Chasing His Rejected Wife (Jessica and Aiden) novel Chapter 6

My stomach rioted. I pushed to my feet hastily, almost knocking over the stool. Three heads swiveled in my direction but I ignored them, mentally calculating the distance between the kitchen and the downstairs bathroom.

"I...excuse me." I muttered and dashed, changing paths halfway and heading for the privacy of my bathroom instead.

find their way out of my mouth.

Finally done, I cleaned up as best as I could, washing my face and hands. I entered my bedroom, intending to get dressed only to stop dead in my tracks.

Aiden stood by the door of my room, a concerned look on his face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I struggled to get my brain to respond, managing a self deprecating chuckle. "I...erm...I shouldn't have eaten so much so late in the night."

His eyes roved over me. I knew I looked wrung out and pale, still nauseous though the worst of it seemed to have passed with the vomit session.

"Are you sure you can manage the trip to the funeral and afterwards? You don't need to attend, if you don't feel up to it. Vincent can look you over, see if it's just a food bug."

"I'll be fine." I insisted. There was no way I would miss Julian's funeral and I certainly did not want Vincent checking on me in any medical capacity. What if he found out my secret? "I'll just drink some water and it should pass."

"Still, I'd feel reassured if Vincent takes a look at you." Aiden said.

I knew he wouldn't let up until I agreed so I merely nodded. He stood up and left to go call his friend while I worried about my secret.

I sat still and answered Vincent's medical questions as best as I could, still insisting that my bout of sickness was thanks to the midnight binge.

"Sure you're okay, Jess?" He asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

"Not really," I admitted, chuckling nervously when he gave me a stern look. "I've just been so busy with the contracts and stuff."

He sighed and shook his head. I know it's been a tough couple of months, but you really should take your health into consideration. I don't want to see you as a patient in my hospital one day."

He moved closer and after giving me a look for permission, placed a hand on my forehead. "Temp seems normal, but I'm not liking the signs of anemia."

"I won't overexert myself, don't worry." I pretended not to catch his meaning and stood, wanting this conversation to end. "Thank you for the help, but I need to get ready."

He nodded and backed away. "Sure. I'll leave you to it."

Once I was mercifully alone once again, I crossed to the window and leaned my head against the glass, staring down at the busy street below. My thoughts were a mess I didn't want to sift through just yet, if I tried to think about Aiden, I wasn't sure I wouldn't end up a sobbing mess.

I put on a black, long-sleeved knit dress and light makeup, my hair up in a loose French twist. With a wistful smile, I put on the pair of pearl earrings and necklace set that Julian had gifted me on my graduation from college, and the memories hit me as I regarded myself in the mirror.

I was packing up the last few items into my suitcase when a knock sounded on my door.

"One minute." I called out and crossed to open the door.

"I'm sorry to bother you," Elisa began, "I need your help."