Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Emotional outbursts.
Urgency was etched on their faces, and worry especially marked Daniel’s, as they arrived at the famous Start Time Hospital.
Their bloodied appearance instantly drew the attention of doctors and nurses.
Daniel, refusing to leave Draven’s side, held onto his hand as he explained to the staff. "Please, help him! He’s not breathing! I don’t know what to do, help!!!" His sudden tears stunned Alex.
Upon receiving the information, the medical team quickly called for a stretcher. When it arrived, Draven was carefully transferred, but Daniel still refused to let go, moving alongside them.
"Stay strong, Draven. Just stay strong," he pleaded. Before his eyes, Draven was rushed into the ICU, the doors locking immediately. Despite Daniel’s begging, he was denied access.
Alexander, who had followed behind, felt forgotten. Daniel hadn’t glanced at him once, still asking for permission to see Draven.
"Young man, we found two bullets in him. While they aren’t deep, his condition is critical and he requires immediate surgery. We can’t allow any interruptions," the doctor explained, refusing him entry.
All Daniel could do was watch through the glass window as Draven’s body was covered with tubes and medical equipment that shielded his face. Unexpected emotions overwhelmed him, bringing forth tears he tried to wave away.
Alexander, unable to handle the scene, approached and pulled him closer. "Why are you behaving this way? Crying for him? How do you even know him?" he demanded, his eyes commanding an instant answer.
Daniel’s expression shifted at Alexander’s tone and change in demeanor. "Is this madness? Are you for real? Wait, wait!!" he uttered, incredulously shocked.
"Did you think that just because I associate with you and Xyle, I can’t have other friends? Am I not allowed to have friends?" Daniel challenged, moving closer to seal the space between them.
"Friends? Don’t lie to me. That was beyond friendship. Before he was shot, you think I didn’t see the longing and love in his eyes? That wasn’t friendship, and you can’t tell me otherwise," Alexander stood his ground.
Daniel facepalmed, more emotions surfacing that he couldn’t control. Gosh, why are my feelings so out of place? Since morning, strange things had been happening: vomiting, weakness, and now this inability to control his outbursts and sadness. Why today? It felt like everything was going from bad to worse.
"Say what you want. This conversation is over..." Daniel declared and moved to leave, but Alexander blocked him.
"This conversation isn’t over until I say so," he proclaimed, asserting his alpha dominance. Daniel’s expression turned to distaste, anger swelling within him. So, even now, this man doesn’t realize this is the attitude I despise? Alexander’s pheromones spiked, trying to control and overwhelm him, but Daniel, still crushing on the impact, smirked.
"Then have fun playing with yourself, Alexander," he hissed, eyeing the man who was now displaying such unnecessary insecurity.
"First, back during the gunfire, you asked me a ridiculous question—why I didn’t ask if you were okay, forgetting that someone was shot! Draven was fucking shot and could die!" Daniel sighed, trying to mask his growing rage, which threatened to burst out in tears.
"Just look at his condition! The fear of losing him got to me so much, and I don’t know why. I can’t even explain why my body felt so connected when I saw him. For an instant, I felt my soul leaving my body because I thought he was gone," Daniel continued, making Alexander regret his harsh words. He wished he could take them back, but Daniel wasn’t giving him the chance.
"No, please don’t move closer. Why are you suddenly so selfish? Yes, I am selfish, I know, but this guy could die! He was on his last breath," Daniel stressed further. Alexander ruffled his long hair in frustration.
The wind blew in with full force, tossing his hair as if planned, making him appear more breathtaking, but Daniel didn’t give a fuck. He couldn’t care about his beauty because the first man who had taken his virginity and his first kiss was lying in the ICU, battling for his life.
Okay, Alex, control yourself. Don’t say anything brash.
"I’m trying, Daniel. What would be your reaction if the guy you’re madly in love with suddenly started showing interest in another person, a stranger? I am a man, too," Alexander trailed off.
"I love you, Dan, more than I can say. I just can’t make a move yet, but it doesn’t mean my feelings for you will reduce," Alexander explained.
Daniel’s look darkened further. So this is what it takes for him to confess his love? And what does he mean he can’t make a move? Isn’t he man enough?
"Stop this now. Someone is in the hospital, and I’m married, so this conversation has ended," Daniel concluded and turned back. He needed air and wanted to be alone. No drama, no accidents, no men in his life—just him.
He took a step to leave, but Alexander chose that moment to utter those dreadful words.
"I was holding it in, Dan, but I can’t anymore. Why call me selfish when you are the architect? Do you know how much of a hypocrite that makes you?" Alexander thundered.
Daniel’s feet halted, his expression cycling through shades of regret and anger.
"You can’t make me feel worse than I already do, Alexander. You definitely can’t. I am a bad person, yes, I accept that. So, end of topic," Daniel snapped and moved to go, but Alexander pressed on again.
Daniel was getting irritated and fed up. Was he blind? Couldn’t he see he needed air? Gosh, men and their need to show their masculinity sometimes—so annoying.
"Leave that aside. We both know you will leave Xylander in the end and make him cry, probably dupe him out of billions because you’re a gold digger and a murderer who committed countless atrocious acts. You don’t have the right to act so innocent and self-righteous because it makes me sick," Alexander finished, satisfied he had struck a nerve. That was his aim—to leave a lasting mark on Daniel.
Daniel nodded and turned, his eyes filled with tears. Oh no, he went too far again. Probably the worst yet...
"I never said I was a saint, Alexander. Do you know the situation that propelled me into that life? I thought you were following my story," Daniel continued, his voice trembling.
"I was abused in that headquarters, where Adrian was. To crown it all, I was targeted to be killed. It was either hunt or be hunted," Daniel sniffled, trying desperately not to show his weak side to this man, but he couldn’t help it. Alexander’s words broke him in ways he couldn’t explain.
"Oh, Dan, please, I am dreadfully sorry. I spoke out of frustration. Of course, I know what you went through, that childhood trauma you vaguely spoke of. Please, I am sorry," Alexander apologized, his eyes trying to convey his sincerity.
But Daniel took several steps back. "I didn’t know you saw me like this—as nothing but a murderous, scheming wretch. Well, thanks for letting me know. After this, don’t come back as my bodyguard again. This cohabitation is officially over," Daniel declared and ran out of the hospital.