A Love Born Of Duty

CHAPTER 2

James' expression suddenly changed, his smile vanishing and replaced by a cold gaze.

“I'd rather not discuss my reasons, they are of personal nature.” He said firmly.

Rachael voice was barely audible as she whispered an apology

“I’m sorry for my carelessness sir.” She said before quickly turning and hurrying out of the room, the sound of the door closing softly behind her.

She then left the house and made her way to the hospital.

As she walked through the hospital's corridors, Rachael’s anxious mind shifted, replaced by excitement. She couldn’t wait to share the good news with her mother, and her creative mind started racing ideas on how to make the announcement special.

For the first time, she entered her mother’s room with a smile spreading over her face.

Rachael’s smile widened as she rushed to her mom’s bedside, her eyes shining with excitement.

Her mom’s weak voice and weak appearance only added to Rachael's determination to share the good news.

She slowly took her mom’s hands, her touch warm and reassuring.

“Mom, I have the most amazing news!” She said, trying to hold back her tears, her voice trembling with happiness.

“What’s it darling?” Her mum asked with a soft, gentle voice.

Then Rachael realized something. She could not discuss the agreement. Her mum will never accept her marrying a man she doesn't love. It was beyond her mother’s principle and she knew her mom would feel bad concerning the sacrifice she was about to make.

She realized she had to lie to her mom to be able to marry James. And it would even be a good option, as she wouldn’t have to involve her mom in this complicated issue.

Taking a deep breath and putting all her thoughts together, she slowly came closer to her mom and whispered, “mum, I’ll soon get married.”

“What? With who?” Her mother asked, her pale face filled with surprise.

“Mr. James mom! The man for whom I’ve been working for the past 2 years” she said with a soft tone.

“We started dating recently but I never had the opportunity to tell you.” She continued nervously hoping her mother would believe her.

“I would have loved to share the news with you, but we lost grandma and your health started deteriorating. It was never the right time to tell you.” She continued her voice reducing as she bowed her head.

She couldn’t meet her mom’s gaze, avoiding eye contact as she told the lie hoping she would believe.

But she knew her mother was smart, so she needed to come up with new convincing stories.

“I never wanted you to see me cry or weak. But he has been my rock ever since our problems started. I’m so proud of the man he is.”

“Mom, you’ll love him once you get to know him. He’s not the cold, lonely man the tabloids make him out to be.” She said, trying to convince her mom of the fabricated story.

“And don’t worry. You wouldn’t have to concern yourself with the emergency surgery. He’ll take care of everything.” She said a reassuring smile spreading across her face.

“Rachael, are you sure you’re marrying James because you love him, or is it because we need the money?” Her mum asked skeptically.

Rachael thought to herself, “I knew she wouldn’t believe me that easily.”

“Yes mom. I’m sure! The relationship has been a secret on both sides. He’s not fond of seeing his private life everywhere on social media, and I’ve just told you about mine. But we feel like it’s the right time to move forward and take a new step in our lives.”

“Ok darling. I trust you. I love seeing you happy and you deserve it.” Her mum replied.

“I would have loved to attend your wedding, my princess, but my health can't handle it.” Her mom said sadly while passing her hands through Racheal’s hair.

“Don’t be a silly mom! I wouldn’t get married without you by my side. You’ll first go through the surgery, then we’ll celebrate the wedding. It will even give us enough time to plan everything.” Rachael replied reassuringly.

“But you know I might not make it through the operation,” her mom said, her voice full of sadness. “But in any case, I want you to be happy.”

“Mom, no negativity allowed here!” Rachael said with a smile.

“You’ll get through the surgery, and we’ll still have many years together, with plenty of time for me to drive you crazy.” She said jokingly.

Their discussion was interrupted by the doctor, which entered with a warm smile.

“Hey Rachael. You’re really a great motivation for Elsa. She has been fighting and getting better since she arrived here.”

“But the surgery is really necessary,” the doctor continued.

“If we don’t operate, other organs of her body may become infected.”

Rachael nodded, her expression determined.

“Can we schedule the operation for tomorrow please?”

The doctor nodded. “Yes, sure. A nurse will come for a checkup soon. Have a nice day.”

With that. The doctor left, leaving Rachael and her mother.

“But darling, why so fast?” Her mom asked, a worried look etched on her face.

“Mom, the faster you get out of this hospital, the faster I’ll get my peace of mind.” Rachael replied.

“I want to see you smiling and dancing like you usually do, not stuck in the hospital bed.” She continued with a serious tone.

Elsa’s face lifted with a warm smile.

“You’re the best daughter everyone could ever dream of Rachael. I love you so much.” She said, passing her hands through Rachael's hair, fighting to hold her tears back.

“You’re the one who taught me how to be brave and have a good heart at the same time mom.” Rachael replied, her voice filled with emotions.

“I’m looking up to you mom.” Rachael's eyes welled up with tears as she leaned in to wrap her arms around her mother, holding her close in a warm, comforting hug.

“Rachael, I'd like to meet James before the surgery.” Her mom whispered, her voice weak, but determined.

Rachael pulled back from the hug, a look of concern on her face.

“But why mom? What do you want to tell him?”

Her mom’s eyes locked into hers, filled with a deep concern. “I just want to make sure you’re in good hands, in case something happens.”

Rachael's expression softened, understanding her mom’s worries. “Mom, don’t bother, everything will be fine. But I’ll ask him to come if it can comfort you.”

Rachael’s mom smiled warmly and she gently brought her hands up to caress Rachael’s face. Her eyes shone with tears as she spoke emotionally. “You have the same eyes as your dad.”

Rachael's eyes widened in surprise as she felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her.

“Mom, you never bring up dad’s issue. It’s the first time I’ve heard you mention him for the past years.”

She took a deep breath, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Tell me mom, why did he leave us? Is he even still alive? And why have you always been avoiding the topic?” Rachael voice was laced with a mix of longing and hurt.