Chapter 16 Chapter 16 : Love Has a Way of Spilling Out from Your Eyes I helped Julian to the surgical treatment room . The doctor bandaged his wound and asked if he wanted to call the police . I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach . After all , Hayden hadn't held back . Julian was genuinely hurt , and his face had taken a hit . If the police got involved , Hayden could be in real trouble . " Julian ... " Julian glanced at me , offering a small , reassuring smile before declining the doctor's suggestion . " It's nothing , really . No need to bother the cops over something so minor . I'll be fine after a few days of rest . " After we left the treatment room , I pulled Julian to a less crowded corner and apologized sincerely . " ... I'll cover all of your medical bills . And for pain and suffering , emotional distress , whatever - just name a price . I won't argue . A bandage was wrapped around Julian's head . He looked at me and chuckled softly . " Even if someone's paying , it should be your brother . " " I'll pay on his behalf . " Julian crossed his arms , a knowing smile playing on his lips as he watched me . " You love him . " " ... He's my brother . Of course I love him . " " No , I mean * that * kind of love . The romantic kind . " I jolted , my head snapping up to look at him . Julian said , " You can drop the act . The whole ' brother and sister ' thing ... I saw right through it the moment I walked into your house for dinner . " I lowered my head , a bitter smile on my face . " Is it that obvious ? " " You know how they say that when you truly love socone , even if you keep your mouth shut , the love just spills out of your eyes ? " Now that I'd been exposed , I felt a strange sense of relief , " Do you think I'm a total freak ? For being in love with my own brother . " " I just finally understand why you looked so heartbroken that day , standing all alone on the side of the road . " " Do you think I'm a monster ? " 1/4 Chapter 16 " No. I'm actually jealous of you ," he said . " Most people in this world go their entire lives without ever knowing what it feels like to love someone with everything you've got . " I managed a slight curve of my lips . " Are all you artist types this dramatic ? " Julian said , " Let's just say our deal is officially over . " I nodded . " Okay . " " Come on , let's go back . I'll help you finish playing out this last scene . " Julian and I returned to the hospital room . Mr. Hughes was still lying in bed . Hayden sat in the visitor's chair beside him and didn't even bother to look up . Isabelle was the only one who stood to greet us . " Aubrey , how is he ? Is Julian's injury okay ? " I forced a smile to reassure her . " It's not a huge deal , but he'll need to rest for a few days . " " I just spoke with Hayden . He said he'll take care of all the medical expenses . ' " Good , " I said . " But he still needs to apologize . Attacking someone for no reason ... we're lucky he wasn't hurt worse ... " The more I spoke , the hoarser my voice became . I hadn't had a sip of water in hours . Finally , my throat felt so dry and scratchy it was about to crack , and I couldn't make a sound . Julian said , " There's a vending machine outside . I'll go get you a bottle of water . " " She can't drink cold water , " Hayden cut in , standing up . " Where's the thermos ? I'll go get some hot water . " I swallowed hard a few times , trying to force the rasp out of my voice . " You don't have to . Cold is fine , I can get it myself ... " " If you can't drink it , you can't drink it ! What are you trying to prove ?! " Hayden's sudden outburst caught me completely off guard . " Did you eat dynamite for breakfast or something ? Why are you snapping at everyone - cough , cough , cough ... " I could no longer suppress the raw , tickling dryness in my throat , and I coughed until tears welled up in my eyes . Julian moved to pat my back , but Hayden shoved him away . " Don't touch her ! " Caught by surprise , Julian stumbled backward and slammed hard against the wall . Rage flared up inside me , and I used all my strength to push Hayden away . " Are you insane ? " 2/4 Chapter 16 " * You're the one who's insane ! I don't know where you dredged up this fake boyfriend to fool the family , but what the hell are you trying to do ? " I laughed . " What am I trying to do ? I'm trying to find my own happiness ! Is it only okay for you to find your true love , but I'm not allowed to - cough , cough ... " Hayden looked like he was about to say more , but when he heard my uncontrollable coughing , he grabbed the thermos and stormed out of the room . He was back in a flash , moving with long , purposeful strides . He was holding the thermos , a bottle of cold mineral water , and a small box that looked like medicine . Isabelle asked , " Hayden , what's that ? " " Glucose . " " What do you need glucose for ? " " Someone can't drink plain water . A little glucose makes it sweet ." Wand With that , he skillfully poured some hot water , mixed in the cold water to get the temperature just right , and then stirred in some of the glucose powder . He held the cup out to me . " It's warm . And sweet . Drink it . " I just stared , stunned . He wasn't supposed to remember , was he ? " You don't have to go through all this trouble . Just give me the mineral water ... " Hayden's brow furrowed with impatience . " Stop talking and drink ! " One sip of the sweet , warm water soothed my throat , and the urge to cough finally subsided . Isabelle reached for the empty cup in my hand , but Hayden was faster . He took it , then immediately mixed another identical cup for me . " Have another . " " That's enough , I'm fine now . " " With a throat like that , you need to drink more . " " I really don't want any more . " Hayden frowned . " Hurry up . Just listen . " He shoved the cup into my hands without another word , leaving me holding it awkwardly . Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed , Julian watched the scene with an amused expression , as if he were watching a play . Isabelle , on the other hand , looked completely bewildered . 3/4 Chapter 16 Only Mr. Hughes was looking down with a faint , deeply satisfied smile . " Aubrey . " " Mr. Hughes ? " " Listen to Hayden . Drink it . " Since Mr. Hughes had spoken , I had no reason to refuse , I could only drink the second cup . " Julian , " Mr. Hughes called out . " You've really had a tough day today . " Julian replied , " Not at all , sir . You're too kind . " " You came here to help us with an act , and you ended up being a chauffeur and getting punched . We're truly sorry about that . " I froze . " Mr. Hughes , what are you talking about ... ? " " Still trying to fool me ? I asked you two to kiss earlier just to test if you were really dating . But looking at things now , the kiss isn't necessary . I see everything clearly . " " Mr. Hughes ... " " That's enough . I may be sick , but I'm not an idiot . I've watched you grow up since you were a child . You think I can't tell when you actually like someone ? " Mr. Hughes then turned to Julian . " Julian , you should go home and take care of your injury . Don't worry about the costs ; our family will take full responsibility . " Julian smiled and nodded . " Alright , I won't refuse then . Mr. Hughes , I wish you a speedy recovery . " " I'll walk you out , " I said , starting to get up . Julian waved me off . " You should stay here with your family . I'll see myself out . " After Julian left , Mr. Hughes turned to Isabelle . " Ms. Pearson , you should head home as well . Hayden and Aubrey are here , and that's enough . You're not family , so it's not appropriate for you to be here . " Isabelle looked mortified . Hayden had just fought with his father over her . Right now , he was a powder keg , and any mention of Isabelle was liable to set him off again . Seeing the look on his face , I quickly grabbed his arm , shaking my head with a frown . " Mr. Hughes is still sick . Don't provoke him again . " " But Isabelle ... " 1 patted his sleeve reassuringly . " I'll figure something out . "