"You can pay your bills at the counter, or have your guardian handle it," she said, ignoring his questions before turning and walking away.
What a weirdo. Who comes to the emergency ward for an elbow injury? He looked like one of those spoiled rich brats, and judging by his rude way of talking, he was definitely a pampered child. He should be around Roman's age, if not older.
"The patient in room 305 has been discharged," she overheard a nurse say as she walked past. Patricia stopped in her tracks, stunned. Roman's fiancée had been discharged? But that couldn't be, her recovery was supposed to take at least two weeks. Wait…Two weeks.
Was that why Roman was going to be away for two weeks? Was he planning to care for her somewhere else?
"It wouldn't be surprising if she marries our CEO. They are so in love," another nurse chimed in, and they both giggled.
Patricia hated being dragged into their love story, all thanks to her stepmother. If word ever got out that she had forced her way into Roman's life, she would be painted as a homewrecker. She needed to secure an investor quickly, someone Roman could work with. Speaking of which, she decided it was time to take a break and call Zara about tomorrow's meeting.
…
Two weeks later
Patricia had been sick for over two days and called in Zara who took care of her throughout the entire night until the next morning.
"Eat more. You need strength to meet the investor tomorrow," Zara urged as they sat at the dinner table.
"Did he agree to meet?" Patricia asked, taking another spoonful of porridge that was beginning to tire her out.
"Yes. But how do you plan to meet him like this? You can barely walk," Zara pointed out, her voice full of concern. She hated how Patricia only reached out when her health was already in bad shape. For someone who scolded patients for neglecting themselves, Patricia wasn't much better.
"I will manage. Don't…" Patricia began, but was cut off when Maria walked in, excitement in her voice.
"Miss Patricia, Mr. Roman is back."
A sense of relief washed over Patricia. She couldn't wait to tell him she has found an investor and that she needed his help to win them over.
"Zara, help me," she said, turning to her best friend, who immediately helped her up. Together, they made their way to the entrance.
But when they arrived, both women froze. Roman was walking in with a woman in his arms. Patricia stared, blinking in disbelief. There was something familiar about her.
Michelle! Was she going to be staying here?
"Hi," Michelle greeted first, smiling warmly. Something about her expression made Patricia feel guilty. She forced a smile in return, even as a storm brewed within her. Zara, however, remained cold, her expression hard as she stared at the pair.
"Hi," Patricia managed, and it was then Roman finally looked up at her. He stared as if she were a stranger. He noticed she looked unwell but didn't comment on it.
"This is Michelle, you have met before," he said casually. "She will be staying with us from now on." Like it was nothing. However, Patricia didn't care if he brought in more than one woman, as long as they were not romantically involved, she didn't mind.
"What do you mean by…" Zara, ever the impatient one, began, gesturing toward Roman. But Patricia quickly pinched her and cut in, turning to Michelle, "You are welcome. How are you feeling now?" She asked, smoothly redirecting the conversation.
"Much better, all thanks to you. You saved my life, and I owe you one. I promise to make it up to you," Michelle said, her smile so bright it made Zara suspicious. Who smiled that sweetly at the woman who supposedly stole her man? Well, technically, Patricia had taken the man Michelle was supposed to marry once she recovered.
"Be careful with her. She reeks of false sweetness," Zara muttered into Patricia's ear, glaring openly at Michelle, who looked confused by the tension.
"I won't disturb you further. You can help her settle in," Patricia said, turning to Roman.
"We are attending an event this evening. Get ready, Kay will bring what you need to wear," Roman said, and Patricia nodded in response. Zara frowned, bewildered, was Patricia smoking? Why was she agreeing so easily? Why not just say no? She could barely walk.
Unable to stay silent, Zara blurted, "Can't you see she's not…"
But Patricia quickly cut her off, asking instead, "What about her? Who will keep her company at home?"
"She's coming with us," Roman replied simply, already turning to leave.
Once they were gone, Zara turned to Patricia, clearly upset. "What the hell is wrong with you? You can't even stand properly! You should have just said no, what's he going to do, kill you?" She snapped, furious at Patricia for agreeing to go out in her condition. He didn't ask if she wanted to go and just decided for her.
"Does it matter?" Patricia responded, coughing lightly. "I have to do my part as his legal wife. In less than two months, I will be gone. There's no point fighting him."
"I am not saying you should fight him, but this is stupid. He didn't even ask how you have been, didn't glance at you for more than two seconds. He went straight to business, like you are nothing! And clearly, you are not okay, anyone can see that. But he ignored it and kept doting on that sly bitch!" Zara spat, her voice rising with frustration.
"Zara!" Patricia shouted, but the exertion made her lose balance. She staggered, nearly falling, but Zara rushed forward and caught her just in time. Guilt washed over her instantly. She hadn't meant to frighten Patricia, but seeing her best friend treated like a disposable piece in someone else's romance was too much to bear.
Men like Roman shouldn't be allowed to get away with this. It never ended well. And bringing another woman into the house when he already had a wife? He could have at least waited until they were divorced.
"I am the intruder," Patricia said quietly. "The one who ruined their plan. This is the least I can do for them."
Zara didn't agree, but she held her tongue. She sighed, frustrated but unwilling to cause Patricia more trouble. Patricia knew Zara only wanted her to be respected but what she didn't know was that Patricia had agreed to terms beyond just the investor deal. If she found out, she would have reacted far worse, so for now, it was best to keep her in the dark.