Chapter 9 He is sick!
The tension was suffocating when Jeff walked into my office the following week. Rumors about his latest fling with Hallie were spreading like wildfire, and I had no intention of becoming entangled in their
mess.
“Ashley, you need to come with me to see Bradley, Jeff said, his voice thick with urgency. He closed the door behind him, his face contorted with guilt, like he was about to confess to something he hadn’t done.
“He’s what?” I raised an eyebrow, already feeling a knot form in my stomach. “What’s going on with him?”
Jeff exhaled, his usual bravado crumbling. “He’s in the hospital. Won’t eat, won’t rest.
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Hallie and I have tried everything, but he just shuts us out.”
I felt a pang of worry but quickly masked it with indifference. “That sounds like a personal issue.”
“Ashley, please, Jeff’s voice softened, desperation creeping in. “You’re the only one who might be able to reach him.”
The mention of Bradley’s name sent a jolt. through me. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my cool. “You’ve got to be kidding me, Jeff. This is my job! I’m not his nurse. If he wants to wallow, that’s on him.”
Jeff dropped to his knees in front of me, grasping my hand as though it was his last hope. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but he needs you. He’s falling apart without you.”
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“Jeff,” I hissed, wrenching my hand away. “This isn’t the time for theatrics.”
“Just hear me out! You think he’s fine because he’s hiding behind that mask of indifference, but I’ve seen it. He’s struggling. He needs you.”
I exhaled sharply, the frustration gnawing at me. “So what, you want me to just walk in there and fix him? After everything that’s happened between us?”
Jeff’s face softened, sincerity flooding his tone. “Ashley, I regret what I said about you and Bradley. I didn’t realize how serious things were until after you two split. But I’ve seen how he looks at you. I know he still cares.”
“Enough,” I snapped, my voice firm. “I don’t want to hear it.”
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Chapter 9 He is sick!
Poaita
Jeff fell silent, his eyes drifting to the floor. Usually the jokester, the one who avoided. heavy conversations, he was now dead serious, and it unnerved me.
I studied him closely. The exhaustion in his face, the bruises beneath his eyes–they told a story without words.
“What happened to you?” I asked, my tone turning icy. “Did Bradley do this?”
Jeff shook his head frantically. “What? No! Well, maybe… but it’s not like that. I’m here because I chose to be. I’m worried about
him.”
crossed my arms, skepticism dripping from Cross every word. “So, he beat you up because you told him the truth? You’re not exactly convincing me here.”
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A cold realization crept over me as the pieces started to click into place. “So your liked Hallie, and thought getting her closer to Bradley would win you some points with her?”
Jeff’s eyes widened in shock. “How did your
“I’m not as oblivious as you think, Jeff,” I shot back, sarcasm and frustration lacing my tone. “You used me as a pawn in your little game.”
He rubbed his face, exasperation taking over. “Yeah, I messed up, but that’s not why I’m here!” His voice softened, turning serious. “Bradley needs you. He’s losing weight, won’t leave his room. His condition’s getting worse, and if you don’t talk to him, it’s only going to escalate.”
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Chapter 9 He is sick!
- Pointe
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly at the absurdity of it all. “So, now you want me to rescue him? Just because he’s your boss?”
“Please, Ashley! I’m begging you,” Jeff’s voice cracked, desperation bleeding into his words. “Convince him to eat something, or at least get some rest. His health is falling apart because he refuses to take care of himself.”
I let out a soft laugh, wiping away the unshed tears of frustration that threatened to spill. “Oh, Jeff, you’re something else. You want me to save him after everything he’s put me through? But thanks, though.”
He looked at me, clearly confused. “What for?”
“For making me realize that Bradley’s so
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wrapped up in his own mess, he can’t even see how much he’s pushing people away”
“C’mon, don’t be like that, Ashley…”
I gave his shoulder a light pat, forcing a smile. “I have to get back to work, Jeff. I can’t risk my position in this family”
Just as I turned to walk away, a mischievous thought crossed my mind. I pivoted back toward him, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips.
“Oh, and tell Bradley that if he doesn’t start eating soon, he’s going to miss the upcoming auction for that rare Warhol piece.. Good luck trying to convince him.”
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