40

XANDER’S POV

I had gone to my private house and locked myself in for three days, shutting everyone out.

What happened at the engagement had been too much, and I needed time alone. I switched off my phone, ignoring the calls and messages.

I knew everyone was worried, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak to anyone, not even my mom.

For three days, the only person I saw was the nurse. She came and went quietly, tending to me. I had caught a fever, probably from the stress and lack of sleep.

The first day was the worst. I was burning up, my body drenched in sweat. My private nurse Mary, had brought cool clothes to place on my forehead, spoon-fed me soup, and made sure I took my medicine.

“Xander, you need to drink more water,” Mary said, holding a glass to my lips. Her voice was soft.

I took a sip, wincing at the effort. “Thanks, Mary,” I mumbled, my voice hoarse.

She smiled, patting my hand. “Just rest. You’ll feel better soon.”

I kept thinking of how I met Sasha. We had moved the fam