Passion's Crossfire

Chapter 112

Mallory

My heart is pounding in my ears, drowning out the sounds of the bustling hospital. I take two unsteady steps back, desperately trying to blink away the sight of Matt. What is he doing here? How the hell did he find me?

"This can't be happening," I mutter under my breath, feeling a surge of panic. Matt looks at me, and as the elevator doors start sliding closed again, he takes a swift step forward, halting them with his hands. My eyes dart around in a panic; I have to get out of here, but my body feels frozen.

Matt steps out of the elevator, and with a soft voice that sends shivers down my spine, he says, "Hey, Mal."

"What the hell are you doing here, Matt?" I manage to say, slowly composing myself. He can't do anything here, right? The hospital is filled with people.

"I'm here to see you," he replies, and my heart sinks. How did he find me?

"How did you find me?" I demand, even though a part of me already guesses the answer.

"I was told where to find you by Mrs. Ava Christensen, the woman who helped in getting me out of prison," he explains casually. Of course, she told him where to find me. How else would her plan succeed if Matt couldn't locate me?

"You're doing an internship here? What about your classes?" Matt asks, seemingly oblivious to the chaos he's causing.

"Well, thanks to your benefactor, I was not accepted for this semester," I say bitterly. Matt's eyes widen in realization. "She is Adam's mother?" he asks, and I nod.

"Mallory, please, I mean no harm. I only want to talk. Do you want to have a coffee with me in the cafeteria?" he suggests, his tone soft and pleading.

I consider his request for a moment. What harm could a simple conversation do? Maybe he genuinely wants to talk. "Okay," I finally say, trying to convince myself that this won't lead to trouble. What could go wrong, right?

As we walk towards the hospital cafeteria, I can feel the weight of Matt's presence beside me. People pass by, completely unaware of the tangled history between us. I steal glances at him, trying to read his intentions. He looks different, wearier, but those eyes still hold a familiar intensity.

We enter the cafeteria, and the scent of coffee wafts through the air. Matt gestures towards an empty table, and we sit down. I place the flower arrangement on the table and look at Matt, sitting across from me. The awkward silence hangs heavy between us as we avoid eye contact.

"So, how have you been, Mal?" Matt finally breaks the silence, trying to sound casual.

"Cut the crap, Matt. What do you want?" I retort, my patience already wearing thin.

Matt sighs, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "I just want to talk, Mal. I know I messed up, but I need you to understand my side of the story."

I scoff, disbelief written all over my face. "Your side of the story? Matt, you kidnapped me. There's no justification for that."

His eyes drop to the table, and he takes a deep breath. "I'm not trying to justify what I did. I just want you to know that I've changed."

"Changed or not, it doesn't erase what happened," I say, my voice firm.

"I know. I just... I've been given a second chance, Mal. I want to make amends, start over," he pleads.

"Matt, I would love to put all of this behind us. But I can't trust you, do you understand that?" I ask, my voice tinged with both caution and sincerity. Matt looks defeated, his eyes reflecting remorse.

"I know, Mallory. I know. Please forgive me; I wasn't thinking straight. I couldn't accept what was happening. I know now that it was all my fault. I have accepted it," he says, his words carrying a weight of sincerity. I must admit I'm surprised; if this is not an act, Matt genuinely made progress during his time in prison.

"Thank you for saying that, Matt. It means a lot," I respond quietly. Matt nods, his expression sincere. "Of course, Mal. Everything I did was uncalled for. I am truly and deeply sorry. Can you ever forgive me?" he asks.

"I forgive you, Matt," I say, feeling a sense of closure. He smiles, gratitude and relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Mal," he expresses.

We sit in silence for a couple of minutes, the tension easing. Matt breaks the silence, shifting the conversation. "So, who are these flowers for?" he asks, nodding towards the bouquet on the table.

"Oh, they're for Adam's father. He is hospitalized here," I explain. Matt's expression turns concerned. "Mal, please don't take this the wrong way. I think you should leave Adam," he advises.

And there it is. Same old Matt, always ready to offer unsolicited advice. "Matt, we have talked about this. I'm not leaving Adam. And even if I did, we would never be together again," I say, my frustration palpable. Matt shakes his head and throws his hands up in surrender.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. Mallory, his mother seems dangerous. She helped set me free and told me where to find you. She asked me to pursue you again. Who in their right mind would do that?" he says, genuine concern etched on his face.

I sigh, chewing on my bottom lip, contemplating his words. "And now you tell me that she is the reason you are not attending college? Mallory, I know how important your education is for you. Is Adam really worth it?" he questions.

"He is," I say simply. Matt shakes his head, a skeptical expression on his face. "You know better," he retorts.

"Matt, I know what it looks like, but Adam and his father have done everything in their power to protect me. Adam's father helped me get this internship, and honestly, it is going to look great on my resume," I explain, defending my decision.

"I am just worried about you, that's all," Matt says, his concern evident. I raise an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, I know how that sounds, but I am," he admits, and I can't help but chuckle.

"I can take care of myself, Matt," I assure him, emphasizing my independence. My phone rings in my pocket, and I retrieve it to see Adam calling. I gesture to Matt that I'll be back in a minute, standing up and walking away from the table.

"Hey, baby, are you here?" I ask into the phone.

"Yeah, I am with my father. Where are you? He says you haven't been in his room," Adam questions, concern lacing his words.

"I am at the hospital cafeteria. Listen, Adam, Matt is here," I say, knowing this news will likely upset him.

"What? Here as in here at the hospital? Are you okay? I'm coming right now," Adam responds urgently.

"Adam, I'm okay. We just talked. I was shocked to see him here, but he just wanted to talk," I assure him, hoping to alleviate some of his worry.

"How the hell did he find you?" Adam asks, frustration evident in his voice.

"Well... your mother told him that I was starting an internship here," I confess, bracing for his reaction.

"Fuck, seriously?" Adam exclaims.

"Yeah, but it's okay. He wanted to make amends," I explain, hoping Adam will trust my judgment.

"I don't believe that for a second. I'll be there in two minutes, baby, don't hang up," Adam says, his tone stern.

"Okay, but please be calm?" I request, knowing how volatile the situation could become.