THE BILLIONAIRE'S WIFE

Chapter 20

© S A F I E

CHAPTER 20

GABE

I shifted on my feet and run my hands on my hair. I hold on tight the bouquet of roses, blowing out a sigh; it won't take that long now. I stared at my watch and waited 10 more seconds, transferring the bouquet on my other hand, looking at the door as the sign changes from 'closed'

"Mr. West, you're early again," I smiled at the Liza, the elderly nurse who watches over the neonatal platform. She handed me the usual costume which includes some gowns, cap and a mask. I shrug off my watch and give her my phone before putting on the hospital gown over my suit, hair cover on my head and mask over my mouth.

It's been a week after the accident. A week without a response from Elle after the incident of her eye, opening. There's a little to no update from Joe searching for Cherry and Victoria.

Though we have figured that Victoria has been undergoing therapy somewhere in Europe that is not disclosed by her brother whom I have to track down for weeks. As for Cherry, there's no such record of Cherry Woods in any Medical records nor criminal records, making me doubt her even more. How am I going to find a person that has no tracks.

She is quite an intelligent criminal and I give her a credit for that.

I bit my lip, silently opening the door as I followed Liza's trail. I quickly walk beside her as she guides me into the back of the brightly lit room. I smiled when I reach him, sleeping soundly as Liza stands, busily checking his chart. She takes something from the drawers then made a move towards the unit while adjusting the bilirubin lights and taking some vials for the feeding assistance. She started removing the cover and the wires for the breathing support before she lifts him off his cot and made a move to hand him to me, "Wait!"

"You wanna hold him?"

"Yeah, but - are you seriously letting me hold him?"

"Yes, Mr. West. It really helps on the improvement of physical as well as emotional development of the baby," With that, Liza look at me and urge me to fix my hand before laying the baby down on my arms.

I probably would have looked ridiculous with my eyes and mouth wide open and my body stiff. Liza shakes her head and chuckled at me before she put a hand on my shoulder, "Relax, Mr. West. You're not going to break the baby by holding him and you do need to pay attention to his neck and head because he is fragile. All you have to do is to adjust your hand like this and tada! He's secured. You're fine now..." She smiled again as I look down at my son, amused at how light he weighs on my arms. My heart thudded in nervousness and I want to touch the little wisp of hair he has.

"Maybe you'd like to lay your hands on his head too," My eyes widen at Liza as she smiled, encouraging me. With trembling hands, I do just what she told me and smiled, his hair is so soft and brown, a little bit curly too - definitely, a West.

I smiled and caressed his cheek, surprised when he moves closer to my hand, drawn by the warmth I am providing him "It seems that he already knows you, Mr. West. Jacob knows you're his father..." I glance at her as she nods back, clasping her hands as she chuckled once again. After a few minutes, I have gotten used to him being on my arms that I didn't see Liza making her way out, saying, "Just call me when you need anything, Mr. West, I'll be on the front."

She smiled again at me but before she completely left at the door, I said, "I insist that you call me, Gabriel, Liza..." She turns back again and looks at me in the eye, raising an eyebrow, "Well, if you do insist me to do so then okay, Gabriel." She turns back around and chuckled, closing the door behind her.

"Hey there, little Jake..." I smiled at the baby in my arms, leaning back on the chair, not so far from his bed and careful of not pulling the wires that connect him at the monitor.

He looks so peaceful in my arms, as though there is nothing that can harm him, no problem to affect him. I caress his cheek, glad to receive a response from him when he leans again, grateful that he's not that red and he has gained baby fat over a week. "I really don't know what to say to you, Jacob. Maybe I should start by apologizing to you first." I rested my head on his forehead, holding him closer to me while I rocked him from side to side, "I never believe your mom when she told me about you, Jacob. I can't find the reason to believe her. I thought she was lying-that you are a product of her unfaithfulness but it's not true; she's never deceived me and I hate myself for even suspecting her, not realising that it is hurting her."

"You are so lucky to have survived against all of the misfortunes I have caused you and your mother. The stress she might have undergone has probably been worst especially when I sent her the papers. I am such a horrible person and I am so sorry for that, my son, I am sorry for making you suffer," I kissed his forehead and smiled as he nuzzled his head with my nose, "I will try to be the best dad for you, Jacob. I'll do everything in my power to make you and your mother happy. I love you, my son." I whispered the last words on his ear before humming to him, rocking him in my arms and kissing his cheeks.

I did not realise that it has been an hour that passed when Liza poked her head from the door, waving her hand as she informed me about a call. I told her to wait as I whispered some words to my son, telling him that I'll be back before he knew it and kissing him on his forehead. I have barely grazed his cheek when Liza has already arrived at my side, hands outstretched. I reluctantly let go of him, watching as Liza carefully take Jacob off my arms and lay him back on his bed not before attaching the wires back on him, closing back the lid.

Both of us went out of the door and I shrugged off the hospital gown and mask. The shrilling tone from my phone made me cringe and I had this sudden urge to throw my phone out the window, but no. I needed it. I sigh as I retrieve the phone from the basket, puffing my cheeks. Liza went back to her desk as I listened to the voice mail.

'Sir, we still don't have any lead about Cherry though Ryan told me this afternoon about his theory that Cherry and Victoria might not just be partners. They might be more than that, like sisters but the problem is we cannot find any records about her' There is some pause and a rustle in the background before Joe spoke again. 'Another one of our theories is that maybe Cherry is a spy for Victoria, a distraction so that we won't realize their underlying plan. Victoria might still be lurking around us, sir. You should be careful, especially with your wife and child.' The call ended and I slip my phone back on my pocket, contemplating about their theories.

I bit my lip, and take the phone outside of my pocket, pressing Joe's contact on my phone and waiting for him to pick up. After a few rings, he answered, his gruff voice echoing as he spoke, "Hello?"

"Oh, Joe. I forgot it was your day off,"

'Nah, it's okay Mr. West. Why did you call? Is something the matter? Do you need me to bring breakfast there?"

"No, no need for that Joe." I scratch my forehead and continue, "I called because I heard your voicemail, you know, about the theories?" I pause, listening to the slight ruffle on the other line, waiting for his response but none came about, "And I'm thinking if maybe, I could meet you back at my penthouse for a drill in a new security strategy concerning my wife and son; we needed to appoint men inside the hospital because we do not know when those two might think about paying a visit. We will also look into these theories that Ryan had propose and decide whether it's related to the other components of our investigation we have gathered in the past concerning Victoria. Maybe then it would help us to know more about their plan."

'Alright. I will freshen up a bit and meet you back at the company, sir.'

"Good." I ended the call after hearing his goodbye's and wave at Liza as I went down the elevator. There are so many things going inside my head as I descend. I headed for the parking lot, got inside my car and drove back to my company.

"Sir, in this perspective...if we would relate Cherry's motives to Victoria, we can see that they have the same goal which is to ruin Mrs. West trust on you. It might appear as though Cherry wanted to protect the child but she only wanted for you to go and leave Mrs. West and she has successfully done it." Ryan typed furiously on his laptop before looking back at me, his eyes wide behind those eyeglasses he always wore. "Another thing here is that it's also possible that she might be planning something now because her plan A didn't work, she hasn't really able to make you stay out of Mrs. West lives."

I nodded at him as he bit his lip, staring back at me and his uncle. "So, I suggest that we should be watchful of her now for she is considered a big threat, even more than Victoria" Joe concluded, his eyebrows furrowed as he sat across me beside Ryan. I agreed, telling Joe about the plans and the things he needed to tell the others before I resign to my office.

Staring back on the city that never sleeps as I sat by the window. It was a gloomy night, and the city is lit by millions of lights - such an enchanting view, but it is not what I desire. I bit my lip and close my eyes for a moment, hating the fact that I have to stay here while they are in the hospital.

How can fate be so cruel to constrict and pop this small bubble of happiness for the shortest time I've been in it?

It's been only a week that I've spent a quality time with my son. A week spent beside my wife. I barely had the chance to manifest my love for them and Elle has not yet seen my efforts and I don't want it to end this way. I don't want my happiness to end right away. If I could, I would want it to last until I breathe no more.

Running my hands through my hair, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and stared at the screen, the glow emitting from its surface making my eyes adjust at first. This photo illustrates my son as he sleeps soundly, his hands balled into a fist as he settled it on top of his head, his mouth open wide.

He looks so peaceful - Unaware of everything that's happening around him, the danger of death lurking its head and the suspense of a doctor and ex-girlfriend of mine, barging inside the neonatal unit to capture him. He's an innocent soul, protected from the corrupt world. He is a soul unaffected, yet.

I wonder...

If Elle finally wakes and accepts me back and we will be together again - are they going to be happy with me? Am I going to be a good father to my boy? Or be strict? Spoil him or a combination of both, maybe? Will I able to protect him from my demons and the dangers of being a billionaire's son?

These thoughts kept running inside my head that I didn't notice myself dosing off into a dreamless sleep.

"Gabriel..." Neo leans in before kissing me on my cheek.

I gave her a small smile, before looking around, noticing that he is not here with her. "No Brit Guy?" I muttered, earning a slap on my arm. "Shut up!" She snapped, her face turning bright red. "He's here for Elle, not me..." She heaved a sigh before clasping her hands together, turning her head away as we walk together.

"So, how is she?" I said, changing the subject. It's been almost three days since my last visit. I'd like to hear the updates straight from the mouth of my very own sister who serves my wife like she was Elle's own personal butler. I quite admire my sister's devotion to my wife, I better offer Luke to stay if that will make my sister happy.

Neola huffed as she settled on the chair across me, biting her nails. Her nervous stance made me look at her with my curiosity brimming on the edges, watching her, "Gabriel, this might not be good for you to hear but-"

"But, what? Is it something serious? Is she going to wake or stay like this forever? Tell me, Neola, I want to know." I urge her as she squirmed on her seat, her hands folding the ends of her shirt as she bit her lip.

"The doctor told me earlier that Elle has no problem on waking up but her mind is forcing her body to stay like that," She explained, her brows furrowing. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice a bit strained because I cannot understand what she just said to me.

"Her brain activities are normal; No disruption or clotted veins or anything. She can wake up without any force exerted from us but, it depends on her mind now - on when she will wake up. I think your presence has something to do with how she is responding, " She mumbled, averting her eyes from me. "Really? Me?"

"Yes. You and Elle had fought before this happens and I believe that during this moment where you go inside and talk to her, she is having these visions, a repay of what had happened."

"But I apologize to her. I even confessed my feelings, she doesn't have to think about the past-"

"Yet it is what her mind has recorded thus it will repeat again and again because it is the most recent memory." Neola huffs as she tried to explain further, " You are the least of her favourite among her visitors. She remains still with you on her side, Gabe. I am sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you but it is true, sorry."

"And what makes Luke, then?" I whispered as I stand and turn around, not paying her a backward glance.

I remain in my stiff position all the way down the hall and inside the neonatal unit, pausing by the door. Liza smiled at me as she handed me a mask, cap and gown. I do my routine and followed her, surprise to arrive at a different room. "Uhm, Liza, why are we in here?"

"You're going to visit your son, right? Or am I wrong?" She stared at me, her brown eyes filled with mirth.

"Well, yeah but I'm just wondering why did you transfer him? Did something wrong happen?" I ask but was surprised when she chuckled, "No. Nothing wrong happened. It's just that, Jacob is so healthy now that he need not the feeding tube. He's also able to breathe on his own. No need for those wires, an IV may be but he's completely okay now...he'll be just fine with a cot and his teddy" She smiled pulling me closer to the right corner to a light cream cot that is adorned with green comforter.

I smiled as see my son again for the first time in three days of being away from him. If not for the urgent company meeting in Italy, I wouldn't have chosen to leave his side, even for the slightest bit.

I can say that Jacob has improved a lot from those three days. From the way he moves his arms with more force and kicks his legs in the air, no one will even know that he'd been born nine weeks earlier.

Liza resumed her usual chatter - telling me about my son's wit which includes him always having a knack of interrupting every conversation she has with other employees because of crying so loud. Not only would it make her to attend to him but to also check the triplets who will cry with him every moment they get the chance. She also told me about his appetite improving and in just a few more days, he'll be fine to go home.

To where? I'm not so sure. Elle's still not awake to argue with me about that nor did she have to protest when I'll finally take him home to mine.

I zoned out of Liza's ramblings as I pick him up from his cot, kissing his head before I hum to him. He might've known my scent because he snuggled close to me, his body trying to warp itself on mine as he suckled on my chest - silly boy.

I stayed like that for a while, holding him close to me as I rock us back and forth. Liza returns to her desk, leaving me alone with my son as I talk about how I miss him after apologizing for being gone for three days because I have to work. I just continue talking to him like he can somewhat understand my situation, telling him about his mother waking any time now and soon would meet him with her comforting arms.

With one last kiss of a good night, I settled him down, went out of the door and remove my outfit. Liza collected them bidding me goodbye as I enter the elevator. It pings as I reach the ground floor, opening up to the parking lot. I was about to get inside my car when someone called my name. I turn around and saw my sister, running down the lot. Neola jogged up to me, her breathing coming out in pants. "Gabriel--it's Elle."

"What? What happened?" I ask, taking her by the arm and pulling her close as I ask again, "What happened Neo?"

"She-" She stared at me before blurting out those three words that knocked the wind out of my lungs, "She's awake now..."

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