Alexander's POV
Silent Hill Private Hospital
By the time I arrived at the hospital, the sun had already begun its slow descent across the afternoon sky.
Sebastian remained unusually quiet throughout the journey. I knew better than anyone else that he was worried, but neither of us spoke about it again.
After stepping out of the vehicle, I instructed him to remain behind while I made my way toward Elena's ward.
"Wait here."
Sebastian frowned immediately. "Master, I don't think that's wise."
"It's Elena's room, Sebastian. Not a battlefield."
His expression remained unconvinced.
"Sometimes, Master, I find those two things difficult to differentiate whenever Miss Elena is involved."
I ignored him and entered the hospital.
The familiar scent of disinfectant greeted me as I made my way toward her room. Before long, I stopped before the door and quietly pushed it open.
Elena sat upright against the hospital bed while Lucien Grey stood quietly beside the window with his head respectfully lowered.
The moment she saw me, surprise briefly flashed across her face before it softened into a smile.
"Alexander."
Somehow, hearing her voice immediately eased some of the tension I hadn't realized I was carrying.
I walked toward her before pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better than yesterday."
I nodded in satisfaction before turning my attention toward Lucien Grey.
"Has anything happened?"
"No, sir."
"Good."
The conversation ended as quickly as it began.
Elena studied my face quietly before speaking again.
"You look tired."
"Do I?"
"You do."
She gently reached for my hand before asking softly, "Did something happen?"
For several moments, I considered answering honestly before deciding against it.
"Nothing I can't handle."
Her beautiful brows furrowed immediately, but she wisely chose not to press further.
Slowly, I pulled a chair closer to her bedside before speaking once more.
"We're leaving."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
Silence filled the room.
Lucien Grey slowly lowered his head even further.
"Elena."
"Alexander."
"We're leaving."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"Elena."
"Alexander."
I suddenly found myself wondering whether Elena had always been this impossible.
"I am trying to protect you."
"Congratulations."
Lucien Grey's shoulders trembled slightly before he immediately coughed to disguise what had nearly become laughter.
I slowly turned to look at him.
He lowered his head another inch.
"My apologies, sir."
I sighed softly before returning my attention to Elena.
"We're leaving the hospital today."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to."
"That isn't a sufficient reason."
"It's sufficient for me."
Before I could respond, the door to the ward opened and the doctor stepped in. The doctor frowned as his gaze traveled between the three of us.
"Is everything alright?"
Elena immediately sat up straighter.
"Doctor, he's abducting me."
"..."
Lucien Grey immediately lowered his head before clearing his throat.
The doctor blinked twice before slowly turning toward me.
"...Excuse me?"
"She's exaggerating."
"He's attempting to remove me from the hospital against my will despite the complicated brain surgery I underwent last week."
The doctor's expression immediately changed.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
Somehow, I felt as though I had become today's villain.
"Doctor, I can explain."
"No explanation is necessary!"
Elena quietly smiled beside me while pretending to look innocent. I finally understood why Sebastian occasionally referred to her as dangerous.
The doctor folded his arms together before speaking firmly.
"Miss Elena underwent an extremely complicated procedure. She isn't leaving this hospital until she's medically fit to do so."
"Doctor, I appreciate your concern, however..."
"No."
"..."
"No."
"..."
"No."
For the first time in a very long while, I had lost an argument through overwhelming numbers.
The doctor adjusted his glasses before continuing.
"Furthermore, stress and unnecessary movement should be avoided during her recovery period."
Elena immediately nodded obediently.
"I completely agree with the doctor."
I narrowed my eyes slightly at her.
"Of course you do."
After exchanging a few more words with the doctor, I reluctantly stood from my seat.
There were very few people capable of refusing me so directly. Apparently, Elena and her doctor belonged to that very short list.
Before leaving the room, I looked toward Elena once more.
"We'll continue this discussion later."
"No, we won't", she said, smiling sweetly.
I almost laughed. Without another word, I left the ward wondering whether Elena had always been this troublesome or whether she had simply become increasingly comfortable around me.
To be frank… I found myself hoping she would remain this unreasonable for a very long time.