Chapter 8 The Secrets We Keep

Ava's hands trembled as she dialed Bryant's number, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Bryant, it's Ethan-he's unconscious. I need help. Now."

Bryant's voice crackled through the phone with urgency. "I'm on my way. Stay calm."

Minutes felt like hours as Ava paced the office, her mind racing with guilt and panic. The room was a flurry of chaotic thoughts and fearful anticipation. When Bryant finally arrived, he barely paused to take in the scene. His face was a mask of determination as he took in Ethan's condition.

"Call 911," Bryant ordered, his voice sharp and commanding.

Ava nodded, dialing the emergency number with shaking fingers. It felt surreal, like she was trapped in a nightmare she couldn't wake from, if Bryant ask Ed her what happened she was done for.

The ambulance arrived swiftly, and the paramedics worked with practiced efficiency. Ethan was placed on a stretcher, his face pale and unconscious. Ava followed, her heart pounding in her chest. Bryant stayed close, his eyes flicking between Ava and the paramedics.

In the ambulance, the air was thick with tension. Ava sat by Ethan's side, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She watched, her heart sinking with every bump of the vehicle, as the medics worked to stabilize Ethan. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was responsible for this.

When they reached the hospital, Bryant was a whirlwind of action, guiding Ava through the emergency room and ensuring that Ethan was taken into the intensive care unit. Ava stood outside the door, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she waited for any news.

Hours dragged on as Ava sat in the waiting area, her eyes red from lack of sleep and the weight of her guilt. The sterile, white walls of the hospital seemed to close in on her, amplifying her anxiety. Finally, the doctor emerged, his expression grave but relieved.

"He's stable now," the doctor said, glancing at Ava. "If you had waited any longer, he could have lost his life. But we managed to save him. He'll need to stay under observation, but he should make a full recovery. He's hot a very bad allergy"

Ava's legs felt like lead as she absorbed the news. She nodded numbly, her guilt only deepening. Bryant placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You did the right thing by calling for help. I don't know how he got caffeine into his system when he avoids it like that"

Ava reverted her gaze from them, guilt eaten her up, the least she could do was spend the night there, her exhaustion weighing heavily on her. She remained by Ethan's bedside, her eyes fixed on his still form.

You deserve to die

You really do but not by my hands she thought to herself with a heavy heart, she didn't sound so convinced that he deserved to die

Occasionally, Ethan would murmur in his sleep, his brow furrowing as if troubled by some unseen nightmare. Ava's heart ached as she watched him, feeling a strange sense of responsibility for his well-being.

At one point during the night, Ethan's distress seemed to reach a peak. His body tensed, and he gasped for air. Ava, feeling an unexpected surge of tenderness, reached out and gently touched his hand. The contact was awkward and fleeting, but it felt like a small connection in the midst of the chaos.

She was about to pull back her hand but he reached out and held her,eyes still close

"One more" he whispered drowsy

* * * * * * * * * *

As dawn broke, Ethan began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, locking onto Ava with a mix of irritation and confusion.

"You," he rasped, his voice hoarse and weak.

"You owe me"

Ava's eyes widened. "Owe you what?"

"I saved your life," Ethan continued, his gaze sharp despite his weakened state.

Ava couldn't believe get ears

"The person who saved you is me"

"You're lucky I didn't report you for attempted murder. But since I didn't, you now owe me" he said and beckoned for her to come closer

She did hesitantly, he whispered

"Your life is now mine"

Ava swallowed hard, the weight of his words dawning on her, he knew she did thus to him just as she was about to plead her case the door opened

"Maya," Ethan said, a warmth creeping into his voice. "Good to see you."

Ava's stomach churned as she observed Maya's approach. The woman's presence was as polished as her appearance-every movement seemed carefully calculated to convey concern, yet there was an unmistakable undercurrent of possessiveness. Maya's eyes flicked over to Ava, a look of disdain barely concealed.

Maya!!!, the anime lady!!, Ava couldn't stop staring

"Ethan," Maya said softly, her voice dripping with honeyed concern.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Ethan replied, his gaze lingering on Maya with a hint of gratitude.

"Just a bit shaken."

Ava felt a pang of irritation as Maya fussed over Ethan, her touch lingering just a moment too long. The contrast between Maya's tenderness and Ava's own feelings of guilt and frustration was stark. She wanted to leave, but she knew she had to stay-at least until Ethan was fully recovered.

She excused herself for a bit wandering what kind of relationship those two had and amazed she even cared in the first place

* * * * * * * *

Meanwhile, across town at Walker's mansion, Vincent Walker, Loretta, and Michael huddled around a large table, their faces set in determined expressions. The family dinner was approaching, and Vincent had grand plans to use the event as a stage for his next move.

"If Ethan doesn't want Ruby," Vincent said, his tone cold and calculated,

"we'll make sure he gets her."

Loretta scowled, her eyes narrowing with frustration.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Father. Ethan's not interested in participating."

"We'll see about that," Vincent replied with a steely resolve.

"The dinner will be our opportunity. If Ethan won't play along willingly, we'll ensure he has no choice."

Michael exchanged uneasy glances with Loretta, his own misgivings apparent. The undercurrents of the family's plans were complex and fraught with tension. Ethan's reluctance only fueled their determination to manipulate the situation to their advantage.

* * * * * * * * * * *

As Ava left the hospital, her mind was a tangled mess of worries and uncertainties. She knew she had to navigate the intricacies of her new role, deal with Maya's unwelcome presence, and brace herself for the upcoming family dinner. The stakes were higher than ever, and Ava was about to find herself in a web she didn't know was more darker that she had expected.