Page 144 of Capturing Love

“Where am I?” I moaned as the beeping machines infiltrated the fog that consumed my head. “What happened?”

“You’re in the hospital, sweetie. You were drugged at some club you were at last night and your body couldn’t cope. The police are outside waiting to take your statement.”

My forehead wrinkled as I tried to recall the events of the night before. As the hazy memories floated in, I grimaced. “Who called the police?”

“Grayson. He’s in the waiting room with another man and a blonde woman. They won’t let any of them through without your permission.”

My heartbeat picked up on the machine beside my bed. “Good.”

Lenny furrowed his brow. “Are you sure? Grayson is desperate to see you.”

“You said there was a blonde girl out there?” I asked, ignoring Lenny’s concern.

“Ah, yes. Melissa…I think…”

“Melanie?”

“Yes, that’s it. She’s in a bit of a state.”

I drew in a deep breath. “Len, I want to see her.”

His forehead wrinkled. “Not Grayson?”

“Not Grayson.”

He studied me with sadness in his eyes before nodding. “Very well.” He squeezed my hand. “I’ll let her know.”

Before Lenny left, I gave him the keys to my apartment. Last night’s outfit now lay in the corner of the hospital room, tied up in a plastic bag and marinating in vomit, so I desperately needed a change of clothes. Plus, Luci would have torn the place apart by now, searching for his breakfast.

Half an hour later, there was a soft knock on my door.

“Come in,” I croaked, gazing up as Melanie entered the room.

Her head was lowered as she took small delicate steps towards my bed. As soon as our eyes met, she burst into tears. “I’m so sorry, Josie,” she sobbed. “I never meant for you to get hurt.”

I stared at her numbly and didn’t respond straight away. “I believe you.”

“You do?” Her blue eyes grew large on her grief-stricken face.

“And I’m not pressing charges,” I continued, without expression.

She exhaled and almost smiled. “Oh god, thank you…you don’t kno—”

“There are stipulations though,” I interrupted firmly.

Her eyes darted to mine and her chest stopped moving. “Anything. Just tell me how much money you want and I’ll arrange it.”

My gaze tapered. “I don’t want your money…I want you to get professional help.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but I hushed her.

“Under all your bullshit, I actually think you’re a good person, but you need to start taking responsibly for your own actions. Stop using your shitty upbringing as an excuse. Tell your parents to fuck off if you need to. This is your life, and you may not believe it right now, but you’re more than just a billionaire’s daughter with a pretty face.”

“How can you be so nice?” she sobbed. “After everything I’ve done?”

My voice softened. “Because you deserve a chance to make things right.”

“I will, I promise you. Grayson and I are heading back to LA tonight to confront our parents about our fake engagement and I’ve already booked myself into a facility in Malibu to get treatment. I’m serious about getting better this time. I won’t let you or Grayson down.”