Hurt and healed by love

Episode3

Zara spent a few days at the hospital, waiting for Ryan to get better. As she carried him in her hands, she fought back tears. He had never looked so bright and healthy ever since he was born.

She wore one of the beautiful dresses Rafael had delivered to her during her stay. As she walked out of the hospital, the nurses greeted, bowed and smiled at her. Zara knew the nice and warm treatment she received during her stay was because of Rafael. She was usually ignored and insulted at hospitals.

Rafael was sitting in the back seat, he was focused on his phone as his driver opened the car door for Zara. “Good morning,” Zara greeted but didn’t hear any response from him.

“Okay,” she whispered, adjusting Ryan’s shawl.

The only sound in the car throughout their ride was from Ryan. They arrived at a mansion with enormous black gates.

Rafael looked up from his phone and got down without a word. Zara wondered if she was invisible. As she struggled to properly wrap up Ryan and get the door, the driver helped her with the door. “Thank you,” she said softly.

They walked into the mansion, the chandeliers glowed like small sums over her head. Her eyes darted around, the high ceiling, the marble tiles, the long golden stairs, the huge paintings, the luxurious couches.

Zara couldn’t believe this was the roof that'd be over her head for two years. She tried so hard to stay composed as she imagined Ryan learning to walk here, eating good food, dressing nicely.

“So…,” Rafael finally opened his mouth. “Take a seat while I quickly brief you on a few things.” He was already sitting by the time he completed his words. Zara sat on the luxury cushion closest to her, the softness felt unreal.

“Firstly, a nanny will arrive in about an hour. She’ll be the one taking care of the baby…” Zara didn’t let him finish, “Why? I can take care of him myself.”

Ryan looked up at her with a funny look, “You’ll be too busy to look after a baby.” He said firmly and Zara frowned, looking away.

“Your room is on the left, mine is opposite. You can stay there with the baby for now. But soon, we might have visitors, so you’ll have to move into my room later.”

Zara listened, her eyes almost widening when he mentioned them sharing a room, but it quickly ticked in her mind that this was all part of business procedures.

They made up a story to tell anyone who needed an explanation about her sudden appearance — they've been married for almost two years, living private lives in Scotland before she got pregnant and had their baby.

Ryan said a few more things and included, “We’re going shopping by noon, we’ll join my family for dinner tonight.”

“Already?” She didn’t know when she blurted out the word, but she didn’t regret it.

“Yeah.” With that, he stood up and marched upstairs.

She imagined she would enjoy and rest for a week at least, before the whole role-play started, but…, it is what it is.

“So proud.” She sneered to his back as he took the stairs. “Hey baby, our new house.” Zara spun Ryan around, as she admired the house. She felt at peace and unease at the same time.

She climbed the stairs slowly, admiring the golden rails as she went into her new room. It was spacious with a king-size bed in the middle. Not many designs or things in the room, but she loved it anyway.

The nanny arrived after exactly one hour. She was a young girl with blonde hair and brown eyes. She wore a white and blue uniform.

Zara felt a calm energy erupting from her and knew she could trust her instincts. “Hi Mrs. Vanderbilt, I’m Jane.”

The name caught Zara off guard, she almost asked who Rose was talking to.

“Hi, you’re the nanny, right?” She pretended to be cool and acted the name, but it was just so weird. She realized her new identity and it gave her irks.

Zara asked her some questions and in a few minutes, they were laughing and gossying like friends. Jane explained her experience taking care of children from wealthy families, their silly behaviors and annoying parents.

“Really? He peed on the cake?” Zara was laughing for the first time in months without realizing. “For real! It was a crazy party.”

When Ryan fell asleep, they ate lunch prepared by Rafael’s maid and continued having conversation after conversation. Zara felt the weight on her chest slowly dissipate.

In the evening, people wearing matching uniforms strolled into the house with hung dresses. Huge boxes that looked like they contained shoes followed, and a man in skinny jeans appeared with a large make-up box.

Zara and Jane were in the living room when the strangers strolled in. “Mr vanderbilt!” The guy in skinny jeans exclaimed when Rafael came down the stairs.

“That’s her,” he pointed at Zara. “OMG! Mrs. Vanderbilt, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Mark.” Zara watched with confusion.

“He’ll style and get you ready for tonight,” Rafael explained, and her confusion grew. So many dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry and to top it all, a stylist she could bet she’s seen on television or social media often.

“Let’s get started ma’am, we have a lot to do,” he stamped his feet excitedly. He couldn’t wait to style the one and only Mrs. Vanderbilt.

Zara had a million questions but decided it wasn’t necessary.

The new dresses and shoes were arranged in her room, “Mr. Vanderbilt says you just got back from Scotland. I am pleased to design your new closet.”

“Oh! You sleepy head,” Jane carried Ryan gently as he woke up, making Zara smile to herself.

“Okay so…, let’s pick a dress first.” Mike clapped his hands twice, before gesturing to the hangers.

Jane bathed Ryan and dressed him up. Zara's heart warmed at how gentle and smooth she was. Ryan barely made a sound, he seemed to love her hands too.

Zara’s styling took four hours. Dressing, hair and make-up took up most of the time.

“What do you think?” She spun before Rose.

“You look so stunning! OMG! It feels like you walked right out of a perfect portrait!”

Zara looked at herself in the full mirror. She wore a long black dress that flowed effortlessly around her, sleeveless and elegant, with tiny silver stones scattered across the fabric like soft starlight. A striking silver heel to match.

Her makeup was simple, yet classy and with just enough color to enhance her natural beauty. Her hair was flawless, styled with quiet confidence, and her jewelry was minimal yet perfectly chosen, adding just the right touch of grace. She didn’t need to try, she simply was stunning.

“Thank you, Mike. I can’t believe this is my reflection in the mirror right now.” She was super excited to see how elegant she looked. She’d been worried throughout the process if she'd be able to stand beside Rafael without looking small. She’s used to being looked down on, sneered at and pushed aside like a piece of dirty cloth.

But tonight, that Zara was nowhere to be found. This Zara is confident, and she would be treated with respect and dignity. The spotlight is hers tonight, she doesn’t have to steal it.

“You’re being humble ma’am. I didn’t have to do too much, you have beautiful and perfect features already, you make styling so easy.” Mike was impressed.

Mike left immediately after packing up, it seemed to Zara that he had other jobs to do. Jane packed up a small bag, filling it with things Ryan would need. She carried Ryan behind his mother as she took majestic steps down the stairs.

Rafael had been ready hours ago, but he was patient. He at least knew women take forever to get ready. Besides, the late and grand entrance was something he looked forward to.

As he heard the sound of heels, he knew that it was finally time to get going. He stopped to take a glance at her, but he ended up staring. It felt like everything else blurred out and all he could see was her, taking slow and striking steps. Her hair, face, make-up and long beautiful legs were all his eyes and mind could see at that moment.

It did something funny to his heart, something he didn’t understand.