“But he’ll be fine, right?” I asked.
“We’ll see how he heals,” The doctor said. “You’ll be able to see him in a few hours,” he smiled. Relief washed over me as I sunk back. I didn’t realize it, but I was leaning up against Daimon.
“Let’s go, Addie. It looks like you haven’t eaten in days,” Daimon remarked.
“I can’t leave him,” I nearly snapped.
“Addie, he’s in the ICU. You’re no good to him if you fall ill too. Come on let’s go,” he insisted, grabbing my hand and taking me to a small café across from the hospital.
He ordered me a tea and sandwich. I picked at the food while looking out the window onto to the street in front of the café.
“Addie eat,” he ordered, but I ignored him. “How are you going to pay for all this, Addie? I highly doubt your money making restaurant which is now closed for God knows how long, will make you enough to pay for all the bills you’re accumulating,” he said smugly like he was ready to gloat, telling me he was right all along, like I didn’t know.
“I’ll take care of it,” I said quietly.
“How?” he asked.
“I’ll figure it out,” I said grimly.
“If I know you, you’re thinking of selling your house. Trust me, Addie, it’s not worth anything,” he said bluntly. The pit of despair I was already in had only grown darker with Daimon’s words. I had nothing of value left. “Why don’t we extend our contract?” he said. I raised my head up and glared at him. The sexy little smile sat proudly on his face as he looked at me.
“What?” I could barely say the word.
“Marry me, Addie. Make me a happy man and marry me,” he laughed.
“Are you insane? Are you seriously doing this now?” I hissed.
“Don’t get me wrong, Addie; this is business, nothing else. It would appear that I still need you.”
“Are you emotionally blackmailing me?” I looked at him incredulously.
“Of course I am. Why? Because I can. Addie, I’ll give you all the money you need. I’ll pay the debt, the mortgage and the hospital bills. All you have to do is marry me,” he smirked. He looked like he had won. Fucking Daimon. He knew I would cave if he waved the money I needed in front of me.
“Screw you, Daimon. Why can’t you just give me the money and I’ll pay you back?” I pleaded, but Daimon chuckled.
“Addie, I'm not a stupid man. It will take you years if not your whole life to pay me. This way I’m just asking for a few years of yours in exchange for the freedom you seek. Besides Addie, you’re fun and you take away the loneliness I sometimes feel. I like your company. So what do you say, Addie? Be my Mrs. Evans.”
I sat completely stunned at how emotionless he was. He had all the money in the world and giving me the money I needed wouldn’t even affect him in the least; yet, here he sat with a smug look on his face waiting for me to say yes. The world around me seemed bleaker than ever; in my heart of hearts I knew I would accept. I had no other alternative, but right now I felt violated. He had completely disregarded how I felt.
“You pick now to say this to me, now when I'm exhausted and guilt ridden. You know what I’ll say and yet you sit across from me with that stupid grin on your face, like I’m a toy. What am I saying? I’ve always been your toy. No point in changing it now is there?” I laughed cynically. “Just when I thought there might be an ounce of humanity in you, you never cease to surprise me, Daimon. Fine! I’ll be your wife,” I said brokenly. “What choice do I have?”
Daimon’s face fell. Could that be guilt I see from Daimon? Please. I stood up to leave.
“Wait, Addie. I didn’t mean it like that. I am…sorry. I should have picked a better time than this to ask you,” he said ruefully.
“Ask me?” I looked down at him. “You didn’t ask me. You manipulated me and handled me, Daimon style. Ask? Please, Daimon, at least say it as it is. You saw your chance and took it. I guess daddy dearest is still pushing for Clara. Well, he’s in for a disappointment when he sees the loser you married.”
THE DINNER
I waited beside my father, willing him to wake up. He looked beaten up. I hated seeing him like this. The room they had put us in was overcrowded. Over six other patients were here with us. Thankfully, we were situated in a corner by the window.
“Addie?” I faintly heard. I rose up from my seat and stood over him.
“Daddy?” I whispered.
“Addie? What happened?” His voice was parched and sounded hoarse. I pressed the call button for the nurse who never showed. I was hoping to buy some time, but I guess I wouldn’t get it.