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Chapter 25

Feeling the aftershocks of the sickness, the next couple of days are spent in and out of sleep- my body too weak to function. By the weekend, I've had enough of the bed. I want fresh air. I need fresh air.

I turn slowly on the mattress, watching Stellan get dressed next to the bed, his hair still dripping from the shower. It's been weeks and he's still taking care of me.

He has to be regretting bringing me here now, I bet.

Rest my hand against my head to prop myself, I utter, "I think we should do something today."

"The only thing you're doing today is sleeping, Iris," he answers, raising a brow disapprovingly. He pulls down on the gray t-shirt, reaching out for his jacket and scarf.

"I've slept for weeks, Stellan. I need fresh air."

"No way, it's chilly outside."

"I have clothes for it. I'll even wear a beanie as long as I get out of this damn bed."

"Iris..."

"Please- it doesn't have to be for long. I'll do anything."

Already got his jacket on, he stares at me, thinking. "Alright, I have to drop something off at work first and then I'll come back to get you."

My eyes open wide as I remember weeks ago, the day I got sick, he went to speak with his boss about Vance Waters. My god, what has happened since then?

"I forgot to ask about what your boss said when you told him about the trial... What's been the reaction to the video? What has the lawyer said?"

He smirks, wrapping the scarf around his neck a few times. "I've been waiting for the bombardon of questions... I'm on a suspension- but to the public, it's a paid vacation."

My heart drops. I sit up, frowning. "They suspended you?"

"I expected it. They want to protect their company and if Vance wins the case, if they're behind me- it could mean pretty bad things for them."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Stellan."

"It's alright," he murmurs, smiling softly. "I'll be back in a bit. I have to drop off the info on one of the cases I was working."

He leans down, pressing his lips to my forehead. My eyes close in regret as he leaves the room. I should have asked him before... I should have remembered.

He must be so upset.

It takes me a matter of seconds to make the decision to grab my phone off the bare nightstand. I dial the number of the bank and wait, clearing my throat.

A feminine heavy accent sounds, uttering the slogan for the business. "How may I assist you?"

"Yes, um, my name is Iris Tremaine. May I speak with Ronald Reynard, please?"

"Is he expecting your call?"

"No, he isn't but I really need to speak with him."

There's a pause before, "I'll see what I can do."

The hold music is in French but I'm too busy trying to calculate my next move that I begin to easily drown it out.

"Miss Tremaine, this is Ron."

I perk up. "Hello Ron, thank you so much for taking my call."

"Of course. My wife and I are a big fan of your work."

"Really? I'm so glad," I utter, too happily.

"... What can I do for you, my dear?"

"Well, I was actually calling about Stellan... about the suspension."