War of Love {Sequel to Family War}

Chapter 12

Consciousness was slow in returning to David. He felt as if he was in a heavy black cloud. Nothing to see, nothing to hear, just heaviness in his whole body. So heavy that he couldn't quite figure out how to properly move at first. After what seemed like a brief while, he finally found the strength to open his eyes, which then took him a good minute to make out the outline of the nearby furniture, and another to recognise that he was laying on one of the sofa's in his living room. His head began to pound excessively as he tried to remember what had happened, but no luck. He slowly looked to the side to see Steve sitting beside his doctor on the opposite sofa as they spoke about him. He continued to look around, finally spotting Stephanie sitting alongside Monique on the bottom staircase, as they watched was on TV from afar.

As he opened his mouth to speak up, nothing could quite come out, so instead he slowly lifted his head from the cushion, instantly causing everyone to rush over to him.

"Daddy, you're awake! Stephanie beamed in relief, going to throw her arms around him. He quickly hugged her back and stroked the back of her hair, before looking up at Monique as she stood a little further away from the three of them with her arms crossed across her chest.

"I'm happy you're okay, David, you gave us quite a scare there" Steve breathed out, placing his hand on his chest, as Stephanie slowly pulled away from him to let him breathe.

"What happened?" David asked, rubbing his forehead frustratingly.

Steve glanced over at Monique before taking a step forward and speaking up. "You collapsed, David, and Monique called the ambulance and gave me a call afterwards and I assured them that they should bring you here so you're more comfortable when you wake up as I know you're not very fond of hospitals" as he finished explaining, David began to remember everything, from him going to Monique's apartment and fainting right in the middle of her living room. He had never felt more embarrassed.

"Mr Morris, I think its best if you lay your head back down to get some more rest" his Doctor assured, and David let out a deep breath before doing as told. "I ran a few test and the reason why you collapsed was due to a very little lack of sleep and a lot of stress and overthinking. I know that you're a very hard-working man, Mr Morris, but I highly suggest that you take a week or two away from work and get some proper rest or it could happen again".

"Thank you, Doctor. I'll assure that he does so" said Steve, as Stephanie fluffed his cushion for him so he could be more comfortable as Monique listened carefully to all what was being said. She wondered if he had even taken a proper lengthy break since he built the company thirteen years ago. It was surprising how he had managed to put in so much work each and everyday till then.

"Now these are some stress free medications, Mr Morris" the doctor spoke, placing it down on the table beside him. "Only take two pills; morning and night, for those two weeks and you should be back to feeling much better afterwards".

David gently placed Stephanie's head down on his chest, running her fingers through her hair, before looking back up at him. "Thank you, Doctor, for everything. I really appreciate it".

The Doctor nodded his head at him, and said his goodbyes, before turning around to head towards the front door and exit the mansion.

"I should probably start going myself, and head back to the company, its 12 noon now" Steve spoke up, glancing down at his watch. "Please rest up like the Doctor said, David, I'll fill in for you and attend all of your duties and meetings till you've gotten your strength back" he said, leaning down and rubbing his shoulder.

"If there's anyone I trust to watch the company for me, its you Steve. Thanks for everything".

Steve smiled down at him, before glancing back over at Monique. "Monique, can I speak to you privately for a second, please?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.