Chapter 30
Zane said, “There’s a lot going on here, so I plan to stick around a little longer. Pete will take you back if you can’t stand the climate here”
Lianne replied, I’m fine. I can take it.”
“Lianne…” He enunciated her name in a gruff voice.
She answered, “Yes?”
Zane commented, “Don’t be so stupid if something like this were to happen again.”
Lianne was at a loss for words
Her body reflexes reacted before she knew it. It was not like she wanted to throw herself in the face of danger.
Sigh. Lianne had been at Zane’s service to the point she put him first before everything.
After much silence, Zane said, “Does your husband know that you’re hurt?”
Lianne shook her head. 7 didn’t tell him.”
Zane was confused “Why not?”
Lianne replied, “I don’t want him to be worried about me.”
Zane got the drift, but that did not mean he was comfortable about it.
He believed he would not be pleased if his wife were to keep quiet about her injury. Though, it was under the premise that Zane had a healthy marital relationship with his wife, and his wife had not cheated on
him.
Zane took a glance at Dr. Leah. Since the doctor was still doing her thing. Zane had to distract Lianne from the pain. I’m hungry. Let’s have supper later.”
Lianne did not have much to eat for dinner. Her stomach grumbled at the mention of food.
She answered, “Sure.”
Zane made a phone call, telling the chef to whip up something for supper.
“The bleeding has stopped, so all that’s left is to redress the wound.” The server was there to deliver the food by the time Dr. Leah was done patching Lianne up. She knew when she had outstayed her welcome.” I’m not hungry. Enjoy your supper. I’m going back to my room to wash up.”
With Dr. Leah gone, Lianne and Zane were the only ones left in the room. Since Lianne could not move her left arm, Zane brought a bowl of soup to Lianne.
Lianne felt uneasy about having the CEO tend to her. “Mr. Atlas, I can eat with my right hand. I’ll do it.”
Zane uttered, “Don’t read too much into it. I don’t like to owe people favors.”
Since he said so, Lianne stopped refusing and enjoyed being waited on.
The hot truffle mushroom soup was easy on her belly. It was perfect for her, so she added another bowl
and finished its contents.
Once she had her fili, she noticed Zane had not touched his food. “Weren’t you hungry, Mr. Atlas? Why aren’t you eating?”
Zane responded, “I don’t feel hungry anymore.”
Struck by a thought, Lianne inquired, “Don’t tell me you went out of your way to look out for me?”
Zane smiled. “Aren’t you concerned that your husband would be jealous?”
Lianne answered, “I am. That’s why I’m asking.”
Zane asked, “Do you love your husband?”
The memory of her sweet smile and voice when her husband came to pick her up the night of the Quay couple’s golden anniversary had Zane feeling down.
Lianne smiled at Zane. “Yes, I do.”
As if
She did not even remember what her husband looked like, much less have feelings for him,
Nevertheless, Lianne had no intention of explaining
“I got to go. Get some rest.” Zane got up and wheeled the food cart out as he took off.
Zane went to the balcony and lit a cigarette before drawing long inhales. His restlessness baffled him.
Lianne would never know that after the commotion Willow stirred, Zane’s room remained lit all night long. and Dr. Leah stayed up until the wee hours of the morning.
