Chapter 49: Complications at the Hospital

Ursula felt utterly deflated after the blood draw, her energy sapped as she slouched against the headboard. Her foot was bandaged and elevated, resembling more a trussed-up ham than a part of her body.

Matthew's presence didn't help. Since entering her hospital room, he'd been silent, his expression as grim as a soot-streaked fireplace. Ursula imagined if she tried, she could probably wipe away a layer of grime from his darkened features.

She had expected him to take the hint and leave, but Matthew remained, his gaze fixed on her with an unsettling intensity .

His silent scrutiny wasn't new, Matthew had always had a way of looking at her that seemed to pierce through her defenses.

Ursula felt compelled to break the silence, her mind was racing back to the near-miss incident earlier that day.

"So, does this count as passing your test?"

Matthew's reply snuffed out any hope in her eyes. "Don't think you can just charm your way out of this."

She knew better than to provoke him further and stayed quiet, yet she couldn't help but challenge him. "Matthew, I kept my end of the bargain, but you're the one who backed down."

It felt unjust to have her efforts dismissed just because the situation had changed.

Matthew's response was terse, "Okay."

"Okay, so you agree," Ursula said, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. But that hope was short-lived as she saw him reach for his shirt buttons, causing her to panic, "What are you doing? This is a hospital!"

In that moment, he seemed like a predator to her.

His voice was emotionless, "If you're ready, I'll keep my promise."

He paused, then added nonchalantly, "Being in a hospital doesn't matter."

"Wait, wait, I disagree, let's just talk," Ursula stammered, not wanting to escalate the situation beyond a mere discussion. Matthew's tone made it sound as if she was the one insisting on more, despite her compromised state.

Taking her words into account, Matthew fixed his collar and calmly said, "Speak."

Ursula realized he had been bluffing to intimidate her. She couldn't bring herself to be close to Matthew; the emotional barrier was too strong.

Clearing her throat, she said firmly, "Matthew, I can't accept that condition; it's against my principles."

"But I'm open to other terms."

"Alright."

"I know you, wait, what did you say?"

His easy agreement caught Ursula off guard. He wasn't behaving like the cutthroat lawyer she knew, who would fight tooth and nail for his advantage.

It was too easy.

As expected, Matthew had a condition, "I'll agree to your terms, but you must answer one question."

Ursula, cautious from past lessons, clarified, "It's nothing unethical, right?"

With Matthew's nod, she contunued, "Go ahead."

"Ursula, are you keeping something from me?" he probed.

"No." she replied too quickly, then relaxed, trying to appear calm. "You know me, we've been together long enough. I've always been an open book." she claimed, meeting his gaze steadily, reminding herself she couldn't let any secrets slip.

Matthew almost believed her, but his instincts told him something wasn't right. Her panic, briefly visible, gave her away.

He wasn't overly curious about her secrets, but her defensive posture suggested it involved him. He decided to let it go for now,. "You're fine now."

"Yes, I'm fine." she responded quickly.

After Matthew left, Ursula's heart still raced. She sighed in relief, realizing why he was described as formidable in the courtroom.

She then remembered an oversight, she had answered his question without securing her own terms.

Frustrated, she clenched the sheets, and cursed at Matthew's.

Outside, Matthew allowed a smirk. Ursula's secret wasn't his priority, but one day he'd uncover it, and he'd regret dismissing it today.

Ursula expected a long, lonely night, but exhaustion took over swiftly.

She woke up to the sterile white of the hospital room, recalling her admission the day before. Checking her phone, she found messages from Dylan and numerous calls from Timothy.

It was nearly ten, she had asked George to take her to the hospital this morning.

She called him back immediately.

George picked up instantly, "Ursula, where are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, George, sorry to worry you." she replied, her concern evident. George's unwavering care weighed heavily on her, a constant reminder of his genuine concern for her well-being.