FORBIDDEN LOVE

Anita's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in a luxurious hospital room, the soft glow of monitors and gentle hum of machinery a stark contrast to the turmoil that had preceded her awakening. Beside her, Collins slumbered, his head resting on the edge of her bed, his features softened in sleep. Anita's heart swelled with emotion as she gazed at him, her fingers instinctively reaching out to gently caress his hair, a mix of love and pity washing over her. As Collins felt Anita's hand in his hair, he lifted his head, and their eyes met. Anita quickly withdrew her hand, her fingers trailing across his scalp before coming to rest on the bed. 'This is a VIP ward, right?' she asked, her voice a little softer than usual. Collins nodded and asked how she was feeling, but Anita sidestepped the question, her attention focused on the IV line. She reached over with her left hand to carefully remove the cannula from her right, her movements swift and determined. Collins gently grasped her hand, his eyes questioning as he asked, 'Why are you trying to remove it?' Anita's response was calm and reassuring: 'I'm fine, I don't need it.' Collins' eyes searched hers, his voice laced with concern. 'Are you really okay, or are you just putting on a brave face?' Anita's lips curved into a wry smile as she glanced around the luxurious room. 'Honestly, with a room this nice, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be bankrupt by the time I get the bill.' Collins told her that he’ll take care of it. Her expression turned poignant. "Why haven't you given up on me yet?" she asked. Collins' eyes locked onto hers, his voice laced with a mix of concern and longing. 'Why are you torturing yourself like this?' he asked, his words piercing. 'You're pretending to be fine with us being apart, but I can see it's killing you.' Anita's silence hung in the air before she spoke, her voice measured. "I took money from your father, and I made a promise to him. I promised to end things between us." Collins' expression was a mix of frustration and curiosity. "I've heard it all before, Anita, but there's something that doesn't add up. I need to understand." Anita's gaze met his, a warning glint in her eyes. "I know what you're going to ask, and I'm not going to answer. Don't ask, Collins." Collins' eyes locked onto hers, his voice insistent. "Why did you take the money from my father?" Anita's chuckle was low and husky, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. 'They say you're hardheaded, and I have to agree,' she said, a small smile playing on her lips. 'I thought I knew you, but you've proven me wrong. You're even more stubborn than I gave you credit for.' Collins' eyes narrowed slightly. "Where did you hear that?" Anita's gaze drifted for a moment. "Your sister, Director Stephanie. She gave me a ride when I was waiting for a cab." 'That sounds like something she'd say. But I'd still like an answer to my question,' Collins persisted. Anita let out a deep breath, the weight of her secrets evident on her face. Collins' expression softened, and he reached out, his voice gentle. 'You don't have to tell me, Anita. I can see it's hard for you.' But Anita seemed lost in her thoughts, her words tumbling out in a quiet, almost detached tone. 'I thought you'd be transferred to Europe by now. Your father promised that if I ended things with you, he'd send you abroad but evidently, he didn’t.' Collins told her that he tried but it didn’t work out for him. Anita's eyes drifted into the past as she recounted the story. 'Your father invited me to lunch, and he specifically warned me not to mention it to you,' she said, her voice measured. 'That was when I suspected what the meeting was really about.' Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, her voice cracking with emotion. 'I knew you'd never give up on us, no matter what your father said,' she confessed, her words pouring out in a sorrowful torrent. 'So, I took the money when he offered it, thinking that once you found out, you'd hate me, and you'd finally move on.' "Collins' eyes locked onto hers, his voice firm. 'How much did he offer you?' Anita's voice was barely above a whisper. 'A million dollars.' Collins' expression didn't change, the amount not seeming to faze him. 'You'll return it,' he said, his tone resolute. 'I won't let my father ruin our happiness just because of his own selfishness.' Anita's eyes were resigned. "There's no point fighting a battle I know I can't win. No matter what you think you can do, I'll still be the one who suffers." Collins' face set in determination. "You don't have to worry about that. I'll make sure you're safe." The conversation turned to their future, and Anita's voice was laced with sadness, "This relationship can't work. I want to spend this little time with you, make the most of it. And I want to return your father's money. But you have to promise me one thing: after that, you'll end this relationship for good." Collins' gaze held hers, his eyes searching for answers. "I don't think I can promise you that." Anita's eyes pleaded with him. "If you really love me, and you want my peace of mind and happiness, you'll do this for me." Collins' eyes brimmed with tears, and he stepped out of the room, composing himself before returning. When he returned, he asked Anita where she’ll love them to go. Anita's face lit up with a hint of a smile. "Let's go to the Opera, your sister said you love it," she said, her voice soft. Collins' eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled. "What else did Steph tell you about me?" Anita's eyes sparkled with amusement. "And Steph mentioned you hate watching movies." Collins' laughter was warm and self-deprecating. 'I'd love to take you on a picnic,' he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Anita's expression turned apologetic. 'I don't think that'll work, I'll be at work.' Collins' voice was firm but playful. 'You're sick, and I've already granted you sick leave,' he said, a hint of a smile on his face. Anita's eyes sparkled with amusement as she asked, 'And what about you? Will you take a sick leave too?' Collins' smile deepened, and he leaned back, hands clasped behind his head. 'Let's not forget, I'm the boss,' he said, his tone confident and teasing. 'I can do whatever I want.' Anita's laughter was soft, her eyes sparkling with amusement. 'If your dad finds out we're spending time together, he'll be furious,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Collins' expression turned reassuring. 'Don't worry about that,' he said, his voice calm and soothing. 'I'll handle it.' Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and before they could respond, it swung open. A nurse stood in the doorway, her eyes scanning the room before locking onto Anita and Collins. Her expression changed from curiosity to alarm, and she quickly stepped back into the hallway, calling out in a loud voice, 'Mr. Damian, they're over here!' Collins and Anita's eyes locked in a shared moment of terror, their faces pale. As one, they turned their gaze towards the door, the sound of approaching footsteps growing louder. Anita's voice was barely audible, a whispered plea: 'Your dad... what have I done?'