Folding For You

Chapter 38: Sabrina

Valeria was fussing over me, like usual. "Did you manage to get Killian on the phone?"

I glanced at her, a slight pang of worry gnawing at me. I was working from home today—one of the perks of dating my CEO's CEO's brother, I suppose. Not that I ever abuse the privilege, though. I've been hitting all my targets and have yet to hear a single complaint from my clients. Still, it was an odd day, a weird feeling I couldn't shake.

Lately, there's been this tension in the back of my mind. Ever since my name got linked to that 50 million trust fund, things have been... complicated. Iyana and Gayle have tried everything to convince me to cash it out, but I've refused. The only person who brushed the entire subject off like it was nothing? Killian.

I'll never forget his words with that usual playful edge, "Baby, you're my billion-dollar queen. Why settle for pocket change?"

Sometimes, I can't wrap my head around the kind of wealth he handles every day. But I love how he's never tried to shower me with luxuries I don't want. Killian knows my boundaries and respects them.

I'd tried calling him several times, only to be met with voicemail each time. A quick check in his study confirmed my suspicions—his charger was lying on the table. Typical. I grabbed it, dangling it toward Valeria. "My dear forgetful boyfriend."

Valeria laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "His brain space is full of you, Sabrina."

"Oh, I'm sure that's exactly what he was thinking about," I said, rolling my eyes but feeling a flicker of warmth at the thought.

She opened the fridge, glancing at me over her shoulder. "So, assuming you're not lunching with him, want me to make you something before I head back?"

I grinned. "Killian mentioned you make the best chicken croquetas."

She looked pleased, that familiar pride lighting her face. "Ah, his favourite. Well, after your sandwiches, of course. Are you sure you don't want something heavier? We take our lunch very seriously in Spain."

I chuckled. "I think your croquetas will be perfect as a light meal. Just in case Killian wants to grab a late lunch together."

Valeria nodded and shooed me from the kitchen, and I took the hint, grabbing my laptop and heading to the sofa. I settled cross-legged on the floor before the coffee table, my back resting against the sofa cushions, feeling comfortable in this little setup. After gently placing my laptop on the table, I switched on the TV, hoping to make some background noise while catching up on emails.

The news was on one of those segments where they recapped the morning's headlines. I half-listened, already skimming through my inbox when a line from the newscaster caught my attention.

"Breaking news this morning from Midtown Manhattan. A prominent son of one of New York's most prestigious families has been hospitalised following a serious hit-and-run accident..."

My heart lurched. Prestigious family? Hit-and-run? I froze, the words sinking in like lead. I grabbed the remote, turning up the volume, my focus now glued to the screen.

The victim, a significant figure in the finance world, is currently in critical but stable condition at Lenox Hill Hospital...

My breath caught in my throat. Killian. Oh God, please, no. I fumbled for my phone, my fingers trembling as I tried to call him again, desperate for him to pick up.

Voicemail. Again. And again. The silence on the other end grew heavier and more unbearable each time. My heart pounded as I quickly switched to dialling Kaleb's number. It rang and rang... then went to voicemail. Why isn't anyone picking up?

I scrambled for another option, frustrated that I didn't even have Derek's number. I should call the office. Or—Hanson. Yes! Hanson would know. I dialled his number, feeling a glimmer of hope... but then came the long, drawn-out beep. Another beep.

The line didn't even connect. I felt like I was losing my grip, the edges of my vision blurring. My eyes burned, and I couldn't hold this tension any longer.

"Valeria! Valeria!" I called out, voice shaky and desperate.

She immediately turned, switching off the stove as her concerned eyes met mine. "Sabrina... what is it?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but the words wouldn't come. A part of me knew I was overthinking this—panicking, spiralling like I always did when it came to him.

But this felt different, heavier. I blinked up at the ceiling, trying to keep my tears at bay to stop them from spilling over, but the second Valeria reached out and shook me gently, her touch broke the dam.

Tears flooded down my cheeks, and words choked in my throat. "Is it Killian, Valeria? Is it Killian on the news?"

She wrapped her arms around me, holding me close, murmuring comforting words I couldn't hear over the thundering in my chest. But I clung to her, praying that somehow, someone would pick up the phone and tell me it wasn't him.

~o~

BREAKING NEWS:
This morning out of Midtown Manhattan, where an early-morning hit-and-run has left a prominent member of one of New York's most elite families hospitalised. The victim, a well-known figure in the business world, was struck by an unidentified vehicle and transported to Lenox Hill Hospital.

Sources confirm he is currently in critical but stable condition. The incident occurred near 57th Street, and police are actively investigating, though no suspects have been named. Authorities are also reviewing security footage from the area to identify the vehicle involved.

This is a developing story, and we'll continue to update as more details emerge on this severe accident affecting one of Manhattan's most influential families.

Comments:
@KincaidKween: Which Kincaid brother is this? Someone needs to tell me now because I'm ready to faint.

@BillionaireBae: Is this the ridiculously handsome one? Like... THE handsome one? Spill, I need to know.

@KissedByKincaid: Sis, newsflash—all of them are handsome. It's a problem, okay?

@KalebsKitten: OMG, not my baby Kaleb! TT...TT Can someone confirm it's NOT him before I have a meltdown?

@Elite4Kincaid (replying to @KalebsKitten): Pretty sure you're safe, babe. Kaleb's not in finance, right?

@KalebsKitten: Oh right, duh. Phew! Crisis averted!

@Elite4Kincaid: Still... rough day for the whole Kincaid fam. Holding my heart here.

@Fierce4Kincaids: Someone is clearly out here trying to mess with my Kincaid boys. Like, who's ready to catch these hands?!

@BillionaireBae: Did they at least get the plate number of that jerk's car? I'm about to track him down myself.

@KincaidKween: I am still WAITING for someone to confirm which Kincaid brother we're talking about. Why is this taking so long?!

@RideOrDie4Kincaids: He's at Lenox Hill Hospital. Fam, I'm on my way.

@KalebsKitten (replying to @RideOrDie4Kincaids): I don't know you, but I'm right behind you, girl! I have to triple-check that it's not my bae, Kaleb!