Do You Still Love Me When We Meet Again? (Aubrey and Damon) novel Chapter 97

Chapter97

Outside the Private Care Suite.

Aubrey stood against the wall, waiting for the Blackwoods to come out.

It was a long wait before they finally left the room.

Tracy was the last to emerge. She walked up to Aubrey and said softly, “Aubrey, you should go home.”

“Can I see him?” Aubrey asked, anxiously twisting the hem of her shirt, her nerves frayed.

Tracy shook her head, sighing softly. “I’m sorry, Aubrey, my brother doesn’t want to see you.”

“Why?” Aubrey asked, confused, quickly explaining, “I didn’t marry Alex. I’m not his brother’s wife. I just want to see him, see how badly he’s hurt, if he’s okay.”

Tracy’s face fell with sadness. “No, he’s not okay. He has broken ribs and his legs are ruined. He may never walk again. He’s completely given up on you, and doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore. He wants you to leave.”

Aubrey’s mind went blank, the words echoing in her ears: Damon may never walk again?

Her legs gave way, and she stumbled backward, leaning against the wall for support, trying to steady her trembling body.

The guilt pierced her heart like needles, a sharp, cold pain. She clenched her fists, biting her lower lip, suppressing the ache that spread through her chest.

Tracy didn’t say anything more, turning and going back into the room, closing the door behind her.

Aubrey stood there by the door for a long, long time…

Her body barely holding up, Aubrey stumbled along the wall as she made her way outside. She didn’t leave the hospital, though, instead sinking onto the edge of a flower bed just outside the main entrance, staring silently at the darkening sky, her heart hollowed out.

Inside the hospital room, Damon was awake.

His left femur was fractured and immobilized in a stabilizer; his ribs were broken and wrapped tightly. He had a gash on his forehead and abrasions on his arms, but overall, his condition was relatively good – not nearly as severe as Tracy had made it out to be to Aubrey.

Seeing that he wasn’t seriously injured–just external and bone trauma–the Blackwoods told him to rest up, leaving Tracy and a nurse to care for him at the hospital before heading home.

After the family left,

Damon lay motionless in the hospital bed, not uttering a single word about Aubrey.

Tracy walked over to his side, broaching the subject. “Damon, Aubrey and Alex never legally got married, so you don’t have to worry.”

Damon’s face darkened, and he slowly closed his eyes.

‘Aubrey came with us after your accident and has been here ever since. She was just outside the door. I lied and told her that you didn’t want to see her, so she went home.”

Damon remained silent, as if he hadn’t heard a word.

“Damon,” Tracy said softly, sitting beside him, “I’m a girl, and I kinda get how girls think. After this accident, Aubrey’s gonna feel guilty and scared. I have a plan to make sure Aubrey stays with you forever.”

“No,” Damon spat out, turning his head away, eyes still closed.

Tracy leaned in, sounding anxious, “Damon, this really works. From today on, you gotta act as pathetic and miserable as possible. Pretend your leg is totally wrecked, not just fractured. I swear Aubrey will feel guilty for life, and she’ll stay by your side.”

What was the point of using someone’s guilt to buy temporary affection?

“Stop it, Tracy. I want to rest.”

“Damon, trust me on this, I can help you…”

Damon interrupted her, sounding helpless, ‘Aubrey doesn’t love me that much. No matter what trick I use to get her back, she’ll run again.”

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“At least she won’t choose to marry someone else when you’re at your lowest.*

Damon gave a wry smile, opening his bloodshot eyes to look at Tracy. Two fractures? My body’s fine, isn’t it? Hover is this my bore point

Then fake it!*

Damon gave a bitter, humorless laugh, shaking his head. He didn’t want Aubrey’s pity, laced with guilt

Tricking her into turning back, based on a lie that wouldn’t stand scrutiny, would only trap them in a vicious cycle

“I don’t need it. If you bring this up again, you can go home.”

Okay, I hear you.”

Don’t mention her name again.”

Okay, okay, Damon, you’ve survived a catastrophe; good fortune is sure to follow.” Tracy grasped his hand, genuinely moved. I was so scared. Don’t be so reckless again.”

‘I won’t.” Damon soothed softly, Tm sorry, Tracy, I worried you.”

Leaving the hospital, Aubrey was distracted and restless.

The police were also slow to find the thief who stole the safe.

She finished up her work and went to court to pay half of the compensation.

The next day, evening.

Madison stopped her outside the subway station.

The court had transferred the money to Madison, who was greatly dissatisfied. She questioned, “Why is this only half?

Aubrey examined Madison.

She was in a sanitation worker’s uniform, her broom resting beside her on the pavement.

She must have settled down nearby and found a job as a sanitation worker.

Aubrey replied calmly, “I don’t have enough money right now. I’ll give you the rest in a while.”

Madison scoffed. “Isn’t your boyfriend–what’s his name–Blackwood, loaded? He even offered to settle everything for you.”

‘We’re not married. There’s no reason for him to pay for my mistakes. If you want the rest of the money, leave me alone and don’t try to cause me any rouble, or I won’t pay another cent.”

I heard your dad has some hidden accounts. I can always ask the court to freeze those and transfer the rest of the money from there.”

Aubrey was shocked. “Who told you that?”

Madison: Your brother.”

t was always her selfish, self–serving brother. Aubrey rolled her eyes, barely able to contain her anger. She brushed past Madison, tossing over her shoulder, “Whatever.”

Madison turned, glaring at Aubrey’s retreating back, her eyes filled with malice.

Night fell.

Aubrey got home, tossed her purse onto the sofa, and collapsed next to it, exhausted. She picked up her phone and texted Tracy. [Tracy, how’s your >rother doing?]

Tracy replied instantly: [Not good. He can’t feel his legs. He’s so depressed and listless. He won’t eat, won’t drink, won’t talk to anyone. He has no will o live.]

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