Chapter Fourteen

Chapter 14
THIRD PERSON POV

"Ensure her safety," Jon urged Alan as he coughed, from his hospital bed, his complexion drained and fragile, his heart weakening as he desperately awaited a donor. The monitors beeped relentlessly, the muffled sounds of footsteps echoing down the corridor.

"Do I really have to leave?" Alan's voice trembled with uncertainty, his reluctance palpable at the thought of departing while his father's condition hung in the balance.

"Jemima's well-being comes first. I'll be okay, the doctors are at my beck and call. Just make sure she’s okay,” Jon managed to utter weakly, furrowing Alan's brow with deep concern.

"Very well, Father," Alan reluctantly agreed, his shoulders slumping in resignation as he exited the hospital ward. He climbed into a waiting car that whisked him off to the airport for a flight to Rome.

After eight hours in the air, Alan disembarked and walked out of the airport. He basked in the sunlight, relishing in the feel of it against his skin before stepping into a waiting limousine arranged by Jay.

Alan's mind raced with thoughts of Jemima's safety. Anger simmered within him towards Jay for what he perceived as negligence in protecting her. His thoughts spiraled on how to confront Jay, laying blame on him for his father's condition, linking it to Jemima's kidnapping due to Jay's inaction against Dennis.

"We have arrived sir," the chauffeur's shrill voice broke through Alan's reverie as they pulled up to Jay's grand residence. Alan stepped out, eyeing the imposing house before him. He tried to still the raging storm that was brewing inside him, shutting his eyes momentarily before reopening them. He walked gingerly

"Allow me to assist, sir," a maid hurried over, offering to help with his luggage.

“Thank you,” Alan expressed his gratitude with a nod, eagerly surrendering his luggage as she guided him inside, where Jay, Vanessa, and Dimitri awaited.

"Welcome, Alan. It's a pleasure to meet you," Vanessa greeted, but Alan paid no heed, striding directly to Jay, his every step exuding fury. His eyes locked with Jay’s as his jaws clenched in anger.

In a sudden blur, Alan's fist connected with Jay's nose, sending him reeling. Jay held his nose and blood began gushing out from it like a torrent of a strong tide. Dimitri swiftly intervened, restraining Alan from further assault amidst Alan’s intense struggle to be set free.

"You fucking bastard!" Alan's enraged cry filled the room as he struggled against Dimitri's hold, attempting to lunge at Jay once more. Jay dodged, retaliating with a swift punch of his own. Alan was gyrating with rapid rage as he staggered a little, glaring at Jay venomously with his fist clenched.

"You're the one responsible for Jemima's kidnap!" Alan's accusation echoed, his sleeves rolled up in defiance.

"Don't you dare," Jay shot back, his gaze fierce.

"If only you had been more vigilant, Jemima wouldn't have been endangered!" Alan's frustration palpable in his words.

"Jemima is no child. I warned her not to go after Dennis, but she disobeyed! Am I to blame for her actions?" Jay's rebuttal was sharp, his jaw still aching from Alan's blow.

"If you had insisted or accompanied her, things would have unfolded differently!" Alan's voice reverberated, the tension escalating. Dimitri attempted to interfere, to stop the brewing brawl but was stopped by Vanessa.

“Don’t,” she simply uttered, ensuring he didn’t get involved.

The two men locked eyes, a silent battle of wills and reasoning unfolding, their breaths heavy with emotion.

Alan was on the brink of losing it as his vision blurred with fury, his heart pounding with the weight of his father's potential loss. The relentless thought of Jay's involvement fueled his wrath, propelling him to strike once more. Jay retaliated with a forceful blow, igniting a physical clash that echoed through the room.

As the brawl escalated, grunts of pain filled the air, each strike intensifying the animosity between the two. Dimitri's attempt to intervene was thwarted by Vanessa's firm hand, recognizing it was not his battle to fight.

Amidst the struggle, Jay's grip tightened around Alan's neck, choking his breath. “I am not to be blamed! Jemima is a grown ass woman and can make her own decisions,” Jay vehemently yelled, his grip tightening around Alan’s neck, causing Alan to turn red from suffocation. Alan's desperate attempt to break free led to a fierce blow to Jay's stomach, causing him to stagger and retch.

"Admit it! Your history with her consumed you, driving you to this! You couldn’t stand a woman being in charge, could you?” Alan's accusation dripped with venom, poised for another attack until Vanessa's stern voice sliced through the tension.

"Enough!" Vanessa's unexpected outburst silenced the room, her maternal authority commanding attention. Dimitri's curiosity piqued, observing her with raised brows as she demanded reconciliation.

"You're both acting like children! Jay, your welcome was far from gracious. Alan, your frustration is justified, but your actions are not. Apologize you two, now!” Vanessa's reprimand carried a blend of berating and authority, coaxing reluctant apologies from Jay and Alan, their gazes averted in stubborn pride.

Apologies muttered, a heavy silence draped the room, tension palpable as Vanessa's gaze shifted to Dimitri, signaling the next step in this turbulent encounter. The tense ambiance in the air became distinct as silent fell on all of them.

“Dimitri, take Alan to his room and get him to freshen up. Jay, follow me and let’s get you checked for the bruised you’ve sustained,” Vanessa spewed instructions out and they all moved to do her biddings.


“When you are done freshening up Alan, meet me to clean up your wounds as well. Then we can discuss how to actually rescue Jemima, without fighting,” Vanessa muttered, glancing between Jay and Alan and making sure they were on the same page with her.

As Dimitri led Alan to his room, each step seemed to magnify the ache coursing through Alan's body, a haunting reminder of the fierce confrontation that had transpired moments ago.

Alan's thoughts drifted to his father, a surge of worry gripping his heart as he pondered his well-being amidst the chaos. Simultaneously, Jemima's safety lingered in his mind, a silent prayer for her protection echoing through his thoughts. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on Alan's shoulders, urging him to seek redemption and a path towards rescuing Jemima without further conflict.