Chapter 31: Chapter 31

There is nothing more painful in the world than being told that you can not ever see your beloved one ever again. However, life's like that and we have to take it as it comes.

- Grace Chanbee

[Justin's POV]

My heart beat faster than it had ever done as I was scared but as the time continued ticking in the silence as no one dared utter a word but rather made the sounds of their cries muffled as they shivered with fear and horrification, I knew I had to do something.

No one, not even the doctor was going to be willing to risk their lives to save a girl they didn't know and risk their own lives.

I didn't blame them neither did I condemn them; Instead, I completely understood their actions. If I were to be in a hospital's waiting room in the ICU area and my life was under duress and I then had to choose between my precious life and that of a girl I didn't know, I was definitely going to choose mine.

Pushing aside my fears and clenching my fists with determination, I made my way to the front of the terrified crowd with slow steps as my legs were wobbly as fear seeped through me, depositing it in every part there was in my body.

I reached the front of the room where Helios stood as he stared at me, probably wondering why I was there glaring at him with my fists clenched but if that was really what he was thinking about, he certainly didn't give it away with his relaxed facial expression.

"Where do you think you're going, boy? Wanna stop us from injecting your precious little girlfriend?" Helios asked mockingly.

If looks could kill, he definitely would have been dead from the fierce look I threw in his direction as I burned with annoyance and fury.

He cackled much to my disgust.

I had no time however to be angry as he laughed at me. I decided to use his distraction to my own profit. Amber's cousin was busy terrifying a little girl by manoeuvring the gun in her hands as the little girl screamed uncontrollably but she seemed less affected by that as she giggled with utmost delight.

I slowly moved by my side to the door of the lobby and it appeared as though Helios had forgotten about me because I heard him say something to Amber's cousin.

Thankfully, he hadn't noticed me yet and God bless my height, I was able to reach for the lock which was up without even stretching or tip-toeing.

Luck however ran out of my side as Helios hollered my name, causing my heart to fly out of my chest as I was taken unawares and I immediately knew I was doomed.

"Justin, what are you doing there? Wanna prove that you're smart? Wanna be a hero?" He barked.

"You were supposed to have been watching him. Let's get rid of him before he causes more problems than he already has," Daisy said as she hissed loudly.

"No, let's just allow him leave on his own," He countered.

"Fine then. Justin, you have three seconds to move away from that door or you'll be forced to face the wrath of my anger," She said authoritatively.

I shivered and cursed myself silently. I felt stupid for letting a girl in my age grade intimidate me and make me have second thoughts about saving the girl I loved the most.

"One..." She counted.

My hand was still fixed on the lock and I knew all I had to do was push it but I couldn't as I trembled, knowing fully well my life was over if I ever dared opening up the door.

"Two..." She continued.

I swallowed hard and took a step backward, releasing the hold my hand had on the lock as I let it go and put my hands by my side, trying to lessen the tension that multiplied in me.

"Look who made the right decision after all. I already told you, Lily, you don't have to be aggressive all the freaking time!" He yelled.

"I'm beginning to think you're doing that on purpose," She said.

"What are you talking about?" He asked, feigning innocence.

"My name's Daisy, not Lily for goodness sakes!" She yelled.

Their annoying barter wasn't my problem now. I felt useless, like a fool and the outright definition of a wimp.

I looked in the direction of the room where Amber lay, fighting for her life and only one thought was enough to shatter every fear that held me back. WWASD? (What would Amber Sanders do?)

Ignoring all other emotions and focusing on the one that dealt with doing the right thing, I moved forward and pushed the lock to the side with all my might.

The immense feeling of victory that came upon me was inexplicable but as usual, my joy was cut short as two bullets hit my back and weakened every part of my body.

I managed to spin around and saw Daisy smirking as she held the gun in her hands still pointed at me, making me know she was the one who had shot me.

However, her joy was short-lived as the police officers came in brandishing their guns and as I fell to the ground against my will but due to the bullets taking their full course, I didn't feel sad. I felt triumphant.

My senses weakened and my body felt limp as I couldn't even move but could just lay on the floor, running out of breath and enduring the pain that had transmitted from my back to all over my body.

"Come on, Helios, just surrender already. There are officers in every nook and cranny of this hospital. What's more? You guys are only two right here in this particular lobby while my men and I beat your number by sixteen. If we're that much here, just imagine the number of police officers who are all over the place," Detective Andrew said.

Helios shook his head in disobedience, not wanting to give in yet.

Detective Andrew chuckled. "So what now? You want to run or kill one or two police officers? That's not possible. If you do not cooperate this minute, I'd be forced to take your life," He said, gesturing to an officer.

The officer held up a long note which I suspected to be a warrant.

"This is the warrant for your arrest. The State has issued us to end your life ourselves if you prove stubborn and unyielding. Your picture is everywhere in the streets and on the television. You can never escape this so just be good and surrender. That's the easy way out," Detective Andrew told him.

He appeared to be thinking about what to do as he kept on staring from his gun to his arrest warrant.

"And you, Daisy..." Detective Andrew said in a sweet and enticing tone.

She shuddered as her hands weakened on her gun with ultimate fear and confusion written all over her.

He went on. "You're still young, beautiful and vibrant. Richard still loves you and guess what? You're a minor, so the court will be very lenient with you. All you'll get at most is five years for conspiracy..."

"Not only conspiracy," She said, interrupting him in a small tone.

"Really? What else?" He probed.

"I just shot Justin and I don't know if he'll survive it. Apart from that, I was the one who swapped the medicines Amber was given so she never recovers and her health deteriorates so she could never remember I had been making out with Richard. I'm so sorry, I didn't know what I was thinking," She pleaded as tears slid down her eyes.

"You're only sorry because you got caught," was what ran through my mind but I unfortunately couldn't say anything as even my mouth had betrayed me.

"Calm down, Daisy. When you settle down, you'll tell me everything that happened and I'll make sure your sentence is reduced. When you leave prison, you'll still be young and free to rule the world, just co-operate and let me help you out," He said with a small smile.

She blinked nervously but Detective Andrew's sweet-talk ended up working tremendously as her gun clattered to the floor and she brought out her hands which was immediately handcuffed by a waiting officer of the law.

"You're a big fool," Helios growled in distaste.

That was when I saw Gilbert Sanders come around. Daisy looked down in shame but he held her head up and stroked her hair like a father would to a prodigal daughter.

"What happened to you? I treated like my own. There was nothing I gave to Amber that I didn't give you. My wife always suspected you'd be like my brother but I was unconvinced and I had total faith in you. Isn't Amber like a sister to you? If she had wronged you, all you needed to do was tell me and I'd have scolded her, seized her phone and grounded her. Why did you do this?" Gilbert Sanders asked, not even raising his voice at her.

Daisy sobbed uncontrollably and sniffled, looking like she absolutely regretted her actions, making me even feel pity for her.

"Why, Daisy? Talk to me," He said.

"I'm so sorry. I was just greedy and wanted to be like Amber and get all she had. I hated both of you for no reason and I just wanted to be wealthy and be the sole heir to your property," She said.

He scoffed. "Sole heir? I had big plans for you. My will was drafted before you came to live with us and Amber was and is still my only child. I was studying your character and thought of you like a good child and was even planning that when you turned eighteen, I was going to change the will to you both having 50% each of my wealth because I always saw you as my biological child," He said.

Daisy opened her mouth wide in shock and I also was surprised at the news.

"I... I didn't...know," She stuttered.

"You spoilt everything, Daisy, why?"

Tears streamed down her eyes in torrents as she shook her head sadly.

"The wicked can not go unpunished. You have to go to the cell, be tried and serve your sentence. I'll come visiting when I can and I'll keep waiting for when your life will become as beautiful as the flower your name represents again," Mr Sanders said.

She bit her lip and nodded her head muttering a "thank you" as she was led outside, leaving Amber's father looking distraught and unhappy.

Helios cackled as usual, seeming indifferent about what had just happened, but still ended up dropping his gun and raising his hands in surrender.

Detective Andrew brought his hands down and handcuffed them.

"Helios, even you are..." Mr Sanders started but was immediately cut off.

"Don't for one second think you can sweet-talk me. I'm not a seventeen-year old girl. I'm a full grown man with no apology whatsoever for every action I have taken. I don't regret it, okay?" He yelled.

Mr Sanders cleared his throat. "So why then did you surrender?" He asked.

"Because I weighed all the options before me and realised I had no choice," He said, hissing loudly.

"I have been thinking since I found out you're the brain behind this mess and I keep wondering what I ever did to you. Also, how come you were after my wealth knowing fully well that you have no blood relationship with me?" He asked like he was perplexed.

"Shut the hell up. Stop acting like a saint. Have you forgotten you told that pregnant woman you forcefully had your way with eighteen years ago that you were going to make her child your heir supposing you had no offspring?" Helios barked.

I was drowning in pain without being attended to and my eyesight became dull as I was slowly giving way to darkness although I could still hear their conversation loud and clear even though I couldn't grasp what they were actually talking about.

"You want to expose this now?" I heard Mr Sanders ask.

"Why? Scared of ruining your marital life with your wife?" Helios asked as he guffawed.

"Fine then. I have no skeleton in my cupboard. Eighteen years ago, I was with Helios here and I had just faced a huge bankruptcy so I was fed up and went to a local bar where no one knew me with him which was actually his idea. The next morning, I woke up beside a heavily pregnant woman who was crying that I had forcefully slept with her in my drunken state. She demanded for a million dollars which I gave to her so she could keep shut and I also gave her my word that should I have no offspring, her child would inherit all my wealth," Mr Sanders explained rapidly.

"How could you make such a rash decision?" I heard Detective Andrew ask.

"I was panicking. Rape was and is still a serious criminal offence and being a public figure, you know what that meant. I was so stupid and I even signed a contract with her stating that fact. I have even forgotten about everything but somehow, this idiot right here thinks it relates to him wanting to kill my only child and take everything I've ever worked for," He explained, making me understand what had actually transpired.

"You know, for one so stupid, you're actually quite dumb," Helios said.

"Mind your words or..."

"Or what? I'm definitely going to jail anyway, I have nothing to lose. Since all these is pretty much all over, you should know that you never had anything to do with that pregnant woman. In fact, she's my wife..."

"What?"

"Yes. I've known you for over two decades but you don't even know my family, shows how much you care," He said sarcastically.

"You'll have time to explain yourself in court, now isn't the time," Detective Andrew interposed.

"No, I must finish speaking. You always were a stingy man and I hated you a lot, I still do but that's not the bone of contention right now. I heard you say once that your wife couldn't bear children and you married her even though you knew. I used that knowledge to my benefit by planning with my wife to put a sedative in your drink after luring you to her bar, then we made you believe you had raped her. Of course, you have no memory of sleeping with her because it actually didn't happen," He said.

"So you were behind that as well?" Mr Sanders asked, probably more shocked than I was.

"Yes. Like I said earlier on, I've always hated you. The pills your wife took however worked as she gave birth to Amber a year later and from that day onwards, I planned to make sure she died," Helios said.

"You bastard!" Gilbert Sanders yelled.

I was losing too much blood and I felt nauseous and it was also like I was drowning into the Atlantic ocean as I couldn't make out my environment anymore and it was more like I was being pulled into the darkness.

I couldn't really hear anything anymore as pain shocked me all over and I let out a loud groan then dived into unconsciousness.

************

Three days later

[Justin's POV]

My eyelashes fluttered as I felt drawn up to the surface of the Earth as I let out a deep breath of fresh air and was instantly hit with the bright illumination of the room as my eyes opened.

I felt really weak and could barely turn my neck sideways as I wondered silently about my present environment.

"He's awake. Uncle Justin is awake!" I heard Danielle's little voice squeal.

The next thing I saw was Nelly popping her face close to mine as she looked down at me in disbelief and happiness making me wonder what was happening.

She placed a kiss on both sides of my cheeks and stared at me once more, smiling broadly.

"What's... going on?" I managed to ask in an unclear voice.

"You're awake, Justin, that's what is going on," She said.

Still not able to grasp what she was saying, I managed to sit up with so much difficulty and she immediately came to my aid, helping me sit and rest on my back against the pillow.

"Wow! I'm in the hospital!" I exclaimed, finally able to get a clear view of what my environment looked like.

"Yeah, take it easy," She said and sat by my side, removing a strand of hair from my face.

"Uncle, we've been coming here everyday while grandma has been going to church to pray for your recovery," Danielle said, climbing the bed and sitting on my laps.

I stroked her hair. "Really? How long have I been here?" I asked.

She looked thoughtful as she counted with her fingers. "Umm... Three days," She said, finally giving a reply.

I chuckled, disbelieving her words. "You're so cute. Nelly, how long have I been here?" I asked.

Nelly's smile dried up. "Danielle's right. You've been unconscious for the past three days. I'm glad you're finally awake," She said.

"Why? What happened to me?" I asked.

"Have you forgotten? You were shot by Amber's cousin," She responded.

"Shot? When? Where? How?" I asked, engulfed in confusion.

"Try to remember, Justin. You were the hero that day, you risked your life so Mr Sanders' evil personal assistant and his niece couldn't harm Amber and you ended up getting shot in the back twice. Please, remember," She urged, looking at me with pleading and worried eyes.

My eyes twitched as I tried to recall the incident Nelly was talking about which made my head ache terribly. I was almost giving up when suddenly, it hit me.

I remembered it all...Amber fainting, slipping into a coma and the intrusion and arrest of her pathetic cousin and her father's personal assistant. I knew what had happened, I remembered.

"I... I did it!" I said with a broad smile, jolting Danielle who was busy fiddling with the hem of the hospital garment I was dressed in.

"Did what?" Nelly asked.

"I was a hero. I took a bold step, not minding if I was going to die or not. I'm not self-centered, I'm actually a good person," I said.

"Good person? Thought you always wanted to be a feared bad boy," She said.

I smiled, understanding her point then shook my head. "I always wanted to be that, not until I met Amber. She changed me, made me a better person than I already was. She was willing to sacrifice her status and position just to be with me. Because I was in prison, she stayed in my little rat-infested home even though she already had a mansion. I hated it each and every time she called me self-centered even though I didn't show it. I'm glad I could pay her back and show her who I truly am now," I said to her.

Nelly grinned. "You're such a lover boy. Anyway, thank goodness you're still alive. I'd never have been able to take it if you had... died," She said.

I shrugged. "It's a good thing I'm still alive but it's not like I'd have regretted it had it been I was in the cemetery today. Amber is worth dying for," I told her.

Nelly gave a small smile and stroked my hair, but I immediately shoved her hand.

"Stop that, I'm not one of your kids. Oh! Where's Adrian and Katie? I miss those kids," I said, looking around for them.

"They're not here, uncle. They're at home," Danielle responded.

"Wait, what? Are you crazy? Leaving them with a monster like him?" I asked, almost in a fit of rage.

Nelly shuddered and cut me an eye. "Danielle, could you please call the doctor? Tell him Justin's finally awake," She said.

"Sure, mummy," She said and climbed out of the bed then scurried out of the room.

"You shouldn't say such in Danielle's presence," She chided immediately Danielle was out of sight.

"Yeah, I lost my cool and I'm sorry," I apologised.

She cleared her throat. "It's fine. However, the kids aren't with that monster of a man. They're with Granny," She said.

I chuckled. "You're calling your darling husband a monster?" I asked in surprised.

"It's like you're missing something," She said and waved her fingers in my face.

I gasped. "No ring? Wait a second! You finally left him?" I asked, stunned and elated.

She nodded her head as tears slid down her eyes. "He pushed Katie against the wall while she tried to stand in the middle of us when he was beating me. She nearly died and there's a permanent scar around her head so my baby will have to grow bangs all her life to cover it up..."

"That bastard! I'd kill him, I swear," I yelled, not letting her complete her statement.

"When I saw my baby in the hospital, battling with her life, I knew I had to leave him. With a neighbour of mine, I filed a report in the police station and he's in police custody right now. I also prepared divorce papers which he will be forced to sign. I came home three days earlier with the kids hoping to tell you the good news but Aiden was at home and he narrated how badly injured you were," She explained.

I threw a small smile in her direction. "You did the right thing finally, I'm proud of you."

She beamed. "Thank you, kid bro. I have proof against him for all the abuse I've gone through in his hands, I can't wait for him to be thrown in jail," She said, seething with anger.

"Whoa! You're so mad at him and I like it. I hope you don't miss him though," He said.

She shook her head. "I don't miss him. No one has insulted me or beaten me nor made me feel bad about myself in three days. That's a welcome change, bro. I'm grateful I don't wake up to the smell of cigarette and alcohol anymore. I'm happy, fulfilled and free," She said.

I threw my arms around her and hugged her tightly, laughing hard then released her.

"So what do you wanna do now?" I asked.

She sighed thoughtfully. "I wanna further my education and actually go for a cheerleading program in Colombia. I'm sure I'll be able to top my class," She told me.

I gave a faint smile. "What about the kids? What will happen to them?" I asked.

She chuckled. "No worries, I've got that one covered. Grams has already agreed to take care of them. Didn't she raise us well? I mean, look at us," She said, looking so joyful.

"I'm happy that you're happy and I don't mean to be a joy killer, but we don't have enough money for..."

"That one is covered as well," She said, cutting me off.

"How?" I asked in wonder.

"Gilbert Sanders already transferred a sum of one million dollars to your account and if my baby brother is the same generous person I know, I'm sure he'll sponsor my education," She said, cutting me an eye.

I was totally perplexed. "Hold on, please. What are you talking about? Why will Amber's father give me that huge amount of money? Does that mean Amber is now okay?" I asked, more concerned than I ever was.

Nelly bit her lip and looked down at her feet, fiddling with her fingers.

"What's wrong? Talk to me!" I yelled.

She still didn't say a word.

Scary thoughts creeped into my mind as I thought of every bad thing that may have happened to Amber while I was still in a state of unconsciousness.

I managed to climb out of the bed, pulling away the drip's injection with force, ignoring the blood that started spilling out of my carelessness and made my way with wobbly steps to the door.

"Where are you going in this state, Justin? Are you crazy?" Nelly asked as she jumped to her feet, blocking me from going any further.

"Get out of my way, Nelly!" I yelled.

"Or what?" She retorted.

"Or tell me where Amber is for goodness sakes!" I yelled.

Nelly's countenance changed and she shook her head both slowly and sadly.

"What's the matter? Please, tell me," I asked as my heart thumped loudly in fear.

"You can't see Amber..."

"Why?" I asked, my heart already broken even before I knew what the reason was.

"You'll have to move on without her," She said.

"What the hell are you going on about? Why would I have to move on without Amber? Why can't I see her? Where the hell is she?" I asked, denying reality.

"She's... She's not here..."

"Then where is she? Just tell me," He said.

"Amber's gone," She said, spilling the truth.

Time stopped as various images of Amber came to my mind's eye and I sank to the floor, trying to obstruct my greatest fear that had ended up being a reality.

I had just been told I was never going to see my Amber again and I didn't even get a chance to hold her tightly and tell her just how much she meant to me.

Nelly had just told me to learn to live without her but I died a million times already not having her here with me.

Without Amber by my side, I was alive in person but dead in spirit.

I was nothing but a walking dead.