Zuri's POV:
I offered a small, humble smile. "Thank you for covering the bills, Doctor. If you could let me know the exact amount, I would like to reimburse you as soon as possible."
My voice held steady, but the embarrassment clung to the edges of my words.
Dr Kevin Dale didn't answer immediately. Instead, he regarded me with a calm, unreadable gaze that made me shift slightly in my seat. Was he analysing me?
With a slight smile playing on his lips, I heard him say, "I'm not so small-minded, Ms. Zuri, as to take money from someone who cannot afford it. I realise that everyone desires to eat at five-star establishments and enjoy luxury. However, I would not want to burden you with such a heavy financial burden. Would you rather consider a repayment plan?"
"Plan?" I blinked, thrown off. Did he think I am... broke?
Before I could respond, he added, "How about this—take me out for lunch or dinner whenever I feel like eating. No bills, just company. I am new here and don't have friends—not yet atleast. Would you grace me with your company?"
His voice was casual, but there was something honest underneath. He doesn't have friends. If I think more about it me neither! Will it be okay to do an acquantance with him? Perhaps there is no harm, right?
A gentle smile formed on my face. "That seems reasonable. Just message me whenever you want some company, Dr. Kevin." I wasn't keen on sharing more about myself or whose wife I am, at least not at this moment. I yearn for authentic friendship rather than having people approach me just because I'm Asher Voss's wife.
"I'll hold you to that, Ms. Zuri," he said, the dry amusement returning. "No backing out later."
"I wouldn't dare."
He smiled then—a real, unguarded one. I found myself mirroring it before I even realised it.
Maybe I had been too wrapped up in Asher… maybe it was time I stopped isolating myself. Time to reach out again to new people and old friends.
Dr Kevin turned his attention to the stack of medical reports, scanning them with swift, practiced fingers. His brow furrowed as he glanced up, something unreadable flashing in his eyes.
"Have you ever experienced or witnessed an accident prior to yesterday?" His tone was direct. His gaze was sharp and unblinking.
I swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "Yes… a long time ago."
"PTSD?" he asked, tilting his head, and I nodded yes.
"I did a few counselling sessions after," I admitted, my voice low. "Stopped going once I thought I was okay."
"And now?" His tone didn't change, but it pressed gently for more.
"I don't know." I hesitated. "Sometimes I think I'm fine. Other times…" My words trailed off with uncertainity.
He let out a low, thoughtful hum and set the reports aside. When his eyes met mine again, there was something different in them—something softer. "Let's talk more about it. Over dinner. Tomorrow. Seven o'clock." Then came a pause. "Only if you are comfortable, Ms Zuri."
"Just Zuri," I said quickly, the heat rising to my cheeks. I shared my number with him.
He handed me his business card. "Call me if you change your mind. Or don't." He turned to leave, his voice lingering behind him. "I'll see you tomorrow either way."
And just like that, he was gone. Leaving me with his card in hand and a hundred unspoken questions buzzing in my chest.
After being discharged from the hospital, I took a taxi straight back home. The cab driver followed me to the apartment. I handed him the cash, thanked him briefly, and once the door closed behind me, silence filled the space like fog.
The house was spotless—just as I had expected. The servants must have come by to clean in my absence. But I wasn't admiring their work. I wasn't here to rest.
I moved slowly through the apartment, eyes scanning every corner like a woman on a mission. Something inside me hoped to find proof—anything—against Asher. A misplaced object. Something left behind? A broken rhythm in our perfect little lie?
I walked into our bedroom. Everything was exactly where it should be—except me. I checked every room. Trash cans were empty, beds were made, and counters were wiped clean. Every trace of yesterday night polished away.
Damn it! Me and my luck. Just perfect!
Frustrated, I slumped onto the sofa, trying to think of my next move. Just then, a message lit up my phone.
"Darling, I won't be coming home. Business trip. I'll see you in three days."
God, I hated him.
I didn't even think. My fingers flew across the screen. "Where are you going?"
His reply came almost instantly. "Did you start your own detective agency, my wife? Why so many questions?"
"Can't I ask?"
"You are doubting me..isn't?"Another message blinked in.
"If I say yes?" I wrote back without hesitation.
"You need to work on your trust issues, darling. Once you start trusting me, I'll tell you everything. Besides, you already have access to my calendar. So why are you acting out of character?"
The nerve of this man. All this access he has given me is fake. His all schedules are fake. I stared at the screen, anger boiling beneath my skin. My fingers trembled, but not from fear—from rage.
"I didn't come home last night. Not once did you ask where I was or if I was okay. Instead, you send me this emotionless message saying you won't be home for three days?
FUCK YOU, Asher! Don't contact me!"
I hit send. Then blocked him from every social media.
I couldn't think straight anymore. My mind was a mess—like a file cabinet thrown to the ground, papers scattered everywhere. I needed to stop obsessing over Asher and use my brain before I lost it completely.
I got up, made my way to the bedroom, and picked up a bag. I packed a few clothes, took all the cash I could find around the house, grabbed some jewellery in case I needed extra money, and then stepped outside. I didn't want Asher to be able to locate me easily. Not that he would actually care to find out where I am. After the incident at night, it was clear to me how little I meant to him. Yet, I wanted to remain out of his reach.
If Mom let me stay at her place, great. If not, I would check into a hotel.
I need sometime for myself to come with good plan. And this house its not livable for me anymore. Its a place where Asher spent a night with his new obsession Lyla.