Page 80 of Captivated By Him

“I do love her,” I say, the words scraping against my throat. Because it’s no small matter. “Which is why she can’t be with me.”

“What?” Lena grabs my arm. “Jakub, don’t be stupid.”

Lena’s phone dings at the same time mine does. She checks hers while I ignore it. The only thing that matters right now is Nicole. Everything else can wait.

“It’s Dominik. I’ll go up to Dad’s room and see what’s going on. Don’t do anything. Wait for her to get better. Take her home. Tell her how you feel about her. This will work out, Jakub. But do not give up.”

I run the tip of my finger down Nicole’s nose. Her eyes flutter, but she only sighs softly and turns away again.

“I’ll be up there soon,” I say. When Lena tries to argue, I put my hand up. “Go. Dad and Dominik need you.”

She frowns but leaves me to stand over my wife, saying my goodbyes.

Chapter 25

Nicole

“You should be resting.” The home nurse, Ratched—or whatever her name is—frowns when she sees me shuffling toward the kitchen.

I put my hand up. “I’m fine. Relax.”

She sits back into the recliner in the living room with a deep crease in her forehead.

While the bruises and cuts are healing well, my bruised ribs are giving me more trouble. But I’ve been stuck in the bedroom for three days now, and I can’t stand another minute of it. The doctor said not to lie around in order to keep from creating other troubles, but movement is hard. Especially with the Nurse Ratched insisting she do everything for me.

“Has my husband called?” I ask while opening the fridge.

Jakub hasn’t been home since I was brought home from the hospital. He’d been by my room and told me he hired home care for me because he had some things to take care of. It’s been three days and I haven’t heard a word from him.

When I woke up in the hospital, he was there, looking worn and tired and so worried I felt guilty for it. He smiled when I said his name, and when he touched my cheek, the warmth of his hand against my skin spread through my entire body. It was like I was being lifted up with just his simple touch.

I tried to apologize, but he wouldn’t let me talk. He just shook his head, kissed my forehead, and told me to rest.

“No, but a package arrived for you. It’s on the counter.” She waves her hand to the kitchen island. “Do you want me to make you something to eat?” She starts to get up.

“Thanks, no. I can do it. Really. I’m not sure what they want you to do babysitting me like this.” I keep my voice light. She’s overbearing, but it’s her job. She’s just trying to help.

I find the thick envelope on the counter she’s talking about and pull it closer. I tear into it. Several documents are bound together with a rubber band and a note card on top.

* * *

Nicole. I’m keeping my word. The danger’s gone now, you’re free. A courier will be by to pick these up in the morning. Once I have everything filed, your settlement will be transferred to your bank account. Stay at the apartment for as long as you want. Nora will help you find another job if you want or keep working. I’ll give you all the space you need.

—J

* * *

My vision blurs from tears flooding my eyes. I suck in a heavy breath, but nothing comes, so I suck it in again.

“Mrs. Staszek? Are you all right?” The nurse hurries from the living room to where I’m hunched over the kitchen island.

He’s leaving me.

Left me.

He’s gone.

The documents are divorce papers, a settlement package. I shove them all away from me.

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