The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2108

Azriel & Phoebe

The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the hallway of the hospital as Phoebe sat outside the emergency room, slumped on a bench, the picture of despair.

How could someone get food poisoning from a simple microwave meal?

Her day had begun with delivering a man to the police station and ended with rushing the same man to the hospital.

Phoebe pursed her lips, feeling a reluctant sympathy for him. She thought her luck had hit rock bottom recently, but apparently, there was someone worse off.

The emergency room doors swung open.d2

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat as she hurried forward, her voice laced with concern, "Doctor, how is he?"

"Hmm, the surgery went fine, and the stomach's been pumped. Just take good care of him," the doctor replied.

Phoebe exhaled deeply, bowing profusely at the doctor in gratitude. "Thank you, doctor. Thank you!”

As long as he was alive, everything else could be worked out.

Soon after, a team of nurses wheeled the man out of the ER. He was still unconscious, his handsome face so pale it was almost unbearable to look at.

Phoebe rushed over, cradling his hand that hung over the side of the gurney, her eyes brimming with tears as she stared at Azriel. "Thank heavens, you're still alive."

Anyone else witnessing her expression and relief might have been moved by her evident concern for the man. It was a rare display of heartfelt emotion. But only those in the know understood that Phoebe's concern was purely because she wouldn't have to face jail time.

And now...

*

Azriel came to around noon the next day. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by an uncomfortably close and beaming smile. His heart jolted at the sudden visual assault.

"You awake?" Phoebe asked with an awkward smile.

His thoughts still hazy, Azriel's expression instantly frosted over.

Phoebe felt a chill, realizing something was amiss, and quickly stood up, "Wait here. I'll go get the doctor!"

After a thorough check-up, Phoebe hovered anxiously in the corner of the room, peering over to catch updates on his condition.

She couldn't help but let out a low "wow" as the doctor lifted his gown, revealing a set of finely sculpted abs. Although her exclamation was quiet, she immediately noticed Azriel's icy gaze upon her. Blushing, she fiddled with her reddening ear, her eyes darting away.

"There's still almost thirteen hours until you can eat, so get some rest." The doctor advised.

Phoebe eagerly escorted the doctor out, then reluctantly returned to the room, facing Azriel's chilly stare. She didn't know how to proceed, and the silence grew awkward. Finally, she ventured, "Maybe you should get some more sleep?"

Azriel merely glanced at her and remained silent. Right. The man had just woken up; he wasn't going to sleep again so soon. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"How about reading a book?"

Silence.

"Or watching TV?"

With Azriel's unyielding demeanor, Phoebe was at a loss. She flopped down on the chair beside the bed and blurted out, "It’s not like I did it on purpose. What do you want? I’ve got no money, but I’ve got a life."

Azriel finally reacted, his voice dripping with icy sarcasm, "The moment you got me locked up, your life stopped being yours."

Phoebe shivered, realizing that this man could be cruel and ruthless. His previous mercy was the only reason she was still breathing. She had appeared ready to face anything, but now she shrunk back, a pathetic and submissive figure.

"I know you’re a great man, big-hearted, and capable of great forgiveness."

"I'm none of those things."

Her shoulders shrank even more as she continued, "You’re successful, suave, and sophisticated. Surely, a man like you wouldn’t stoop to holding a grudge against little ol' me."

Azriel cut her off with a cold laugh, "Flattery will get you nowhere. Besides, it's not up to you to decide if I hold a grudge."

Phoebe was taken aback. Was he shamelessly enjoying her flattery without offering any respite?

Though infuriated inside, she knew she had to play the part of the supplicant. "This isn't flattery; it’s the honest truth. Otherwise, you wouldn't have spared my life after the police station mix-up, right?

"So, look, you’re fine now. If you can forgive me once, you can forgive me twice, and besides, it’s not like not forgiving me does you any good, so..." She trailed off.

Azriel picked up where she left off, "So what? Forgiving you benefits me how?"

Phoebe pondered the same question. Indeed, what was the benefit? "Just good karma? Maybe a better life next time around?"

Azriel replied with a flat look, "My next life is none of your concern."

Suddenly, Phoebe had an idea, her voice filling with renewed flattery, "You have to be a person in your next life as well. I’ll owe you a service in my next life to repay you."

Azriel couldn't help but crack a smile at her straightforward future planning.

"So, you're saying I'm stuck with you next time around too?"

Phoebe brightened at his reluctance, quickly suggesting, "If you don't like that idea, you can choose not to hold me accountable for anything this lifetime."

As she eagerly sought to distance herself from him, Azriel's expression darkened slightly. "Unfortunately, I'm not interested in my next life, nor do I plan to forgive you. So, the trouble you've caused? You'll have to deal with it in this life."

"But I have nothing. Unless you want me to promise myself to you?!"

At that, Azriel raised an eyebrow and stared at her for a long moment before speaking slowly. "We’ll see how you behave."

Phoebe's mouth twitched as she hastily crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes filled with defense, a clear sign of rejection.

Azriel glanced at her and casually looked away.

Phoebe felt utterly insulted by that look. She glanced down at her boobs and bit her lip in frustration. Damn it, her own traitorous body had given him the upper hand.

Azriel couldn't help but curve his lips into a sly smile at the sight of her, a picture of self-afflicted torment.

Shifting his position on the bed, he lay back comfortably, eyes fixed on her as he said in a languid tone, "I'm bored. Dance for me, will you?"