OBSESSIVE LUST

CHAPTER 18

"Okay, okay. Just relax, all of you. I'm right here, I swear. Relax. I'll be right there, just hang in there a little longer." Liam's voice cut through the madness, steady and calm, attempting to calm those frantic worries back from him. His words were laid-back, nearly as though he was talking to children rather than a crowd of panicked, whispering mouths. He looked around, trying to get a grip on the situation, aware of how tense everyone was, even while he kept his composure.

“Sir,” one of the security officers interrupted, voice sharp and tense. “This woman is making a scene. We’ve got a big mess on our hands here. If this gets out, it’ll make headlines, no doubt. We can't simply let her do what she pleases, especially that she is pregnant. We don't even know what is actually angering her or what may come next." His anxiety was evident. He had clearly seen enough riots and chaos to realize that losing control at this time would be an even bigger issue than anyone could possibly imagine.

Liam nodded, steeling himself for a decision. “Alright,” he said finally. “Let’s go.”

He leaned in, his face softening just a little as he pressed a quick, reassuring kiss to my forehead.

It was his way of saying, “I’ll handle this, stay calm,” without needing words. Then he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with my thoughts swirling.

Hours crept up on minutes. I waited, holding onto the thin hope that he would return soon. But he didn't.

Mom watched me carefully, her face lined with worry. She reached out, clasping my hand gently, trying to push away her own anxiety. “Calm down, Valerie,” she said softly, rubbing my hand with a comforting squeeze. “Don’t stress yourself too much. I’m sure he’ll be right back. He’s just checking things out, making sure everything’s under control.” she was trying to keep the air of calm in this tense moment.

But how was I ever supposed to remain calm? How was I ever supposed to concentrate when everything beyond the walls of the room was mad motion and shouting? I never knew what was going on out there and what they were discussing, whether Liam was getting annoyed or if he'd managed to get himself into some sort of trouble. I was constantly listening for something, anything, above the muffled noises in the hallway. My worst fears tore wildly through my brain. Might something have happened? Was he okay? The idea was tormenting me, churning my gut.

Mom gazed at me with kind reassurance, attempting to fill the silence. "I know you're concerned," she said. "But you must consider the baby. Consider what's best for him or her. Both of you."

I knew that she was correct, that nobody would be helped by panicking. Waiting, though, was torture. Sitting there, listening to only the murmur of faraway sounds, chairs gliding on the floorboards, the occasional step that each made me jump for fear. What more of that is this room is sound proof.

Lastly, exhaustion caught up with us. Mom's eyelids began to droop and she fell asleep. With her gone, I made my move. My legs were poised to kick me off. I hesitated only a little longer, gazing fiercely at her slumbering form, then made my way out of the room quietly.

I crept quietly to the door, attempting to remain unnoticed. I couldn't remain stationary any longer. I had to know what was happening. I had to see Liam for myself, make sure he was all right, that everything was all right outside. My hand rested on the door handle before slowly turning it. The passage was silent, abnormally so, but I could feel a rush of adrenaline running through me. I reminded myself I was just going to look.....nothing more.

As I was just stepping over the door, I was followed by a gasping shout. "Valerie! Come back here!" Mom's voice tore at the quiet like a whistle.

I instantaneously snapped into guard mode. Her face appeared in my mind's eye and her furrowed brow, frightened eyes wide with fear. But I disobeyed her, picking up speed, determined to know what was going on. I knew she'd be angry, but I couldn't remain trapped in that room. Not knowing was much worse.

I had to go and see him, to know if he was okay, even if I lost everything else in the process. I couldn't simply sit idle and do nothing.Something deep down inside me , an instinct, compelled me to go and probe.

No matter how I tried to calm myself down, my body just would not remain stable.

I could not even take a coffee hoping that he could possibly be out there. injured.

Hurrying out, I slipped on the floor that was so gleaming and hit my knee against the edge of the wall. The pain traveled up the leg, but I neglected it. The only thing that I knew was that I must see Liam.

The elevator was too slow so I chose the stairs. Step after step, my heart pounded louder and louder in my ears, until I saw him. Liam was on the floor. Bleeding. A woman stood over him, clutching a knife and yelling incoherently.

Everyone was frozen in place and afraid to move, afraid to provoke her. And me? I forgot I was pregnant. I forgot everything except him. I charged down the stairs. I stumbled again but I didn’t stop. Mom and Liam would never forgive me if something happened to the baby. But if I lost Liam now…

“Liam…” I whispered, breath caught in my throat.

“No, miss, don’t go near her!” one of the staff yelled. “It’s too dangerous.... please wait for help!”

I froze but I had to think. Liam was bleeding out. Time was against him. I had to act fast.

The woman holding the knife... What could be the reason why is she doing this? That’s when I saw a child that is unconscious, lying behind her.

Everything clicked. Liam owned the hospital and something must have happened to her child. Maybe she couldn’t afford treatment. Maybe she asked for help and no one listened.

I stepped forward, slowly. Calmly.

“Ma’am… I think I understand,” I said softly. “Can you please put the knife down and talk to me? I’m a medical student. Let me help you.”

She glared at me. “Are you stupid? I don’t have money! I can’t pay for anything!”

“It’s okay, ma’am. You don’t need to pay. I’ll cover everything. I promise.”

For a moment, everything stood still. Then she broke and her grip on the knife loosened. She dropped it. She ran to her child and fell to her knees. I rushed to them while my heart was pounding.

Everyone was too stunned to move. I checked her son’s pulse. Then I turned to Liam. I worked quickly.... methodically.No. I didn’t just try. I gave everything I had.

I did my absolute best.

And just as I was about to begin the emergency protocol, something unexpected happened. The crowd around us bowed their heads...not to me. But to the woman who had just made a scene.