smile as she began pushing his chair toward the entrance.
Behind them, Jack lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly.
Aidan said nothing as she wheeled him through the lobby, eyes distant.
The attendant held the glass doors open for them.
But just as they entered, a sudden wave of nausea hit her. Alison covered her mouth, released the chair, and rushed toward the restroom.