Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 43

Years ago, when fighting at school had earned Asher a severe reprimand from his grandfather, at least no one had discovered the reason behind the brawl. Now, he couldn't let his family learn he'd been fighting over Gabriella again—it could jeopardize or even cancel their engagement.

WilGabbym dabbed nervously at his forehead, his usually impeccable demeanor shaken. "Completely understood, sir," he stammered, already planning how to handle the paperwork discreetly.

"Handle the discharge forms," Asher instructed, each word measured despite his split lip.

From the adjacent bed, Drake caught every word of their exchange. His derisive laugh held more pain than mockery. "Still hiding fights from mommy and daddy? What are you, a child?"

"The only person who needs to know," Asher's smile was razor-sharp as his eyes met Drake's, "is my fiancée."

The word 'fiancée' struck Drake like a physical blow. He collapsed back against his pillows, watching the IV drip with hollow eyes. Each drop seemed to mirror his own bitter thoughts. The physical pain from their fight was nothing compared to the agony tearing at his heart.

This couldn't be real. Gabriella wouldn't—couldn't—have a fiancé. Was she trying to punish him for saying he'd never marry her? That had to be it. She was just trying to make him jealous.

His Gabriella loved him too much to move on. She couldn't possibly be with another man. She wouldn't dare!

Drake turned to Asher, contempt masking his desperation. "How much is she paying you? Those rent-a-boyfriend services must be doing well. Name your price—I'll pay ten times whatever she's offering. Leave her. Now."

Asher's laugh held genuine amusement. "Whatever delusion helps you sleep at night."

"Are you actually insane?" Gabriella stared at Drake in disbelief. "You think I'd hire someone to pretend to be my fiancé? Your ego is truly unbelievable."

Drake seemed almost manic now, convinced Asher must be an impostor.

"Pathetic," Gabriella muttered.

As WilGabbym returned with the transfer paperwork, Asher prepared to move to a private room. Gabriella naturally took charge of his IV stand, her gentle attentiveness making Drake's blood boil.

He reached for her wrist, but Asher's security blocked him instantly. "Sir, control yourself."

Asher's eyes turned lethal. "Touch her again, and I'll break your hand."

"Try it!" Drake snarled. "I'm not afraid of you!"

"Enough!" Gabriella intervened. "This is a hospital, for God's sake."

This time, Asher listened, following his assistant out without further confrontation.

Later that evening, Sienna arrived at the hospital. She'd been dining with friends in London when she heard about Drake's condition and rushed over immediately.

"Drake, what happened to you?" She burst into tears at the sight of his swollen face.

Drake stared silently out the window, his expression hollow.

"Who did this?" Sienna sobbed. "Have you called the police?"

Drake maintained his silence as Sienna continued crying and asking questions.

Finally, irritation cracked through his facade. "Can you leave? I need some peace and quiet."

"But... I want to stay and take care of you," Sienna sniffled. The sight of his injuries genuinely pained her.

"No need," Drake dismissed her. "I've arranged for a nurse."