Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Nicole quickly recounted her ordeal with the previous driver.
Rhett reacted with indignation. “That driver was completely out of line, abandoning you on the side of the road, downright dangerous.”
He swiftly exited his vehicle and opened the passenger door for her. “Miss Lawrence, please, come in. I’ll drive you home. It’s too late to be waiting here for another cab.”
After a moment of consideration, Nicole accepted Rhett’s offer and climbed into his car.
“It’s quite the coincidence, Miss Lawrence. I had just finished work and here you are,” Rhett remarked, a hint of surprise still in his voice.
“Indeed, quite the coincidence. And while we’re on the subject, I haven’t yet thanked you for the other day, Mr. Bates,” Nicole said, recalling how Rhett had intervened when she faced the danger posed by Doreen.
During that critical moment, Rhett had dashed over, heedless of his own safety. Though Jarrod had ultimately stepped in and saved Nicole, Rhett’s readiness to help hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Furthermore, Rhett’s continuous assistance with the ongoing lawsuit had been invaluable.
“There’s no need for thanks, Miss Lawrence. We’ve known each other for some time, and we’ve collaborated extensively. We’re sort of friends,” Rhett responded, his voice warm with genuine humility.
Rhett’s consistently kind and gentle demeanor left Nicole occasionally wondering if there was anything that could truly ruffle his composure.
“Still, I feel I owe you a proper thank you,” Nicole remarked, determined to acknowledge his efforts.
“Then perhaps you could treat me to a meal sometime?” Rhett suggested with a light tone.
“Sure,” Nicole responded, her smile reflecting her gratitude.
Assuming Nicole was on her way home, Rhett began driving in that direction, familiar with the route from previous visits.
However, as they traveled, he couldn’t help but notice Nicole’s complexion turning increasingly pale. “Miss Lawrence, are you feeling unwell?” he asked, concern marking his voice.
“A little,” Nicole admitted, her voice weak. She had been looking forward to resting at home, but her stomach discomfort was intensifying, and her pallor deepened.
Recognizing the urgency, Rhett didn’t hesitate. He swiftly turned the car around and headed straight for the hospital, prioritizing her immediate need for medical attention.
Upon their arrival at the hospital, Nicole was swiftly placed in a wheelchair and whisked away for examination.
Rhett remained by her side throughout the process. The medical team quickly diagnosed her with abdominal cramps, likely exacerbated by the cold.
The pain originating from her abdomen had led Nicole to mistakenly believe her stomach was the issue.
The attending physician provided a saline solution appropriate for pregnant women and briefed Rhett on Nicole’s care, mistaking him for a relative due to his attentive presence.
Rhett listened intently, nodding as he took in the instructions, his demeanor reflecting his serious commitment to Nicole’s well-being.
He respected her privacy and refrained from probing into the details of her pregnancy, which Nicole found immensely relieving. Any questions about it could have created an uncomfortable situation, especially since Rhett was well aware of her complicated relationship with Jarrod.
Nicole was keen to keep the details of her pregnancy discreet, particularly the association with Jarrod.
Once she began to feel better, Nicole checked her phone and noticed several missed calls from Davina. Concerned, she promptly returned the call. Davina’s voice came through tearful and anxious.
“Miss Lawrence, are you okay? I called that driver, and he said he dropped you off. I’ve been trying to reach him repeatedly, and then he just blocked me. I was so worried…”
Nicole quickly reassured Davina, “I’m okay, honestly. I just felt a bit under the weather and got myself to the hospital. A friend accompanied me.”
Davina, while somewhat relieved, remained concerned, pressing, “The hospital? I’m coming right away.”
“There’s really no need,” Nicole replied, mindful of Davina’s earlier alcohol consumption.
“You should head home and rest. I’m in capable hands here. I’ll manage on my own after the IV.”
“I can’t leave you alone,” Davina persisted, worry evident in her voice.
“I should be there with you.”
“Truly, it’s unnecessary,” Nicole gently said. “My friend is here, and he’ll see me home later. By the time you arrive, I’ll likely be finished with the IV. Please, go home and rest.”
After several more assurances, Davina reluctantly agreed, urging Nicole to take care before ending the call.
After ending the call, Nicole glanced up to find Rhett still present. “Mr. Bates, you can head home now. I’m feeling much better and should be able to manage on my own soon.”
Nicole didn’t want to burden Davina further, especially knowing she had been working hard. Feeling improved, she felt capable of handling things independently.
But Rhett countered, “That won’t do. Besides, you’ve already mentioned someone would take you home. Leaving you behind was not an option. I should drive you home to ensure you’re safely back.”
Nicole couldn’t suppress a laugh at his reasoning. Rhett’s cheerful demeanor was comforting, and his presence was oddly relaxing.
“Alright then,” Nicole relented. She had already relied on his kindness, so allowing him to assist until the end seemed fitting.
Considering a token of gratitude for Rhett, Nicole pondered what would be appropriate. A simple gift seemed too impersonal, and she doubted Rhett would accept it. She resolved to select a thoughtful gift instead.
Rhett maintained a professional demeanor, rarely accepting anything beyond his agreed fees.
However, Nicole felt indebted to him for his numerous acts of assistance.
As the IV drip concluded, Rhett summoned a nurse to remove the needle and then fetched a wheelchair for Nicole.
Observing the wheelchair, Nicole hesitated, stating, “Is that really necessary?” Feeling considerably better, she didn’t believe she required it.
However, Rhett insisted, “It’s better for you to sit. It would be inconvenient for me to provide support, and the wheelchair offers more convenience.”
Rhett respected personal boundaries, refraining from unnecessary physical contact, a quality Nicole appreciated. His actions were always impeccably balanced.
Thus, Nicole acquiesced and settled into the wheelchair as Rhett guided her toward the elevator.
However, just as the doors opened, a commotion erupted from behind.
“Make way! Make way,” a voice called out.
Before Rhett could maneuver, a single nurse hurried through the corridor, accompanying a visibly intoxicated man.
The intoxicated man emitted a strong odor of alcohol, unmistakably inebriated.
Deciding against sharing the elevator with the drunk man, Rhett turned to Nicole, suggesting, “Let’s wait for the next one.”
Nicole concurred with a nod as Rhett started to guide her away.
However, before they could retreat, the intoxicated man unexpectedly lunged toward Nicole. In a protective reflex, Rhett raised his arm to shield her.
The intoxicated man seized Rhett’s arm, sinking his teeth in.
“Umm…” he mumbled incoherently as he bit down.
“What the hell? Let go!” Rhett demanded, attempting to shake the intoxicated man off.
Despite his intoxicated state, the man exhibited surprising strength, preventing Rhett from freeing himself.
It wasn’t until the intervention of the male nurse that they managed to pry the drunk man away. By then, Rhett’s arm bore a bleeding bite mark.
Nicole was stunned by what was unfolding before her. “What is wrong with this person?” Her face showed clear displeasure as she looked at the drunk man’s friend.
Startled upon noticing the bite mark on Rhett’s hand, the friend quickly apologized, “I’m terribly sorry. He had too much to drink and didn’t mean it. Please forgive him.”
Rhett, appreciating the genuine apology, dismissed it with a wave of his hand. “Alright, just help him upstairs.”
The inebriated man kept mumbling to himself, “Tasty. So tasty…”
As the doors of the elevator shut, Rhett lingered by the doors.
With a worried tone, Nicole suggested, “Mr. Bates, you really should disinfect and bandage your hand.”
“There’s no need to go to any trouble,” Rhett responded calmly.
Nicole persisted, “It’s wiser to wrap it up. We are already at the hospital; it will be quick.”
Convinced by Nicole, Rhett consented to treat his hand.
It was a busy day, so Rhett spent half an hour waiting to be cleaned and bandaged.
As Rhett was ready to push the wheelchair, he noticed Nicole had already risen. “Mr. Bates, I’m up now. Let’s not bother with the wheelchair. I regret the inconvenience this has caused you,” she expressed.
Noticing Nicole’s recovery, Rhett didn’t push further. He returned the wheelchair, and they made their way back to the elevator.
Near the elevator, they caught snippets of a conversation between two worried nurses.
“Have you heard? There’s been a serious incident!” one nurse said.
“What happened?” the other asked.
“A recently admitted patient has tested positive for HIV. Anyone who’s been in contact with him will need testing.”
“Why must all contacts undergo testing? Wasn’t his condition made known?”