Chapter 43: It Hurts So Much

Julian had always hated staying in the hospital. Being in a hospital gave him a sense of helplessness, as if he was under someone else's control. All he wanted now was to go home, even if it meant being alone in the villa. Just as he left the hospital and sat down in his car, his phone rang. The hospital was quick to report his departure to his mother, Madison. Madison was in a panic, not understanding what her son was thinking. He was in such bad shape, yet instead of staying in the hospital to recover, he suddenly decided to leave. The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, calling Julian repeatedly. He refused to answer each call. Finally, overwhelmed by the endless ringing, Julian picked up the phone. As soon as he answered, Madison's frantic voice came through, "Thank goodness you answered! The hospital just called me—they said you insisted on leaving, and you hadn't even finished your IV. What on earth are you thinking? Do you have any idea how bad your condi