The first big love never fades!

Old feelings!

Ridge brought Taylor to Felicia's apartment. He offered her to stay with him for the next while. The apartment had two bedrooms, so it was big enough for both of them. The building was also very well secured and had a reception area. This way the risk anyone unauthorized, especially Blake, would show up unannounced was pretty low. Taylor gratefully accepted his offer. It was very comforting for her to know that she wasn't alone and could be in a place where Blake couldn't find her.

They sat together over a cup of tea and Taylor told him what had led to the escalation. A few days ago she had discovered by chance that Blake had idiosyncratically lowered the dosage of his medication. That was probably the explanation why he had lost his temper so often recently.

"Unfortunately, these psychotropic drugs also have very strong side effects, they can affect your achievement potential. Blake was obviously afraid he wouldn't be able to function with all his power if he continued taking the full dose. That's why he reduced it without my knowledge."

In a quiet moment she had confronted him about her observation. At first Blake had reacted in a reasonable way. Taylor had tried to convince him to see a doctor and get his medication adjusted properly again. At first Blake was willing too. The next morning, however, his mood had completely changed. When she mentioned to him she had found a clinic where they could find the best treatment for him, he had become terribly furious with her and had lost control of himself completely. He had started a huge fight. During this argument, Taylor in the heat of the moment accidentally blurted out that she was going to leave him. He had then overpowered her and locked her in the guest room. He had told her he would keep her there until she regained her senses. Blake had also forced her to call Colleen and tell her this story about visiting her father.

Ridge was shocked by what ordeal Taylor had been through. He then explained how it came that he finally had broken into her house. From his initial suspicions, because she hadn't called him anymore, to the many inconsistencies on site. Taylor snuggled against him gratefully.

"I'm glad you were so persistent! I really thought I wouldn't get out soon. Blake was incredibly careful, I had no chance! He was also extremely unpredictable and irrational. He was a completely different person. I couldn't get through to him at all and I was really afraid of what he'll do to me if I try to escape. Seriously Ridge, I would have been lost without you. You're my hero!"

"Oh come on, don't exaggerate now!

"I'm not exaggerating at all! Without you I would never have gotten away from him and wouldn't have been safe now!" Ridge put his arm around her.

"Believe me Taylor, no one is happier than me that you're finally away from that maniac and I'll make sure he never comes near you again!"

Later, as they were getting her stuff out of the car and Taylor was making herself at home in one of the bedrooms, Ridge noticed how she kept doubling over in pain and clutching her side. He insisted on taking her to the hospital immediately. At first Taylor resisted. The thought of having to reveal her true condition to a doctor made her more than uncomfortable. But finally the pain got too bad and she gave in.

Ridge waited impatiently until Taylor's exams were completed. He sincerely hoped she wasn't seriously injured. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a doctor came up to him and asked him into her consulting room. She first explained to him that Taylor had released her from medical confidentiality so that they could speak openly. Ridge immediately inquired about Taylor's health.

"She's doing well under the circumstances. I haven't been able to find any serious injuries for now. She has a few hematomas and some superficial injuries. One rib is also slightly cracked. But it's not as dramatic as it might seem. However, during my examinations I discovered numerous old injuries, some of them were a few years old. It's good that she's now finally away from her husband. You should take good care of her in the near future! I'll give you some ointment and make some adjustments for your prescription. Otherwise, there's nothing you can do other than be there for her."