Chapter 4 Keep Me Company
957 Words
Watching Sheila leave without hesitation, Jacques's eyes darkened with displeasure.
He was Sheila’s husband, yet she left him to rush off and have dinner with someone else!
Jacques gritted his teeth and opened the door of his Rolls-Royce Phantom, about to chase after her.
At that moment, his phone rang.
Without checking the caller ID, Jacques answered, his voice deep and edged with frustration. "Regretting now?"
"Jacques, where are you? I'm not feeling well at all. Could you come keep me company?"
Hearing Vivian's voice, Jacques felt a twinge of disappointment. Irritably, he tugged at his collar.
"Ja-Jacques, are you busy? Then focus on your work first. I-I can manage on my own," came Vivian’s voice, punctuated by violent coughing fits. "I've gotten through it before."
Concerned by Vivian’s tearful voice and the sound of her coughing, Jacques's brows furrowed.
"It's fine. I'm not busy. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, Jacques glanced ahead, only to see the taxi Sheila had entered already long gone from sight.
Not knowing where Sheila lived now, he could only momentarily abandon his pursuit.
Jacques drove straight to the hospital. Upon pushing open the ward door, he saw Vivian lying pale-faced on the bed, completely alone.
When Vivian saw Jacques arrive, she struggled to sit up in bed.
"Jacques, why did you still come? Did I interrupt your work? I'm sorry, I just dreamed about that night... so..."
"It's alright." The mention of that day stirred a sense of guilt within Jacques as he walked to the bedside to comfort her.
"You saved my life. I, Jacques, am not an ungrateful person. Of course, I will take responsibility for you until the end."
Vivian lowered her head, a smile hidden beneath her hair. Her voice remained pitiful.
"Jacques, I never intended to take advantage of your gratitude. I don't want to be a burden to you. I just hope you can find happiness."
Jacques paused while adjusting the covers, softly replying, "Mm", then added, "I know."
Vivian frowned, "Jacques, why don't you just go? I'll be fine here. It's my fault for interrupting your work."
Jacques hesitated. "Then if you need anything, call the nurse. Don’t overthink things. I’ll be going now."
With those words, Jacques departed, spending less than ten minutes in total.
He needed to quickly send someone to investigate Sheila—find out if she was really living with some random guy!
Vivian watched his hastily retreating figure and pounded her clenched fist on the hospital bed.
'Why was he being so cold today?'
In the past, whenever she mentioned saving his life, Jacques would pamper her. But today, he seemed distracted from the moment he entered. Recalling his tone during the earlier phone call, Vivian shivered.
She immediately picked up her phone but before she could dial, an incoming call interrupted her.
"Hello... What?! Sheila is back? Keep a close eye on them!... Don't worry, you won’t be short-changed."
Hanging up, Vivian clutched the blanket, her beautiful face contorted.
"So it was you all along, Sheila!"
*****
Sheila sneezed, rubbed her nose, adjusted her expression, and pushed open the door with a smile.
"Mommy!" A child's tender voice greeted her from inside the room.
The next moment, a boy who looked about six or seven years old threw himself into Sheila's arms.
"Mommy, you're back! Are you tired today?" The little one pressed his face against his mother's, speaking in a sweet, childish voice.
"As soon as I see my baby, Mommy's tiredness just melts away." Sheila nuzzled the little one's chubby face, feeling all the day's fatigue disappear.
Pulling back from his mother's embrace, the little one looked at Sheila, suddenly furrowing his little brows. "Mommy, are you unhappy?"
Sheila paused while changing her shoes. "No, I'm not."
"But I feel like Mommy is very unhappy." The little one shook his head.
Sheila's heart tingled with emotion. She ruffled the little one's hair. "Alright, don't let your imagination run wild. Mommy's just a bit tired. I'll feel better after some rest."
Though Wilson was perceptive, he was still just a six-year-old child. With a few soothing words, Sheila managed to coax him into his room to do homework.
Lying on the bed, Sheila stared dazedly at the ceiling.
The image of Jacques from earlier reappeared before her eyes.
How could years of love simply vanish when one said there were no feelings left?
However, six years ago, she had made her decision. She would never take back a man who neglected his wife and child for another woman.
She had to be responsible not only for herself but especially for her precious child.
As for Jacques?
Let him pursue his ideal love, Vivian.
She had long experienced the viciousness of the Millor sisters. If they discovered Wilson's existence... No! She must protect Wilson at all costs!
Early the next morning, after dropping off Wilson, Sheila rushed to the hospital for work and happened to meet Hayes at the entrance.
"Sheila? Why do you look so out of sorts? Didn't sleep well last night?" Hayes asked with concern as he approached.
"It's nothing, just a bit of insomnia." Sheila shook her head, not saying more.
Nightmares about the Millor sisters discovering Wilson's existence and trying to harm him had kept her awake, leaving dark circles under her eyes.
"Then you should find some time to rest. I'll help you with the rounds..." Hayes offered.
"Sheila!" A familiar voice interrupted Hayes's words. Turning, she saw a tall, handsome man striding towards them.
"Sheila, who is he?" Jacques asked coldly, pointing at Hayes.
"He is... my colleague," Sheila replied, her words cut off by the man's deep voice.
"Is he the 'sweetie' you mentioned on the phone yesterday?!"
- Writer
