Chapter 7 – Gorilla Fight

Anna “What right does a man like him have to judge my friend?” Tyler snapped, rising from the couch in a fury. “He’s right though… it’s not his fault,” I said softly. “Darling, a real man would never say something like that to a woman,” Tyler argued, eyes blazing. “But still—” “Why are you making excuses for him?” he cut me off, his tone shifting, sharper. “Are you in love with him?” “No,” I replied quickly. “Then why?” Tyler pressed, eyes narrowing as he waited for the truth. “Because I jinxed him—just like I’ve done to everyone else in my life,” I said, looking at Tyler with heavy guilt. His life isn’t perfect. He’s had his share of ups and downs, and I would hate to be the reason it spirals. I had tried to distance myself before, hoping it would protect him—but he always found me. Every time. He never gave up, so I stopped running. “Honey don’t give me that look. You know nothing can kill me,” Tyler said with a triumphant chuckle. My eyes burned with tears—of guilt, gratitude, and pure admiration for this man. “Aww, C’mere.” He opened his arms, and I went right in, sobbing. “Will you marry me?” I asked for the millionth time, muffled by his shirt. Just in time for the sound of footsteps to stop at the door—Anderson stood there, stunned. Well… this is awkward. Before I could greet him, Tyler did—with his fist. Anderson hit the floor, and Tyler didn’t waste a second. He jumped him without hesitation. When Tyler is enraged, nothing stops him. Revenge fuels every punch. Anderson, on the other hand, reacted differently. He didn’t retaliate or try to run. He simply dodged, blocked, and absorbed the blows like someone who felt he deserved them. Afraid my friend might actually commit murder, I rushed in to intervene. “Tyler, stop!” I shouted, but my words fell on deaf ears. I hobbled forward on my injured foot, trying to catch up to them, but I was too slow. Why did it have to be today? Left with no other option, I blindly threw myself between the two raging beasts. It only took one punch—just one careless swing—to send me flying. Pain shot through me as I hit the floor hard. Not my best idea… but it worked. The fight came to a screeching halt. Both men rushed over, panic written all over their faces. “Anna! I’m so sorry,” Tyler cried, kneeling beside me. It was him who hit me. “How do you feel? Any blurry vision? Headaches? Bleeding anywhere?” Anderson asked, his voice laced with concern. I didn’t answer him right away. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything from the man who had thrown me aside like trash just hours ago. I blinked hard, trying to bring the room into focus. “I… I can’t see clearly,” I admitted, squinting at the shapes around me. “Possible concussion. We need to go—now,” Anderson said firmly, already checking my pulse. But Tyler had other plans. “Fuck off!” Tyler shouted, picking me up with ease. “A person like you has no right to judge Anna. Stay away from her—or else.” He shot Anderson a warning glare before carrying me off to see another doctor. After a thorough check-up, I was diagnosed with a mild concussion and a re-sprained ankle. If that’s even possible. “I’m sorry,” Tyler said, his voice low with guilt. “It’s okay,” I said with a soft smile. “Lesson learned—never jump in between a gorilla fight,” I joked, which earned a chuckle from him. “Right, but if you hadn’t stopped me, I might’ve murdered the idiot who belittled you,” he tutted. “And that’s exactly what I don’t want you to do. What would’ve happened to you if you actually killed him? Do you ever think about that? Why are you always so impulsive?” I chastised him, frowning. “Fine, I’m sorry for making you worry, Queen,” Tyler apologized with a small bow of his head. “Thank you,” I said, satisfied. “Anyway, I’ll get you something else for dinner. It’s all his fault,” Tyler grumbled. “Wasn’t it you who threw the food on the floor?” I reminded him, raising an eyebrow. “It’s his fault for making me angry,” Tyler argued, completely illogical but entirely committed. He sighed dramatically. “Enough about him. What would you like for dinner, Queen?” “Anything is fine, but be quick—I’m hungry,” I replied. “Yes, ma’am,” he said and walked away. Not a second later, I heard him mutter, “You say that, but you’re the pickiest eater.” “I’m blind, not deaf!” I yelled back. “Yes, Queen. Sorry, Queen. I’ll be back shortly. Now be good, Queen, and sit,” he demanded. “Woof!” I replied. “Queen, don’t bark,” he shot back, and we both laughed. It’s always Tyler. He’s the one who makes me smile, even when I’m at my lowest. If only he were into women, I’d fall in love with him over and over again. Silence can do strange things to a person’s mind. It makes you yearn for the impossible. I chuckled to myself—hopelessly. Gentle footsteps cut through my thoughts. “Back already? What are you, a ninja?” I joked, not looking up. Silence. They approached quietly. “Cat got your tongue?” I teased again—but there was no reply. “Tyler?” I asked, confused. It wasn’t until they reached for my injured foot that I realized—this wasn’t Tyler. Big hands. Tall frame. Injuries handled with practiced ease. Definitely not Dr. Shay or Tyler. Which meant—Dr. Anderson. I shifted my legs and sat upright. But that didn’t deter him. He continued to check on me with calm, practiced hands. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “Huh...? I mean—for what? You didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied, confused. “I’m sorry for hurting you... and for saying those things to you,” Dr. Anderson clarified. “It’s the truth,” I murmured. “I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry.” “Why?” he asked gently. “For everything—Tyler, ruining your life. You don’t have to worry anymore. I’ll keep my distance from now on. As for Mr. Hamburg, I’ll transfer him to a different hospital. We’ll never cross paths again…” “Are you done blabbering?” he cut me off. “No,” I replied without hesitation. “Well, whatever it is you're trying to say, I don’t want to hear it,” he said bluntly. “I’m here to apologize for my own mistakes. As for Mr. Hamburg—I’m his doctor. It’s unethical to pick and choose patients. Dr. Weld entrusted him to me, and I will not disappoint my mentor.” “But…” I started, unsure how to counter the firmness in his voice. “All done. There shouldn’t be any complications,” he cut me off again. “If you need anything, call the nurse.” Dr. Anderson handed me the remote and walked out without another word. I sighed and slowly climbed off the hospital bed. I wasn’t a permanent patient, so I decided to wait for dinner in Mr. Hamburg’s room instead. But Tyler took forever to return. By the time he finally walked through the door, I was on the verge of tears from hunger. “Anna, what’s wrong?” he asked, clearly alarmed by my pitiful state. “I’m hungry,” I cried, which only made the man laugh even harder. After a few weak punches and miserable kicks, he finally gave in and handed me food. I ate like a starving wolf—completely unsophisticated, but I didn’t care. Food is food. “What’s the plan now that your leg’s like this?” Tyler asked, his lips covered in sweet and sour sauce. Of all the things he could’ve gotten, this man actually drove to the next town over for Chinese food. “Eat properly,” I muttered, reaching over to clean his lips like a tired mom. “Interviews are out of the question for now, so I’ll keep sending out online applications,” I said. “Still on the market for a place to stay. I can’t stay here forever.” “What about the will?” Tyler asked. “What about it?” I asked back. “Aren’t you going to look into it?” Tyler pressed, like Mr. Hamburg owed me something. “Why?” I asked, my voice calm. “Well, I find it odd that your father left you with nothing and gave everything to an unofficial wife. It’s suspicious.” He shared his thoughts openly. “I don’t find it weird at all.” I paused, feeling a lump form in my throat. “He never loved me. He doesn’t owe me anything.” I swallowed hard, trying to hide the ache in my voice. No one owes me anything—but I owe the world everything. “Well, if he doesn’t love you, why take on the burden all by yourself? His money and his beloved wife couldn’t care less about him.” “Tyler, we’ve talked about this already,” I gently chastised. “Huh! I know, I just hate it when you play Miss Goodie Two-Shoes,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Just… don’t do anything you’ll regret later.” “You know me—I never do things I’ll regret later,” I replied. That’s who I am. I make choices I can live with. But that doesn’t mean I don’t carry regrets. “Yes, I know. Better than anyone,” Tyler said, his voice steady and warm. “My Queen never regrets.” His words pulled me from my thoughts, and I nodded with confidence. “Anna, about…” He suddenly paled. “What?” I asked, confused by the shift in his expression. “Your father…” he whispered, pointing toward Mr. Hamburg. I turned to look—and froze.