Chapter 46
1682 Words
Mara's POV
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” David said softly, his eyes searching mine. “I just… I wanted to know you were okay.”
My chest tightened. The sight of him beside my bed, so close, so real, left me breathless.
“It’s fine,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He shifted slightly, careful not to overwhelm me. “I was really scared when you were taken,” he admitted. “It was hard… seeing you like that. I thought I’d lost you.”
Hearing him talk like this reminded me of the past. He had always been caring. It was frustrating why these memories chose this moment to resurface.
I swallowed, curling my hands into the blanket. “You… shouldn’t be here,” I said softly, trying to change the subject without sounding harsh.
His lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “And yet, here I am,” he said. “I had to see for myself that you were really okay.”
I looked down. “Thank you,” I murmured.
He leaned a little closer. “It’s not wrong for me to check on you, is it? I’ve always cared, Mara. You know that.”
I said nothing. He didn’t look like he planned on leaving anytime soon, and that unsettled me. Anyone could walk in and see us together. I didn’t want that, especially not Elias seeing us.
“You called me that day,” he continued, his voice low. “I’m glad you thought of me.”
It still felt strange that I remembered his number so clearly that night. He had been the only option I had. But I hoped it wouldn’t make him think otherwise.
“Yeah,” I replied.
Immediately, his hand closed around mine. He squeezed gently, giving me that familiar look he used to give whenever he wanted me to know I mattered to him, no matter how stressed or worried he was.
My heartbeat thundered in my ears.
My palms grew sweaty as I tried to pull my hand away, but he held on a little tighter.
“Thank you for holding on and coming back,” he said, reaching up to tuck my hair behind my ear.
I tried to speak, but no words came out.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he said gently. “Just rest.”
He straightened, giving me one last soft look. “Call me if you need anything.”
Then he turned and left.
The door clicked softly behind him.
I sank back into the bed, the quiet pressing in around me. My chest rose and fell as my mind replayed every gentle gesture, every careful word of his.
I waited for Elias.
But he didn’t come.
Margaret later brought in dinner, which I ate slowly, still hoping Elias would show up. By the time I finished and everything was cleared away, there was still no sign of him.
Morning arrived quietly.
I was served breakfast, and just as I finished, the doctor entered—with Elias right behind him. My eyes lit up instantly, meeting his gaze which was already fixed on mine.
I had expected him all night.
After the treatment, he left with the doctor. I assumed he wouldn’t return, and the thought made my chest ache.
Then the door opened again.
I had just stood up when he walked in.
“Are you going somewhere?” he asked.
“I—I—”
“You’re coming with me to the company,” he said, studying my face for a reaction.
I said nothing, just stared at him.
“I don’t trust anyone here enough to leave you alone,” he added. “I’ll be downstairs in the car.”
He left before I could respond.
When I was ready, I headed downstairs. I met David on the way out. He smiled slightly in greeting, and I returned it briefly.
From the car, I caught Elias watching us. I hurried inside and slid into the back seat beside him.
The ride was quiet. My thoughts battled with my courage.
“I was planning to go to Clara’s place,” I finally said.
He didn’t respond at first, his expression unreadable. I felt the hesitation.
“I already told her I was coming,” I added. “She must be worried after seeing the news.”
He closed his eyes briefly, exhaling as if steadying himself.
“If you feel safe going there,” he said at last, “then I’m fine with it.”
It sounded like acceptance, not approval.
“Lead the way,” he added.
We stopped in front of her apartment. He didn’t leave immediately. He stayed beside me until Clara came out. She froze when she saw me. Then her arms shot out, pulling me into a tight hug before I could react.
“Mara! Oh my God, Mara!” she cried. “I saw the news… I thought—” She hugged me tighter. “I thought something terrible had happened!”
I held her gently, brushing her hair back from her tear-damp cheeks. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Really.”
“I don’t even know what to say!” she sobbed. “I almost called David. I didn’t know what to do!”
I laughed softly, wiping her tears. “You don’t need to panic anymore. I’m safe.”
She finally pulled back, then noticed Elias.
“Oh… Mr. Lawson?” she said carefully.
“She’s still recovering,” he said firmly. “If anything happens, I want to know immediately.”
“You don’t know my best friend more than I do, Mr. Lawson,” Clara replied boldly. “You don’t have to worry about that.”
He stepped back, nodded once, and walked away.
As soon as he was gone, Clara pulled me into another hug.
“I’m so happy I didn’t lose you.”
“I’m fine now,” I whispered.
“Good,” she said. “Because I was ready to commit crimes.”
I laughed as she dragged me inside, locking the door behind us. The apartment smelled like vanilla candles and burnt toast. Messy. Warm. So Clara.
“Sit,” she ordered, pointing at the couch. “Don’t argue. You look like you’ll pass out if you blink too hard.”
I obeyed, easing myself down. My body still felt tender, like I’d been wrung out and stitched back together. She hovered for a second, then frowned.
“Are you in pain?”
“Not really,” I said. “Just tired.”
Her eyes softened, but only for a moment before she scolded.
“You should have rested at home.”
My mind drifted to Camille. Should I let her know what's going on? I really don't want her involved in all this.
“You’re more important,” I said softly.
She smirked. “Of course I am. Though lately, someone else has been occupying your mind.”
I laughed. “Who?”
She mimicked Elias perfectly. “She’s still recovering. Call me if anything happens.”
I burst out laughing.
“And I don’t care how powerful or rich he is. He doesn’t get bonus points for pretending to care about you, Mara.”.
I laughed. “Clara.”
“No,” she said, folding her arms. “Don’t tell me you're defending him again. You did that before, and I let it go.”
“I am not defending him.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
You are” she insisted. “You have that look.”
“What look?”
“That look,” she said, waving her hand vaguely. “The one you get when you’re trying to hide the fact you like someone.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re imagining things.”
“Mara,” she said slowly, sitting across from me. “I know what I'm saying. You had the same look in the past for David.” I met her gaze. “That is your late husband’s brother. He's forbidden. Absolutely off-limits. I don't want you making mistakes that'll cost you.”
“I don't like him. You don't know what you're saying,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction.
She narrowed her eyes. “You know the one-night stand was a mistake, and nothing else should occur between you two.”
I opened my mouth to argue, then stopped when I remembered the kisses we've shared.
She leaned back, victorious. “See.”
She stood abruptly. “Anyway, enough emotional interrogation. What do you want to eat? And don’t say soup. You already look like soup”
“I ate before coming, but you know I always love it when you cook for me.”
She grinned. “Better than Dad’s cooking, right?”
My mind drifted to him. He must've seen the news too. Was he worried about me? Did he look for me?
As she moved around the kitchen, talking nonstop, the tension slowly drained out of me. She told me about a neighbor who stole her packages, a disastrous date she’d ghosted, and how her puppy, Duchess, passed away.
Later, we curled up on the couch with food between us, laughter slipping in between the heavier moments. She asked questions gently this time—about how It all happened and my health, whether they’d hurt me, and if I felt safe now.
Night crept in quietly.
It was time for me to leave when we heard a knock at the door.
“That must be him,” Clara said referring to Elias.
She walked me to the door, holding my hand like she wasn’t ready to let go.
“Promise me something,” she said.
“What?”
“Don’t disappear again.”
I squeezed her fingers. “I won’t.”
She had opened the door when I saw David standing there.
My breath caught before I could stop it.
Clara stiffened beside me.
“…Why is he here?” she whispered.
- Writer
