THE BILLIONAIRE'S CRYBABY
Chapter 44: SUBTLE RIVALRY

Chapter 44: SUBTLE RIVALRY

Save for the distant sound of Fay’s sob, the room was awkwardly silent.

Marilyn had her face stuck to the window, the bleakness of the day, encapsulating her.

For Alice, she just wanted Fay to eat. The poor girl looked worn out, and completely exhausted. If only she could eat, she’d be fine.

At the door, Ace watched Fay. He didn’t know why he returned to the room. All he knew was that halfway walking through the halls of the hospital, he paused, unable to resume walking. It wasn’t until he turned back, and sauntered into the room, did he feel relieved.

It was a strange feeling for him. One that made him question a lot of things, and nothing at the same time. Seeing her cry gnawed at his heart. Irritated his ears too, but that was a given.

He hated tears. Ever since his father’s funeral where virtually everyone bawled their eyes out, even those who didn’t give a fuck about him, he had thought it a performative action at best.

Regardless of his irritation, he was here. Okay with just watching her.

The door to the room swooshed, making him shift out of the way.

Alexander, wondering about the strange obstacle that had initially hindered him from entering, paused when he came into the room, and found Ace leaning on the wall beside the door.

"Good evening," he greeted with an outstretched hand.

Ace stared at his hands. He didn’t want to shake him. Would rather pretend not to have seen that action, but there was barely any reason to be a jerk to this man who had been nothing but caring. That was the main issue though. He was a little too concerned about Fay.

It shouldn’t bother him. After all, she wasn’t all that important to him, aside the fact he needed her for his own personal ambitions. But it bothered him.

"Evening." He shook his hands after a slight pause.

Alexander nodded, and moved towards the bed.

"Good evening doctor," Alice said, and offered him a weak smile.

"Good evening Mrs?" He wasn’t sure he had seen the woman before, and his investigative voice testified to that.

"Alice. Head chef."

"Really nice to meet you ma’am." He returned her smile.

Lifting his head, he saw the woman he actually knew, but from her stiffened straight back, he could tell she didn’t want to be disturbed. Instead, he let his gaze rest on his patient.

With her head bent to the sheets, she sobbed silently.

He didn’t know what to make of this. Everyone acted like they couldn’t see she was obviously in distress. Why weren’t they comforting her?

"Fay?" He touched her shoulders gently.

Startled, she jerked up at the sound of his voice, and the feel of his touch. "Doctor Alexander," she whispered through tears.

But it wasn’t just his presence that had her sniffling, and casting glances towards the door. Ace was there too. She hadn’t noticed all these while. Wondering how long he had stood there was a sure way to worsen the ache in her head, and she didn’t think she could withstand any more pain.

"You’re crying? Did something happen? Are you okay?" He questioned, worried eyes narrowing on her face.

God she was stunning. Despite the sadness in those eyes of hers, and the harsh lines that covered her face, she was undeniably a goddess.

He didn’t know the dynamics of her marriage, but with what he’d seen so far, it was safe to say Ace Atticus wasn’t as smart as he was portrayed in the media.

Here was a woman who clearly thought the world of him, yet, he didn’t reciprocate. If he did, she wouldn’t be crying right now.

"I’m fine," She wiped off the tears with the back of her hands. "I was aching a little, so I cried."

From the door, Ace frowned. Pretending not to have an ear out, he pulled out his phone, and acted like he was scrolling through it. That action enabled him to listen in on what she was saying.

"You were?" His brows snapped. "Why didn’t you say something? Or send someone to call the doctor’s? Where does it hurt?" He didn’t understand anything. How could she be hurting and no one currently present in the room made a move to help? There was something hidden, but unfortunately it wasn’t in his place to seek it out.

"It’s just a headache. I thought with a little rest, it’ll pass. Don’t worry about it," She forced a smile, but it barely covered her eyes. "See? I’m fine. Really fine." The lie rang heavy in her head. Fine indeed. She couldn’t remember the last time she was fine. Daily, she tried. So hard, so much effort, but little result.

"You’re playing with your health Fay," he said in a slightly raised voice. "You’re in a hospital for a reason. If it hurts you speak up."

Ace couldn’t help but hear the testiness in his voice. What was it to him? If she said she was fine, why wouldn’t he just drop it?

"You’re a jerk that’s why you’d wonder something so sinister," he heard a chiding voice in his head say. Worse off, it was the greatest truth he had ever been confronted with.

"I’m sorry."

"Don’t be sorry, just tell me what’s wrong and how I can help. Did doctor Lydia see you today?"

"The pretty doctor?" Her eyes sparkled as she said that. "She did." She answered her own question.

"And what’d she say?"

"She said I’m fine."

"You’re supposed to be, but you do yourself no good with the constant tears. Look at how pale your skin still is. Have you eaten anything today?"

"I did."

"Three spoons only," Alice interjected. This was her territory. No one was allowed to twist the truth in her presence.

"Fay," he called worriedly.

"I’m going to eat, I promise. Chef Alice of all people knows how much I like to eat. I appreciate food a lot so I’ll eat," she yapped.

He didn’t want to be, but Ace was amused by her admission.

How many people openly talked about liking food? The women in his world loved to pretend food was this sacred thing that wasn’t really spoken about in public.

"Do you not have an appetite? Is that it? You have to work with me here, and be very sincere," he warned with a raised finger, before she could answer.

"Honestly? I don’t." How could she? Her husband was in the room with her, but not once had he looked her way. She didn’t know if he was going to kill her, or was there for a different reason.

"Okay, let’s do it this way. I thought you’d be kept on observation for today and tomorrow, then be discharged the day after if you remain stable. We can still do that if you promise to eat. At least try."

"I can do that." She nodded unconvincingly.

"Why do I think you’re bullshiting?" He cocked a brow.

A hint of a smile formed on her face at his inappropriate choice of words. She didn’t know doctors used profane words. It sounded really good with his accent too. "No I’m not—" she blushed, and lowered her gaze, unable to say the word.

Alice chuckled at the same time Alexander did.

"You don’t have to say the word if you’re uncomfortable," he joked.

Aces frown deepened. Was the doctor here to check on his patient or make intimate conversations? Even Alice was egging him on by her laughter. At least Marilyn was sensible enough to look away.

Speaking of Marilyn, his gaze swept past Mr clown doctor, and went to her. She was angry alright. It was obvious from her straightened back.

He had questioned her loyalty. Something he wasn’t supposed to do.

"How many more mistakes?" He wondered in his head.

"Fay, do you like ice cream?" Alexander suddenly asked.

Her head shot up with a speed that’d make traveling light embarrassed. "How do you know?!" She gaped.

A small laugh escaped his throat. Even that managed to sound so British, and so hot.

"What are you doing Fay?" She cautioned herself in alarm.

"You look like you would. Lucky guess," he shrugged. "But would you like some?"

"I think—" she glanced at Ace who averted his gaze when he felt hers on him. "I’m fine."

Alexander squinted, and turned his head. As he returned his attention to her, he understood what had just happened. Had he crossed the line? Maybe he should have asked her husband first. But it was just ice cream.

A text came into Ace’s phone. It was from Landon. Mumbling an excuse, he stepped out of the room.

He dialed his number, instead of answering his text. "Where the fuck are you?" He queried immediately he picked up.

"It’s a long story, but I’m already on my way back."

"Yeah? Get me a big bowl of ice cream."

"What? Ice cream? You’re craving ice cream?"

"Just get it," he rolled his eyes, ignoring the shock in his voice. "And be fast about it."

"Uhmmm, okay? What flavor?"

Ace paused. He didn’t know. He knew absolutely nothing about Fay. "Get everything."

"What!"

"You heard me, Landon. Get every flavor you can lay your hands on. Buy the entire store if you need to, but don’t you dare come back empty-handed." He ended the call, before his dear friend could get any more word in.