Chapter 46 He Seems To Always Be There

Chapter 46 He Seems To Always Be There
April

I'm preparing for work while ignoring my swollen, bruised, and painful ankle. I'm determined not to let it hinder me. Corran has left to get ready for his shift and will return soon. He insisted on driving me to and from work, even though he doesn’t need to, but I’m too tired to debate. 

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Corbin asks softly as he appears beside me on the bed where I am sitting to get ready. 

I turn to him and smile. “Good morning, my love. Yes, I am okay. I had a bit of a fall, though you probably already know that.” 

He nods. “Yes, I heard. Please be careful today. I will be around to ensure you don’t overexert. Some things never change.” 

“Are you mocking my clumsiness?” I exclaim, irritated. 

He attempts to maintain a serious expression but struggles. “Would I do such a thing?” 

“Yes, you would. You used to tease me about it all the time.” 

Corbin chuckles and shrugs before leaning in to kiss my lips. “Yet you still love me.” 

I roll my eyes at him playfully. “Yes, I do.” 

He smiles brightly. “I love you too. I should go now. He'll be back soon, but I'll stay to watch over you and ensure you're careful.” 

I let out a loud sigh. “You don’t have to go.” 

“You know I do, beautiful. I will see you soon," Corbin says, kissing my cheeks before disappearing again. 

I won’t be able to do anything while I am hurt between Corran and Corbin. I am only used to Corbin taking care of me; well, he can’t do it the way he used to, but he has only ever been the one. Now, there is Corran too; it all feels a little strange to me. 

Sighing, I finish getting ready. I slip into flats, which help avoid putting pressure on my ankle. Usually, I wear heels or boots to work, but today that isn’t an option. It's going to be a long day. 

The sound of my front door opening and Corran announcing his return pulls me from my thoughts. I call out to let him know I'm still in the bedroom and that he can come in. 

“Did you manage to get ready?” 

I glance back at him. “I did. I have a sprained ankle, but it’s not serious. I can still dress myself.” I laugh. 

He wanted to help me get ready, which was an overreaction on his part. 

“Maybe not, but if you push too hard, it could turn into a serious issue if it doesn’t heal properly," he says firmly, standing in front of me with his arms crossed.

“Yes, doctor,” I reply, sarcastically.

“Someone needs to take care of you.” 

“I am capable of taking care of myself.” I protest. 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t. Let's stop for coffee and breakfast on our way.” 

Corran offers me his hand. I smile, take it, and he helps me up. I limp to the living room, grabbing what I need for work before leaving my place. I focus on other things to take my mind off the pain. It will heal soon enough. I only need to get through today and then tomorrow, and I am off for the weekend. I can rest it properly then. It isn’t like I have any plans for the weekend. 


Currently, I am in my office with my ankle elevated on a chair. I informed my boss about my injury, and she allowed me to take it easy today and rest my ankle whenever possible. I will be taking a lunch break soon, but I won’t be going out, just a short coffee break in the staff room. 

My office door suddenly swung open, and I heard someone walk in. What the hell? Don’t people knock anymore? I lift my head and notice Corran stroll in confidently. 

“Corran, what are you doing here? How did you find out where my office is?" 

Someone should have called to let me know he was coming. 

“Are you annoyed with me for turning up?” he asks. 

“No, not at all. I am surprised it’s all. They would usually let me know.” 

A smirk appears on his lips. “I told them not to.” 

I laugh and shake my head. I should have known he would use his charm and good looks to get what he wanted. 

I roll my eyes. “And of course, it worked. It must be wonderful to be so handsome and charming.” 

“You think I am handsome and charming?”

I ignore his question and flip him off. He laughs loudly and gestures toward the sofa in my office. “I brought you some lunch and coffee, assuming you wouldn’t go out, and I noticed you didn’t take any lunch with you from home.” 

I swear, if the man keeps feeding me, I’ll need larger clothes. But it’s a good thing. After losing Corbin, I’ve never been great at eating alone. I lost a lot of weight, especially during the first year, but with Corbin’s encouragement, I started eating better and regained some weight. At one point, my clothes were too big, and my face was very gaunt. Thankfully, I look healthier now, but gaining a few more pounds wouldn’t hurt. I will need them to get through the winter here in Scotland.

“Thank you. I did plan on only having coffee for lunch.” I say honestly. 

“That's not good for you. I also got you some over-the-counter Solpadine and Voltaren gel.” 

We sit down on the sofa as he arranges lunch and drinks on the table. 

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” 

“Have you taken any painkillers recently?” 

I shake my head. “Not since this morning.” 

“Then maybe take some now. Do you want me to put some gel on your ankle?” 

“No, I will leave that for home.” 

He nods and hands me two painkillers, which I swallow, hoping they'll be an improvement over my previous medication. I then reach for my coffee, taking a sip before grabbing some food. 

“How is your workday going?” I ask, between bites. 

“Not bad. Remember, I am picking you up after you finish.” 

“I know. I should be done by six. I will let you know if that changes.” 

I didn’t expect to get away with making my own way, but I am grateful, as I couldn’t have handled walking back. Corran also seems to be there when I need him.