Chapter 5
1083 Words
My eyes flickered, trying to open. The bright lights illuminating the room made them sting. Unconsciously I muttered.
“It's so bright.”
“Its kay. I will turn it off.” I heard someone say. His voice was deep and yet, it had a warmth to it that only angels could own.
He made me eager to see who exactly owned this voice.
I strained myself and it actually worked. His face was the first thing I saw. His skin was as smooth as porcelain and his lips were red but slightly faded. He wore a gentle expression, his blue eyes glinting in the light of the room. He smiled at me.
“Can you see me?” Was the first thing he asked.
“Mhmm.” I managed to say. A slight pain pricked my side, so I couldn't move freely or even talk.
He exhaled, relieved. That warm angelic smile still playing on his lips.
I was lost in the way his mouth curled but then a pang of pain in my stomach drew me back to reality. I rubbed my tummy immediately. My face slightly squeezed because of it.
Worry laced his eyes. He rose from the cushioned seat he had occupied and stepped outside. Doctors swooned in moments later. He stayed outside until the tests were done. The doctor recommended an ultrasound. I told him I had an injury once and what the reports were.
The doctor and the handsome man stepped outside. He returned later. Alone. I was sitting up, messaging my side.
“Mam. May I know your name?” He asked politely. Unintentionally, licking his lips. I was silent, just watching him do it. My skin shuddered at the sensation it sparked inside me.
“Mam. Mam.”
I looked up and forced a smile, hoping it could hide the fact that his looks were very distracting.
“My name is Darcy wi…” the words stuck in my throat. David’s face flashing before my eyes. My skin curled at the thought of him. I grit my teeth, suppressing the bitter feeling in my gut.
“Just call me Darcy.”
“Your name is a bit… masculine.”
My lips sported a little smile when he said that.
“I know. My mother hoped I was going to be a boy but she didn't live to see me so….” I looked down at my hands, my eyes heavy. “I decided to keep the name.”
“Miss…” his gaze darted from my tummy to me. “Mrs… Darcy. How can I reach out to your husband?”
My lips curled into a deep frown. I kept my eyes on my fidgeting hands. “Please… don't ask me about him.” I said, my voice quivered a bit.
“If I may ask, does it have anything to do with those scars?” His eyes trailed down my hands, concealed by the blue medical cloth.
I gripped my arm, avoiding his gaze. Bile formed in the pit of my gut. I fidgeted a little, the fear of seeing his judgemental eyes curled around my lungs, seizing my breath.
“I'm not judging you.” He said, like he could read my mind. “Can we call your father then. You need someone to take care of you.” He looked at the big baby bump.
“I will be fine on my own. Please don't ask about any of them. My home….” Tears welled up, burning my eyes. I winced them back and glanced at him. “It's no different.”
His face flushed with a rush of sad emotions, his eyes dulled and his lips lost its natural curve.
“I’m sorry.”
“Please don't say that.” Tears threatened to trickle. I looked down at my hands immediately.
“You didn't cause this. Actually-” I chuckled, painfully. “I wanted you to hit me. I wanted to just….” My lips quivered and tears dripped onto my bed sheets.
He was silent for a while, tapping his fingers slowly. He stared at his phone a few times and then he looked at me.
“What skills do you have?”
“What?” I asked, my brow quirked. I wiped my wet face.
“You had some kind of education right?”
“Yes. I had a degree in theatre arts.”
He leaned back, leisurely drawing in a breath.
“You cannot take care of that baby the way you are. I have something you might do-”
My eyes grew wider. I pursed my lips and then beamed.
He smiled. “It should get you on your feet but you have to promise to be diligent and…”
“I will.” I cut in but cupped my mouth immediately. A warm smile played on his lips.
“Right now. Just worry about yourself and your baby.”
“Thank you so much.” I extended my hand, he took it, shaking me gently. When our hands disengaged, I flirted with the idea of asking him who he was. I took a few short breaths before I mustered the courage.
“Please, may I know who you are?”
“Arthur… Arthur Vanghul.”
I blinked, tilting my head a little. His name booted in my mind as slow as an old computer. I swore I had heard of that name before.
My mind flashed to the hot gossip column trending since last week, then it hit me. The air in my lungs seemed to seize. My jaw, usually so quick to form words, hung slack. I stared wide-eyed at him, an ‘o’ forming in my mouth.
He made a small smile. I was too frozen to return it. My mind struggling to catch up with the reality unfolding before my eyes. All I could manage to do was a small, involuntary gasp.
I was nearly run over by Arthur Vanghul himself. The famous child prodigy raised by the multi-billionaire Milo Jackson. The city’s corporate world was shocked to its roots by him. Since late last year, he has been the talk of every woman there is.
I'm no gossiper but I did remember one thing. No one had ever seen his face. Not until today and by me. I forced a smile…. What are the odds of that?
Something in my gut told me life would take a drastically different turn after today.
- Writer
