Chapter 15
The production’s medic rushed over, first aid kit at the ready. With a few deft slices, he cleared away Xavier’s pant leg, exposing the raw wound to the anxious crowd.
“A rock chip must’ve flown up and nicked him. The fabric didn’t stand a chance,” the medic stated, his tone clinical
Achorus of sharp intakes filled the air as the group took in the bleeding mess. That’s gonna need stitches, right?” someone ventured. their voice laced with concem.
The medic gave a curt nod. “Yeah, definitely”
Xavier, on the other hand, was taking it all in stride. “Could be worse. Missed the arteries and nerves, and it’s better than a bone break from a tumble, right?”
Danny was on the verge of tears. This wasn’t the kind of drama they needed, and he was anxious about how to account for the situation 10 Johnny and Rachel.
Xavier turned to the medic, a hopeful lilt in his voice. “Can you stitch it up here”
The medic paused, then shook his head. “Not the best environment. We should get to the hospital in the town. Il clean it out an the bleeding for now,
and
stop
Everyone was acutely aware they were dealing with the Sanchez family’s one and only son.
Xavier, usually known for his fiery temper, was remarkably at ease, stretching his leg out nonchalantly. “Alright, do what you think is best”
The medic swiftly gathered iodine, cotton, and gauze, ready to tend to the wound.
Xavier, not keen on watching the proceedings, shifted his focus to Yasmine, considering the idea of seeking comfort from her. He found. her sincere efforts to console others strangely charming.
But when he looked for her, she had vanished. On a second look, he noticed she’d been pushed to the edge of the gathering, standing. there, eyes brimming with tears, a look of helplessness on her face. She seemed as if she might dissipate with the next strong breeze.
Xavier waved her over. “Yasmine, come here”
Yasmine took a couple of shaky steps forward, then halted.
“Did that scene scare her? Concerned, Xavier motioned to a crew member. Bring her over here.
With a nod, the crew member ushered Yasmine gently back to Xavier. At a nearer view, it was clear her face had turned pale, her gaze was distant, and her body was quivering.
Xavier tried to soothe her. “It’s just a scratch from a rock. It has nothing to do with you. Why the tears?”
Yasmine barely managed to utter, her voice barely there. “Are are you going to die?”
Xavier sensed her concern that he might not pull through, and he felt the urge to envelop her in a comforting embrace, but the medic barked, “No! Stay still, Mr. Sanchez! Watch that wound.”
Xavier had to settle for a gentle pat on Yasmine’s back. “I’ll be heading to Winter County Hospital. You wait for me here, okay?” he said.
his voice soli.
The panic on Yasmine’s face deepened. She clutched his sleeve tightly. “Will you come back?”
Sure thing. show’s not wrapped up yet.”
“Are you really not going to die?”
do I look like I’m on my way out?
Yasmine slowly, cautiously nodded, then released her grip on his sleeve,
10:07 AM c.
Chapter 13
a twinge of
Xavier observed her for a moment, anticipating that she would insist on joining him at the hospital. When she didn’t, a disappointment hit him, yet he also realized that her presence would only intensify the chaos.
Take her to get cleaned up. Xavier instructed a crew member.
The crew member slapped his forehead. “Oli, right. It slipped my mind.”
Yasmine’s face and neck were streaked with tears, mud, and a bit of blood–likely from Xavier’s injury.
The crew member took her aside, found a house to get some hot water, and used a compressed towel from the car to clean Yasmine’s face
She sat there, listless, as the crew member tended to her. When he wiped her face, she shuddered slightly. The crew member took i closer look and noticed a cut on her forehead.
“So the blood was yours. Does it hurt? Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, his brow furrowing with worry.
Yasmine shook her head and whispered, “It’s fine.
“How can it be fine? the crew member questioned helplessly, looking around for the doctor. However, the doctor had already departed with Xavier in the car, taking a different route to the hospital.
At a loss, the crew member rummaged through his bag for a band–aid and iodine swab, then went to find Yasmine again. She was still sitting there, unmoving.
As he approached, he overheard her muttering softly, I really na jinx.
A pang of sympathy struck the crew member’s chest. “Yasmine, you…” he began, but Yasmine immediately cast her eyes downward and closed her mouth.
With a sigh, the crew member disinfected her wound with the iodine swab, and she didn’t even flinch. It seemed all her tears had been from the fear that Xavier might not survive.
His mood grew complex as he applied the band aid. “When you study geography, you’ll learn that natural disasters like this are quite common. You’re not a jinx,” he reassured her, trying to offer comfort
Jessica’s day took an unexpected twist when she heard Xavier got hurt while protecting Yasmine. She had to bite her tongue to keep from giggling. Perfect. The Sanches would hate Yasmine now, No matter how much Xavier adores her, they’ll never take her in, she mused, relishing the situation.
Jessica hurried down the stairs, her face a picture of concern as she approached Johnny. “Mr. Sanchez, I heard Xavier’s been injured. Is it serious?”
Johnny brushed off her concern with a flick of his hand. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
Jessica pressed on, “Should we go and see him?
Johnny paused contemplating her question, “Do you want to?”
Jessica nodded vigorously, her excitement barely contained. With Yasmine left alone in Lexcrity and Xavier at Winter County Hospital, this could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen her bond with Johnny.
“Let’s go then,” Johnny agreed without hesitation
sara was elated, but she maintained her innocent facade. But where’s Mrs. Sanchez? Isn’t she joining us?”
Johnny kept it brief. “She’s tied up
Jesica murmured under her breath, “Xavier will be disappointed if he can’t see his mom, I bet.” What she was really thinking was that Rachel, as a mother, was seriously lacking
Johnny let out a chuckle “Xavier’s probably relieved to miss his mom.”
“Really Why Jessica pondered if there was a falling out between Xavier and his mother, considering it an unexpected boon. She had
10:07 AM
Chapter 13
never liked Rachel in the first place.
But Johnny seemed disinclined to discuss it further
Soon after, a servant packed Jessica’s bags, and they were on their way to the city with an airport near Lexcrity
Thanks to Johnny, Jessica got her first taste of first–class travel. It seemed a shame not to share the experience, even if it was
for a
shoot
She quickly pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures inside the cabin. Once they landed, she quietly set up a Twitter account and posted the photos with the caption: Thanks, my charming tall one.”
After that. Jessica tucked her phone away and looked over at Johnny, only to find him narrowing his eyes at someone. “Hmm? That guy looks familiar. Isn’t he the Kendricks‘ rowdy son?”
Jessica’s curiosity was piqued as she wondered, The Kendricks? The ones who own those fancy brands and are the big cheeses in high society? She followed Johnny’s gaze to see a tall, slim figure in a black trench coat, surrounded by bodyguards, disappearing into the crowd at the busy airport.
After that brief comment, Johnny didn’t mention the Kendricks son again. Once they landed, they drove straight to Winter County Hospital.
[Yasmine’s life in Lexcrity seemed less fascinating now that Xavier was injured.]
[Whoa, Jessica followed Johnny to the hospital to visit Xavier! This part just got more interesting!]
Gotta go
Yasmine’s viewership took a nosedive.
But as Jessica and Johnny arrived at the hospital, another black Maybach made its grand entrance into Lexcrity along a dirt road. Inside, Alaric questioned coldly. “Are all the roads here this terrible”
“There’s a better one, but there was a landslide. It even injured Mr. Sanchez, the driver replied.
“He deserved it, Alaric remarked, and the driver fell silent.
Alaric asked again. “Do I have to stay at Yasmine’s house like him?”
“It seems the production team has arranged it that way, the driver said.
Alaric’s voice was stern as he closed his eyes. “That’s not good for her. I’m not as easygoing as Xavier.”
After a while, the driver announced their arrival and opened the door for Albric, who stepped out and strode away from the car.
For the viewers still tuned into Yasmine’s stream, there was a sudden gasp.
[Holy crap! Alaric!]
[Speaking of the devil.. Xavier just toki
ld Yasmine to steer clear from Alaric, and now he’s here!]
Ө
