Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 68

**Chapter 68: Would She Listen if I Said So?**

“Are you feeling alright?” Hugo’s voice was gentle, laced with concern as he looked at her.

Darcy shook her head, her complexion a ghostly shade of pale, lips almost devoid of color. “I’m fine. I really should be going.”

Yet, as she pivoted to leave, a wave of dizziness crashed over her like a sudden storm. She faltered, her balance wavering precariously.

“Careful!” A strong hand reached out, anchoring her waist just in time to prevent her from stumbling completely.

Hugo’s brow knitted together in worry. “Let me take you to the hospital.”

“There’s no need,” Darcy insisted, pulling away from his grasp with a feeble strength. “It’s nothing serious.”

His frown deepened, a mix of frustration and concern.

So stubborn. Even in this vulnerable moment, she maintains that formal distance with me.

He stepped closer, firmly grasping her wrist. “Your health is more important than anything else. I understand you want to keep your distance because of Zane, but don’t put your body at risk. Get in the car. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

Darcy squirmed, trying to pull free, but Hugo’s grip remained resolute.

Exasperation bubbled within her. How was she supposed to explain that it was merely menstrual cramps, not some grave illness?

“Hugo, be a gentleman!” Gwen interjected from the sidelines, her voice cutting through the tension. “Darcy has period pain.”

Hugo froze, his mind racing. What on earth is period pain?

Gwen rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with disbelief. “No wonder Uncle and Aunt keep trying to set you up on blind dates. How old are you, and you still don’t know about period pain? It’s menstrual cramps. Darcy’s on her period!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, a deep blush crept up Hugo’s cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and realization flooding over him.

He remembered how he had insisted on dragging Darcy to the hospital, completely unaware of the situation. Yeah, that had been incredibly awkward.

Darcy, too, felt the heat of embarrassment rise within her. It was the first time she had ever discussed this with a man she barely knew, and to make matters worse, he was a close friend of her ex-boyfriend.

“Um, I think I should go,” Darcy stammered, clutching her stomach as she turned to leave. But Hugo’s voice called her back.

“Wait just a moment. I’ll be right back,” he said, his tone urgent.

He then reached out, affectionately patting Gwen on the head. “Help her to the car and wait for me.”

With that, he dashed off, moving with a speed that left a gust of wind in his wake.

Gwen, ever obedient, turned to Darcy. “Come on, let’s sit in the car. It’s windy out here.”

“No need,” Darcy protested, anxiety creeping in. She was worried about dirtying Hugo’s car.

“It’s fine! I have a thin scarf in my bag. Let’s just sit for a moment. If Hugo comes back and sees I didn’t listen, he’s going to chew me out,” Gwen coaxed, her tone persuasive.

With no other choice, Darcy relented and slid into the back seat, feeling the warmth envelop her.

Five minutes later, Hugo returned, slightly breathless, clutching a paper bag in his hand.

Darcy and Gwen stepped out to greet him.

“Here, take this.” He extended the bag toward Darcy.

“Give it to me,” Hugo said, realization dawning on him.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself. Darcy and I agreed to study together at the library next week. I’ll return it then,” Gwen said, unwilling to cause any inconvenience.

Hugo’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes flickering with determination. “I’ll return it. She might need it. Waiting a week is a bit long.”

“Oh, okay. Here.” Gwen relented, not wanting to argue further.

She didn’t understand the urgency over a keychain, but she let it go.

Waving goodbye to her cousin, Hugo nodded back. “I’ll pick you up next week.”

Huh? Gwen stood there, momentarily dumbfounded, as the G-Class turned and drove away.

Gwen’s mother appeared, noticing her daughter’s stunned expression. She shook her arm gently. “Did you trouble your cousin again? We have a driver at home. Have him pick you up next time. Hugo is very busy with work. Don’t keep bothering him.”

Gwen frowned, shaking her head. “It wasn’t me! He insisted on picking me up.”

Gwen’s mother was taken aback.

Since when did these two become so close? I didn’t even know.

By the time Darcy returned home, the pain in her stomach had completely subsided. She took a long, hot shower, changed into her comfortable pajamas, and settled onto her bed.

The bag Hugo had given her contained painkillers, a bottle of water, and sanitary products.

She took one pill right there, grateful for his thoughtfulness.