Page 141 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“Did you tell my nurse?”

“Yes. Now, let’s go.”

I want to ask him if he has any updates, but I don’t know if I want to know right now. I decide it’s better I wait and see.

I grip the sides of the wheelchair and look at every sign we pass, searching for the words ICU.

I’m sure Oliver knows where he’s going, but I can’t help but point and tell him the direction when I finally see a sign.

My heart pounds knowing I’m so close to her now. As soon as I see the nurse’s desk, I’m edging from the chair.

“Stay in the chair.” Oliver grunts from behind me. I twist my head to see perspiration beads on his forehead. I forgot he had to push a 180-pound man around in a hurry.

I sit back down.

“Hi. We’re here to see Miss Nova Lee.”

“Unfortunately she has family in there already, so I can only allow one of you.”

“I’ll stay out here. Go in, I'll be here whenever you’re done.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I have work to do. I’ll sit on those chairs and do it.”

Work. Something I’m avoiding and should feel guilt-ridden about, but I don’t.

Oliver’s hand squeezes my shoulder. I cover my hand with his and squeeze it as a thanks. He turns and strides over to take a seat.

I turn and the nurse pushes me into the room. My heart is already in my throat, creating a painful lump, as the door swings open to reveal Nova.

Tears fill my eyes at the haunting scene. There are wires…everywhere.

My eyes well up with tears, and I struggle to breathe properly. I blink rapidly as my vision blurs. Tears roll down my cheeks, each droplet carrying the weight of my guilt, which only intensifies the longer I stare at her unmoving, lifeless body in the bed.

“Jeremy?” a familiar voice calls.

I turn toward it. Her mom.

I prepare myself for the lashing I deserve. I put their daughter in danger. She could die because of me.

But her mom comes over and hugs me. I’m shocked at first, but when I understand what’s happening, I bring my arms around her and hug her back. She cries in my ear at how glad she is that I'm okay.

I don’t deserve her kindness.

A hand touches my shoulder, it’s gentle yet firm. “Son, she’s okay, but we need to talk.” Her father’s voice hits my already vulnerable state.

Her sick father. A man who doesn’t deserve this pain. A sob leaves my mouth. I can’t stop the waves of tears that unleash now. Lydia’s arms squeeze me tighter and I keep howling my lungs out like I’ve needed this as much as I needed her to wake up.

Once I’ve cried my heart out, I peel back from Lydia’s arms and turn to Charles.

He dips his chin and walks out the door and I follow.

We move away from the others. This is a private conversation.

Once Charles sits down, I position myself so I’m facing him head on.

“How are you?” he asks.

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