C9 The gentleman

Evelyn’s P.O.V.

“Get Dr. James on call. Now.”

A thunderous voice ordered like an eternal monarch; the world spun around me with the impact of that command. My heart threatened to break the restraints of rib cage, whereas this burning sensation in my arm was unbearable.

“Please hang in there, baby. Deep breaths. I am with you. You will be fine soon.”

Two strong arms embraced me in their stronghold. The noise in the background faded, as I looked in Zuriel’s worried eyes. Although he stayed aloof and nonchalant, the panic on his handsome face was a deadly addition.

“It’s just a tea...”

Aunt tried to explain the premises, but he sprinted towards his room at a commendable speed.

“Dr. James is on call.”

Zuriel shooed away that curious maid and locked the door.

“Put the affected skin in cold water for twenty minutes. And remove the clothes immediately, they can stick to burn.”

Before I could react, Zuriel put me in the bathtub and turned on the faucet.

“Hey, stop.”

As his hands approached my shirt to tear it, I hardly stopped him.

“Cut the chase, Evelyn. You are not a miss world I would die for. It's a medical emergency.”

Well, his reply was colder than the running water, I cooperated with him silently and curled up in the corner. He picked up a cup to ensure a sufficient supply of water. Zuriel didn’t give me a break to catch my breath, so eventually, I was gasping for air.

“I am not a mermaid.”

This was the protest which began the other round of the treatment.

“Dr. James has prescribed the ointment for the skin. Take this and get to the bed.”

He threw a fluffy grey towel on me, which I wrapped around my body and stepped out hesitantly.

“Lay down on your back!”

Zuriel pointed towards the master bed, while searching for the tube in the first aid box.

“Can a woman help me in applying this?”

As my skin was burnt below the towel, I found it awkward to get his help. He sat beside me and tended to my arm first.

“All maids in the mansion are loyal to my aunt. How will we explain about your flat stomach?”

Unlike his normal attitude, Zuriel’s voice was gentle like his touch, he wrapped the gauze after applying ointment. The relief it provided gave me courage, I lifted my hand for the tube.

“I will manage the rest, thanks for your care.”

“Are you sure? It will be difficult to deal with a towel and tube with one hand. One second!”

Zuriel turned his back on me, held the hem of the towel and gestured to me to carry on. In the mirror of the dressing table, I could see that he closed his eyes shut for my privacy.

Fortunately, the burns on my breast were not severe. I got up to wear something soft.

“You can wear this.”

Perhaps, it was a day of surprises, he gave me his oversized t-shirt.

“My shirt is loose; it will not touch the wounds on your skin.”

Just like before, he helped me in wearing those comfortable clothes (I borrowed his shorts) and dried my hair too.

“Now the last thing.”

He left me in the room and came back briefly, a bowl of chicken soup was delivered by a servant.

“You need to take ibuprofen after dinner. Finish your soup.”

Then I was tucked in a specially made blanket, Zuriel took his pillow to the couch.

“It’s true that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Behind a tough President, the original Zuriel is really a caring guy. It's great that he found love after Carla’s betrayal. Heaven also sides with good.”

With my heart filled with infinite gratitude, that night in Scott’s mansion was a peaceful one.

…

“You will take rest.”

I didn’t realize the gravity of Zuriel’s command until his room became a mini jail for me.

“The President has asked you to take rest.”

A nurse was appointed to make sure that I lay down in bed the whole day, everything was available on my call. This Queen’s treatment could be a dream of countless females, but not me.

In just two days, I was bored to death, even my Eddie was busy at his school.

“I miss my old life.”

The desire to see my son was overwhelming, I had to pacify myself.

“It’s for my bunny. After this assignment, I will have enough money for our peaceful life.”

...

Before that imprisonment could drive me crazy, I snuck out of my bed shortly after Zuriel’s departure.

“President Scott will be furious.”

“Don’t worry, I will handle him.”

After my numerous confirmations, the nurse let me go.

I used the back door to avoid interaction with the beloved aunt, as for the record, I hate drama. I just didn’t engage in it; otherwise, discussing others melodrama was my favorite hobby.

Anyhow, I reached the office by public transportation, a petite figure welcomed me with an affectionate hug.

“You are back, Eve. I am so glad to meet you.”

Maeve's excitement was the same as before, my eyes welled up to see my bestie.

“We have met two months before and talked on a video call last night. You are making it a big deal, Maeve.”

She didn’t mind the fuse of my mood and showed me my cabin.

“The rightful owner is back in its place. I am sure that this desk has also missed you.”

“Boss is calling you.”

Bruce informed me in a hurried tone and pushed ten files before me.

“An international client is coming today for an important deal. Arrange the files of the project and prepare fifteen copies before 11:00 am.”

“It’s already 9:00 am, Bruce.”

The tension of this workload let slipped his first order. I was buried under the weight of official papers when the familiar fire creeped into my body. As an instinct, I turned to confirm the source of this blaze and shot up.

“Good morning, President Scott.”

Zuriel's glare was shooting flaming daggers at me, the flares of the flames enveloped my small frame.

“Do you enjoy defying my words?”

As soon as the office’s door was closed, he yelled at me, the veins of his forehead were popping out.

“Show me your arm.”

Zuriel keenly checked the condition of my skin and sent its pictures to Dr. James for further examination.

“It was the first-degree burn, President. If madam is not feeling fever and body pain, she is fit to continue her daily routine.”

That angel from Heaven put a full stop to Zuriel’s rage episode, he sighed.

“Remember that I am your boss here. Go and get prepared for the meeting. It’s important.”

My past work experience with this perfectionist was the key to completing that heap of work. I managed to reach the Conference room before that honorable client.

“It’s an anti-aging cream, Bruce. Will we get free samples?”

The use of snails as the main ingredient in beauty products was trending. Scott’s group was launching a new product with its rival company for a better outcome.

“Anti-aging cream for a girl who forgot to grow up after high school? You should be investigated for this illegal youth.”

“Walter?”

Walter as Walter Lockwood from Lockwood industries was right in front of my eyes, I was paralyzed with happiness to see my school friend.

“Yes, the one and only Walter.”

He stretched his arms, and I almost jumped with joy while hugging his six feet aesthetic frame.

“That nerd is also a handsome hunk. What else can I expect?”

“And you are still a walking disaster. What happened to your hand?”

Walter’s curious silver eyes were shining behind the square shaped glasses, his dark brown hair was emphasizing that rare neutral shade.

“We are here for an official meeting.”

Between our happiness unfolding like a flower, Zuriel’s cold voice registered its presence.

We exchanged our mobile numbers under the annoyed gaze of Zuriel, the sudden gusts of frosty air froze my surroundings. During the presentation, he spared murderous glazes for me, cementing my feet to the ground.

From today’s experience, I came to the understanding that when Zuriel was angry, he could burn a person with his eyes. Moreover, any slight disobedience could activate his killer mode, making you feel fearful for your life.

There wasn’t a chance to run away for my safety in the current situation, the only good thing that happened was that the deal was signed in a friendly atmosphere.

“I am not into parties and flashy stuff, President Zuriel. You can just announce it in the business community, as we will throw a success party soon.”

An international businessman’s entry in the local market was the talk of the town. But Walter dodged a full fledge party after the signing process.

“Once a nerd always a nerd.”

I sent him a text message, which brought a vibrant smile to Walter’s face.

…

A buffet was arranged for lunch, Walter excused himself from the high-end conversion and joined me.

“Still single?”

“Yes. What about Aurora? How is she?”

I clearly remembered that Walter got married with his childhood sweetheart before going abroad six years ago.

“She died while giving birth to our child.”

He blinked away the tears, his eyebrows pulled closer together. The corners of his lips lowered, the gloominess of losing his lover also dampened my soul.

“My daughter Bex is five years old. Let me show you her picture.”

An innocent little girl with the same eyes as Walter melted my heart, reminding me of my bunny.

“Your Princess is so pretty. I would love to meet her.”

“Come to the Marriott hotel, we are staying there. But a little caution, Bex is very naughty.”

Walter’s cute warning amused me.

“Kids are supposed to be mischievous, Walter. And Bex is your child, how naughty she could be?”

Our little catch up was abruptly disturbed by Bruce’s message, that mini devil was the real successor of my boss.