When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 34: I’m his partner

Jessica’s POV

He spun around, his eyes scanning the area, as if searching for the perpetrator.

The shattered remains on the floor revealed a coffee cup, its piping hot contents spreading across the tile. A student with glasses, standing behind Celine, looked stunned with a pale face. His hand was still outstretched.

His reaction betrayed him – he didn’t have the courage to throw the mug.

In front of him, Celine’s face flashed with surprise before her lips curled into a sly smile.

"Oops, I missed," she said, her eyes locked on mine. "I should practice more."

"I – I’m sorry, Max, I– it was my coffee." The pale guy apologized. He fell on his knees, begging Max to forgive him.

I was mortified. Why would he beg Max like that when it wasn’t him who threw the mug? Celine must have snatched the mug from him when he walked out from the coffee shop.

Max’s eyes narrowed, his gaze locked onto Celine. "You’re getting reckless, Celine." He said, ignoring the pale guy who was still kneeling.

She shrugged, "I can’t help it." Her lips were still curved, but her eyes remained cold and indifferent. "What’s her name, Jessica makes my hand itch whenever I see her."

His jaw clenched. "I won’t turn a blind eye next time," With that, Max’s grip on my hand tightened, "Let’s go."

Without another word, he pulled me through the crowd, leaving Celine’s venomous smile and the kneeling guy behind.

As we walked away, I glanced back. Celine’s gaze remained fixed on us, her face eerily expressionless, as if her facial muscles were paralyzed. She turned and slapped the kneeling guy across his face. For whatever reason, I didn’t know.

Then, it hit me – that girl had gone crazy. She wasn’t scared of anything, nor does she respect the school rules.

Max’s voice broke into my thoughts. "I’m sorry," he said, his tone low and troubled.

"For what?" I asked, my eyes still on Celine’s figure.

Annabelle’s voice was laced with dissatisfaction. "That’s the more reason you shouldn’t get Jessica involved in your mess. Look at that, she almost scalded her. That girl’s crazy, Maxwell!"

I sighed, pulling my hand away from Max, but he held on tightly, his long strides devouring the distance.

"You’re going to the hospital, right? I’ll take you," Max said, his eyes were ahead. But from how tight he gripped my wrist, I knew he was angry.

My brows furrowed, unsure if accepting his offer was wise. But practicality won out – I didn’t have a car, and walking to the gate or waiting for a cab would waste precious minutes.

And Kristen’s desperate call still lingered in my mind. How bad was his situation?

I nodded curtly. "Alright."

Max’s grip on my hand relaxed slightly as he led me to his car, Annabelle following closely behind.

"Be careful, Max," Annabelle warned, her eyes scanning the surrounding area.

Max nodded, his expression grim. "I will."

As we drove away, the tension between us was palpable. Celine’s attack had only scratched the surface of a much deeper issue.

The drive to the hospital was oppressive, the silence between us thick and heavy. My eyes remained fixed on my screen as I desperately tried to reach Kristen, my fingers dialing his number for what felt like the hundredth time. Each ring ended in voicemail, amplifying my anxiety.

Meanwhile, Max’s piercing gaze bore into me, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and frustration. I avoided his stare, biting my lip to contain my emotions. My legs fidgeted restlessly, betraying my calm facade.

The soft hum of the engine and occasional GPS directions punctuated the awkward stillness. Max’s gaze never wavered, his presence suffocating. I felt trapped, unsure how to break the tension. I didn’t feel it was right to bring up Celine, I mean, they’re lovers and up Celine, I was the third party, still, my mouth betrayed my thoughts.

"I suggest you rein in your fiancée. If she had scalded me, I wouldn’t have taken it lightly." My gaze remained fixed on my screen, avoiding Max’s piercing eyes.

"And honestly, if my life will be hanging on the line, then, I better stay away from you." The words spilled out from my mouth even though the least thing I wanted was to push him away.

I enjoyed his company.

"She’s my ex. I called off the engagement."

I darted a glance at him, our eyes locking briefly. The connection sparked a flutter in my chest, but I swiftly looked away, hiding behind my screen once more.

I dialed Kristen’s number once more, my anxiety spiking with each passing ring. Finally, a voice answered.

"Hello, Kristen?" I asked, hope etched in my voice.

"This is not Kristen, Miss," the voice replied, dashing my expectations. "I’m his assistant. Mr. Kristen is undergoing surgery. He should be out soon."

My breath caught in my throat. Surgery? What happened? My mind raced with worst-case scenarios.

"What happened to him? When did this happen?" The questions rushed out, together with my anxiety.

"Earlier today, Miss. He was in a serious accident. We don’t know yet if he’ll make it."

My heart dropped to my stomach. I felt a pang of pain clawing at my heart.

Accident? How? How did it happen?!

"Which hospital is he at?" I asked, my voice laced with urgency.

"City Hospital, Miss," the assistant replied.

I hung up, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Turning to Max, I saw concern etched on his face.

"Please, take me to City Hospital," I urged, my tone a mix of desperation and resolve.

Max nodded without hesitation, he saw how frenzied I was and didn’t bother asking me stupid questions. "We’ll be there soon," he reassured, stepping on the accelerator.

As we screeched to a halt outside City Hospital, I flung open the door and leapt out, racing toward the entrance without hesitation. My heart pounded in my chest, fueled by anxiety and fear.

I burst through the doors, out of breath and frantic. Everyone turned, startled by my sudden arrival.

Ignoring the reception desk, I sprinted down the corridors, following the signs to the operating theaters. I was here when my adopted dad was admitted, so I knew where the operation theater was.

My footsteps echoed off the sterile walls, a rhythmic accompaniment to my racing thoughts.

"Kristen, please be okay," I whispered, urgency propelling me forward.

As I turned a corner, a figure caught my attention. A man in a tailored black suit paced anxiously, his eyes fixed on the operating room door. The soft glow of the surgical light above the door seemed to hold his gaze captive.

He must be Kristen’s assistant.

As I approached, he noticed me and halted his pacing. Our eyes met briefly, and I saw a flicker of recognition.

"Miss Jessica," he greeted.

"Kristen," I exclaimed, scanning the area for any sign of him. "How is he?"

Just then, the door burst open and a doctor and nurse walked out. Their faces were covered with masks.

Together with the assistant, we dashed forward. "How is he?" I was the first to ask.

"Are you his family?" the doctor asked.

I swallowed, not knowing what to say. He only has an uncle and he wasn’t here.

"I’m his assistant and she’s his fiancée." The assistant suddenly replied and I quickly nodded without thinking.

"I... I’m his partner," I replied, tears welling up in my eyes.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr𝒆e(w)𝒆bnovel