BECOMING HIS SUBSTITUTE WIFE

The Unexpected Encounter

The Unexpected Encounter.

HAZEL'S POV.

I sat next to my mother's hospital bed; the sight of her made my chest hurt even more. The only sound in the room was the gentle hum of the monitors so I allowed myself to be enveloped in the silence.

As my mother, Clarissa lay there, her weakened body barely surviving, her face calm and white —a storm was building inside of me. I couldn't leave even though I didn't know how long I had been sitting there—an hour or two perhaps.

I couldn't leave. Not yet. Not when I knew how much she needed me, I couldn't bring myself to leave her side. The crushing reality of my life, the burden of the bills, and Donald's betrayal all seemed too much for me to bear alone.

"Mom…" I said, my voice breaking as I grabbed her hand and ran my fingers over its icy surface."I don't know what to do."

Despite not stirring, her eyelids fluttered as if she heard me. In contrast to the throbbing pain in my chest, the machine's rhythmic beeps seemed so far away.

I spoke in a low whisper as I leaned in. "Mom Donald—he—he has been seeing another woman. He has been preparing to get married to her all this time. It was only today that I learned he lied to me, acting as though nothing was wrong. I felt we were creating a life together all this time but I was mistaken. He— "

I had to force myself to swallow to stop the tears from streaming down my face. I grasped her hand firmly. "And Mom, I'm drowning. The hospital bills are too much for me to handle. I have no idea how I'm going to pay them and they're piling up. You're still lying in this bed while everything is collapsing. What do I do mum?"

As I leaned my head against the edge of the bed the tears began to fall, first slowly and then uncontrollably. I felt exhausted and weak. I hoped to experience a single moment of calm and clarity where everything made sense.

But that was not going to happen anytime soon. My mother's soft voice cut through the fog of my mind, and I was startled.

"Hazel ...honey, are you alright?"

I squirmed back using the back of my hand to wipe my eyes. She had spoken in a shaky but worried voice and she stared at me.

Her voice was very soft as she whispered "You don't need to worry about me. Hazel, you're strong. You'll find a way. I'm confident you will."

I shook my head." Mom, I don't feel confident. I don't think I can take this much longer."

" Listen to me," She said as her voice became a little stronger. " You are my child. You have always been resilient. You'll find your way through this. Do not allow him to cause you to doubt yourself" she said, pausing as her breathing became labored.

I nodded as if I believed what she had said and I smiled feebly through my tears. But the doubt persisted in the back of my mind. Everything seemed so erratic.

I swiftly took out my phone when it buzzed in my pocket. It came from the café. I had no idea how much time had gone by. I must have made them angry because I had left earlier without making an excuse.

I gave my mother a gentle forehead kiss as I looked at her again. "I'll be right back Mom. I promise"

As I quickly left the room, I whispered another promise to myself as her eyes fluttered closed once more. I couldn't afford to lose this position. Not right now. The hospital hallways were silent as I hurried through them, my footsteps resonating against the immaculate walls.

My heart thumped in my chest and I was propelled forward by an odd sense of urgency. To prove that I was responsible and that I wasn't the same person who had let Donald take advantage of her I needed to put things right.

My hair was stuck to the back of my neck from the rush and I was out of breath when I arrived at the café. David, the manager, was standing behind the counter with his arms crossed and a somber expression on his face when I saw him.

His typically amicable manner had vanished. He gave me a fierce look and asked angrily "Where the hell have you been? You didn't notify anyone or call. You simply vanish for hours? Is this a joke to you?"

His words made me cringe and I could feel his rage. I quickly apologized "Sir, my mother is in the hospital. I just couldn't keep track of time."

He shook his head, his jaw tight. "Hazel, that isn't an excuse. You've been relieved of your duties. After packing up, leave."

I froze. My stomach fell like a stone." What? No sir, please. I—I can give an explanation. I didn't intend—"

"Save it" He broke off in a chilly tone. "I have no time to do this. You can't continue working here. You can not be kept here at our expense"

My heart was beating madly against my chest and my throat began to tighten with panic.

"Please don’t do this. I really need this job. Please, Just let me put things,s right, " I couldn't help but cry as tears filled my eyes.

I fell to my knees before him and begged even more, "Please, sir . I need this job. I'm the only one who can support my mom, who is in the hospital. This is something I can't lose. I can't lose it all, please give me another chance".

David remained silent, his expression unresponsive. I felt the weight of the world suffocating me as it closed in on me. I was not sure of what to do.

Then I heard a deep authoritative voice break the tension." What's going on here?"

I whirled around looking up with wide eyes. A tall well-dressed man in a suit was standing behind me. His commanding presence and rich pricey cologne nearly made me feel lightheaded. He exuded wealth. His face, though, was what really caught my attention.

That face was familiar to me.

I had seen him somewhere. His gaze flashed with recognition as his eyes widened in shock upon seeing me.

I swallowed hard, the words stuck in my throat.

My heart was racing in my chest as I whispered."You…"