Chapter 44 - Forty-four : The Apple Of His Eyes
Nik's POV
It seems everyone was set to ruin my mood today - First Tina, now this.
"Get everyone ready, we are going for a raid " I ordered after a few moments of silence; after digesting the news Judy fed me.
Judy nodded then made a few phone calls and we were set to leave.
I was boiling with anger, they dare to abduct my fiancée ? What did they take me for? Did they think I would stand still after receiving such news?
Well, it's wasn't too surprising since I never bothered about the affairs of my playthings. They probably thought she was one of the many women on my bed and wouldn't even care if they took her away - but they're wrong.
I might not love her but she's someone I've decided to spend the rest of my life with, they've touched the apple of my eyes.
I understood perfectly well what they wanted, ever since U&Q made me their final decision maker on the My Eden contract bid, I became the instant target of several architecture firms .
Like a fish surrounded by sharks, they have been persuading and cajoling me in one form or the other while the rest encircled me like a moth drawn to a flame - I was trapped .
I surmised that they probably wanted Maya to convince me to offer them the contract , thanks to our sizzling relationship - as the Tabloids portrays, but knowing my little Tigress, I'm sure she shut them down at once .
Judging from the little time we spent together, I was sure she understood - love or not, I was not the type to play around with my business. All that mattered to me was success and gains.
It didn't take long to drive to her parent's place, thanks to my constant prodding but I didn't get down immediately .
I waited for my men to clear the dirts.
Soon enough bloody screams and grunts began to fill the arena, the once serene villa became a beehive of activity as my men took out every single one of their security at sight.
I began an internal countdown, wondering how long it will take them to wipe this place clean. At the fifteenth count,the car door was opened from outside and one of my men bowed his head, saying
"The coast is clear, sir! "
Without sparing him a look, I got out of the car, swinging one long leg over the other while he locked the door.
My gaze was so chilly that nor of my men dared to even look me in the eyes save Judy.I wasn't in the mood for smiling.
Judy led the way as I walked into the villa and could witness diverse men in black suits clutching different parts of their bodies and moaning in pain.
They had the guts to moan - it seems my men didn't do a good work, I would extend their training hours after this mess.
I stared at the villa with seething anger, they had this much resources yet Maya had to live like a beggar. Yes, they might not be a business Empire like the Spencer group but K Group has made a name for themselves through their other divisions.
By the time I got into the living room, the family was hundled together at a corner of the room , frightened out of their wits.
"Where is she?! " Was the only question I barked and a girl with long black hair whom I guessed to be Kim pointed shakily to a room upstairs.
Without wasting time, I covered the first fleet of stairs with strong strides and kicked open the door caging my tigress with brute force.
I wasn't certain what to think at the sight of the girl huddled on the floor. Today was infact a very cold evening and she was wearing nothing but a high-waisted bun shorts and a crop top with long-sleeved shirt; practically useless in warding off cold.
I clutched my fist and swallowed hard, a murderous gleam in my eyes but I took a deep breath and approached her
" Hey tigress " I called her name but there was no response, she was just stiff and kept staring into the distance almost appearing to be much like a pillion.
I froze when I realized what was going on - she was in a catatonic state.
I clasped her cheek and called her again "Hey, it's me Nik. Look at me " but still no response, Her gaze was just so glassy,unfocused and withdrawn.
She was not moving or reacting to the point she could be mistaken for dead but thankfully, her uneven breathing told me she was very much alive.
Sitting down on the bare ground , I lifted her upper body and carefully placed it in the crook of my arm, cradling her close to my chest.
"I'm sorry for being late but I'm here now, please come back to me " I breathed, hugging her so tight as if I let go she was going to slip from my hold and disappear forever.
I felt a tight , painful yet oddly familiar sensation in my chest, it was as if something was cutting my breath, my hand began to tremble and I was suddenly scared - What if she remains like this for a very long time?
Immediately I stood up with her held securely in my arms, carrying her bridal-style and rushed down the stairs yelling like a maniac
"Get me a doctor! Get me a doctor! "
Judy moved into action and called my private doctor while I carried her to the car ; her family will be dealt with later.
Throughout the journey my heart was pounding in my ears, sinking with alarm and terror and overweighted with ache.
My head was in chaos, I didn't even realize when I got home or when the doctor arrived, I only snapped back to reality when Judy snapped his fingers sharply at the face.
"Seriously men, don't scare me like that too " He warned and I blinked unsure what was going on.
That was when I realized I've been staring off into space for a while now.I sighed and looked down at Maya, she was now sleeping peacefully while Doctor Sam was checking her vitals.
Even though we eventually fell apart but I grieved bitterly when Kay died , but it was nothing compared to the anger, pain, confusion and ache I felt when I saw Maya lying on that floor - almost lifeless.
" What's wrong with her? "I questioned the doctor, my voice totally dry thanks to lack of water.
"Akinetic catatonia " Doctor Sam said adding another medication to the IV bag through the infusion port.
" Akinetic catatonia? "I asked softly
"The most common form of catatonia, the victim often stares blankly and won't respond when you speak to them. If they do respond, it may only be to repeat what you said. Sometimes they sit or lie in an unusual position and won't move."
My Jaw tightened and I clutched my fist tightly asking " What causes it? "
Doctor Sam pursed his lips thoughtfully while digging his hands into the pocket of his white coat
"I'm not exactly sure what causes one to become catatonic but It happens most often with people who have mood disorders or psychotic disorders, like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. "
I frowned, deep in thought.I had a feeling Maya suffered some emotional damages from her families constant berates, but I couldn't exactly tell if she suffered from depression or had any disorder.
"But don't worry " The doctor assured me "I've administered benzodiazepines which is used to ease anxiety, muscle relaxants, and tricyclic antidepressants.But after five days, if there's no response to the medication or if symptoms worsen, I may recommend other treatments."
I stared at him stunned " This would last for five days?! "
" Not really but Catatonia can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, months, or years. It can reoccur frequently for weeks to years after the initial episode. I just need to observe her closely for the next five days and determine if there would be a change of treatment "
"Fine " I sighed and rubbed my palms on my face. My head was throbbing and I felt like I just aged ten years in such a short amount of time.
" I'll be taking my leave then " Doctor Sam said and left right away with his medical kit.
I groaned and slumped heavily on the chair beside Maya's bed. I was totally exhausted, so much had happened in just one-day.
Suddenly Judy appeared from the shadows and asked right away " What do you want me to do to her family? "
My eyes darkened " She doesn't have such scumbags as a family from now on, so remove her name from that family register by all means possible " I breathed deeply, thinking of my next plan.
" Since they love money so much, shake their business and make their life a living hell. Let's see how they survive this time "
"As you command " Judy accepted the mission and was about to leave when I called him back.
"Her mother " I said, memories of Maya on the cold floor haunting me
"Throw her into a cold room and let her freeze to the brink of death but keep her alive "