Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Twenty Five

NICK'S POV

✲

Never in my life have I felt terror like I did earlier on the phone to my daughter. When I saw Aris' name pop up on the screen, the last thing I expected to hear was Elodie's little voice that trembled with panic.

I left the office immediately, becoming frustrated with the traffic on the roads. I needed to know what was happening, there and then. When I walked through my front door I was relieved to see paramedics treating him and Aris conscious.

After I put the phone down to Elodie, I called an ambulance to my house and rushed out the door faster than I've ever done. I didn't explain anything to anyone, I didn't have time. This was an urgent matter.

Now I can breathe knowing that he's okay.

I take Elodie to bed where I tuck her beneath the covers and brush back her curly locks. "Is he going to be okay, daddy?" She whispers.

"Yeah, baby," I offer her a smile. "He's going to be okay. You were so brave and so smart for calling me. I'm very proud of you, do you know that?"

Those tired green eyes blink at me. "I didn't do anything."

"You did," I state confidently. "You knew that he wasn't well and you rang me, instantly. Of course I am proud of you. You're such a big girl and you helped him, opening the door to let in the paramedics. Without you, they wouldn't have been able to treat him."

Her little lips tremble. "It was so scary, daddy."

I nod once. "I know, baby. But he's okay. You're okay. I love you very much."

"I love you too," she whispers. "Can you read me a story?"

"Of course," I say as I shift beside her bed and lean for the closest book. I peel it open and start reading the words and it doesn't take long for her to be fast asleep. Her body is probably crashing after all the rush of adrenaline. I lean forward and kiss her forehead. "Goodnight, pumpkin."

I stand from my spot on the floor and walk out of her room, pulling her door almost shut but not completely. Aris is still in the living room, resting where he should be. I don't know the ins and outs of what happened but it sounds like it was more than just fainting.

He glances up when I approach shuffling to the edge of the sofa. His eyes hold so much pain and guilt that it makes my stomach roll with discomfort. Why is he looking at me like that? I don't like it. It makes me feel awful.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs again, throat tense.

I perch beside him and shake my head. "What on earth are you sorry for, Aris? It's not your fault and you don't need to keep apologising. It's fine. As long as you're okay, nothing else matters."

Aris' expression changes, warping into a look of pure agony. "I–" he starts and licks his lips to take a breath. "I haven't been completely honest with you."

My forehead creases. "What do you mean?"

A thousand different thoughts rush through my head with so many scenarios that I can't keep up with my overactive mind right now. I don't want to expect the worst but by the look on his face, it doesn't look like good news.

"When you hired me," his voice trembles. "I should have told you this from the start and now I realise how selfish it was of me."

"What is it, Aris?"

I let my gaze roam his face for a quick answer and my heart thumps heavier as seconds tick by. He sits up and takes down a large breath, filling his lungs as I eye him cautiously. My patience is not a friend right now and the anticipation is killing me.