Chapter 18
“H ow’re you feeling ?”
“I’m—” Her voice cracked, parched and brittle like an old desert trail.
A hand appeared in her line of sight, holding a plastic cup. She latched onto the straw, the cold water rushing down her throat, tasting like an exotic holiday drink.
“Slow down. I’m not taking it away.” The hoarse but warm voice sounded familiar. Annie turned her head, stopping abruptly as a sharp pain almost made her blackout.
“Easy, tiger. No sudden movements.” His words wrapped around her like a safety net.
As she sipped the water, her eyes darted around the room. Crisp white sheets stretched over a metal-framed bed with railings. A white bathrobe hung on the back of a worn armchair in the corner. A machine to her left beeped, and something squeezed her left arm.
“Why am I in a hospital?” Her breathing quickened, making the machine beep louder in response.
“What happened? Was it an accident?”
A low chuckle seeped into her ears—warm, but with a hint of sadness. Annie looked up. Conrad’s blue eyes, weary and rimmed with dark shadows, met hers. A faint purple bruise decorated one of them.
“You might say that.” He smelled like coffee, the rich scent mingling with the cold sterility of the room.
She reached for the cup again, her hand shaking. “More.”
Conrad placed the cup in her right hand, guiding the straw to her lips. Her eyes caught the scratches and dried blood on his knuckles.
“What happened?” Annie struggled to sit up.
“Let me—” The top of the bed whirred upwards as he helped her up, stacking two fluffy pillows behind her.
“Comfortable?”
She was, and oddly, she felt safe. Having this man here with her, guarding her, made whatever had happened better.
The armchair screeched against the floor as Conrad dragged it closer. He dropped into it with a deep sigh.
“What’s the last thing you remember?”
Good question.
They’d argued. She’d packed her suitcase. And then ... pain. Sharp, searing pain.
Oh no!
Her hand flew to her belly, but it felt no different. She wasn’t far enough along to feel the baby kick. The slight curve reassured her that nothing seemed wrong—yet that pain ...
“Is my—” The words caught in her throat. She needed to know if her baby was okay, but she couldn’t let him find out about it.
Conrad cleared his throat. “Your face.”
“My face?” Annie raised her hand, the cannula tugging at her wrist, and touched her cheek. “Wait.” She patted her face with her fingers. It felt different—misshapen.
“It’s not that bad. Really.” His voice sounded uneasy. “I’m really sorry. I should’ve reacted faster.”
The memories came flooding back. “Darren?”
“Yeah, he got you square on the left cheek. You should’ve stayed behind me.”
Annie shook her head. “No. Darren would’ve had it his way, anyway.” She ran her tongue over her teeth and froze, her heart sinking. “My tooth?”
He nodded, his expression apologetic. “You lost it. Once the swelling goes down, you can get an implant.”
Her hand dropped onto the covers. Would she ever be free from that man?
She stared at the pale, bare walls of the hospital room, shadows dancing across them like faint scars. A lone potted fern on the windowsill served as the only oasis of vibrant colour.
Lifting the cup again, she sipped until the straw made a slurping sound.
Conrad raked a hand through his hair and smirked. “Damn, woman. You’re quick.”
Her lips twitched into a faint smile. “So ... where is he?” Her heart hammered in her chest, the familiar fear creeping up her spine. She didn’t really want to know—but she would have to face it, eventually.
Conrad flashed a confident grin. “Somewhere he won’t be able to bother you ever again.”
Her eyes widened as she sat up straighter. “What? You didn’t ki—”
Annie studied Conrad’s face, searching for any hint of what he meant. She’d seen enough crime movies to know exactly what that could imply.
Even if he did, it was self-defence.
His laugh—a rich, hearty sound—dispelled her fears like a gust of wind scattering dark clouds.
“No, I didn’t kill him. Give me some credit, woman. I’m not him.”
Relief washed over her. “No, I know.”
Of course, he didn’t. What was she thinking?! “But you know, accidents happen,” she added defensively.
“Well, yeah, but I’ve been in enough fights to know how to handle myself.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Once I got him down and locked the door to keep his thugs out, I called the cops.”
“Oh.”
Knowing Darren, he’d be out in no time. The thought sent a chill down her spine. But maybe there would be enough time for her to disappear if she left right away. Annie shifted her legs over the edge of the bed.
Conrad clicked his tongue. “And where do you think you’re going?”
“Somewhere far away. Somewhere he can’t find me.”
Did I actually say that out loud?
Conrad’s touch was firm but gentle as he tucked her legs back under the duvet.
“Don’t worry. He won’t be out anytime soon.” His voice was calm, reassuring. “Turns out his fingerprints matched an old case—someone beaten to death. They’ve got him, Annie.”
Her heart stuttered, then slowed as his words sank in.
“Plus, I filed for a restraining order.”
“So ... this is really over?”
The room spun a little. Annie sank back into the pillows, her lids heavy but her heart lighter.
“Yes, you’re safe now.”
His words were a soothing balm to her fears, his presence by her side lending her an unfamiliar, but not unwelcome, sense of security. For the first time in years, Annie dared to hope—hope for a better tomorrow, a life free from Darren’s shadow.
Conrad touched her arm lightly. “I’m going to grab a coffee. Want anything?”
Annie licked her cracked lips. “A sparkling water, please.”
***
?
H is steps echoed in the empty corridor. A coffee vending machine came into view next to a set of chairs, a small table, and a palm tree in a pot. The smell of disinfectant mingled with an artificial pine air freshener, making him scrunch up his nose. He didn’t mind the disinfectant, but that fake pine scent—he couldn’t stand it, whether in a bathroom or a car.
Conrad placed a brown plastic cup under the spout and selected a double espresso. As the machine whirred and streamed hot coffee, he grabbed a bottle of sparkling water from the fridge beside it.
The selection of cookies caught his eye, and his stomach rumbled. When was the last time he had eaten?
Conrad scratched his chin. This morning? No. Last night? No, it had been earlier than that. The lunch at the country club—that had been his last proper meal. He’d spent last night drinking a couple of bottles and nibbling on a bag of peanuts.
Munching on a ginger nut cookie, he stuffed his pockets with a selection of biscuit packs. He took a sip from the cup—strong, just the way he liked it.
What next? Could he really leave her here like this? Would he?
Mentally counting the passing doors, Conrad strolled back toward Annie’s room. He should call her parents.
No. He shook his head. She would hate that.
Maybe her sister? Where was she, anyway? He couldn’t simply leave Annie in this state and get on with his life.
The door to her room was slightly ajar, and a murmur of voices reached him from inside. His heart skipped a beat. They had found her.
“You had a mild concussion, so we’ll need to keep you overnight for observation, Annie.”
Conrad exhaled in relief. A doctor. Not one of Darren’s thugs.
“What about my baby?”
He stopped mid-step, frozen in place.
A baby?
“Your baby is fine. But you need to take better care of yourself. You’re malnourished. I’ll give a list of supplements to your husband.”
“No. Not to him. Please.”
“He doesn’t know? You should tell him. He’ll be delighted, I can tell.”
“Doctor, you don’t understand.”
“Oh?”
“We’re not together. We’re separated. And the baby—”
“Let me guess, not his?”
Conrad didn’t dare breathe in the sudden silence.
“Well. He looks like a decent guy. He deserves to know.”
“He is, but it’s complicated.”
“Like everything in life, my dear. Let’s recheck your blood pressure.”
***
?
“H ere’s your water.”
A familiar voice made her look toward the door, her heart pounding fast in her chest. Conrad entered the room, holding a pack of biscuits in one hand and a water bottle in the other.
“Sorry it took me so long, but Colton—” Conrad stopped mid-sentence when his eyes landed on the doctor, who was scribbling readings from the blood pressure machine. “Oh, good afternoon.” He hesitated a few steps from her bed. “I didn’t know you had company. Shall I come back later?”
Annie shook her head. “No, the doctor was just checking on me. Please, stay.”
She let the air out of her lungs.
So lucky.
A few minutes earlier, and it would have been awkward. Conrad didn’t need to know about the baby. They would soon part ways and forget about this whole thing.
“Yes, as I was just saying to your—” The doctor pushed his glasses higher on his nose, his gaze shifting to her, like a wise teacher trying to say a lot without saying anything. His eyes urged her to do the right thing. Not a chance. “—wife, all results are normal, but as Annie had a concussion, we’d like to keep her here until morning.”
“And then?” Conrad took two strides forward and placed the water and a pack of Digestives on her bedside table.
“Then, if nothing changes, your wife can go home.”
“What time do you think I can pick her up, Doctor?” Conrad munched on a cookie that had somehow materialised in his hand.
“Conrad, I’ll be fine. You don’t need to—”
He dismissed her words with a wave of his hand, crumbs scattering over the duvet.
“I’ll pick you up. So, what time, Doctor?”
The doctor checked the clipboard he held. “I’d imagine around 10 a.m. Everything should be clear by then.”
“Excellent.” Conrad shoved the rest of the cookie into his mouth, making Annie’s mouth water. Suddenly, her stomach gurgled, loud and demanding.
“It would be good—” The doctor shifted his focus to Conrad, holding his gaze like he was issuing a command. “—if someone stayed with Annie for at least 24 hours after her discharge.”
“Absolutely.” Conrad waved his hand again, this time holding a fresh pack of biscuits. Annie snatched her own pack and ripped it open, stuffing two Digestives into her mouth at once.
“Not a problem at all,” Conrad added. “I’ll ensure Annie stays home for another day or two.”
She swallowed quickly. “But—”
“No buts.” Conrad turned to her, his intense blue eyes locking onto hers, a warm smile lingering on his lips.
The doctor beamed. “I shall leave you now.” He nodded toward Annie and strolled toward the door. Just before stepping out, he turned back. “And Mr Brenman, dinner will be served soon. Would you like to eat with Annie here?”
Conrad laughed. “You must be a mind reader, Doctor.”
“No mind reading necessary in this case.” The doctor chuckled and closed the door behind him.
Silence enveloped the room, stretching from pleasant to awkward.
“You don’t need to do this, you know,” Annie said softly.
“I know, but I’m not chucking you out on the street while you’re injured.”
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and then fixed her with a serious look, his brows furrowed.
“Besides, I deserve the truth about Darren, and somehow, I don’t think you’d want to talk about it in the hospital.”
I’d rather not talk about him at all!
“You’re right.”
“About pouring your heart out at the hospital or about me deserving the truth?”
“Both.”
***
?
D espite the distant voices, screeching trolleys, and nurses popping in and out to check her blood pressure or ask if she needed anything, Annie felt detached and alone. Not lonely as new life grew inside her, but rather left to her own devices.
There was no hiding behind the marriage masquerade anymore. The future she had dreaded was here now, and Grandma Ann wasn’t around to rescue her this time.
Annie took a sip of blackcurrant squash from the cup a nurse had left on her table and unlocked her phone with her thumb. A text notification sat at the top of the screen.
Lou: Just landed. Call me xx
Annie opened WhatsApp and hovered over the video call button, but hesitated. The gap in her mouth where her tooth had been made her self-conscious. Without a mirror to check her face, she relied on the pain and her fingers to paint the picture. It wasn’t pretty. Sighing, she opted for an audio call instead.
“Hi, sis. Happy to be back?”
“Yes and no.” Louise’s carefree laughter spilled through the phone. Should she even bring up her predicament? “I’ll miss the sun and the free cocktails, but I can’t wait to start organising my real wedding, you know?” Louise giggled.
“I bet.” Annie smiled faintly. One thing she had done right—she’d made it possible for her sister to have a normal life.
“Speaking of which,” Louise asked, her tone suddenly serious, “have you told him yet?”
“Well ... ”
Louise gasped. “Annie, I love you, sis, but this needs to end.”
Annie glanced at the machine beeping softly beside her, its tubes tethered to her vein. “Well, it kind of did.”
“It did?”
Where should she even start? The country club lunch? The argument afterwards? Or Darren’s sudden appearance? Annie took a deep breath.
“Long story, but it involves my ex showing up and a fight landing me in the hospital.”
“Oh my God! Are you okay?”
Annie winced at the high pitch of her sister’s voice. “I’m fine. It was just a punch. I tried to stop them from fighting, and it landed on my cheek.”
“What hospital?” Annie could hear hurried footsteps and a distant murmur. “I’m coming.”
Annie shook her head before remembering it wasn’t a video call. “No, Lou, no need. Conrad brought me here, and they’re keeping me overnight as a precaution.”
“Conrad brought you?” Louise’s voice softened. “That’s decent of him, given the circumstances.”
More than decent. Her knight in shining armour. Annie sighed. Well, maybe not hers , not after everything that had happened.
“Yes, and there’s more, but I’ll tell you all of it when I see you.” Annie cleared her throat. “And about that, Lou ... I’ll need a place to stay. A few weeks, a month tops.”
Her sister’s warm timbre of voice cut in. “Hon, you know my home is your home. Stay as long as you need.”
Annie nodded, unable to speak as an enormous ball of emotion lodged in her throat. She blinked rapidly, willing the tears back.
“Annie?”
She swallowed hard and took a sip of her drink. “I’m here. It’s just ... you don’t have to.”
Louise laughed. “Are you kidding me? I’d love to have you around. And then I’d be close to my niece or nephew.” Annie could hear a murmur of a distant voice in the background. “Oh, and Meggie reminded me you’re a great event planner, so please, please—will you help me with the wedding?”
This time, Annie didn’t bother to stop the tears from flowing. “Nothing would make me happier.”
***
?
C onrad unlocked the door and stepped into the empty house. He flicked the light switch, banishing the darkness.
Colton followed, carrying two grocery bags.
“If you could put them here, please.” Conrad gestured toward the dining table. “I’ll unpack them in a minute.”
Colton nodded but strode toward the kitchen instead, placing the groceries on the counter. Without hesitation, he opened the fridge and began emptying one of the bags, methodically placing eggs, cheese, and yoghurt on their respective shelves.
Conrad placed a hand on his shoulder. “Colton, I can do this. Go home, or your wife will give me an earful again if you’re late for dinner.”
“It’s no bother, Mr Conrad. It’ll only take a minute.” His hands worked quickly, but with the same precision, he applied to everything.
Wonder if he does this at home?
Conrad watched his assistant for a moment, then reached into the fridge and grabbed a can of beer, nudging the egg carton with his elbow as he did so. A grin tugged at his lips when Colton immediately straightened the box without missing a beat.
“I’ll be in the study.” Conrad turned on his heel and strolled toward the room that had witnessed so many of his rises and falls over the years.
“A baby, huh?” he murmured to himself as he sipped from the can, his gaze drifting to the orchard shimmering in the moonlight. Was it Darren’s? Or maybe there was another man in Annie’s life who hadn’t yet stormed through his front door.
“I’ve finished, Mr Conrad. I’ll be leaving now,” Colton called from the kitchen.
“Thank you. Good night, and pass my regards to your wife.”
The sound of the door shutting behind the old man echoed through the house. The room fell silent. Even the clock seemed to stop ticking. Conrad stood still, listening. Nothing. Not even the creak of a floorboard or the groan of a bed frame.
“Better silence than a crying baby and his feisty mother.” He chuckled, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips as he recalled the paper towel fight. How different it had been from the chaos of the morning.
When Annie had collapsed onthe floor, his heart had stopped. He’d reached her in a single, smooth motion, his fingers immediately checking her neck for a pulse. The relief of finding it strong and steady had nearly brought him to his knees. Seconds later, Darren had lunged at him from behind. Conrad’s instincts had taken over. A few moments later, the scumbag had lain unconscious on the floor, which had given Conrad the chance to call emergency services.
A pair of cable ties had served as makeshift handcuffs, allowing Conrad to focus on his Annie.
“My Annie?”
Since when was she his ? He tilted the beer can back, draining it in one long gulp before crushing the empty aluminium in his hand.
Another?
He shook his head. The stack of letters on his desk demanded his attention. The time for grief and anger was over. There was no hope left. Conrad had to start liquidating, or he’d lose all his inns. The mansion in Bath would be the first to go. The location was convenient, but he had never liked that monstrosity. And besides, he would always have this cottage— his home.
“Remember, gift it to the love of your life,” his grandfather’s words echoed in his mind.?