Chapter 4 Travel

Electra POV

My eyes fluttered open, and I was shocked to find myself in a hospital bed. Memories of the car accident came flooding back, and I remembered feeling a sharp pain in my stomach before everything went black.

As I struggled to sit up, a tall, handsome man in a black suit approached me. His confident stride and expensive perfume exuded wealth and power. I was taken aback, wondering who this mysterious figure was.

But as my gaze met his, my mind raced back to the accident. This was the same man who had been driving the car that almost hit me! My heart raced with fear and confusion.

"Hey, you're finally awake," he said in a low, smooth voice that sent shivers down my spine. His tone was both soothing and intimidating, making me feel like I was in the presence of an angel... or a devil.

I remained silent, my eyes fixed on the stranger, as he spoke words that were both chastising and kind. His expression was a mix of concern and sternness, as if he was scolding me for being careless, yet relieved that I was alive.

"I could have hit you... you could have died, I think you should be more careful and watch out," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Anyway, I have to go now since you're awake."

He handed me my phone, which he had retrieved from his pocket. "I think Mr. Scofield is someone close to you. I already told him that you're in this hospital. He might come anytime soon. I have to go."

I finally found my voice, my words barely above a whisper. "Thanks so much, what's your name?"

But he just smiled and walked out of the hospital room, leaving me with more questions than answers. His confident stride and mysterious demeanor only added to my curiosity, as I realized he had intentionally avoided revealing his name. Despite the enigma surrounding him, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his help and concern.

I As I lay on the hospital bed, my father burst into the room, his face etched with worry and relief. He rushed to my side, sat down, and grasped my hand, rubbing my palm with a gentle touch.

"What happened to you, daughter? You got me so scared... you should have apologized to your mom. You shouldn't have left," Mr. Scofield said, his voice filled with concern and a hint of scolding.

I smiled weakly, knowing I was at fault. "I know, Dad. But you know how Mom can be sometimes... sentimental and annoying," I replied, trying to downplay the situation.

My dad scoffed, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. My mom, who had followed him into the room, hugged me tightly and asked me to explain the whole situation. I took a deep breath and recounted everything, from the argument with my mom to the accident and the mysterious stranger who had helped me, and what Knoxville did to me..

My father's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Did Knoxville really do all of this? Are you sure?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

I nodded emphatically, convinced of the truth. "Yes, Dad, I am saying the truth."

My father's expression softened, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. Don't worry, I'll talk to your mom. She'll listen to me." I knew he was trying to comfort me, but I wasn't convinced.

"How?" I pressed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

My father chuckled, a sly glint in his eye. "Let's just say I know how to handle your mother. I've been married to her long enough to know her secrets." He winked, and I couldn't help but smile.

"My father's words were laced with concern and wisdom. "I think you should go abroad for now, it's a better place for you to be after you're discharged. You can stay at a hotel while I process everything without your mother's knowledge."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed at my father in gratitude. "Thanks so much, Dad. You're a Godsend," I said, my voice cracking with emotion.

He smiled and pulled out a credit card from his pocket. "This is yours. After you left home, I opened a secret account and always made sure to put your monthly allowance in it. So, all the money in it is yours alone."

I buried my face in his shoulder, overcome with tears. "Despite stealing from you, you still have enough money for me?" I sobbed, my body shaking with grief and gratitude.

My father's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as he stroked my hair. "You're my daughter, and I'll always take care of you. No matter what."

My father's words struck a chord in my heart, and I felt a deep sense of appreciation and love for him. "Children make mistakes, and we should forgive them after seeing how truly sorry they are," he said, his voice filled with wisdom and compassion.

I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I was discharged from the hospital and began my medication, then moved to a hotel to wait until my father had finalized the necessary documents. Two weeks passed, and everything was ready.

As I prepared to say goodbye to my father, I felt a mix of emotions: sadness, gratitude, and excitement for my new beginning. Our goodbye was awkward, but tender. I knew I was starting a new chapter in my life, abroad, and that my father would always be with me in spirit, guiding and supporting me.

With tears in our eyes, we hugged each other tightly. "I'll always be here for you, no matter where you are," my father whispered. I nodded, knowing that his love and support would stay with me forever.

As the plane soared into the sky, I couldn't help but think of Knoxville, despite my efforts to erase him from my memory. My mind wandered back to the pain he had caused me, and I felt a surge of anger and hurt.

"How can I be carrying his child in my womb, when he treated me like a nobody?" I thought to myself, my hand instinctively reaching for my belly. "He has no idea he has a child with me, and he never will."