Chapter 6

Liam POV

My fingers ran fast on my laptop's keyboard as I tried to make up for all the time I'd been away for my grandpa's burial.

Meanwhile, I've sent Norman to the hospital to check up on my wife while I join them later.

Suddenly, a soft click on the door pulled me back to my senses. “Who's that!” I questioned, with my head still bent, as all my concentration was on my work.

“Come in,” I added.

“Hey, sugar! Why are you overstressing yourself?” 

As I raised my eyelids at that moment, nerves rippled low down in my stomach as she spoke those words. “Ruby! What the heck are you doing here?!”

“Are you not happy to see me? Or are you stressed, and you need me by your side?” she added, making my skin tighten.

“Mr Blackwood, I tried to stop her from coming but she refused. I'm sorry boss,” Norman's voice followed as he swung the door open.

“What! Are you not supposed to be in the hospital by now to pick up my wife?” A lump suddenly came into my throat and my eyes opened wide.

“Apologies, Mr Blackwood. But Miss Ruby stopped me from going and snatched the car keys as well.”

“She threatened me with my job, and I couldn't help but give in. I'm sorry,” Norman revealed.

I relaxed on my swivel chair as my stomach chum at every thought that crossed my mind and I tried to be calm. “You can go, Norman. Wait for me at the reception. I will be down shortly.”

“Come on, are you angry with me? I was saving him from stress that's all,” She spoke, as I've ignored her since Norman walked out.

“Mind your fucking business, Ruby! Anything that concerns my personal life is out of your boundaries!” my voice came out loud even though I tried to be calm.

“Really, Liam?! You have chosen a total stranger over me.”

“Let me burst your bubbles, Liam! The same cheap slut, you have chosen over me have also chosen another man over you! And trust me when I tell you he's fucking richer and hotter than your ass!” she exclaimed, and her voice vibrated in the office.

My stomach gave a curious twist as she spoke those words and chills went down my spine. “What the fuck are you talking about, Ruby!? My own wife! No way!” I tried not to believe her.

“Did you say your wife?” She threw a sarcastic question at me as she laughed to her satisfaction.

“You're indeed a daydreamer, Liam! By now, she's moaning like never before on another man's bed!”

“Let me shock you, Liam. That bitch will never know peace as she has decided to take what belongs to me and made a mocking stick in front of everyone. Trust me!”

All of a sudden, my knuckles turned white, and my hands clenched into a fist. And my spine tensed as her words rang in my ears.

“What are you talking about, Ruby? Do you mean Charlotte is no longer in the hospital and she followed another man home? No, no, no!”

She laughed loudly as she raked her eyes over my face. “She's in hell; where she belongs! I'm out of here!” 

I stood frozen and desperation dictated my actions. “Wait!” I tried to stop her as I needed to know more about my wife's whereabouts.

“Get your hands off me!” She yelled and stomped out of the office without saying another word.

I quickly got my office phone and put a call through to Norman. “Get to my office, this minute!”

It wasn't long before he appeared in front of me. “What did Ruby say to you before taking the car keys?”

“Boss, she only informed me that your wife is no longer at the hospital. Therefore, I shouldn't waste my time going there,” he replied.

My mind whirled with panic as I thought about the fact that she didn't have any close relatives here. Could there be an atom of truth in Ruby's words?

Or she has been kidnapped? 

“I asked you to inform the hospital officials to keep my wife safe, right? What the hell went wrong!?” The anger bubbling in me suddenly intensified.

“I'm sorry, boss. But I did as you ordered,” he tried to defend himself.

“Why is she missing then!?” My voice vibrated.

“I suggest we get to the hospital before concluding on anything. The hospital officials will give us all the information we need, boss.”

“Then what the heck are you waiting for? Get the cars ready and let's go!” 

“Okay, boss,” he replied and we left immediately.

Also, I packed everything I was doing earlier in order and rushed out as my mind felt like it was on fire.

I tried my best to hold myself together but it seemed impossible. She was never meant to affect me this way, but here I am putting my entire existence on hold just to make sure she's fine.

I don't why I desire the need to look deep into those blue eyes of hers. Probably to whisper some words she yearns to hear.

“Drive fast!” I ordered as we were just a few minutes to arrive at the hospital.

“Have you called the police as I instructed you to do,” I added.

“Yes, boss.”

“Great!”

When he stopped the car engine at the hospital garage, I rushed out without blinking an eye. 

Just as the door swung open for me and I stomped in, the gazes from each angle suffocated me. “Hey, is that not Liam Blackwood? What is he doing here?” A murmur escaped into my ears.

The crap they're spilling is not important to me now as it stands.

“Liam Blackwood?!” The receptionist murmured my name on her lips as her shoulders hunched in fear.

“You're…you're welcome, Sir. I mean…Mr Blackwood…how may…,” her voice stuttered.

“This is not why I'm here, young lady! Where's Doctor Philip!? Where the hell is my wife!?”

“Where are the officers, Norman? They should have been here even before us,” I asked as I turned to look behind me.

“What? Police officers! I…,” her throat suddenly tightened.

Just as I was about to utter another word, doctor Philip appeared as confusion flitted through his eyes, and he stood frozen.

“Mr Blackwood, I didn't…know you're here. Let's go to the…”

“Shut the hell up! Where's my wife?!” my voice vibrated in the hall.

“Your wife?” He tried to make me more agitated with his question.

“Don't play dumb with me!”

“Boss, the police officers are here,” Norman announced.

At that moment, every nook and cranny in the hospital stood as they watched the scene, wondering what happened.

“Officers, arrest this scumbag! He will explain himself in court!”

“Wait, wait, wait!” His voice was like a plea.

“Your wife is in safe hands, Mr Blackwood. Please listen to me,” he added.

“Speak now! I'm not asking whether she's in safe hands or not but her whereabouts,” I replied.

“It's her brother who came for her a while ago. He has been looking for her and posted her pictures online with an offer for anyone who sees her,” he revealed, and my mouth fell open.

Oh, I get it now. No wonder Ruby assumed she had chosen another man over me. Her brother? 

“That's all I know, Mr Blackwood. Please free me,” he pleaded, as I was mute.

My jaw clenched as I landed a hot slap on his face. “How dare you! You handed over my own wife to an unknown who claimed to be his brother just for peanuts! Like seriously!”

I swallowed hard as my heart fluttered wildly. “Officers, arrest this man out of my sight! I just hope that I find my wife sound and safe; if not, you will rot in jail! Trust me!”

“Mr Blackwood is really disappointed. But why would they let a stranger take his wife away just like that? He deserves to rot in jail if you ask me,” someone murmured.