Chapter 25

Chance’s POV:

I groan and place the back of my hand on my forehead to block the sun rays from my eyes and to try to ease the banging in my head.

"Who the hell opened the blinds?" I croak before blinking my eyes open. I check the clock on the nightstand: 10:49 a.m. Getting drunk is never a good idea. I get out of bed and walk to the bathroom.

Everything is well arranged and clean in the room after having an emotional meltdown this morning. I get under the showerhead after stripping down and let the water ease the hangover.

Taking a shower didn't really help ease the hangover and the pain is becoming excruciating. After brushing my teeth, I enter the walk-in closet to put on slim black harem pants and a grey sweatshirt.

I send a quick message to Louis and Damien to come over, then walk to the kitchen to have a little bit of coffee.

"Good morning, Mum," I say, kissing her on the cheek. I take a seat at the table while she continues making breakfast.

"Morning. Take this for the hangover." With the help of two maids, she sets the table with a cup of coffee, aspirin, and platters of bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, fruit, and a jug of orange juice. Then she sits across from me.

"Thanks, I really need this," I say with a smile. I dish myself some pancakes, bacon, and eggs.

"Drinking doesn't get rid of the problems or solve them," she says before pouring herself a glass of orange juice. "It only adds more problems to the equation."

"Yeah, I will keep that in mind next time." I take the aspirin and gulp down the coffee. "Are you going to the hospital to see Shiloh?" I inquire.

"Yes, I actually cleared my 12:00 pm meeting today just to visit her. It’s just for a few minutes thought. I have to get to the office right after." She points at my red jaw. "You should put some ice on that.”

"It doesn’t hurt. Just looks sore." I shrug.

•••••••••••••••••••

"Come on guys you can't possibly still be angry," I say, my eyes moving between them. I’m irked that they’re giving me the silent treatment.

Damien spreads out comfortably on my bed with his hand crossed under his head while Louis relaxes on the couch beside the bed. I stand across from them explaining what happened with my dad.

"We know Mr. Colt played a part in this, but you played the biggest role," Damien says, focusing his gaze on the ceiling.

"And besides we cautioned you to stop these games," Louis continues nonchalantly.

"I know you told me to tell Mum and Shiloh before it got this far but I was too hot-headed to listen."

"But it’s never too late to fight," Louis says. "Maybe you can just start by doing nice things for her."

"No, that won't help. Remember, she was leaving him before this happened. Maybe he could start by being truthful," Damien interjects thoughtfully.

"Or maybe you guys aren't helping," I retort as I sit beside Louis.

"You are still engaged to Sam. I hope you remember that," Damien informs me, changing the topic.

"I had to order a new phone this morning. I threw my old phone against the wall because she doesn't know when to quit," I say with a frown.

Damien snorts. "That’s because you are getting married to her very soon. You can't get rid of her that easily."

"I am canceling the wedding. And if Mr. Colt desperately wants to merge with Atlas, then he can just get married to her himself," I grit out.

"It won't be that easy. You both just have to talk this out," Damien says.

"Yeah, I think that’s the best way. Besides, the public knows you’re getting married one month from now," Louis says, walking towards the mini-fridge in my room.

"I am not scared about the press or the public’s reaction. I can take care of them, but Mr. Atlas is a very intelligent and ambitious man who wants nothing more than to merge our companies together," I snarl.

"All the more reason you should speak with Sam and your dad," Louis suggests, taking a carton of milk from the fridge.

"My dad would be of help if he agrees to end the engagement but if he doesn't, then I have to involve Mum," I say firmly. I glare at Louis as he drinks directly from the carton.

"What?" he asks innocently.

I ignore his question as I stand up and grab my phone and car key from the nightstand. "Come on. Let’s go to the hospital," I announce without waiting for their reply.

*************

At the hospital, I have a word with the doctor before going to Shiloh's room.

Emma is already there with two other guys and a woman standing beside her and having a conversation.

When we walk into the room, they all turn and look at Louis, Damien, and me.

"Emma, who are all these people?" I question giving them a once over. They glare back at me.

"Chance, must you always be rude?" she says, shooting me an annoyed look. She points to the guy with black hair and dark brown eyes dressed in a t-shirt and black combat shorts. "This is William, Shiloh's friend. This here is Shane, Shiloh's boss and also a good friend of hers." She points at the guy holding Shiloh's hand. He has blue eyes, dark brown hair and is dressed in black pants and a long-sleeved blue button-up.

What? Shiloh had a job? I thought she was only joking about getting one.

"And this is Summer," she says. The woman looks younger than us and has dark brown hair, green eyes, and is wearing blue skinny jeans and a crop top.

"And everyone this is the famous Mr. Chance Cristian, Shiloh's heartbreaker," she says firmly. She claps her hands together slowly.

"Emma, I would like to have a word with you outside," I say, pulling her by her wrist without waiting for her reply. She pulls her wrist angrily from my grip with a glower. "I know you are so angry at me right now, but you have to understand—"

"I know about everything. Damien told me everything this morning, but that’s not an excuse for what you did. That doesn’t give you the right to hurt her this way," she says lividly.

"I was confused, and to be honest, I am still confused about what to do." I sigh.

She scoffs. "I really don't care how you feel. I care about my best friend and how she’ll feel after hearing why you treated her so terribly."

"That’s the reason I am telling you right now. Please do not say anything about this to her," I say mildly.

"What I want you to do right now is stay away from her and the baby. Don't interfere with their lives anymore," she says calmly.

"I know. Mum said the same thing to me this morning."

"That’s good. I hope you listen to her this time. And by the way, Shiloh's family was here a few minutes after you left yesterday. Her mum and dad are so furious with you."

"I am not scared of them. They can do whatever they wish, but one thing I hate is false pretense. I will take your advice but just let me see her one last time…alone," I request.

"Okay, one last time," she says.

She asks everyone to leave and then I’m alone with Shiloh. I place a tender kiss on her forehead before taking her hand in mine. "I am letting you go, but don’t go too far away from me. I can't bear to let you leave. I know I have hurt you so much, but I am still hoping you give me one last chance. You kept fighting for my love and now it’s my turn to fight for us. I promise never to back down or let you down," I say firmly.

"I may sound like an asshole, but these words are my determination to get you and my baby back," I say, kissing her hand before placing it beside her. "This is not a goodbye because you will always be my first and forever love." I study her features and silently promise to never give up on her or my baby.