"Is she okay now? Shall I visit her?" Aiden asked feeling worried.
"Dad… nothing happened. Just small cuts on her palms. She is fine. The nurse bandaged her hands. She will be fine by tomorrow morning," she said.
"You kids… are sigh…. Why don't you take care of yourselves? Always get hurt or get into trouble. What shall I do with you both? I pity your future husbands," he said as he started nagging like an old granny.
"Dad… we all are fine. Just don't overthink," she said as she reassured him.
"I don't know why… but my chest was feeling too restless from the morning. I just wanted to know if you are fine or not. But you are not lifting your phone. I am anxious," he said, admitting his insecurities.
"Aww… dad… I forgot the phone in the car. That's why I couldn't lift your calls. I didn't realize till brother came and told me you are worried about me," she said.
"Yeah… Aria stayed back last night. And this morning when she got to know that I am worried. She informed Valene," he said.
"Oh… okay. Did you have food?" she asked.
"I will after this call," he said.
"Don't forget to take your meds. And ask Aunt Jenna to make your favorite apple pie pancake for today for yourself. Tell her I said it or else she can call me and confirm it with me," she said.
"Aww… is this compensation for me as you are staying out tonight?" he asked.
"Maybe," she said as she grinned cheekily.
"I am already missing you," he groaned.
"Dad… why are you being so clingy like a child today?" she asked, feeling something was off.
"I don't, Princess. But my heart is restless. I get this feeling when something bad happens to you or Martin. And today… it was restless again. I felt so depressed for an unknown reason. Now you are talking to me made me feel lighter and happier," he said with a small laugh.
"Oh… Dad… you should have called Cedric directly." she said.
"My bad… I didn't think of that at that second," he said.
"Don't worry," she said.
"Hmm…" he responded.
"Dad… then shall I hang up?" she said.
"Umm… uhhh…" he responded.
"You want to say something?" she asked.
Indeed, Aiden have something to say. If they weren't busy they would have gotten married today. After all, it's friday. Aiden wondered if they would wanted to get married today or not. After all, it's a good day. And even their buddha priest said today was a good day. He went into a trance when he heard her saying she would stay with Myna.
"Dad…" Eleanor called him out.
"Umm… nothing. I got a call from the priest. He said today is a good day to get registered," he said.
"Not today, dad. I need time at least a month or so. Please…" she said.
Aiden was shocked to hear her words. Wasn't she the one wanted to get married the very same day they had dinner with the Emerson's family? What happened now? Did something happened? What changed her mind? Did Cedric do something to her? Many questions were in his mind. The protective father in him took control over his body.
"What happened? Did something happened to you? Did Cedric bully you? Do you want dad teach him a lesson?" Aiden asked.
Eleanor was beyond shocked at his imagination. And despite being shocked… she also have to agree that he hit the nail. She couldn't deny the fact that she was scared of Cedric right now. Last night was a torture to her. He acted like a raw beast full of lust. But… she doesn't want to hurt his feelings. So she agreed. Yet again… he didn't care about her feeling and had his way with her. Unknowingly tears spilled out of her eyes.
Valene didn't expect Eleanor would say this. From her earlier words he concluded that she forgave him. But this words asking time to get married… was unexpected to him. And he saw her crying over the phone.
"Dad… nothing happened," she said in a nasal voice.
"Then what happened, Princess?" Aiden asked.
"I feel it's too rushed. The past been hectic to us. We never had time with each other. I want to spend time with you," she said.
Aiden didn't know why he felt moisture in his eyes. His daughter was thinking of him. He smiled like a mad man.
"Even after you get married you can stay with me and spend time with me," he said.
"Dad… I plan to open a restaurant. I found a place. I am just waiting for the person's decision. Let me concentrate on it. I did nothing in my career till now. I want to do something before I get married," she said.
"I don't think Cedric would say no, if you want to do well in your career. Tell me what exactly happened?" he asked.
Aiden could say she was hurt about something. She was giving all kind of lame excuses to him. He badly wanted to know what exactly happened to her.
"Dad… why do you think something happened to me? I am fine. I just feel I am rushing everything. And also want to do something for myself too," she said.
"Nora… I may not know what happened. But I am not your father for nothing. I can say when something to you, just based on your tone. What happened?" he asked again
Eleanor has no words to say. Tears spilled out of her eyes the moment she heard his words. Her father was the best in the world.
"Dad…" she choked out.
"What happened?" he asked feeling worried.
"I love you, dad," she said suddenly.
"Where are you? Dad will come to you," Aiden said. He signalled Eric to bring his coat.
"Dad… it's no one's fault. I am just not sure of everything. I want time to clear my head," she said.
Aiden can sense something was wrong with her. But he doesn't want to push her anymore.
"Baby, I won't ask why and how your emotions are triggered. But… if you want someone to cry. Dad is always there," Aiden said.
"I hope you return home or go to Myna's flat and sleep," he said.
"Okay," Eleanor replied.
"Rest well. Don't think much." he said.
"Okay, dad," she replied.
"I am hanging up," he said.
"Okay, bye, dad," she replied.
With that he hung the call.
"Eric…." Aiden called his butler.
"Sir," he responded.
"Find out what happened at last night dinner," Aiden ordered.
"Yes, Sir," he said.
"Also… find out where Eleanor wanted to start her business. We will talk with the person and help Eleanor to get the piece of land," Aiden added.
"Okay, Sir," he responded.
-----------
Back in the hospital….
"Eleanor…" Valene called out.
She wiped her tears harshly before flashing him a smile. Seeing her state, he walked ahead and hugged her.
"What happened? Are you scared?" he asked.
"I don't know brother. I feel like the Cedric I loved and the person I am seeing right now are two different people. His anger is scaring me. I said nothing to him. I didn't ask him an explanation. But Why am I the one who should take burn out in the end?
"I can understand whatever happened between him and Nathaira was not something good. Everyone's behaviour says that to me. But… I am being understanding and never asked explanation. Instead of understanding my efforts for him and our relationship… he is acting like an animal. I don't mean… my love for him is decreased but… I am scared.
"Has he ever thought about me and my feelings? Does he know when how scared I was and how insecure I was when she said she was his fiancee. I never know about them. Even last night I said him I need space to think through these things indirectly. I thought he understood and would give me space. But… he made it a worst nightmare.
"His anger is scaring me," she said as she cried in her embrace.
"Despite being angry… he is a good person. Give him some time," Valene said.
"I know… Why should I be the only one who gives the time? Did he come to me after I wake up? He didn't even care about me. I feel Cedric and the Cedric I loved are two different people," she said.
"He went out for an important business deal," Valene said.
"Oh… business. Okay… I will take my business seriously too from now on," she said.
"Eleanor," Valene called out.
"Brother… I am just disappointed. I want to be alone. Could you drop me in the office?" she asked.
"You are not well," he said.
"Please brother," she said.
"But…" before he could say something. She cut him off.
"If Martin was awake… he would have dropped me," she said looking at him.
"I will buy clothes for you. Wait for me," he said.. She nodded.