Unmasking the Heart

The hospital hallways felt quieter at night, the hum of machines and the occasional shuffle of nurses breaking the stillness. Joi sat by the window in her room, her legs curled beneath her as she gazed at the city lights in the distance. She had regained her strength enough to move around, but her heart felt heavier with each passing day.

Adrian hadn't visited her since their last conversation. She had expected nothing less from him, but the hollow ache left by his absence gnawed at her. Sophia, however, came daily, her smiles warm and her words laced with what Joi thought was kindness.

Mrs. Catlin fussed over her endlessly, bringing fresh soups and ensuring she was comfortable. Ruby, the puppy Adrian had saved, had been allowed into the hospital briefly to cheer Joi up. The little creature's energy and affection brought a rare smile to her lips.

"Ruby's been such a sweetheart," Mrs. Catlin said one evening, stroking the puppy's fur as Joi held him close. "Adrian made sure Alexander took care of him while you were unconscious."

Joi glanced at the little puppy, who wagged his tail as if understanding the conversation. For a moment, warmth flickered in her chest. Adrian had thought of Ruby.

But the thought quickly soured. He can think of a puppy but not stay long enough to see if I'm fine?

She looked away, burying her face in Ruby's soft fur.

Sophia entered the room moments later, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor. She carried a small bouquet of lilies, their fragrance subtle yet sweet. "Joi, how are you feeling today?" she asked, placing the flowers on the bedside table.

"I'm fine," Joi replied, her tone polite but distant.

Sophia settled into the chair beside her. "You look much better than when I first saw you. It's such a relief to see you recovering so well." She tilted her head, her eyes soft with concern. "Adrian's been buried in work lately, but I know he's thinking of you."

Joi stiffened slightly at the mention of Adrian, but she forced a faint smile. "He's busy. I understand."

Sophia's expression shifted subtly, her lips curving into a sympathetic smile. "You're such a strong person, Joi. I don't know if I could be so composed after everything you've been through."

Joi didn't respond, instead turning her gaze back to the window.

Sophia stood, smoothing her skirt as she moved toward the door. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I'm here for you." Her voice was warm, but as she left, a flicker of satisfaction crossed her face. Joi's guarded demeanor only made her work easier.

Meanwhile, Anna's plan was inching closer to execution. From the confines of her recovery at home, she orchestrated her moves carefully. The public was already buzzing about her supposed mistreatment. Tabloids had begun picking up the story, painting her as a victim of Adrian's cold, unyielding nature.

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, continued to push the narrative, ensuring that whispers reached the ears of influential people. Adrian's silence about the matter only added fuel to the fire, as it was interpreted as guilt rather than indifference.

But Anna wanted more. She wanted Adrian to suffer—not just emotionally but publicly. She arranged for a high-profile charity gala, where she planned to confront Adrian under the guise of peace. She wanted the world to see her vulnerability, to sympathize with her, and to question Adrian's choices.

It was a bold move, but Anna thrived on boldness.

As the days passed, Joi kept herself occupied, spending time with Ruby and Mrs. Catlin. She avoided Adrian entirely, their last conversation still fresh in her mind.

Her resolve to distance herself from him grew stronger with each passing day. When Adrian finally came to see her, she was polite but detached, answering his questions with short, indifferent responses.

"Are you comfortable?" Adrian asked during one of his rare visits, his voice as cold and unreadable as ever.

"Yes." Joi didn't look up from the book in her hands.

Adrian lingered for a moment before turning to leave. Joi didn't stop him.

Sophia noticed the growing gap between them and seized the opportunity to deepen it further. She continued to shower Joi with attention, subtly undermining Adrian in her words.

Joi's resolve to distance herself from him solidified with every passing day. Joi no longer waited for the sound of his footsteps or the familiar timbre of his voice. When Adrian finally visited her, his presence felt more like an obligation than care.

"Are you comfortable?" His voice was as cold and detached as the man himself, his expression a mask of indifference.

"Yes," Joi replied curtly, not sparing him a glance as she flipped another page of her book.

Adrian lingered, his shadow stretching across the room like a question left unanswered. For a moment, his lips parted as if he wanted to say something more, but instead, he turned and left without another word. Joi didn't look up, didn't call him back. She simply let the door close behind him, her fingers tightening around the book as the echo faded.

The gap between them widened like a chasm, and Sophia was quick to notice. Her visits became more frequent, her presence warm and unassuming. She brought small gifts, told lighthearted stories, and sat by Joi's side as if she were an old friend.

"Adrian's always been difficult to read," Sophia remarked during one visit, her tone soft but laced with subtle suggestion. "But I know he cares. He just… shows it differently."

Joi said nothing, her silence fueling Sophia's carefully chosen words. With each conversation, Sophia planted quiet doubts, painting Adrian as distant and incapable of genuine affection. Joi didn't realize how easily she was being drawn in, her frustrations with Adrian blinding her to Sophia's ulterior motives.

Adrian, however, wasn't as unaffected as he appeared. Though he buried himself in work, his thoughts often drifted to Joi. Her silence, her distance—it unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite understand.

He found himself pausing outside her hospital room one evening, his hand on the door handle. But instead of going inside, he turned away, his expression hardened. This is for the best, he told himself.

But deep down, he knew it wasn't.

Sophia's and Anna's plans began to converge in subtle ways, though neither woman fully trusted the other. Sophia played the long game, ensuring she remained in Adrian's good graces while quietly setting traps for Joi.

Anna, on the other hand, thrived in the chaos, her actions more reckless but equally effective.