Chapter 10: Sick

"Why don't you knock!" Angeline shouted and threw something that happened to be within reach, hitting Bryan in the face. "Sorry," Bryan mumbled, looking away and leaving the room. "But... can't you be a little quicker? I have to go now," Bryan urged. Bryan left the room feeling embarrassed and confused. Karen arrived with drinks brought by her assistants. "What's wrong with your face? It's all red," Karen remarked when she saw Bryan's flushed complexion. It was unusual for Bryan to act that way. Angeline emerged from the dressing room looking much more composed and unembarrassed. Karen noticed the tension between them. "You didn't take the dress, did you? Why don't we talk about it over a cup of tea?" Karen suggested. "I'm sorry, but we have to go. Maybe another time," Bryan declined, and Karen nodded in understanding. They remained silent and tense for the rest of the trip. Bryan couldn't concentrate on his documents; he just kept scrolling up and down on his tablet. He couldn't read anything and soon began to feel dizzy, so he closed his tablet. Bryan looked at Angeline who was looking out of the window. He was still confused by her actions earlier and couldn't help but be curious. "Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Bryan asked worriedly. "My stomach... it's been hurting since last night and it seems to be getting worse," Angeline groaned, clutching her stomach. She winced in pain and curled up. "Why does your stomach hurt?" Bryan asked, confused, and Angeline shook her head. "Hold on, we're going to the hospital," Bryan ordered his driver. "Hello, John. Can you postpone your meeting for about... an hour? I have to go to the hospital now," Bryan told John over the phone. "All right, Mr. President." John, who was already in the middle of a meeting with the executives, explained the situation as best he could and rescheduled the meeting. Bryan and Angeline arrived at the hospital. Angeline was in so much pain that she couldn't even get out of the car. Bryan had to carry her into the emergency room (ER). Doctors and nurses quickly arrived to give Angeline initial treatment. Bryan waited anxiously in the hallway while the medical team worked on her. He was puzzled because Angeline had seemed fine when they left the boutique. Half an hour later, the doctor came out and met with Bryan. "How is Angeline, Doctor?" Bryan asked. "Miss Angeline had some stomach cramps due to her menstrual cycle. We're giving her painkillers and an IV drip because she's quite weak." Bryan breathed a sigh of relief, reassured that Angeline wasn't in any serious condition. Angeline was then moved to a VVIP room after John arrived and took care of everything. An hour had passed and Angeline woke up feeling weak. She realized that she was in a hospital room, which was spacious and resembled a hotel suite with a living room area, complete with a sofa and a large TV. "Are you awake now?" Bryan asked, still in the room waiting for Angeline to wake up. "I'll call the doctor," said John, who was also waiting, and left the room. When Angeline tried to sit up, Bryan gently held her down. "I'm sorry for the trouble, Bryan. But why are you still here? Don't you have an important meeting?" Angeline said in a quiet voice, trying to explain herself. "Why didn't you tell me you were in pain?" Bryan asked quietly this time, his concern obvious. "I didn't want to bother you or interfere with your plans." Bryan moved closer to Angeline and touched her face gently. "You will never inconvenience me, Angeline. Your health is more important. I was worried about you." Angeline smiled faintly. "Thank you, Bryan." They sat together in silence for a while, Bryan still holding Angeline's hand. Despite the unexpected turn of events, they both felt that something was changing between them - a growing feeling, though they didn't fully understand it yet. The doctor returned and checked Angeline's condition again. "Has your menstruation been regular all this time?" the doctor asked, not having had a chance to inquire earlier due to Angeline's weakness when she first arrived. "No, I haven't had my period in over two months," Angeline replied. "You should have come to the hospital for an examination." "Is it a serious condition, Doctor?" Bryan interjected. "Because her menstruation is irregular. During menstruation, her uterus contracts to expel clotted blood. However, after running several tests, we found nothing serious to worry about. She just needs plenty of rest and should avoid stress. She should also increase her intake of fruits and vegetables. Excuse me," the doctor said before leaving the room. "I'm sorry," Angeline said, feeling guilty. Bryan closed his eyes and tried to contain his frustration. "It's not like I wanted you to get sick like this. You know, I don't have the money for medical treatment. And I thought everything would be fine because I've never felt sick before." "Stop talking and just concentrate on your treatment. You... are really good at making people worry," Bryan said firmly. Angeline fell silent, absorbing Bryan's words. She looked at Bryan, who seemed different from his usual self. Was Bryan really worried about her? Angeline was still in the hospital, having breakfast. After the nurse came to clean her up, she started to eat the breakfast that had just been served. However, Angeline felt uneasy and kept looking over to the sofa. There was Bryan, busy with his tablet. Occasionally he received phone calls and spoke in different languages, making Angeline wonder how many languages he knew. John came in with a change of clothes and breakfast for Bryan, a cup of hot coffee and warm waffles. "Here you go, Mr. President. Is today's meeting still on hold?" John asked. Bryan glanced over at Angeline, who quickly looked away and played with her phone. "Yes-" "Why?" Angeline interjected loudly. Bryan and John looked at her in surprise.