Chapter 5 Unwelcome Concern

Third-person pov

Henry froze mid-step as the automatic doors of the hospital corridor slid open, revealing Liam Turner.

Their eyes met. Liam, dressed in a tailored grey suit, looked out of place in the stark white corridor, but his expression was determined and his steps purposeful. Henry could see that Liam hadn’t slept; dark circles were evident under his eyes.

However, Liam didn’t seem to recognise him. He attempted to walk past Henry, but Henry caught his arm.

“Hey, mister, who are you and where do you think you’re going?” Henry asked, maintaining a neutral expression and a stern voice.

Why should I tell you? Who are you to stop me? Do you even know who I am?” “Liam replied in an equally hard tone.

“I don’t want to know who you are. The doctors have advised Samantha to take rest, which means no visitors are allowed,” Henry replied, unyielding.

“I need to see her and ensure that she is fine.” Liam’s voice dropped slightly, though the arrogance remained.

“How do you know her, and why do you want to ensure her safety?” Henry asked.

“Well, for starters, I’m Liam Turner. She was the journalist who came to cover my engagement. She had an accident after leaving my premises; that’s why I think it’s my duty to check on her,” Liam answered.

“As if you care,” Henry said, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Now you’re suddenly concerned?”

Liam frowned. “What’s that supposed to—”

Just then, the door behind them opened, and Tom stepped

“Thank you, sir.” Tom extended his hand for a handshake, which Henry accepted warmly.

“I’ve been discharged today, but we’re not leaving until Samantha is released,” Tom said, turning to Henry.

“Mister, you all can go. I’m here for Samantha,” Henry interrupted.

As Tom turned away, Liam looked at Henry and said sarcastically, “Hmm, so no visitors are allowed. Is that just for me?”

“Who are you to question me? It’s up to me to decide whom I let in and whom I don’t,” Henry replied, offering a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He relished Liam’s desperation.

Liam stared at the man blocking his path—tall, composed, and oddly familiar. There was something about the way Henry stood—protective, possessive—as if Samantha belonged to him.

“I’m not here to hurt her,” Liam insisted, trying to assure Henry of his intentions. “I just want to talk. That’s it.” He softened his tone, abandoning his previous arrogance.

Henry arched an eyebrow. “And you think barging in after she’s had a breakdown is the best way to do that?”

“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Liam muttered, guilt weighing heavily in his chest. “She just… looked at me like I was a ghost.”

Henry folded his arms. “Maybe you are.”

Liam frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Henry didn’t respond. Instead, he let out a slow sigh, one that came with age and knowledge—the kind that suggested he knew far more than he was revealing.

“I’m not the villain here,” Liam said quietly. “I don’t even know what I did.”

Henry studied him for a moment. “That’s exactly the problem.”

Just then, a nurse walked by with a clipboard, giving them a curious glance before disappearing into one of the rooms. An awkward silence filled the corridor.

“I’m not leaving until I see her,” Liam insisted.

Henry’s jaw clenched. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a card, and handed it to Liam.

“My name is Dr. Henry Blake. I’m Samantha’s uncle and legal guardian in the U.S.” His tone was cold and clinical. “If you have something to say, make an appointment.”

Liam looked down at the card, stunned. “You’re her uncle?”

“She doesn’t need chaos right now, Mr. Turner, and that’s exactly what you bring.”

Without another word, Henry turned on his heel and walked down the corridor, his footsteps echoing like a warning.

Liam stood there, card in hand, more confused than ever. Who was this Samantha Blake? And why did it feel like the past was slipping through his fingers—rewritten, repainted, disguised?