GOLDEN GIRL

CHAPTER 51

Jason's POV

After leaving Shay's office, I went up to the 12th floor to the conference room where the meeting was being held. Soon after I arrived, people started coming in as well, taking their seats around the large rectangular table with files or folders in hand.

I was already seated, waiting for all the board members and department team leaders to arrive. To distract myself from what Shay had said to me just moments ago, I looked to the side and watched two guys setting up the projector and computer nearby.

I was one step closer to getting her back, but everything went wrong when she chose to listen to that little devil on her shoulder—the one that kept reminding her of my mistake. I know she still feels the same about me; otherwise, she wouldn't have kissed me back the way she just did. She still wants me, and I want her back too. 

I want to ask for a second chance, but why does it have to be this complicated?

She finally arrived in the conference room, taking a seat just a couple of chairs away from me near the head of the table. Once everyone was seated, the meeting began. Falcon Group's head company secretary started by presenting a slideshow about the company's current budget, profit layouts, and ongoing sales projects with their profit rates.

I couldn't focus. Every five minutes, I found myself glancing at her. Were there any other ways to get her to finally forgive me?

C'mon, Jason, think!

What could I possibly do to make her forgive me and give me another chance?

Halfway through the meeting, just as another team leader was about to begin their presentation, the door suddenly opened. Shay's assistant hurried inside, walking straight over to her and whispering something in her ear. The meeting came to an abrupt stop as everyone stared in confusion.

Her expression shifted to alarm, and she quickly stood up from the table, glancing around the room.

"I'm so sorry, everyone. I need to leave due to a family emergency. Please continue the meeting without me."

She left in a hurry, and her assistant grabbed her notepad and other belongings before following her out.

I was confused. Whatever had just happened, it couldn't be good—she wouldn't have looked that panicked otherwise. Without a second thought, I stood up and left the room, going after her. I didn't care about the meeting. The only thing that mattered to me now was making sure she was okay.

By the time I reached the elevators, she was already inside, and the doors had closed. I quickly turned and pressed the button for the next available one.

A minute later, the doors opened, and I stepped in. When I arrived at the lobby, I spotted her heading straight outside. I jogged after her, slipping through the revolving door just in time to grab her wrist before she could get into her car, which was parked out front.

Her eyes were distant, and she looked shaken.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

She pulled her hand away and reached for the car door, but I pushed it back to close it.

"Jason... please go. I don't want to talk to you right now," she said weakly.

I grabbed her arm and gently turned her to face me.

"We don't have to talk. Just tell me what happened and where you need to go."

"Please stay out of this. It's none of your business."

"I can't," I said firmly. "Not when you're in this state. I don't think you should be driving anywhere right now, so just tell me what happened."

She hesitated, her eyes filled with uncertainty. Then, with a sigh, she leaned her back against the car.

"My dad collapsed. He's at the hospital right now."

I was caught off guard. I hadn't expected that. More importantly, I hadn't expected her to react like this. I thought she hated her family. But I guess family is still family. No matter how much you resent them, there will always be a small part of your heart that cares.

"Give me your keys. I'll drive you to the hospital," I said.

She scowled. "I told you to stay out of this. I'll drive there myself."

Ignoring her protest, I took the keys from her hand and looked directly into her eyes.

"This isn't up for discussion. Now get in the car."

She glared at me for a long moment before finally walking to the passenger side and getting in. Holding back a triumphant smile, I got in as well and started the car, driving towards the hospital.

We didn't talk much on the way. She stared out the window the entire time, lost in thought. I figured she wasn't in the mood for conversation.

When we arrived at the hospital, I parked in the lot. She quickly stepped out of the car and made her way inside without saying a word. I pocketed her keys and followed closely behind.

At the front desk, she spoke briefly with a nurse before heading toward the elevators. I quickened my pace and stepped inside just as the doors were closing.

She shot me a look, rolled her eyes, and then reached out to press the button for the tenth floor.

Shay's POV

I still can't comprehend why he's coming with me. I was hoping he would just drop me off at the hospital and go back to the company, but here he is, in the elevator with me, on our way up to see Dad.

I still can't believe what happened to him. I thought he was keeping up with his regular medical checkups, so how the hell did this happen?

We finally reach the tenth floor. The moment the elevator doors slide open, I quickly step out and spot Shanelle and Shelby standing nearby, looking visibly worried. I approach them, and Shelby turns toward me—but her eyes quickly snap to Jason, standing right behind me.

"How's Dad? Is he okay?"

Her fierce blue eyes snap back to me before she turns away without a word.

What the hell is her problem?

"He's in the ICU, but the doctor said they'll move him to a private room soon. We can't see him yet," Shanelle informs me in a disheartened tone.

I rub my hands along my arms and slowly turn back to Jason, though I avoid looking at him. I was so worried for a moment there—I don't think I can handle losing another family member at this point in my life. Even if they don't mean as much to me these days, the thought still unsettles me.

Jason steps a little closer, offering a small, reassuring smile as he places his hand on my arm. A part of me wants to push him away again, to ask him to leave. But I don't. Not yet anyway.

The familiar comfort of having him by my side in this situation is enough to drive my anxiety away. He makes me feel like I'm not alone in facing this.

And I hate to admit it, but I'm actually glad he's here with me right now.