Chapter 3 · The Day I Finally Stopped Being His Villainess For Good

What was it like to have a fever of 104 degrees?

It was like all the comments started to blur together, and I saw double.

[Damn, her face is so red.]

[Lucy, you okay?]

[Call 911.]

[911!]

I lay in bed, watching the comments float across the ceiling, thinking, 'I have to call 911 myself. You guys don't have hands.'

I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking.

The thermometer showed 103.6 degrees. If I waited any longer, I'd probably end up totally brain-dead.

I took a cab to the hospital.

On the way, I was sprawled out in the back seat, and the cab driver kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror, clearly worried. I could tell he was thinking, 'Please don't let her die in my car.'

"Don't worry," I said weakly. "I'm not gonna die. And even if I do, it's part of the job. Not your fault."

The driver said, "Don't talk, save your energy, girl."

[LMAO, she's still joking even now.]

[Driver: Thanks for that, I guess.]

[Lucy, you're ridiculously optimistic.]

When I got to the ER, I had to lean against the wall to make it inside.

After checking in, I grabbed a seat and waited for them to call me. The place was packed, people clutching their stomachs, some bleeding, and a kid wailing at the top of his lungs. I slumped against the wall, shut my eyes, and waited.

Then, when I opened my eyes, I saw Alex burst in, Emily in his arms.

Honestly, for a moment, I thought the fever was making me see things.

But the comments confirmed it wasn't my imagination.

[What happened?]

[What kind of crazy coincidence is this?]

[Which hospital is this? How is this possible?]

[No way, no way!]

I wish I knew, too.

Alex was holding Emily, who was frowning in his arms, one hand raised with a handkerchief wrapped around her finger. There was a faint red stain, the kind of "serious injury" one got from a paper cut.

Alex was visibly panicked and shouted at the ER nurse, "Doctor, she's hurt!"

The nurse glanced over; her expression said it all. "Sir, you'll have to wait in line."

"Do you have any idea who she is?" Alex said.

"Sorry, doesn't matter who she is; everyone has to wait their turn," the nurse replied.

[This nurse is savage, I love it.]

[That slap came way too fast.]

[Alex: I've got money. Nurse: Wait your turn.]

I couldn't hold back a laugh watching all that go down.

Then Alex turned and spotted me.

He paused, frowning. "Lucy?"

I weakly raised my hand in a little wave. "Fancy seeing you here."

He looked at me, my face still flushed, sweat sticking my hair to my forehead; I honestly looked out of sorts.

"You..." He paused. "Are you bored and decided to wander around the hospital?"

I was speechless.

The comments were speechless, too.

[Kill him!]

[Do it now!]

[I can't take this anymore.]

[Wander around? Who the hell would wander around a hospital with a freaking 104-degree fever?]

I tried to take a deep breath, but with my nose all clogged up, all I managed was a noseful of snot.

"Yeah," I said, "killing time."

Alex stared at me for a couple of seconds, saying nothing.

Then Emily, still in his arms, put on her best weak voice. "Alex, I feel so dizzy."

Alex immediately looked down at her. "Hold on a bit longer, it'll be our turn soon."

I quietly leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes.

Forgot it, I didn't want to say anything.

I was completely drained.

The comments kept scrolling.

[Poor thing, my heart breaks for her.]

[Lucy, don't be upset.]

[Don't waste your energy on idiots.]

[Let's bail and find another hospital.]

Trusted me, I'd switch hospitals if I could, but I could barely stand right now.

The nurse called my number.

I hauled myself up, using the wall for support, and wobbled toward the exam room.

As I shuffled past Alex and Emily, Emily suddenly called out, "Lucy, are you not feeling well?"

Didn't bother to look back, I replied, "Fever."

"Oh no." Emily sounded all worried. "You should get that checked out. You really shouldn't let a fever drag on."

She hesitated, then lowered her voice, "I got a little cut on my hand, but Alex insisted on bringing me here. It's honestly not a big deal."

I got the message loud and clear.

Her implied meaning was that: see? Alex cared so much about me, but you had to drag yourself here alone with a fever.

I shot Emily a look over my shoulder.

Emily looked at me with the right amount of innocence in her eyes.

I nodded. "Next time, tell him to wait until you're running a 104-degree fever before dragging you here. No need for a wasted trip."

With that, I pushed open the exam room door and didn't glance at her.

The comments were going wild.

[LMAO, that was a brutal roast.]

[Emily: What happened?]

[Her fake act totally crashed and burned.]

[Lucy's savage comebacks are everything.]

The doctor took my temperature, scribbled out a prescription, and told me I'd need an IV drip.

With the prescription in hand, I made my way to the IV room. Passing through the ER waiting area, I saw Alex and Emily still hanging around. Alex was buried in his phone, and Emily was resting her head on his shoulder.

I turned away and headed for the IV room.

[Lucy, are you feeling sad?]

[Honestly, anyone would feel hurt right now.]

[Hug.]

I found a seat and sat down, and the nurse came over to start my IV.

As I watched the needle slide into my vein, I thought, 'What's there to be sad about?

'Yeah, being sick and alone in the hospital is pretty pathetic, but expecting someone who once told me to go gown with Emily to show up for me?

'I'd have to be seriously out of my mind for that.'

Looked like the comments picked up on my silence.

[True, you don't like him anyway.]

[Right. Lucy's not losing her mind over this.]

[But it still hurts, doesn't it?]

I thought about it and said quietly, "Yeah, a little. But it's not because he's not keeping me company. It's because I'm burning up with a 104-degree fever and still have to watch them show off their love. Seriously? What the hell is this?"

[LMAO.]

[Dead on.]

[Lucy, you really nailed it.]

I slumped in the chair and closed my eyes, trying to rest.

The IV drip quietly dripped away, and it was pretty peaceful around me. Sometimes a kid would let out a couple of cries, but their parents would hush them right away.

As I was about to nod off, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Alex: [Which room are you in?]

I stared at those words for a couple of seconds, a bit taken aback.

The comments went wild.

[What happened?]

[Is he actually coming?]

[Is hell freezing over or something?]

[Girl, ignore him.]

I typed back: [IV room.]

Then I closed my eyes again.

Ten minutes later, Alex showed up at the entrance of the IV room.

He stood there, all dressed up in a suit, looking totally out of place. An older lady kept sneaking glances at him, probably wondering if he was some big shot here to inspect the place.

Alex walked over and stood beside me, looking down at me. "You actually have a fever?"

I opened my eyes and shot him a look. "What do you think, Alex? Who the hell would hang out in the IV room?"

Alex went quiet for a moment.

"Emily's upstairs getting her hand bandaged," he said. "She got a little cut and didn't want it to get infected."

I nodded. "Yeah? Is it that bad? Should she chop it off?"

[LMAO.]

[Chop it off? You're a genius.]

[Emily: I was trying to be extra.]

[Lucy, you really know how to throw shade.]

Alex looked like he'd been hit with a comeback he couldn't answer.

"You..." He paused. "Why didn't you show up at the office?"

"I took a day off," I replied.

"Who'd you ask for time off?" he asked.

"Through the HR system," I replied.

Alex fell silent.

The comments were flying.

[He's trying to find something to say.]

[What's he up to now?]

[Is he finally seeing how great Lucy is?]

[Too late, Lucy.]

I could tell Alex was trying to make conversation.

"Mr. Kingston," I looked up at him. "Is Emily done getting her hand bandaged?"

Alex paused, glancing back toward the door. "Emily told me to come check on you. She's worried about you."

I let out a laugh.

Honestly, I couldn't stop myself.

Was Emily worried about me?

Yeah, right; she was probably hoping I would kick the bucket sooner.

"Yeah, do me a favor and thank her," I said. "And let her know I'm still kicking; no need to worry, I'm not dropping dead yet."

Alex frowned. "Why do you always have to talk like that..."

"Like what?" I asked.

He stared at me, but didn't finish his word.

Just then, his phone rang.

Alex picked up, and Emily's voice came through, all soft and a little clingy. "Alex, I'm all bandaged up. Where are you?"

He gave me a quick look, then said into the phone, "I'll be right there."

After hanging up, he didn't move.

I raised my hand with the IV still in it. "Go on, don't keep her waiting."

Alex looked at me, like he had something on his mind, but in the end, he turned and walked away.

The comments were flying.

[He's outta here.]

[Damn, I really thought he'd stick around.]

[Why would he stay? He doesn't like Lucy.]

[But did you see the way he looked at her...]

I watched Alex walk out the door and shut my eyes again.

The IV drip quietly dripped away.

Honestly, for a second there, I thought, 'If he'd asked, "Are you still feeling sick?" maybe I'd think he's not a total lost cause.'

But he didn't.

Alex stood there and said he was only here because Emily told him to check on me.

A comment floated by.

[Lucy, what's on your mind?]

With my eyes closed, I replied in my mind, "I'm thinking that after this IV, I need to grab some fever meds for home. The hospital's way too far, and cab fare's a killer."

[I'm speechless.]

[Damn.]

[I was ready to cry, and then you drop that on me?]

[LMAO, you really got a sense of humor.]

I laughed, too.

Honestly, worrying about the cab fare made more sense than worrying about myself.

At least the cab fare was real money out of my pocket.

Chapter 3

What was it like to have a fever of 104 degrees?

It was like all the comments started to blur together, and I saw double.

[Damn, her face is so red.]

[Lucy, you okay?]

[Call 911.]

[911!]

I lay in bed, watching the comments float across the ceiling, thinking, 'I have to call 911 myself. You guys don't have hands.'

I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking.

The thermometer showed 103.6 degrees. If I waited any longer, I'd probably end up totally brain-dead.

I took a cab to the hospital.

On the way, I was sprawled out in the back seat, and the cab driver kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror, clearly worried. I could tell he was thinking, 'Please don't let her die in my car.'

"Don't worry," I said weakly. "I'm not gonna die. And even if I do, it's part of the job. Not your fault."

The driver said, "Don't talk, save your energy, girl."

[LMAO, she's still joking even now.]

[Driver: Thanks for that, I guess.]

[Lucy, you're ridiculously optimistic.]

When I got to the ER, I had to lean against the wall to make it inside.

Then, when I opened my eyes, I saw Alex burst in, Emily in his arms.

Honestly, for a moment, I thought the fever was making me see things.

But the comments confirmed it wasn't my imagination.

[What happened?]

[What kind of crazy coincidence is this?]

[Which hospital is this? How is this possible?]

[No way, no way!]

I wish I knew, too.

Alex was visibly panicked and shouted at the ER nurse, "Doctor, she's hurt!"

The nurse glanced over; her expression said it all. "Sir, you'll have to wait in line."

"Do you have any idea who she is?" Alex said.

"Sorry, doesn't matter who she is; everyone has to wait their turn," the nurse replied.

[This nurse is savage, I love it.]

[That slap came way too fast.]

[Alex: I've got money. Nurse: Wait your turn.]

I couldn't hold back a laugh watching all that go down.

Then Alex turned and spotted me.

He paused, frowning. "Lucy?"

I weakly raised my hand in a little wave. "Fancy seeing you here."

He looked at me, my face still flushed, sweat sticking my hair to my forehead; I honestly looked out of sorts.

"You..." He paused. "Are you bored and decided to wander around the hospital?"

I was speechless.

The comments were speechless, too.

[Kill him!]

[Do it now!]

[I can't take this anymore.]

[Wander around? Who the hell would wander around a hospital with a freaking 104-degree fever?]

I tried to take a deep breath, but with my nose all clogged up, all I managed was a noseful of snot.

"Yeah," I said, "killing time."

Alex stared at me for a couple of seconds, saying nothing.

Then Emily, still in his arms, put on her best weak voice. "Alex, I feel so dizzy."

Alex immediately looked down at her. "Hold on a bit longer, it'll be our turn soon."

I quietly leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes.

Forgot it, I didn't want to say anything.

I was completely drained.

The comments kept scrolling.

[Poor thing, my heart breaks for her.]

[Lucy, don't be upset.]

[Don't waste your energy on idiots.]

[Let's bail and find another hospital.]

Trusted me, I'd switch hospitals if I could, but I could barely stand right now.

The nurse called my number.

I hauled myself up, using the wall for support, and wobbled toward the exam room.

As I shuffled past Alex and Emily, Emily suddenly called out, "Lucy, are you not feeling well?"

Didn't bother to look back, I replied, "Fever."

"Oh no." Emily sounded all worried. "You should get that checked out. You really shouldn't let a fever drag on."

She hesitated, then lowered her voice, "I got a little cut on my hand, but Alex insisted on bringing me here. It's honestly not a big deal."

I got the message loud and clear.

Her implied meaning was that: see? Alex cared so much about me, but you had to drag yourself here alone with a fever.

I shot Emily a look over my shoulder.

Emily looked at me with the right amount of innocence in her eyes.

I nodded. "Next time, tell him to wait until you're running a 104-degree fever before dragging you here. No need for a wasted trip."

With that, I pushed open the exam room door and didn't glance at her.

The comments were going wild.

[LMAO, that was a brutal roast.]

[Emily: What happened?]

[Her fake act totally crashed and burned.]

[Lucy's savage comebacks are everything.]

The doctor took my temperature, scribbled out a prescription, and told me I'd need an IV drip.

I turned away and headed for the IV room.

[Lucy, are you feeling sad?]

[Honestly, anyone would feel hurt right now.]

[Hug.]

I found a seat and sat down, and the nurse came over to start my IV.

As I watched the needle slide into my vein, I thought, 'What's there to be sad about?

'Yeah, being sick and alone in the hospital is pretty pathetic, but expecting someone who once told me to go gown with Emily to show up for me?

'I'd have to be seriously out of my mind for that.'

Looked like the comments picked up on my silence.

[True, you don't like him anyway.]

[Right. Lucy's not losing her mind over this.]

[But it still hurts, doesn't it?]

[LMAO.]

[Dead on.]

[Lucy, you really nailed it.]

I slumped in the chair and closed my eyes, trying to rest.

The IV drip quietly dripped away, and it was pretty peaceful around me. Sometimes a kid would let out a couple of cries, but their parents would hush them right away.

As I was about to nod off, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Alex: [Which room are you in?]

I stared at those words for a couple of seconds, a bit taken aback.

The comments went wild.

[What happened?]

[Is he actually coming?]

[Is hell freezing over or something?]

[Girl, ignore him.]

I typed back: [IV room.]

Then I closed my eyes again.

Ten minutes later, Alex showed up at the entrance of the IV room.

He stood there, all dressed up in a suit, looking totally out of place. An older lady kept sneaking glances at him, probably wondering if he was some big shot here to inspect the place.

Alex walked over and stood beside me, looking down at me. "You actually have a fever?"

I opened my eyes and shot him a look. "What do you think, Alex? Who the hell would hang out in the IV room?"

Alex went quiet for a moment.

"Emily's upstairs getting her hand bandaged," he said. "She got a little cut and didn't want it to get infected."

I nodded. "Yeah? Is it that bad? Should she chop it off?"

[LMAO.]

[Chop it off? You're a genius.]

[Emily: I was trying to be extra.]

[Lucy, you really know how to throw shade.]

Alex looked like he'd been hit with a comeback he couldn't answer.

"You..." He paused. "Why didn't you show up at the office?"

"I took a day off," I replied.

"Who'd you ask for time off?" he asked.

"Through the HR system," I replied.

Alex fell silent.

The comments were flying.

[He's trying to find something to say.]

[What's he up to now?]

[Is he finally seeing how great Lucy is?]

[Too late, Lucy.]

I could tell Alex was trying to make conversation.

"Mr. Kingston," I looked up at him. "Is Emily done getting her hand bandaged?"

Alex paused, glancing back toward the door. "Emily told me to come check on you. She's worried about you."

I let out a laugh.

Honestly, I couldn't stop myself.

Was Emily worried about me?

Yeah, right; she was probably hoping I would kick the bucket sooner.

"Yeah, do me a favor and thank her," I said. "And let her know I'm still kicking; no need to worry, I'm not dropping dead yet."

Alex frowned. "Why do you always have to talk like that..."

"Like what?" I asked.

He stared at me, but didn't finish his word.

Just then, his phone rang.

Alex picked up, and Emily's voice came through, all soft and a little clingy. "Alex, I'm all bandaged up. Where are you?"

He gave me a quick look, then said into the phone, "I'll be right there."

After hanging up, he didn't move.

I raised my hand with the IV still in it. "Go on, don't keep her waiting."

Alex looked at me, like he had something on his mind, but in the end, he turned and walked away.

The comments were flying.

[He's outta here.]

[Damn, I really thought he'd stick around.]

[Why would he stay? He doesn't like Lucy.]

[But did you see the way he looked at her...]

I watched Alex walk out the door and shut my eyes again.

The IV drip quietly dripped away.

Honestly, for a second there, I thought, 'If he'd asked, "Are you still feeling sick?" maybe I'd think he's not a total lost cause.'

But he didn't.

Alex stood there and said he was only here because Emily told him to check on me.

A comment floated by.

[Lucy, what's on your mind?]

With my eyes closed, I replied in my mind, "I'm thinking that after this IV, I need to grab some fever meds for home. The hospital's way too far, and cab fare's a killer."

[I'm speechless.]

[Damn.]

[I was ready to cry, and then you drop that on me?]

[LMAO, you really got a sense of humor.]

I laughed, too.

Honestly, worrying about the cab fare made more sense than worrying about myself.

At least the cab fare was real money out of my pocket.