Chapter 91
RAVEL
PRESENT TIME
I had to leave for the hospital with Ravel because that is the only way I will be able to see Elenor.
Stepping out onto the porch, I occupied the passenger seat, awaiting Ravel’s conclusion of a conversation with one of his security personnel. Finally, his discussion concluded, and he began his leisurely approach towards me.
My attention was so fixated on Ravel that I remained oblivious to someone’s presence beside the car window until the individual boldly opened the door. Turning my gaze toward the open portal, I raised an inquisitive eyebrow, only to be met by the unmistakable glare in June’s expression.
In that fleeting moment, I pondered the idea of simply ignoring her, but I swiftly dismissed that notion, opting instead to address her with a measured tone. “Is there something you require assistance with?
Her words dripped with annoyance as she declared, “You’re occupying my seat. Move to the back.” I couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle. This was the very same girl who had once been one of my favorites,
“Oh, you’d like me to vacate your seat?” I quipped, and to my amusement, she nodded, seemingly oblivious to the implications of her request. Amused, I reached for the door handle, but she clung to it, her grip surprisingly strong,
Ravel’s sudden interruption startled both of us. “What on earth are you doing? Why are you holding the door?” he snapped, clearly perplexed by the situation.
Our attention shifted to Ravel, and it was June who found her voice first. “Ravel, why is she in my seat?” She inquired, her expression one of genuine curiosity. I had to stifle another chuckle at the absurdity of it all. “Could you please ask her to move to the back seat?”
Ravel’s glare bore down on her with an intensity that could almost be felt. “Are you going to step away from the door, or must I instruct someone to physically move you out of the way?” His words were laced with irritation.
She retorted with a huff, “Ravel, are you seriously going to disrespect me in front of her? Her tone dripped with indignation.
Resisting the urge to engage in their dispute, I clenched my lower lip and fastened my seatbelt, fixing my gaze firmly on the windshield, attempting to block out the drama unfolding beside me.
Ravel’s patience eventually wore thin as June stubbornly refused to budge. He seized her hand forcefully, prying it away from the door and giving her a gentle but firm shove, causing her to stumble backward.
Ravel then circled the car, slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and guided the car out of the compound. In a brief moment of calm, he spared me a glance and apologized, “I’m sorry for that.
I offered a tight smile in response, attempting to mask any lingering annoyance. “No harm done,” I replied softly, my gaze fixed on the passing Scenery outside.
Ravel, however, refused to let the matter rest. “It’s not fine,” he insisted, his voice carrying a trace of regret. “She shouldn’t have treated you that way. It happened because of me, and I feel the need to apologize.”
Turning toward him, I reassured him with a gentle tone. “Really, Ravel, it’s alright. I understand.” She’s a woman in love, and it’s natural for her to be protective of what she has with you. I’ve been there before, but I’ve moved past that stage now. I’ll let the men vie for my attention, let them put in the effort, because I’ve earned it, and I da mn well deserve it.
He let out a heavy exhale, his fingers tightening their grip on the steering wheel. “How is Daisy?” he inquired, a faint smile gracing his lips. “I can’t believe I have a daughter, and I haven’t found the time to see her.
His admission caught me somewhat by surprise. “I’m surprised too, I admitted gently. “But I’m sure you had your reasons for not visiting.
He sighed deeply, clearly struggling with his emotions. “I really wanted to,” he confessed, his voice laced with regret. “But then that issue with Warren came up, and, well…” He winced, his words trailing off. “I was upset that you didn’t believe me, and I couldn’t bring myself to face you.”
I could feel the weight of unresolved issues lingering, but I chose to deflect for now. “It’s okay,” I reassured him, attempting to steer the conversation away from my business problems and personal grievances. “We can talk about that later. Right now, let’s focus on Elenor, not my business or personal troubles.”
He stole another glance at me, his gaze carrying a hint of regret. “For what it’s worth,” he began, “I tried to persuade Warren to change his mind, but he was adamant.”
I met his gaze, and in that shared moment, our eyes seemed to convey mutual sincerity and apology. “It’s okay,” I replied, offering a faint, understanding smile. “Life can be unpredictable. Warren has made his decision, and I’ll have to deal with the consequences of that choice.”
Shifting the focus to Elenor, I asked with concern, “What exactly happened to Elenor?”
Ravel’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel as he delivered the grim news. “It was a car crash,” he explained somberly. “It happened two days ago. Fortunately, bystanders called for an ambulance quickly, and she’s currently in a coma, fighting for her life.”
I reached forward, gently placing my hand on his forearm and giving it a comforting squeeze. Just as I was about to withdraw my hand, he surprised me by seizing it and intertwining our fingers. A reassuring smile passed between us. “Elenor will fight this,” I affirmed with conviction. “She’s a fighter through and through.”
Ravel’s response was tinged with worry as he whispered, “They said the same about my father, and he passed away the next morning.” He paused, his eyes clouded with fear. “I really hope Elenor can fight this,” he confessed, visibly struggling to confront his fears. “I don’t know if I can imagine a world without her.”
Without hesitation, I reached forward, covering his hand with mine. “Don’t talk about your own death so casually,” I chided gently. “Elenor is going to be alright; I’m certain of it. She’s not just a fighter; she’s a stubborn one at that.”
His chuckle carried a hint of nostalgia at my description of Elenor. “I can’t argue with you on that, she’s definitely stubborn,” he admitted with a hint of sadness. “I’ve been working towards hearing her call me ‘bluey’ again.”
I smiled at the memory. “I’m sure she’s just as eager to use that name again.” Turning the conversation, I asked about Raymond. “What about Raymond? I didn’t see him at the hospital, and he wasn’t at home either.”
Ravel’s response took me by surprise. “He traveled back home to sca tter his father’s ashes.”
My eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “His father’s ashes? When did his father pass away?”
A sense of regret weighed heavily in his voice as he revealed, “Just a few days ago.” He pulled the car over in the hospital’s driveway, his expression filled with a deep sense of remorse. “And I wasn’t there for him either.”
I noted the challenges that seemed to be unfolding in Ravel’s life and those close to him. As he stopped the car and prepared to exit, I reached out to stop him before he could open the door. “I believe you,” I blurted out suddenly, catching him off guard.
Confused by my unexpected declaration, he turned to me. “You believe me about what?”
I met his gaze with conviction. “Warren,” I replied firmly. “I believe that you had nothing to do with what transpired between Warren and me. I don’t understand the nature of your conversation with him, and why you’ve chosen not to share it with me, but I’m certain it has nothing to do with my business.”
His gaze bore into mine with an intensity that conveyed his profound appreciation, and then, with a gentle touch, he cupped my cheek. “You don’t know how long I’ve yearned to hear those words,” he confessed, his voice tinged with gratitude.
Regret welled up within me, and I offered a heartfelt apology. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice filled with remorse. “I should have said it sooner. I should have believed you.”
He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my lips. “Hazel,” he murmured softly, “I’m about to do something that might
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upset you, so I apologize in advance.” Confusion knitted my brow as I tried to decipher his words, until he closed the gap between us and pressed his lips to mine.