When one of Bill's henchmen that his boss's face was stained with blood and his left arm was bleeding profusely, he got up immediately and asked in a concerned tone, “Boss, are you okay?“
It would have been better if he had just kept quiet, because Bill was already in a bad mood. Extremely exasperated and humiliated, Bill couldn't help but harshly push him away. “Get out my way!“ he hissed. The sudden movement caused Bill to wince in pain. The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably as he let out a groan.
After much effort, Bill managed to sit up and straightened his back. However, he still wasn't able to stand up on his feet due to how serious his injury was. He ripped a piece of cloth from his shirt and started to clumsily bandage his wound. Despite how it looked, the wound was nothing compared to his past injuries. Bill had lived dangerously for most of his life. He was a veteran when it came to getting out of dangerous situations. Surviving was the most important part. Everything would be okay as long as he made it out alive.
When he glanced at the direction of the door, Bill felt his body heat up with rage. The men who once left him dared to come back to his place and even point their knives at him!
“Ethan, you little brat!“ Bill seethed with anger and gritted his teeth. “Damn it! If I'd known that you were going to do this, then I wouldn't have taught you anything! The dog that I trained and kept as a pet came back to bite the very hand that once fed him. How ironic!“ Bill cursed out.
After he said those words, he suddenly burst into a fit of laughter, which sounded sinister and full of self-loathing.
The men decided to keep their mouths shut and said nothing. They were terrified that their boss would be displeased if they made any comments. Instead, they just respectfully bowed their heads.
After coming out of Bill's place, Ethan glanced at his men behind him and waved his hand to dismiss them. It was not good for them to be seen together as a group while they walked out of the place. Only Shane and Marc stayed by his side.
For a while, they walked in reflective silence. Then, Ethan suddenly came to a halt, raised his head, and looked at the two of them. His face looked thoughtful as he said, “You two can leave me alone now if you want.“
“But what about you? Where are you going?“ Shane asked Ethan and anxiously looked at him with raised eyebrows.
Ethan was amused by Shane's expression but he didn't have the energy to even chuckle. Instead, he answered, “I am going to the hospital to see Estelle.“
“Then, let us go with you!“ Shane suggested excitedly and stepped forward. They had beaten up Bill just a few hours ago. Anyone who got beaten up like that would surely hold a grudge. Someone like Bill would never let it go. Shane and Marc were worried that Bill would try and seek revenge as soon as he got the chance.
Ethan neither agreed nor refused Shane's eager suggestion. So, Marc put his hand on Shane's chest to stop him and shook his head slightly. With a creased forehead, Shane turned to look at Marc. The latter gave a warning look as if he was saying, 'They are lovers. Why would we go to the hospital with them and interrupt their quality time?' Knowing Ethan, Marc knew that he would probably feel embarrassed if they came along.
Once Shane realized that he was being intrusive, Shane gave Marc an understanding nod. He no longer insisted that they should tag along. Marc looked at Ethan and offered calmly, “At least let us drive you there though.“
“Sure.“ Without saying any else, Ethan nodded firmly and the three of them got into the car and drove to the hospital.
In the hospital, everything seemed peaceful and under control. As soon as Ethan reached the ward, he recognized the back of Philo's head from afar. Standing by the door, Ethan did his best to make as little noise as possible. He didn't want to disturb Estelle's sad father. Philo was sitting by the bed and seemed to be in a daze while staring at the window. His eyes were full of sadness. Ethan quietly sighed as he noticed that Philo looked much older than his real age. Estelle, who was lying on the bed, was unfortunately still unconscious.
Ethan walked in silently, but Estelle's father still sensed his entrance. He slowly turned around and limped to sit on the other side of the bed.
The guilt that Ethan felt came back as he looked at the old man. Softly, he murmured, “Philo, how are you? Why don't you go get some rest first? I promise I will call you as soon as Estelle wakes up.“
There was no answer from Philo; only silence. The old man closed his eyes slowly and seemed to be deep in thought. He didn't bother to answer him at all.
“Alas…“
Just as Ethan thought that Estelle's father wouldn't say anything else, Philo suddenly let out a heavy sigh. Then, he slowly stood up and gave him a blank stare. To Ethan's surprise, Philo even asked him to take good care of Estelle. After giving him a short speech about how to look after Estelle, he limped out of the room and left the couple alone.
As he watched the old man's figure walk farther and farther away, Ethan pressed his lips in a thin line. He couldn't get rid of the intense guilt he felt and blamed himself for what had happened. He was ashamed of himself. Sighing, he turned around and headed to the bed. He felt a lump in his throat as he looked at the lifeless state Estelle was in.
The night lasted forever in the quiet room. Ethan couldn't see much in the dim light and he spent every second in agony. It was painful for him to see Estelle like this. He should have protected her. It was all his fault.
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