Chapter 62

My men arrived shortly after Colton left. I called them to come here the moment I calmed down a bit and thought of a concrete plan to find her easily.

I went straight to the hospital right after they took care of Jacob. I made sure not to let them mention this to Marshall or the police. I don’t trust them handling Jacob anymore. If he was able to escape once, surely it will happen again. I could not simply afford it.

We’re talking about the love of my life’s life. I don’t think I could live well without her in it.

Colton was sitting on the bench with his hands on his face. He was shaking. I could hear him sniffing as I went nearer. I sat beside him with composure when I knew deep inside I was anything but.

I was freaking out. I’m afraid of the news the doctor will give us. I am even nervous to ask. I don’t want to know. Just the thought of Kura’s wound, the blood streaming out, I feel anxious. I’m going crazy right now.

However, I needed to be calm. I felt obligated to do that. I needed to be the sane one here. Colton couldn’t do that. He was in a complete mess. I was surprised, at the same time not, to see him like this.

I could see how he cherishes Kura. I know it’s stupid to be jealous right now. I really just can’t help it. I love her. I should be the one ruining myself right now. I should be the one who would turn the world upside down when my woman is in there fighting for her life.

But he did it for me.

“I’m sorry.” He suddenly spoke in a sob after a while of breakdown. “It’s really not easy for me.” He sniffed. ”I can't lose her, man. You don't know how hard it is to have lost someone you loved. After my wife died, Kura literally became the only family I have. I love her so much. She's my sister. I’m going to fucking lose my mind if she ever leaves me.” He said in between his cry.

Now I know why. Why he reacted this way. I almost forgot that he’s a widower.

“It’s alright.” I answered calmly.

He inhaled. “I appreciate that you’re the calm one here. I know what you feel about Rose. When Hana was dying, following her crossed my mind. I love her so much. Even now it’s still hard to move on. So I understand what you feel and I know right now you have the courtesy to let me have the spotlight. I was surprised myself that I could cry this much even after Hana’s death.”

I turned to look at him. He was crying and sobbing like a woman. But he gained my respect, trust and admiration.

“I’m sorry… for your loss.”

He chuckled bitterly. “It was a long time ago. If… when Rose gets through this, I’m going to warn you, Nile. I might be more protective of her than usual… as her brother.”

I nodded. “I’m counting on you for that.”

The doctor then came to us with the news. Kura was hit near her shoulder, almost in her chest. Fortunately, the bullet didn’t hit any vital organs. She lost a lot of blood but they managed to take care of it and all other potential dangers. Kura was finally stable.

The two of us breathed in relief. We just have to wait when she’ll wake up. Colton fixed himself and finally stopped crying. The light on his face was back as soon as we heard the good news.

Hours have passed and Kura still hasn’t woken up. The doctor advised us not to worry. She was just recovering. Soon she’ll wake up so we waited patiently.

Watching Colton with his bloodied clothes and worn out look, I suggested letting him go home for now, take a shower and change. He literally looked horrible. I urged him to do that so Kura wouldn’t be concerned when she wakes up. She’ll think something happened to him.

I walked him out of Kura’s room, planning to give him the keys to my car so he’ll be quicker that way. I’m also going to stop by the cafeteria to buy some coffee. I wanted to be wide awake when she opened her eyes.

“Thank you.” He responded, still a bit dejected.

“No problem.”

“Listen, Nile-” He looked like he wanted to say something but was cut off when he saw something behind me.

“Colton?” It was an unknown voice to me. When I turned around, it was from the older man with familiar hazel eyes.

“Mister Kunoe…” He answered with wide eyes.

I stilled, knowing who this man might be. He sauntered towards us with a puzzled look.

“Why are you here?” He asked. His eyes travelled down towards his shirt. His eyes widened. “What happened to Kura? Where is she?”

I don’t know if I should be surprised that he immediately knew where Kura could possibly be.

I could see Colton’s nervousness and complexity whether he'll tell the truth to her father or not.

“Tell me, Colton.” He insisted. “I was looking for her for hours. I’m worried sick. She hasn’t come back ever since she went out to buy us food. I don’t want anything bad to happen to her too.”

Our eyebrows rose questioningly. “Too?!” We spoke simultaneously.

We then let him explain what happened, especially why he was here. Colton assumed it was his health problems but we were more than wrong.

“I’m sorry about what happened to your wife, Mister Kunoe.” He sighed. I knew he was having second thoughts whether to tell him or not. He looked frail. I’m sure he’d be devastated if he knew about Kura.

But he deserves to know the truth.

“Mr. Kunoe-” I paused, knowing he still doesn’t know me. He looked at me inquisitively. I don’t know if it’s because he’s wondering who I was or if he was waiting for a truthful answer. “I’m sorry. I still haven’t introduced myself. I am Nile Veselov, her… friend.”

I don’t think it’s the right time to tell him about my relationship with his daughter.

“Something happened… to your daughter.” His eyes widened in fear. “But do not worry, she’s alright now.”

“What happened to her?! Tell me!” He exclaimed while holding my arm in trepidation.

Colton and I looked at each other before telling him the truth. Though we cut out some parts, we told him what really happened last night. We had a silent understanding that Jacob would be named as a stalker who’s been obsessed with Kura. He followed her here even to the point of threatening us and hurt her which led to the story of how Kura got shot.

He looked like he couldn’t handle anymore as our conversation progressed. It was a good idea to leave the harder details. He seemed to nearly faint but he was resisting it. I understood that it was very hard for him right now considering his wife and daughter were both admitted to the hospital.

We reassured him countless times that she’s okay now and sleeping soundly in her room. We didn’t mention to him that she still hasn’t woken up though.

He asked if he could visit her and we led him to her room. He felt relieved seeing Kura sleeping and looking fine. Kura looking like an angel right now helped ease the atmosphere.

Colton didn’t stay longer to accompany Mister Kunoe. He left him to me and finally went home.

I watched Kura’s father looking at her lovingly.