Taming The Billionaire For My Revenge

Lola Tanner

Pain.

A dull, throbbing ache shot from my side, pressing against my ribs. At first, I felt like I couldn't even breathe.

My eyelids felt heavy as I slowly opened them. The ceiling was white-too white.

I had to shut them again and slowly, look up to the light, adjusting... The walls, the scent of antiseptic, the stiff sheets covering my legs... I was in the hospital.

I blinked, swallowing against the dryness in my throat. My lips parted, but my voice barely came out.

"Lucius...?"

Silence.

I turned my head slowly to the empty chair beside my bed. It was still slightly pulled out, as if someone had been sitting there. But the seat looked... cold.

'Where is he?'

A flicker of unease curled in my stomach, but I pushed it down. Maybe he went out to grab something to eat. Maybe he just stepped out for a minute.

He wouldn't leave me.

Why did I even think in that direction so fast?

I reached for my phone on the bedside table, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my abdomen. My fingers fumbled as I unlocked the screen and clicked on Lucius' number.

The call rang... once... twice... then-

"The number you have dialed is no longer in service."

I frowned, trying again. Same result. I tried texting.

Me: Where are you?

Me: Lucius?

Me: Please tell me you're okay.

No response.

My pulse pounded in my ears. Something wasn't right.

The door creaked open, and I turned my head hopefully-only to be met with a nurse. She was middle-aged, with tired eyes and a warm smile.

"You're awake, Miss Tanner."

I tried to keep my voice steady. "Where's Lucius?"

The nurse hesitated. "You should focus on resting. You've been through major surgery-"

"Where is he?" I repeated, my hands trembling as I gripped the sheets.

She sighed, looking almost... pitying. "Mr. Kensinger was discharged three days ago."

Three. Days. Ago.

I felt the words like a slap, my breath hitching. "No... no, that's not possible. He wouldn't just-" My voice cracked. "He wouldn't just leave me here."

The nurse's expression softened. "I'm sorry, dear. I thought you knew."

Knew what? That the man I loved, the man I almost died for, had abandoned me the second he was well enough to leave?

My stomach twisted violently. This had to be a mistake.

I reached for my IV, yanking it out despite the nurse's protests. Pain shot through my arm, but I didn't care. I forced myself upright, the room spinning around me.

I needed to find him. I needed answers.

I hurried out of the room with the nurse following suit, calling the attention of some of the other nurses to give her a hand in suppressing me to the bed. I refused to be held down.

"Let me go!" I yelled.

"Miss Tanner, you've just had a major surgery. You need to stay in check!"

Then they did their thing and I faded