Chapter 51

Ashley

I've never been scared in my life like I was at that moment and at the same time devastated. My heart was thumping fast that I'm afraid it will reap out of it's socket any time soon. Neil's almost lifeless body was still visible in my head. I wished Mr Michael would allow me to go in and be by his side. Yet, he said Neil require an emergency surgery that there shouldn't be any distractions.

And here I am standing outside, my eyes keep glancing at the door. Kristine squeezed my shoulder. I know she's trying to comfort me. However, I know my mind won't be calm until I'm sure Neil's life is out of danger. "He'll be fine" She ushered.

The only answer I could give is a nod before resting my head back on her shoulder. In just one night, everything changed. Raphael has been taken into the police custody and I hope he will pay for every crime he committed. He dragged my family into the mess and now my father's name will be all over the tabloids. I know he must be done with his announcement. I don't even want to think about the negativity he'd get when he finally resume work. Will the company go bankrupt?

What felt like minutes turned to hours and before we know it, Mr. Michael spent three hours or so inside the operating room. There wasn't a bit of sleep in my eyes even though my mom perstered me to go home and have a rest with all that I've gone through. But I made it clear that I won't leave until Neil Is safe. And she stop trying to make me leave.

A pile of silent fell within all of us present at the hallway. Each with her thoughts. My eyes snapped to the door that was being open. Mr. Michael walk off pulling off his face mask. I instantly rushed up to him. "How is he Mr. Michael? He's okay right? Can I see him?" I boambard all at once.

Mr. Michael suck in a breath. "He lost a lot of blood but thankfully he was brought it on time. He's out of danger. But I advice you to give some time before seeing him" As soon as the words left his mouth, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my heart.

I reached for Mr. Micheal's hand. "Thank you so much. Words could not explain how grateful I am. You saved my loved ones life I will forever be grateful"

"It's okay Miss Ava.. Oh I forgot its Ashley. I'm used to the name already" A chuckle escaped both of us. "They're both my names. So you can call whichever you want to. I'll answer both of them"

A smile resonate out of his lips. "Alright then. You should take a rest, you look out of place"

"I'm okay. I will-"

"This is an order from a doctor. I know you're worried about Neil. He's fine now. You can come back after taking a rest. Excuse me" That got me mouth to be sealed shut. He's right I need to take a rest. A hot shower is what I need to calm all my aching body.

"Don't even think about going against his words. We should get going" Before I could get the chance to answer her, she dragged me away and we embark on our way back home. To the inn my parents are staying. Immediately I got in the room, I branched to the bathroom and took a hot shower. Washing all the dirt and problems away. I'm glad things are back to normal now. Does that mean, Neil and I will be together now?

I stayed in the bathtub longer than I planned to. Letting the hot water wash away everything. It was when I heard a knock from the door that made me snapped back to reality. "Are you staying in there forever?" I heard my mother's faint voice. A small smile resonate out of my lips. How I missed her scolding and nagging.

"I'll be out now" I yelled out putting off the shower. I wrapped my body with a towel and used the small one to tie my wet hair.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I was met with my mom. She was now dressed into a simple clothe, her palms were intertwined together. "Mom" ushered making my way towards her.

"Are you okay?" I added seeing her unusual expression. She let out a small smile. The smile I know didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah. I'm okay. Get dressed and let's talk" came her replied. I did as she said, dressed into a pair of white t-shirt and black leggings. Thank God they came along with clothes for me. At least I won't have to be bothered with wearing the same clothes. I applied a little lipstick onto my dried lips before squatting down beside her on the bed.

"So..." I trailed off waiting for her to commenced her talking. What I didn't expect happened. My body was being pulled into her embrace. It caught me completely off guard. "Thank you for coming back to us. Safe and sound" she whispered her voice cracking. I wrapped my hands around her too resting my head on her shoulder.

"Thank you for saving me. And I'm sorry for everything" I said truthfully.

"No Ashley, we are the ones to apologize. You had to go through all that suffering because of us. I'm sorry for making you think that we don't love you. But my dear, it's not what you're thinking. We love you equally and believe me when I say you're our precious daughter. Nikki is our daughter too but you're our present. You should never have the thought that we hate you. Both of us love you so much" I didn't know if it's her words that made me emotional. However, I found myself shedding out tears.

"And I'm sorry for doubting you guys. I love you all so much regardless of the circumstances.