Page 73 of Protective Love

"Well, his aunt and cousin have come to me this morning and they've asked, or possibly requested, that Jaylen be discharged from the hospital so that he can go home. I have explained to them, that if this was to happen, he would still need to continue with a physiotherapist, and he'd need to have check-ups. They said they understood that. I won't be denying them, even if I wanted to, I couldn't because of who they are. I just wanted to ask your opinion on the matter considering you've been his main, if not only caregiver while he's been recovering."

Despite the tears that begin to burn my eyes, I nod in response.

"I think it's a good idea. He's improving well, so I think we should allow it."

His brows furrow slightly as he watches me, but after a few moments, he clears his throat and stands from the bench.

"Very well, then. I'll go and inform Louise that they can take him home tomorrow. We can also have a meeting tomorrow about what patients you'll be looking after once Mr King is discharged, and I'm sure you'll be glad to know that you won't be handed another priority client."

"Okay," I mutter, trying to keep my tears at bay as he walks out of the room.

As soon as the door closes behind him, the tears leak down my cheeks as the pain in my chest takes over me, and I slide down to the floor, allowing my body to crumble in the same way my heart is inside of my chest.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jaylen

Betrayal.

Hurt.

Confusion.

They're the main three feelings swarming me as I watch the doctor leave my room after explaining to me that I'll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

It wasn't a surprise to me when he mentioned that my aunt had asked, or much rather requested, that I go home soon and continue my recovery there, especially now that I'm able to move around, but when he told me 'my nurse' had also agreed that I should be discharged, I zoned out, uninterested in anything else he had to say.

Although I feel slightly betrayed, and hurt, I'm more curious and confused.

I could understand if her reasoning to agreeing for me to be discharged was to do with the conversation we had yesterday, with her wanting to put a pause on us for a while until I'm out, for the sake of her job, but the fact that she's avoided my room this morning and hasn't come to see me has me wondering what's really going on here.

There's something more at play.

I know it.

We've been in a good place recently, getting to know each other, spending time together and enjoying ourselves.

She's started letting her guard down. She let me in on the truth about her real name, and although she's been vague, she has told me a little about her past and the predicament she's in.

She was cautious the first time we kissed, but then we had an enjoyable, passionate moment, and she didn't regret that at all, and for days after that, we continued being all over each other.

So, what is it that caused her to switch up?

I sigh as all of these thoughts swarm my mind, and a headache begins to form as I try to fit the puzzle pieces together but continue to fail because I'm missing so many pieces.

"I'm concerned that you've been sitting there in silence since you were told you'll be coming home tomorrow. Shouldn't you be a little happier?" Sophia asks, nudging my arm and jolting me back to reality.

I was so caught up with the thoughts in my head that I'd completely forgot she was even here.

"I am happy about it," I tell her, although I'm unsure if it's the truth. "I'm just… disappointed, I guess."

"Because you won't get to see Rory every day?"

"Yeah," I admit, turning to face her. "I don't want to have to leave her, Soph."

She frowns and tilts her head.

"You realise she has a life outside of this hospital, right? You won't have to leave her behind, you idiot. You can finally get to see her out of the hospital though. Maybe even invite her over so she can have dinner with us."