Chapter 52
The next morning I woke up with a splitting headache. Not because I was hungover or anything, but because I’d basically cried myself to sleep. You can’t cry that much without some consequences. It just added more insult to injury.
As I sat up in Noah’s guest bed, I put my head in my hands. The constant throbbing of pain made it hard to concentrate on anything. I knew if I got up and got some medicine, I’d feel better, but I couldn’t seem to make my body move. Not when even the slightest movement brought more pain.
But I had to take care of myself. Because I was alone now and there was no one else who could do it.
I very carefully got up, using whatever I could to keep me steady as I shuffled my way out of the bedroom. I crept down the hall, grateful that Noah always seemed to keep his house dark.
When I finally got to the kitchen and made myself a glass of water, I realized that I had no idea where Noah kept his medicine. I had to settle for wetting a cloth in cold water and putting it against my forehead. It provided some relief, but not much.
“Good morning, Sweetness. How did you sleep?” Noah asked from behind me and I froze as if I had been caught doing something that I was not supposed to be doing.
I turned, trying to hide the cloth as I did so. I don’t know why. It’s not like I had done anything wrong, but I also didn’t want to put Noah out anymore than I already had. It wasn’t fair to him and his feelings that I had run to him after Arthur broke my heart.
“I slept fine, thank you,” I said and winced when my voice sounded weak and pathetic.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, keen violet eyes boring into mine. I reluctantly held out the cloth and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“I have a terrible headache. I came down here to take some medicine, but realized I don’t know where the medicine is. If it’s not too much trouble, could I get some from you?” I asked, looking anywhere but at him. I felt ridiculous for being embarrassed, but I couldn’t help it.
“It would never be too much trouble. Wait here. I’ll be right back,” Noah said before disappearing. I barely had time to lean against the counter before he was back, a few pills in his hand.
“Here. Take these. They will help with your pain and any anxieties that you have. If you do not wish to feel anything, you will not. And don’t worry, I checked. The baby will not be affected.”
I took them gratefully. Feeling nothing sounded wonderful right now. I’m sure it would be better for the baby as well. I couldn’t imagine the emotional turmoil I had just been through was good for her.
“Now, I wanted to let you know that you can stay here for as long as you like. And before you say ‘no,’ I insist. You will not be a burden. I would very much like your company as well. I can also guarantee that you will be safe here. If you do not wish to see anyone, you will not see anyone,” Noah said and I did not have to ask who he was talking about.
“Thank you, Noah. I appreciate it,” I told him and I did. I knew if I left Noah’s house, Arthur would be able to track me down. I couldn’t go to my parents. They wouldn’t be able to keep an alpha off their property. But Noah seemed to be an Omega. He did not owe anything to anyone.
“Is there anything that you would like to eat today?” Noah asked, changing the subject. I smiled at him. He always seemed to know exactly what to say.
“I’m afraid I’m not that hungry right now so whatever it is you were going to eat this morning, I’ll be okay with it.”
Noah clapped his hands together. “Spinach and mushroom omelettes it is then!”
After the meal, we went into the art studio. I had asked that we go about our usual morning routine. I wanted to feel normal. I did not want to feel as if I were living without my heart.
I lost myself in the painting. I zoned out as I let instinct guide me. I was barely aware of what colors I was using or even what type of brushstrokes. I didn’t care. As long as I wasn’t thinking of a certain alpha.
When an ache began gnawing at my stomach, I finally stopped. I set down the paintbrush and glanced at the clock. My eyes widened as I realized what time it was. I had been painting for nearly four hours without a break.
My stomach growled accusingly. The baby also took that time to kick me in the ribs. It was safe to say that my body and little girl were not happy with me.
“Are you finally hungry now? You barely touched your breakfast this morning,” Noah admonished, but he smiled to soften his tone.
My stomach rumbled again, answering his question for me. Noah chuckled and led the way into the dining room where a buffet lay waiting for us.
I raised an eyebrow. There looked enough for a party of twenty people, not just for two. I looked at Noah in question and he gave me a sheepish smile.
“We haven’t really had much opportunity to dine together so I wasn’t sure what you would like. I thought it would be safe to just ask the staff to prepare a variety. Don’t worry about eating it all. I can always freeze it for later.”
I took the plate that he offered me and piled it high with food. At least I had regained my appetite. I think I had Noah’s mystery pill to thank for that. Now that I wasn’t zoned out, I realized that I felt nothing. I was numb.
“So, I feel like I should tell you,” Noah started as we sat across from each other. I took a bite of salmon as I waited for him to continue. “I called Molly this morning. I told her I was pushing the exhibition to a later date. Just until you feel better.”
I nearly spit out my salmon. Molly was not going to be happy about that. The exhibit had almost been ready. She had even started ordering the special VIP invitations. Now she was going to have to cancel that and redo all the interviews she had already done. Because of me.
“You didn’t have to do that. I would have been fine to go to work on Monday,” I protested, but honestly I wasn’t sure I still had a job. I only really had it because of Arthur to begin with. If I wasn’t his fiance anymore, Molly wouldn't have to put up with me and could fire me if she wanted to.
“I did. I’m not blind. I know Molly doesn’t like you. She needs to know that I’m not willing to have my artwork at my gallery if you do not work there. As long as she wants me to be cooperative, you have a job,” Noah said and it warmed my heart. How had he noticed things that Arthur did not? He’d also believed me right away about Dana, too. With no hesitation.
I shut down those thoughts before they could manifest any further. Today would have been my wedding day. I would not spend it thinking about another man. Even if Arthur had rejected me. I wasn’t that kind of person.
Still, I couldn’t completely block out that warm feeling surrounding my heart.
