Shawaty’s Betrayal

Chapter four

XU

I tightened my grip on her, memories of my mother rushing back.

“Wrong… wrong ward,” she murmured in her sleep.

I let out a sigh of relief, turned around, and left the room behind me with nurses rushing in to perform the last rites to the deceased.

I walked through the hallway with a beautiful lady in my arms. I could not help but admire her beauty as she slept.

This sleeping beauty had touched something in me that no one else had. Irritating as it may seem, nature had given me someone to replace my mother, and I could not help but accept it.

I walked down to the counter to ask which ward her mother was in.

“Good morning, ma’am,” I greeted.

“Good morning, sir,” she replied politely with a sheepish smile.

Everyone in Beijing knew who I was, so her smile could only mean one thing: I was single, and she wanted in.

“Please, which ward is…” I paused halfway through my question.

Of course, I did not know her name, let alone her mother’s.

“Pardon me, just a moment,” I said, beckoning.

“Hey, wake up.” I patted her lightly.

I did not mean to disturb her sleep, but I needed a name.

“Hey, hey,” I kept calling.

Despite all I did to wake her, she did not respond. She only mumbled some words in her sleep.

I walked away from the sheepishly smiling nurse and headed for the car.

I cradled her gently in my arms, her head resting limply against my chest as I carried her toward the car.

The early morning breeze was quiet, broken only by the soft click of the car door as I opened it. With care, I eased her onto the seat, adjusting her so she lay comfortably.

Just as I began to step back, her fingers curled around my collar, tugging me down until our faces were level. Her lips moved, releasing a faint murmur of words I could not understand. I froze for a moment, caught by the fragile sound.

Slowly, I took her hand off my shirt and laid it softly against her side. I studied her face, peaceful in her sleep. I took the worn out jacket she had given me and put it over her to keep her warm.

Closing the door with a quiet thud, I walked around, slipped into the driver’s seat, turned on the engine, and guided the car into the driveway.

On the road, I could not help but wonder what I had gotten myself into. From almost knocking her down to now having her in the back of my car, things were moving really fast. I looked into the rearview mirror that hung just above my head.

“Hmmm,” I exclaimed, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

Different thoughts ran through my head, but what struck me most was the fact that a lady was sleeping in the back of my car.

After a while of driving and thinking, I arrived home. I rolled the car through the iron gate and parked in front of my mansion, opposite where Zhen stood.

My mansion was one of the most secure places in Beijing, with about one hundred armed bodyguards and strict protocols, and even a satellite in space dedicated to monitoring both the mansion and me.

Zhen was not just my driver. He was in charge of my safety.

After I turned off the engine, Zhen pulled the door handle and opened it.

“My sincere condolences, sir,” he uttered softly and bowed.

“Our sincere condolences,” the bodyguards chorused and bowed.

I stepped out of the car, my tie hanging loose. I was exhausted.

“You may all rise,” I murmured, handing my key to Zhen.

Everyone expected the usual: me walking out alone, cold and unreadable. But today was different. I moved to the backseat, pulled the door open, and stared at her for a moment before sliding my arms carefully beneath her and lifting her out. Her head rested against my chest, her breath steady in her slumber.

My bodyguards exchanged shocked glances. Never had they seen me attached to anyone aside from my mother and Zhen, let alone carrying someone with such tenderness.

“A lady,” Zhen uttered in disbelief, though he maintained his composure.

I closed the door, turned around with the lady in my arms, and faced Zhen.

“Yes, a lady,” I replied, then walked into the mansion.

The mansion doors opened, and my servants bowed low. Their voices chorused:

“Our sincere condolences, sir.”

It was tradition that once I arrived home, everyone lined up to welcome me. Only this time, the greeting was different.

As their eyes lifted from the floor, their gazes fixed on the lady in my arms. As surprised as the bodyguards had been, I saw the same expression mirrored on their faces.

I walked down the grand hall with the beauty in my arms.

“How could someone sleep this much?” I thought to myself.

I reached the stairs, halted, and turned around.

“Prepare the bath and make some dishes,” I commanded in a low but firm tone.

“Yes, sir,” they chorused, bowing their heads.

I turned around and ascended the stairs. After a few steps, I was at the door to my room. I adjusted the beauty in my arms and pressed my thumb against the fingerprint sensor. The door clicked softly as it unlocked and eased open, letting in a gentle draft.

I stepped inside and used my leg to close the door behind me. I carried her to the large bed at the center of the room, her breath soft and heavy in her sleep.

As I laid her down, my body hovered over hers, not pressing but close. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. Fear flashed across her face, and a piercing scream shattered the silence of the room. Startled, I quickly adjusted, moving back to a standing position.

“Easy… easy… it’s me.” I raised my hands in the air to show I meant no harm.

She quickly shifted to the head of the bed, covering herself with her hands. I walked slowly to where she was and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Hey… it’s me,” I whispered, leaning in.

“What am I doing here?” she murmured, trembling.

“I brought you to have your bath and change your clothes. You’re safe,” I assured her.

“But… my mom?”

“She will be fine. Just have your bath first. I’ll take you back to her.”

Just then, there was a hard knock on the door. I stood up from the bed, still gazing at the frightened girl. The knock came again, louder and harder. I turned and walked to the door.

Pressing my thumb against the fingerprint sensor, the door clicked open. Three maids stood neatly lined up, their heads dipped slightly in respect, their hands folded at their aprons.

“The bath is ready, sir,” one of them said.

I nodded and turned back, still holding the door.

“Your bath is ready. We can talk after that,” I said gently.

She stood from the bed and walked toward me. My hand still rested on the door, making it impossible for her to pass. I suddenly remembered that I had no idea what her name was.

“What’s your name?” I asked, staring into her eyes.

“Xu… my name is Xu,” she replied.

I removed my hand from the door, letting her pass. She walked down the gallery with the maids until they were out of sight.

“Xu,” I murmured before closing the door.