Waiting for the rights one novel

Chapter 60 How ironic .

While they fretted over whether I would storm into their wedding , my lawyer was submitting indisputable evidence to the police .

Nadias mother was never terminally ill .

Her medical records ? Fake .

Even the blood on the that cheap motels floor wasnt human .

The whole thing was a setup , designed to turn Jonah against me , ensuring he would commit fully to marrying Nadia .

Nadia thought she understood me .

She believed that after being abandoned by Jonah and learning my so called lesson , I would be too exhausted , too broken , to cause any trouble .

In her mind , I would simply give up and disappear without a fight .

She thought she had won .

Coincidentally , we ended up in the same hospital .

[ As I passed by the emergency exit , the hushed voices of an intimate conversation caught my attention .

I slowed my steps , my fingers tightening around the strap of my bag .

Jonah , you shouldnt have stabbed Arabelle for me ! Nadias voice was thick with anxiety .

What if she reports you to the police ? What will we do then ? \ My grip on my phone tightened .

Jonah , however , sounded utterly unbothered .

A hint of amusement even laced his tone .

Arabelle loves me , he said lazily .

Shed rather give her life to me than report me to the police .

Unless shes lost her mind .

Nadia hesitated .

But- Even if she reports me , I have plenty of ways to make her drop the charges , he added , dismissive and certain .

So dont worry just focus on taking care of your mom .

She cant miss our wedding .

I want her to share our joy .

A light giggle escaped Nadia , her tension melting in an instant./ Jonah , you treat me so well … she murmured , breathless .

I have no way to repay you .

\ Jonah didnt answer immediately .

From the suggestive silence that followed , I had no desire to linger .

I stopped the recording on my phone .

Then , without hesitation , I walked away .

*** At the airport , the bustling crowd and the scent of fresh coffee in the air should have made me feel like I was finally free .

But my mind was still drowning in the conversation I had just heard .

Arabelle ! A familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts .

I barely had time to react before my brother came rushing toward me , his excitement practically radiating off him .

His wide grin was the first genuine warmth I had felt in days .

} Youre finally back ! He clapped a hand on my shoulder , nearly knocking me off balance .

If you took any longer , Gerald wouldve flown a helicopter to Hammerton to pick you up himself .

At his teasing words , a tall man stepped forward , his presence commanding yet steady .

The man my brother had called Gerald took my suitcase effortlessly from my hands , his sharp eyes softening as he looked at me .

suit .

Youve finally arrived , he said .

Ive come to pick you up .

The fresh grooms boutonniere on his chest was impossible to miss .

The vibrant red stood out against his crisp white His words , coupled with his attire , drew the attention of those passing by .

After all , it wasnt every day someone saw a groom at the airport , seemingly waiting for his bride .

And an unadorned , makeup free bride at that .

Feeling the weight of countless curious gazes , I instinctively reached up to lower the brim of my hat .

But the lighthearted moment between us shifted the second my brother caught sight of my hand .

The smiles on their faces vanished .

What happened to your hand ? My brothers voice was sharp , the warmth in his eyes replaced by something colder .

I pulled my hand back quickly , brushing off their concern with an easy excuse .

Its nothing .

M But my brother wasnt so easily fooled .

I just heard you on the phone with your lawyer .

His voice darkened .

Did that scum Jonah hurt you ? My brother had never liked Jonah .

Not from the very beginning .

He had seen through him long before I did.X I glanced at Gerald and gave my brother a look .

Just let it go , Ronan , I said quietly .

The wedding is what matters , or Mom will start worrying again .

Ronan clenched his fists , his jaw tightening as if he wanted to argue .

But after a long pause , he exhaled heavily and grabbed my wrist .

Come with me , he said gruffly .

Before I could protest , I found myself being dragged toward the airports medical station .

The doctor unwrapped the bandages with careful hands , but even his professionalism couldnt hide his reaction when he saw the wound .

He sucked in a sharp breath .

This was a deep puncture wound , he muttered , inspecting the damage .

If it had gone any deeper , it wouldve gone straight through your hand .

} Silence hung in the air .

My brother and Gerald exchanged looks , their anger barely restrained .

Were taking you to a hospital , Gerald said , his voice low and firm .

Im fine , I interrupted before they could start a debate .

Mom has already been worried sick .

If I dont show up at the wedding in one piece , shell collapse from the stress .

} My words , though lighthearted , did little to ease their anger .

But after several reassurances , they reluctantly let it go .

**** The car ride to the hotel was quiet .

The wedding decorations in the vehicle felt surreal to me .

Gerald sat beside me , his posture relaxed , but his eyes never left my hand .

The conflicting emotions in them anger , regret , something deeper were impossible to ignore .

him .

Finally , he spoke .

Arabelle … His voice was uncharacteristically soft .

If only I had met you sooner .

} I turned to look at him , caught off guard .

} His fingers tightened slightly against his lap .

No , he corrected himself , his voice turning heavier .

The moment I realized I liked you , I shouldve taken you away from I froze .

The sincerity in his words left no room for doubt .

Before I could react , he gestured toward my wounded hand , his expression darkening .

For every bit of pain you suffered , I will make him pay a thousandfold .

} I lowered my gaze , my emotions unreadable .

Im sorry , I murmured .

I shouldve returned two days ago , but an accident delayed me .

I didnt mean to make you all worry .

He didnt answer right away .

The car continued down the road , the hotel coming into view in the distance .

The moment felt weird , like I was watching someone elses life unfold .

But there was one thing I knew for certain .

Jonah wouldnt get away with hurting me so easily .

Right now , his wedding must be in full swing .

I just hoped he liked the wedding gift I had prepared for him .