Chapter 21

MADDIE

I'm not sure why I was bothered by that lingering look Hades throws at Lizzie. I don't know if I'm reading things wrong, but I clearly saw how he looked at her. Part of me wanted to ask him and get the facts straight from him. But at the same time, I'm afraid that I wouldn't like it once I know the truth.

I'm used to getting whatever I want. So this thing called jealousy was all new to me. However, the most thing that I was worried about is that I think I'm jealous about the thought of Hades having interest with another woman.

The deal we had was nothing but contractual. I should stop myself from feeling anything more than I should before it's too late for me.

I blew a loud sigh before I walked inside the hospital. My father is still in the recovery room, so I go and checked my mom to see how she was going.

"Hi, Mom," I greeted as I entered the hospital room.

A weak smile spread across her face as she saw me. "Maddie," she said softly. She had a large circle around her eyes. She looks like he had barely got some sleep.

"How are you, mom?" I asked her. I'm worried that it wouldn't take long before she'll also get hospitalized if she won't take care of herself.

"I'm good, Maddie. I don't know what happened, but they just told me that someone paid for your dad's surgery. And everything else is a blur. Was it you? Do you have anything to do with this? Where did you get the money?" she asked in a rapid stream of questions.

I took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to explain this to her. I was about to speak when a knock on the door interrupted me. I wondered who it could be. We had lost a lot of friends since the news of our bankruptcy spread like wildfire. On the other hand, I was thankful for the interruption. It gave me more time to think of a way to explain my situation to my mother.

"I'll go check it," I told her. I walked to the door and opened it, only to be surprised by the sight of Hades standing there with a bouquet of flowers. I was about to close the door when my mom followed me to see who it was.

"Who is it?" my mom asked as she peeked around me. "Oh, who's this fine man here?" she asked curiously.

"Hi," Hades greeted her with a warm smile. "I brought some flowers," he said, handing the bouquet to my mom.

"Oh, how sweet of you. Come on in," she invited him. Her face lighting up with curiosity.

I stepped aside, allowing Hades to enter. As he walked in, my mom's eyes sparkled with interest, clearly taken by his charm.

"It's so nice to meet you," Hades said politely as he extends his hand to my mom.

She shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you too. These flowers are lovely, thank you."

"You're welcome," Hades replied. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"You're not. After all that happened, it's nice to have visitor." My mom's eyes softened as she looked at him, then turned to me. "Maddie, why don't you introduce us properly?"

I hesitated for a moment, then cleared my throat. "Mom, this is Hades Grant. He's... well, he's the one who helped us with Dad's surgery."

I noticed how Hades eyes darkened as his jaw clenched. He clearly didn't like what I did.

My mom's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "Oh, Mr. Grant, thank you so much! I don't know how to express how grateful we are. You've given us so much hope."

Hades smiled gently. "Please, call me Hades. And it was my pleasure to help. Isn't that what a good son-in-law should do?"

My eyes widened in panic, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. The smile on my mother's face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of shock and confusion. "S-Son-in-law?" she stammered, her gaze darting back and forth between Hades and me. "Maddie, what's the meaning of this?" she demanded.

"Mom, let's talk about this some other time. What matters right now is that Dad got the surgery and he's doing well," I said, trying to defuse the situation and steer the conversation away from the bombshell Hades had just dropped.

My mom's eyes bore into mine, searching for answers. "Maddie, you can't just drop something like that and expect me to ignore it. What is going on?" she insisted.

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to address this but desperately wanting to delay the inevitable confrontation. "Mom, I promise we will talk about it, but right now isn't the best time. Dad's health is our priority. Please, just trust me for now," I pleaded.

My mom looked at me, her expression softening slightly. She let out a sigh, clearly torn between her need for answers and her relief at my dad's successful surgery. "Alright, Maddie. We'll focus on your father for now. But we will have this conversation soon," she said firmly while her eyes still filled with questions.

"Thank you, Mom," I said softly.

I keep on darting sharp looks towards Hades. I thought I already made it clear for him that I won't mention about our marriage to my parents for the time being. I can't believe he would ambush me like, especially right after our argument in his office.

We stayed there for a couple of hours, offering comfort to my mother as we anxiously awaited news of my father’s condition. The minutes seemed to stretch into an eternity, each one weighed down by the uncertainty and worry we all felt. Finally, after what felt like an endless wait, the nurses moved my father out of the recovery room and back into his own room. The sight of him doing well brought an immense wave of relief over all of us.

"Hi, Dad," I greeted him, my voice choked with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes and began to spill down my cheeks. The realization of how close we had come to losing him because of the scandal hit me hard. He was the only man who had ever loved me unconditionally, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

"Hi, princess," he responded, his voice weak but filled with affection. He managed a small chuckle. "Thought you finally got rid of me, huh?" His attempt at humor was his way of lightening the mood, even in his weakened state.

I smiled through my tears, feeling a profound mix of gratitude and love. "Never, Dad. You're stuck with me," I replied as I squeezed his hand gently.

Hades stood quietly by my side. My mother, sitting on the other side of the bed, looked visibly relieved. "Thank God you're alright," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

"We'll get through this together," I assured my father. "The important thing is that you're here with us."

He nodded, his eyes conveying the depth of his love and relief. "I'm not going anywhere, princess. We'll be okay."

As we sat together, the room filled with a sense of shared hope and resilience. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead, the bond between us felt stronger than ever.

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