When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

18: Running To You

"ARE YOU OKAY? ARE YOU HURT?" I asked her as we approached the rescue team. The waves and rain were still strong. I was holding her gently, protecting her from getting hurt.

"My back hurts," she said, looking into my eyes as tears slid down her face. "I was so scared to die... I thought the waves wouldn't get strong, so I kept going. When I realized it was dangerous, I tried to come back... but it was already too late."

I caressed her face. I was about to say something when someone caught my eye. Near the shore, I saw a man dressed entirely in black, holding an umbrella. His presence alone sent shivers down my body.

"Shit!"

I glanced at Jealrain, who was also looking at the man on the shore. "D-Do you know that man?"

Before she could answer, an older man spoke. "Jealrain," he said. "Are you hurt?" His stoic face softened when he saw Jealrain in that state.

I stood and carried Jealrain while the rescue team approached to check if she was alright. It took five minutes, and they advised her to go to the hospital for further check ups—to make sure she was really okay.

"Jealrain..." the older man called again.

"I'm fine, Dad," she said, looking away.

"Let's go to the hospital."

"I'm okay."

"You're not sure about that."

"Jealrain!" We turned to see Kyler and Ari running toward us. Their faces were filled with worry.

"Are you okay?" Kyler asked, checking her arms.

"Does anything hurt? Are you dizzy? You're not going to die, right?" Ari's voice followed.

"I'm okay," Jealrain replied briefly, looking at me. "I'll go home first. I'll just change, then we'll go to the hospital," she said, forcing a smile. "They'll insist I get checked."

"Plus me," I said, chuckling. "I'll make sure you get a check-up too."

"Guys are such headaches," she muttered, shaking her head. "I'll leave you four behind." She walked away.

We four just stared.

The old man cleared his throat, making me look at him.

"Your name?" he asked, his baritone voice firm. His jaw was tight, and his grip on the umbrella was strong.

I took a deep breath. The wind, the rain, the big waves—it was cold, but I answered. "I'm Ren William Fitzmael, Sir."

The corner of his mouth twitched into a slight smirk. "You're not Lianna and Maxwell's son, are you?"

"Nephew, Sir."

"Hmm..." His expression returned to normal. "Oh... Silly me. You're Hyacinth and William's son."

"How did you know, Sir?"

He cleared his throat and glanced at Kyler and Ari, who immediately said goodbye and left.

A few seconds later, he gestured for me to follow as he started walking back to the resort.

I was soaked anyway.

"Franklin, Maxwell, William, and I used to be in the same circle since college," he said, then sat on the long couch and unbuttoned the top of his polo shirt.

"Used?"

"Yes." He raised his hand to call the resort staff. "Coffee for us," he said.

The staff nodded. "Is there anything else, Señor?"