Chapter 458

Michael had a hunch that Mason would trace the wound to figure out who he really was.

So, Michael hit up Benjamin, who knew about this drug that could numb the pain in his chest for a bit. The only problem was that this medication had some pretty severe side effects: once the numbing effect wore off, the pain came back even stronger.

Now, Michael was in agony. His eyes were rolling back, sweat was pouring down his forehead, and the veins on his hands were popping out.

"Jesus, it feels like someone dipped their hand in hot sauce and is pressing on my wound," Michael groaned, tears almost spilling out.

Benjamin sat next to him, looking helpless. He shrugged.

"I'm sorry, but for now, the only option is for you to tough it out. I didn't give you a big dose, so it won't last long. Just ten more minutes," Benjamin said with a slight smirk.

Michael clenched his fists, his face twisted in pain.

"Alright, let's talk about something to take your mind off it. Maybe it'll help," Benjamin suggested, softening up a bit. They were childhood friends, after all.

Michael shot him a glare. "What do you want to talk about?"

Benjamin rubbed his chin, looking a bit serious. "Lately, I feel like there's something off between me and Amelia. We're still in the honeymoon phase, but she seems distracted."

Michael, still in pain, asked, "How'd you figure that out?"

Benjamin threw up his hands. "I mentioned visiting her parents, but she always hesitates. Her mom's getting treatment at the hospital where I work, so I've met her. But whenever her dad comes up, she dodges the topic."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Do you really need to ask? Her dad probably did something to piss her and her mom off. That's why she avoids it."

Benjamin nodded. "Yeah, I think so too, but she won't talk about it. I don't want to ask her mom directly; she'll think I'm being nosy. What should I do?"

Michael sneered. "Is it that hard? After you and Amelia have sex, she's most relaxed. Offer to help her then, and she'll open up. Then you can help her sort it out."

Benjamin's eyes widened in disbelief.

"How do you know that? Sounds kinda sneaky," Benjamin said, eyeing Michael suspiciously.

Michael snorted, feeling the pain ease a bit. He opened the car's rear window, letting in some cold air, which helped dull the pain.

Lying on the back seat with his eyes closed, Michael said, "Isabella's the same way. After we have our moments, she opens up about her past. Women are sensitive and fragile, not as mentally tough as us. They need a little nudge to talk about their problems. Give them some courage and support."

Benjamin looked at Michael in shock, then gave him a thumbs up. "You're right, I'll give it a shot tonight."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Tonight? Isn't it your girlfriend's time of the month?"

Benjamin thought for a second and nodded. "Yeah, it is. Guess I'll have to wait a few more days."

Then it hit him. He stared at Michael, eyes wide. "How do you know about my girlfriend's time of the month?"

Michael smirked. "Don't forget, my wife and your girlfriend are tight. My wife mentioned on the phone that she found this great fitness routine that can enhance breasts and slim down, and it can be done during that time. Amelia's trying it out. I'm not deaf."

Benjamin scratched his head, remembering Amelia had mentioned that fitness routine recently.

"Looks like I'll have to wait another week," Benjamin said, sounding defeated.

Just then, Benjamin's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned. It was the bodyguard he had secretly arranged for Amelia.

Amelia's job was pretty normal, and having a bodyguard would raise eyebrows. So she refused Benjamin's offer to assign one, but he was still worried about her safety and secretly arranged a female bodyguard for her.

Benjamin answered the call, and what he heard made him frown even more.

"Okay, got it. I'll be there right away," Benjamin said, hanging up.

Michael noticed Benjamin's grim expression. "What's wrong?"

Benjamin said in a low voice, "The bodyguard I set up for Amelia called. Amelia's in trouble at work. Some guy claiming to be her dad showed up demanding alimony. She refused, and he caused a scene, even tried to lay hands on her, but the bodyguard stopped him."

Michael immediately told the driver to head to Amelia's company.

When they arrived, Michael pointed to his chest. "I won't go up with you. I'm a patient, remember?"

"You don't need to come up for this. If a fight breaks out and you get hit in the chest and pass out, what will Isabella do when she asks me about you? You're hurt, your wife is unhappy, then my girlfriend won't be happy, and most importantly, I won't be happy either," Benjamin said, rolling his eyes as he jumped out of the car.

Michael smiled, about to leave, but then hesitated. After a moment, he decided to go upstairs anyway.