Chapter 5: Dire consequences

Aria ran towards Noah's ward.

'He was perfectly fine a few moments before. What could have happened ?' she thought. Her thoughts immediately vanished when she heard a loud crash from his ward. The moment she entered the room, she had to duck as something was hurled at her.

"Oh, my pretty face." She patted her face, thanking the gods for her fast reflexes, before raising her head to look at the intimidating man.

"Who the hell are you?" Noah questioned, glaring at Aria.

"And who do you think you are?" she questioned back, furious.

Noah was taken aback. "Don't you know I am?"

"If you are asking about the patient, Noah, then I know you. But if you are asking about the Business King, Noah, then I don't."

"Your misbehavior will lead to dire consequences, lady."

"And yours, to death." Aria retorted.

Noah stared at her in shock. Not many people had the guts to threaten him with his life and the ones who did, were lying buried in the graveyard. He had to give credit to the woman's courage. Noah was unable to comprehend why he hadn't strangled her already. He found the situation oddly amusing.

"Why was I not informed of a tornado? Hmm. I am lucky to have evaded it." Aria rebuked studying the room. Although the man had not moved an inch, except lying down to sitting, the entire room was a mess.

Noah remained silent observing her every move.

"Do you have no regard for your life?" Aria queried looking at Noah's gown which was covered with bloodstains.

"What do you mean?"

"Mr. Carter, you had been shot by a bullet a few days back and have had open-heart surgery. Instead of resting, you have strained yourself, causing the wounds to open up. Do you have any idea how foolish you are?"

Aria had her eyes on his gown, so she could not see his darkened face.

'This damn woman. I need to teach her a lesson.'

"Why did the temperature drop suddenly?" Aria mused, shivering.

Clearing her throat, she continued. "Also, I expect an apology. You could have injured me quite badly when you threw something at me. By the way, what was that?" Aria turned back to get the medical tray and completely disregarded his darkened face.

"Mr. Carter, please lie down." Aria gently pushed Noah to lie on the bed. She then pressed the button to raise the backrest until he was in a comfortable position. Despite the fact that Noah wanted to kill the woman, he followed her instructions.

"This might sting a little. I'll give you painkillers if you are in pain, once I am done."

Aria made a cut through his gown. She removed the bloody bandage, cleaned his wounds, and stitched the opened gash. She then wrapped gauze around his chest.

When Aria leaned in to drape the gauze over Noah's shoulder, he inhaled her scent which immediately calmed his nerves. He was surprised by the effect she had on him, in spite of the fact that she was a mere stranger.

"I recommend you to take rest for a few days Mr. Carter. Your injury is still fresh and may open up again. Yeah, thinking about it, I was wondering what made you all hyped up?" Aria enquired, pulling back.

Noah frowned. How could he tell her the reason for his behavior? As soon as he had woken up, all the memories came rushing back. He still could remember the woman's face who had deceived him. The one thing he hated the most was betrayal and he regretted trusting her ever.

Seeing Noah wordless, Aria teased, "Cat got your tongue, Mr. Carter?"

Noah flashed a smile, making Aria gawk at him.

"Oh the man smiles and here I was thinking, I will only see a domineering face. I must say you have an enchanting smile. Please do smile more."

Noah laughed at her suggestion. Aria gaped at him in astonishment. His deep laugh ignited an unknown emotion within her.

"Do you like my smile?" Noah asked, gazing at her intently.

"Who wouldn't like it when you are greeted with a beautiful smile, Mr. Carter? Just imagine when you go to work and find people giving you a cold and intimidating look. How would you feel?"

Noah, at once, imagined Aria giving him a cold look. He immediately cleared his thoughts when he realized he didn't like it at all.

"Let me help you with the gown," Aria said pulling out a new gown from the cupboard.

At that moment there was a knock at the door. The bodyguards peeked a little, praying the gods to save their lives, before pushing the door open and letting themselves in. They were rendered speechless with what they saw. Their Boss was smiling like an idiot while Dr. West was helping him wear a hospital gown. Their senses stopped working looking at their Boss's smile.

'Was there a problem during the surgery? Is it the side effect or did the anesthesia damage his brain?' The guards thought looking at Noah's smile, while Noah was completely oblivious to their dumbstruck expression. Aria saw their funny expressions, yet took no notice of it.

"Do you need painkillers, Mr. Carter? Does it pain anywhere?"

Noah nodded a no.

"OK then."

Aria turned towards the bodyguards. "Go to the canteen and get some fresh apple juice and a bowl of vegetable soup. Also, get me a cheese sandwich and an omelet."

The two bodyguards nodded and left the room.

"I am going to make a call to Dr. Davis. He has been going mad, checking your health every few hours."

"Hmm."

"What is your name?" Noah asked her when she took out her phone to place the call.

"Blimey. I am sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Dr. Aria West." Aria said placing the phone to her ear.

"Hey, Ian. I have some good news for you. Mr. Carter is awake." She blurted out before Ian could speak. Aria's call came in as a blessing for Ian and Joshua.

"May I talk to him?" Ian asked excitedly, kicking the sleeping Joshua.

"What?" Joshua shouted, annoyed.

"Noah is awake." Ian mouthed, pointing to the phone.

Aria handed her phone to Noah. "Dr. Davis wants to speak to you."

Seeing Noah's hesitance, Aria continued," Do you want me to step out for a bit?"

Noah nodded.

Aria smiled in understanding and left the ward.

"Hello." He answered, while his eyes followed the departing woman.