Earl was not surprised Edward was going out of his way to see Cosette’s brother again. He knew he still cared for her even if Edward was in denial
As soon as they arrived at the hospital, the hospital dean himself came out to meet them. Charles Sheer walked over, his face grave.
“Have you come to see Stuart?” He asked Edward, holding the door open as they entered the building.
“How is he doing?” Edward asked.
“He is doing much better. It was mostly the fault of the doctor on duty today. He has been in stable condition lately, today was simply a mistake.” Charles explained.
Edward nodded with relief hearing Charles words.
“I can bring you up there if you would like?” Charlie offered.
“Sure.”
Charles led Edward toward Stuart 's room.
“Has Cosette been informed yet?” Edward asked Charles on the way up.
“No, we have been unable to reach her. Since you are the first one of his lists you were contacted first.” Charles explained.
Edward did not reply. Charles glanced at Edward and seeing his face, he did not say anything else.
They walked into Stuarts' room.
The 17-year-old was wearing a hospital gown and was lying on the bed, holding a book in his hand. He did not seem to notice they entered until Charles coughed. Stuarts' head popped up and his eyes flashed with surprise seeing Edward at his door.
"Edward, you are here!" Stuart said.
Edward nodded, unable to hide a small smile as he looked into Stuart's happy eyes, which were similar to Cosette's in every way.
"Thank you, Charles. We would like some privacy now if you do not mind." Edward said softly.
Charles nodded curtly, turning to exit the room without another word.
“What are you doing here today?” Stuart sat up, closing the book, and putting it on the side table.
"I had something to do here today. Charles told me about your situation, so I came by to visit you." Edward explained dismissively. Edward changed the topic quickly before Stuart could ask more questions.
“So, what happened today?” Edward asked.
Stuart explained quickly. Edward listened patiently to the explanation.
“Last time I talked to my sister she was working again and was super busy with her new job and that is why she has not been around lately. She is really awesome though; you should meet her.” Stuart grinned. “Next time she comes I will forcefully introduce you guys maybe! She is gorgeous believe me. And she is brilliant at everything she does.”
Edward smiled as Stuart continued talking up his sister.
Stuart, of course, did not know that he knew exactly how brilliant and beautiful Cosette was. Edwards' face dropped.
Stuart noticed the change in Edwards expression
"What's wrong? You look upset."
"I was thinking about this disobedient little wild cat," Edward said.
"Little wild cat?" Stuart asked, visibly confused and surprised.
"Yes, I kept this little wild cat for a few years, but today she ran away with others," Edward said.
"Oh, well I am sorry to hear you lost your cat. Perhaps it will come back? Cats come back sometimes.” Stuart suggested.
Edward smiled, his mood improving. “I have to head off, but you take care and keep in touch. Take care of yourself kid.” He smiled down at Stuart.
“Aw, okay. Wish you could stay longer but I understand.” Stuart nodded.
Stuart watched Edward walk out, feeling a twinge of disappointment. He was rather starved for attention and he honestly thought Cosette and Edward would hit it off if they met each other.
Once Edward left the hospital, he did not go back to work at his company but instead headed back directly to his apartment. As soon as he walked in, Rosie rushed to her bedroom door.
Seeing Edward, Rosie’s face showed some shock, but she lingered by her door and did not come out.
Edward was about to ask what was wrong when the problem answered for him.
“Edward darling! You are home!” Leyla rushed down the stairs.
Edward sighed, looking back at Rosie, half hidden behind her door frame.
“Rosie, you should head back to the villa.” He instructed.
“Very well boss.” Rosie turned back into her room without another word.
Edward walked up the stairs, not even looking at Leyla. Leyla followed him up unhappily.
Edward went into his room trying to shut the door behind him, but Leyla blocked the door.
Leyla’s face was no longer gentle or beautiful. She was angry and jealous.
“What is the matter with you? She left you! She does not want you! How could you treat me like this I am your fiancé!” Leyla hissed between clenched teeth.
Edward looked at her, his eyes cold. But he remained silent.
His lack of response only made her angrier. “Wake up!” She hit her hand against his chest, her voice becoming shrill. “She does not love you! She wants nothing to do with you she told me she would never go near you again!”
Edward jerked forward pushing her against the wall, his hand resting against her throat. “I do hope for your sake Cosette’s injury had nothing to do with you. If it did…” He stepped back, releasing her.
Edward did not finish, nor did he need to. Leyla knew what he meant. She knew better than anyone how cruel Edward could be.
“How could you do this to me?” Leyla whispered, her face pale.
Edward sneered: "You would be smart to not forget how your family managed to get success in New York."
How could Leyla possibly forget that? It was one of the most humiliating day of her life.
Once upon a time, Leyla’s uncle had saved Edward’s grandfather and Leyla’s father had pleaded for assistance from the Coton family when first taking off in New York. Edwards' family was obligated to help due to the past between the families, but that fact did not make it any less humiliating for Leyla.
Edward left the room, leaving Leyla to slide to the floor in anguish and embarrassment.
After a moment, her sadness turned to anger.
Anger at her cheating fiancé and the girl who allowed it to happen, then smile to her face as if she did no wrong.
Even after Cosette was gone she was creating issues.
Back at the hospital, a week had gone by since Cosette’s injury. Cosette was growing increasingly restless and was desperate to be discharged.
Every day, Ethan would come to visit.
"Coco, the doctor said you still need to rest for a full recovery. What if no one takes care of you after you leave?" Ethan asked when Cosette would complain about the length of her stay.
"Ethan, I know how I feel, and I know I feel better. Please do not prolong this to make your paranoia feel better. I am fine.” Cosette sighed back.