The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 53

Aveline

Consciousness crept back slowly, like swimming up from the bottom of a deep, murky pool. My head felt stuffed with cotton, and there was a persistent ache behind my eyes that made thinking difficult. The first thing I registered was the antiseptic smell of a hospital, followed by the steady beeping of monitors somewhere nearby.

Through the haze of lingering anesthesia, I caught a glimpse of concerned eyes watching me—warm, worried, familiar somehow. But even as I tried to focus on them, voices rose in what sounded like an argument, and the face disappeared from my field of vision.

"—told you, Mr. Blackwell was very specific about his instructions. I'm responsible for Ms. Reeves's care, and I cannot allow any disruptions that might affect her recovery!"

The voice was crisp, professional, with that particular tone of authority that comes from working for someone powerful. As my vision cleared, I could make out two figures near the foot of my bed—one I recognized as Marcus, Orion's assistant, his usually impeccable suit slightly wrinkled as if he'd been here for hours. The other was younger, more casually dressed, with the kind of earnest good looks that belonged in a college catalog.

Colin. My colleague from Arlington Academy.

"Please maintain a safe distance!" Marcus continued, his voice taking on a warning edge. "Ms. Reeves just regained consciousness. She needs rest, not visitors who might agitate her condition."

Colin's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice level and respectful. "I understand your concern, but I'm her colleague. When I heard about the accident, I came as soon as I could. I just want to make sure she's alright."

Despite the fog in my head, I couldn't stand hearing Colin being treated like some kind of threat. "Marcus," I said, my voice coming out rougher than I'd intended, "this is my colleague. Please don't speak to him that way."

Marcus immediately stepped back, his entire demeanor shifting to something more deferential. "Of course, Ms. Reeves. My apologies." But his eyes remained fixed on Colin with obvious suspicion, like a guard dog who'd been called off but was still ready to attack.

Colin approached the bed with obvious relief, though I noticed he kept his movements careful and non-threatening—clearly aware of Marcus's watchful presence. Up close, he looked even younger than his twenty-three years, with that fresh-faced handsomeness that came from good genes and an easy life. His dark blonde hair was slightly mussed, as if he'd been running his hands through it with worry, and his blue eyes were bright with concern behind wire-rimmed glasses that gave him an intellectual air.

"Aveline," he said softly, his voice warm with genuine care, "I heard about the accident on Twenty-Third Street this afternoon. When they mentioned your name in the emergency report, I dropped everything and came straight here. Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

I managed what I hoped was a reassuring smile, though my head was still spinning. "I'm fine, Colin. Thank you for coming."

Marcus stepped forward with the efficiency of someone delivering a medical briefing. "Ms. Reeves suffered internal bleeding from the collision, but it's been successfully treated. Mr. Blackwell ensured that our best trauma surgeons handled the case, and the prognosis is excellent. You should be fully recovered and discharged within a week."

He paused, his expression becoming slightly more formal. "Additionally, all medical expenses have been covered. Mr. Blackwell was quite insistent that you shouldn't worry about any financial concerns while you focus on recovery."

The mention of Orion sent a strange flutter through my chest. How had he known about the accident so quickly? Why had he come to the hospital at all? The way Marcus spoke about his "instructions" made it sound like Orion had been personally involved in my care, which didn't make sense unless...

Unless he was investigating me. Unless this was all part of whatever suspicions he'd been harboring.

My phone buzzed with an incoming text, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. Grandmother Eleanor's name appeared on the screen.

*"Darling, such terrible luck! The other party canceled today's meeting again! How frustrating! I'm starting to think they're not serious about this arrangement at all."*

Reality crashed back like a cold wave. The divorce meeting. Today was supposed to be the day I finally freed myself from that ghost marriage, and instead I was lying in a hospital bed with a concussion.

My beautiful day had turned into a complete disaster.

I quickly typed back, not wanting Grandmother to worry: *"Don't stress about it, Grandmother. I'm going on a short trip for a few days. We can reschedule when I get back!"*

"Aveline?" Colin's voice brought my attention back to the room. "Is everything alright? You look upset."

"Just tired," I said, forcing another smile. "Thank you for checking on me, Colin. If there's anything I need help with at work—"

"Actually," Marcus interrupted smoothly, "that won't be necessary. Mr. Blackwell has arranged for all of Ms. Reeves's professional obligations to be handled during her absence. There's no need for outside assistance."

He turned to Colin with a polite but unmistakably dismissive smile. "Perhaps it would be best if you returned to wherever you came from. Ms. Reeves needs rest, not additional visitors."

Colin's cheeks flushed slightly, but he maintained his composure with impressive grace. "Marcus," I said firmly, "stop. That was rude."

Marcus immediately fell silent, chastened.

Colin cleared his throat, his expression gentle but determined. "Actually, Marcus is right about one thing—you do need rest. Too many people crowding around will only tire you out more." He walked to the corner of the room where I now noticed a beautiful bouquet of white camellias arranged in an elegant vase. "I brought these for you earlier. I hope you don't mind—I remembered you mentioning once that you found their simplicity calming."

I felt my face light up with genuine pleasure. "Colin, how did you know these were my favorites?"

He smiled, the expression transforming his already handsome features into something almost radiant. "I pay attention when you talk about things you enjoy. I've been hoping to learn more about child psychology from you, but I suppose I've also been... observing what makes you happy."

His cheeks reddened as he spoke, and I found the combination of his intelligence and boyish shyness rather endearing.

Marcus made a sound that might have been a snort. "How interesting that such 'observations' happened to be so... convenient."

Colin's flush deepened, but he handled the implication with remarkable poise. "Well," he said, straightening his shoulders and looking directly at me instead of acknowledging Marcus's jab, "I should let you rest. Your student's family has certainly arranged for very... comprehensive care." His tone was perfectly polite, but there was a subtle edge of amusement in his voice. "It might feel a bit overwhelming at times, but it's clearly coming from a place of genuine concern for your welfare. Try to be patient with it for a few days—I'll come check on you again soon."

The diplomatic way he'd managed to both acknowledge Marcus's overbearing behavior and subtly mock it without being openly confrontational was actually quite impressive. I couldn't help but smile at his skillful retreat.

"Thank you for the flowers, Colin. And for caring enough to come."

He paused at the door, giving me one last warm smile. "Take care of yourself, Aveline. And don't let anyone convince you that accepting help means you owe them anything."