*Bianca's POV*
I shifted uncomfortably in the plush leather armchair, my eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings of my so-called grandfather's house. The spacious living room was adorned with antique furniture, ornate vases, and expensive art pieces — everything that screamed wealth and privilege. It was a far cry from the tiny apartment I had been living in, but it also made me feel like an outsider, a fish out of water. Did I really belong here? I questioned this repeatedly in my mind. He is my family but I don't even know what to behave like toward him. I couldn't help but question their kindness. I had always been living my life alone, and now that someone is finally taking care of me, it feels unalike and strange.
However, despite my initial doubts, my grandfather and cousin had been nothing but kind and accommodating. I didn't want to move in with them at first, but when I noted all the money I had left, and the future cost, moving with them was the best choice especially when they are welcoming me. I was grateful as they had taken me in when I had nowhere else to go. They had given me a room to stay in and had been taking care of my son while giving me some space to breathe and process everything that had happened. Nor did they ask me about what had happened or who the father was. I was relieved that I didn't have to open up with them, as soon as I met them. If they had been doing something to me that is, they are only taking care of me and trying to get close to me.
"I feel like I'm being adored…" I mumbled as I was still unused to this kindness. I shut my eyes forcibly and tried to distract myself. I can't get used to their kindness, after all, I can't live with them for a long time.
My son's cries broke through my thoughts. He was crying loud. Is there no one with him? My heart skipped, and my mind became impatient with me, I couldn't resist the urge to see him. I have been avoiding him. I didn't know what I was going to do with him, nor did I know if I could become a good mother to him. I wanted him to be safe, and not get hurt. I tried to hold myself back from visiting him yet I couldn't. I stood up and made my way to his room, my heart beating faster with each step.
As I entered the room, I saw my son, laying in his crib. I clutched the crib's handle, as he threw me a smile, and I smiled back at him unconsciously. He was the only good thing that had come out of the mess in my life. My eyes welled up with tears as I watched him, my heart aching with love and regret.
Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned around to see my grandfather standing there, a sympathetic look on his face.
"He's beautiful, isn't he?" he said softly, his voice filled with warmth.
I nodded, unable to speak as I stared at my son's innocent face.
"He looks just like you," my grandfather continued, his gaze locked onto my son.
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I had brought him into a world filled with pain and uncertainty. But I was determined to be a good mother, to give him the love and care that he deserved. Yes, I shouldn't doubt myself anymore. It will only end up hurting both of us.
"Can I hold him?" I asked tentatively, my eyes locked onto my son's peaceful face.
"Of course," my grandfather said, his voice kind and understanding.
He handed me my son, and I cradled him gently as if he was made of glass. I didn't want any kind of harm to befall him, and lose him. I wanted to feel this warmth and weight in my arms, for a very very long time. It was like holding a piece of my heart in my hands.
For a while, I just sat there, holding my son, my mind drifting to a distant memory—the day I had met Damon.
*Flashback*
I was running through the dark alley, my heart pounding with fear as I heard footsteps closing in on me. I had borrowed money from the wrong people, and now they were after me. I had nowhere to go, no one to turn to.
That's when I saw him—a tall, dark figure standing at the end of the alley. I couldn't see his face, but there was something about him that made me feel safe, as well as dangerous. I knew that he might be able to help me out of this situation.
"Please," I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. "Please help me."
He stepped forward, and I saw his face for the first time—cold, hard, and unyielding. He wondered for a moment and zoomed his eyes through me.
"I can help you," he said, his voice as cold as his gaze. "But there's a catch."
What does he need from me? I am penniless. How can he ask for a deal at this moment?
"What?" I asked, my heart sinking, giving up. I had to save my life.
"You marry me," he said, his eyes boring into mine. "For a year."
I was taken aback by his proposal. "What are you talking about? Are you going crazy?" I asked, my voice becoming unconsciously louder. I gasped and covered my mouth, hearing their footsteps coming near me. "Please help me…" I begged, clutching onto him.
"It's a contract marriage. I just need a partner for a year," he continued, not budging a bit, "They should be your debtors. I will pay all the money for you, and give you additional money too. You are a good choice for me to get married to."
As I heard the debtors' chasing footsteps drawing near, I had only one option. I needed the money, and this was my only way out.
"I'll do it," I said, my voice trembling, as tears drew down my face, "But instead of giving me additional money, pay for my university fees!"
*Flashback ends*
I shook my head, trying to push the memory away. Damon was the last thing I needed to think about right now. I had to focus on my son, on being a good mother.
As I sat there, holding my son, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a purpose like there was something worth fighting for.
"I'll be a good mother," I whispered to my son, my eyes locked onto his peaceful face. "I promise."
*Bianca's POV* Three years had passed already. During this time, my life had been completely transformed. I had been living with my grandfather and cousin, who had been nothing but kind and supportive of me. They didn't let me move out, and nor did I think I was eligible to move out and take care of my son on my own. With their help, I was able to continue my studies while working at the Serenity Hospital, where my son was born. It was the ideal place where I dreamed to work after I graduated. The Serenity Hospital was one of the best hospitals in the country, and my grandfather turned out to be its owner. After living with him for these years, I realized that he had always been passionate about healthcare. So, it was no surprise that he had built such a successful empire in the medical field. Not only him but my mother too. I would hear stories about her some time as well. "I wonder, if I didn't meet grandfather at that time, what was going to happen to my life…" I mumbled. I sh
*Bianca's POV* My mind buzzed with my grandfather's plea as I continued to work through the rest of the day. "Doctor Bianca… Doctor BIANCA?" I snapped out of my thoughts, and told her about the report, as I tried hard to focus on my work. Guilt gnawed at my conscience, tugging at my heartstrings. How could I refuse to help someone in need, especially after all that my grandfather had done for me? I can't believe, I am being so selfish, shameless, and heartless, after all this. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the compassion and kindness he had shown me over the years. I heaved a sigh. I couldn't let something personal hold me back from fulfilling my duty as a doctor. After all, what were the chances of running into Damon in such a vast city like Los Angeles? It was a bustling metropolis, teeming with countless faces and stories. It would only be one in a million chances! Surely, the universe wouldn't conspire to bring him into my path again! With a newfound determinati
Bianca's POV Why? Just why did I have to run into him now? I just arrived here. Shouldn't I be given a moment to breathe admist all of this? I knew I was going to run into him no matter how I tried not to. However, I did not expect that it would be so soon. Should I just run away. The fact that Mr Derek is staring at me intently and his son is right behind me gives me chills. I am not prepared for this. I thought I would be, but this is a lie. It is like fear is surging through me. “Are you my father's doctor?“ I heard him ask, after noticing the silence. I did not plan to turn around immediately. At this juncture, that is unavoidable. I slowly turned, trying to compose myself. I will do a great job not falling to my knees when I look at him. Why am I like this? “Yes.“ I answered, slowly turning around. My eyes met with his the moment I swerved around, my breath itched in my throat. His eyes depicts shock on seeing me. I saw the same familiar look I have seen before in the
Bianca's POV I am back from the mall. I can't believe what I had to see just when I got there. He is dating Aileen now? They used to call themselves best friends. Who would have thought they had something going on? Even so, that shouldn't bother me much. It's none of my business. I should only maintain a businesslike relationship with him. I entered the apartment and dropped the things I bought. Then my baby rushed outside from his room with a wide smile on his face. Dion is the joy of my life, he's everything to me after all that I've been through to have him. “Mommy!“ He ran into my arms, I crouched down to hug him. He is such a joy to watch. “Dion! You shouldn't run around the house like that… Oh, you're here miss.“ Mia came running out of the room. She stopped on seeing me. “I told you to stop calling me that countless times. I didn't say anything yesterday because I was tired. We are of the same age, just call me by my name.“ I complained to her. She nodded with a smi
Bianca's POV What does she want from me? As far as I am concerned, she bumped into me on purpose yet I apologized like a sensible person would do. She is chewing makeup like a crazy person and giving me death glares. I should be the one doing that and not the other way around. "It's you?" Aileen said trying to show disgust. In reality, I am the one who should be disgusted with seeing her face. How do people deal with someone like her to the extent of not blowing up? "I don't think I have anything to say to you. Then, I'll excuse myself now." I said to avoid her. But this bitch doesn't want to stay out of my way. She stopped me from moving just to annoy me. I am not in the mood to fight, and this is a hospital. It's not proper for me to fight even if I am being bothered. "What do you want from me? I don't have time for this. I have a patient to check on." I asked, knowing she was out for trouble and I didn't have time for that. "Why would I wa
Damon's POV Watching Bianca fight with Aileen is infuriating. Do I have to settle whatever those two have between them? Why is it always Bianca? It's not enough that she suddenly appeared out of nowhere after a long time. Why is she making things hard for me? I thought I would just be getting the best doctor to treat my father and I was wondering who this could be. An oncologist who is the best? That person is Bianca? The same Bianca I married years ago and left. Would she actually be able to take care of my father like a real doctor would? Without taking out her anger towards my father? "You've really got the nerves to talk back at me Bianca. I don't know if I should smile at you or not?" I stated bluntly, clearly I was talking without thinking. Seeing her gives me a little bit of anxiety. I didn't hear from her for a long time. She has really changed a lot. She is no longer the submissive girl she used to be. "I don't need your smile. You should know how to act professionally
Damon's POVWhy did she have to come back? She's just making things worse than it already is for me. Did dad ask her to come back on purpose? It couldn't have been my father who made her come back right? I just don't like seeing her around at all. "Not again. Are you stalking us? Don't you think you should give up at this point?" Aileen blurted out. Instead of reacting, she just ignored us and walked away. This made Aileen mad, she stopped in front of my father's room. "Did you just ignore us?" Aileen asked pained. "You both need to understand that I don't live for you. I have a life and a job you know." She said to the both of us and entered my father's ward. Aileen wanted to say something. I stopped her. I dragged her out of the hospital and made her get into the car. These days, I don't even know how to deal with her. "How dare she talk to us that way? Just because she became a doctor, she thinks she is all that great!" Aileen lamented as I started the car. She did not stop
Bianca's POVI am finally going to register my baby in a school here. He can't stay at home all day when he is a social person. Also, why does he keep demanding that I take him to the hospital every time these days like he has something there I don't know about. He is making me suspicious somehow. "I wonder what he saw in the hospital or he just wants to learn because he wants to be a doctor like me." She thought inwardly. It took some minutes but it wasn't a stressful procedure. My son is a smart boy and it was easy for me to register him. The teacher and principal already like him. I said goodbye to him with the promise to get him myself when he closes. I went to check on my patients when I got to the hospital. I wanted to check on Mr Derek first but I stopped when I saw Damon already there. I watched him from the door and saw how he was catering to his father. This gave me some memories I don't want to remember. Memories of how caring he used to be before he suddenly changed. I