Chapter {5}

{NYRA}

“Looks like you two need some catching up to do,” I chipped in worriedly, breaking the long silence between us.

Zarina had gone by that time… to get me beverages and drugs prescribed by Jayden, my attending doctor.

Even better, he made me realize that he was not only a doctor but a successful, renowned cardiac surgeon.

It was amazing to think about how he managed to accomplish such incredible news in such a brief period.

“Yeah, I know… she looked shocked to see me again,” he sighed, rubbing the side of his temple.

The little act showcased his flawless, tanned skin. His brown hair, styled backwards, caught the sterile light.

A small mole rested on the lower side of his rosy lips, framed by carved brows and long lashes.

Jayden had been tall back then, but now… he seemed even taller, towering in his white coat.

Beside him, I felt like a pea‑sized doll. Thankfully, I wasn’t short either.

“You disappeared without a trace… remember? You left her alone.”

“I’ll make it up to Zarina… when I see her again.”

His hands slid into his pockets, his gaze fixed on me like I was some fairytale princess who had escaped Disneyland.

“Is there something on my face?” I asked, confused.

What was he so amused about that he had to keep staring? There wasn’t any circus to watch on my pathetic face.

He scratched the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly.

“You haven’t changed a bit. Still much more beautiful since I last saw you at the Halloween night party.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You were there? How come I never noticed? I thought you were at boarding school then.”

“Back then, you failed to notice me… I wonder if you will now.”

“Huh, what did you say?” I asked, staring at him.

He exhaled. “It’s nothing… never mind.”

Curiosity stirred in me. What was he trying to tell me?

«««««

That was when my mom made an entrance inside the hospital.

She threw a dramatic yet stylish grand gesture into my room, accompanied by two women.

Sometimes I wondered how she met my dad.

She was young, vibrant, energetic — a flawless beauty queen who stirred men to her side. Not just once, but thrice.

Dad was handsome too, but too ambitious and controlling for a woman like her.

Aside from his power‑driven nature, he was good to me. Not the best man, but at least he gave me a name.

“Hi, mother,” I greeted formally. I wasn’t expecting her to visit me at the hospital. I was certain she had seen the news.

Jayden had already made his way out of the room after greeting her. Thankfully, he understood the word privacy.

“I brought them here to style your hair and glow your battered, gorgeous face, sweetheart.”

Her lips curved into a smile, suspiciously cunning like a thief.

“Why? But I’m much better this way. I don’t need any makeover or a hairdo, Mom.” I shot her a glare.

“Oh, you poor little thing. Come here.”

She sat beside my bed, embracing me in her arms.

This was new.

“You’re not fine. Look at you. They’ve been starving you here. I’m going to sue this place.”

Wait. Was this my mom? She seemed so… different.

It felt off and weird.

My mom never had the time to be affectionate toward me.

She had always loved her glamorous lifestyle, and ever since I turned fourteen, she would leave me with nannies alone in the mansion to party and go on trips that lasted weeks.

I had grown accustomed to my lonely, miserable life.

I didn’t want to ruin the moment, so I waited for her to be done.

“Mom… are you alright?”

She laughed in a high‑pitched tone. “I’m fine, what makes you say so?”

“Nothing,” I shook my head.

“You saw the news. Is that why you came?” I hoped her answer would be yes. Maybe she cared about me after all.

“Ahh, yes, I forgot. We shouldn’t keep the two ladies on their feet, sweetheart. Let’s glow you up a bit.”

My question was ignored. Just like always.

But I was used to it.

“I don’t need any makeup, I’m fine, Mom. Besides, I’m in the hospital. Couldn’t you find a better time to do this?”

She threw an unpleasant glance at me.

“Don’t be silly, child. You’ll do as you are told. Think about your father’s reputation.”

So this was about him again.

“Quick. Stop talking and stay still for them to do their jobs. And everything will be just fine.”

She smiled, hoping her words were enough to convince me.

At some point, they did.

And soon, they were done turning me into one of the beautiful models you see on shows.

It was too perfect — the marks on my face from the assault were no longer visible.

In just an hour… I was transformed.

My mom heaved a sigh of relief, satisfied by layers of touches on me.

“Finally, this won’t give them any story to talk about.”

I went still, brows furrowed and palms sweaty like I had run a marathon.

“What?”

“What the hell are you talking about, Mom?”

Her face turned in my direction, like a child caught in mischief.

“Well, your dad and I couldn’t let them storm in here… seeing you pathetic like this. I mean… What will the public say? Think about it.”

I was in shock.

She continued.

“We paid a huge sum of money for the video to be brought down. Your shame was adding much popularity to the internet.”

“Be glad we did what you couldn’t do. If you had just shut up and tried not to act so self‑righteous and, you know, marry Draven… we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“It’s your fault. And your dad is furious. So please, Nyra… when they arrive, we need you to put on the best act. Okay?”

She squeezed my hands.

«««««

In thirty minutes, reporters crowded the entire space.

Some stood outside the building, ready to hunt for anything that would cause a tremendous headline.

Both small and big mics gawked at me, desperately waiting for one word.

Phones and live cameras were ready to run.

“Ms. Kingswell, there was raw footage of you with a man at the lounge area,” one of them fired at me.

His stylish pants and creamy white shirt contrasted with his grumpy face. Out of the rest, he sounded like he had been in the game longer.

“Just recently… you left Mr. Draven at the altar with no explanations. And it was also claimed that a lady who had your resemblance had a conflict with a man precisely yesterday night.”

“We believe he was the newfound lover you recently met.”

Okay, I was starting to hate him.

He added again, eyes fixed on me, impatiently keening for an answer.

“Some assumptions are flying in the air that you went there to have some fun, and unfortunately, things got brutal with your new lover, thereby landing you… here in this hospital.”

“Which to me… you look fine.”

His dark, ugly eyes thrust a sharp dagger into mine as he completely disagreed with the façade I wore.

“The public is eager to know if the woman in the video is you or someone else.”

To be honest… I wasn’t expecting that kind of cunning and vile question.

Fuck the rumours and the harsh comments. I couldn’t care less about their twisted lies.

But… my parents.

I was terrified of ending up on their blacklist.

I understood the gravity — the truth would cost me my entire existence.

At this point, I was lost between protecting the little peace I had with them and keeping a brave face.