SEVEN MONTHS LATER...
CATHERINE...Pain... That's what I could feel all over my body. Immense anguish which gives me a feel of... Death. Fluttering my eyes, I tried to open my heavy eyelids. They felt so tired and torpid as if for a long time they were not opened.My head hammered and the loud throbbing of heartbeat along with a beep~beep sound. It felt so familiar as if they accompanied me every day.Hardly, I opened my eyes. I am in a small room. Slightly dark and feels cold. Laying on a small bed and... Tilting my head I discovered the beeping sound. It's a machine that was attached with wires which were connected to my hand.Where am I? I sat up as an ache spread to my entire body and detached myself from those wires. Slowly, I stepped out of the bed and almost fell as if I had forgotten how to stand up, immediately feeling a different level of pain in my abdomen.I grabbed there... Wait! M-my babies! I sat on the bed and closed my eyes, trying to recall what happened as blurry images slowly took place in my memory.Edward... Divorce... Accident... My eyes snapped open with a weak gasp. Dr. Sharon! She kidnapped me!I tried to stand up again and this time Barely managed to walk to the closed door. The pain in my abdomen started affecting my vision and all I wanted was to close my lead just there, but No, I can't! I need to secure my babies first!Thankfully, the door was open and I went out easily. I found myself in a small and shady corridor. The place was unknown! Where the fuck am I!?Suddenly, I heard some footsteps forwarding in my direction. No! I... I was pulled abruptly and ended up in the dark corner by someone when a dark figure walked passed us.Blinking, I turned to the person and gasped, "Sophia!" My crusty tone fell and my throat burned. One of the few members of the Reinford family who liked me. She is the daughter of the head housekeeper Margaret and more like a family than a servant.She holds my hand, her blue eyes full of concern. "ma'am!" She hugged me all of a sudden, "You're alive!"Her words startled me."I can't describe how happy I am knowing you're alive! I... I thought they killed you!" She sobbed in a whisper, making me confused... Aagh! Pain again!I don't have time, I need to go to the doctor. I need to save my babies first!"Ma'am, you're..." Sophia gasped in concern."N-no! M-y twins! I need to save them!" I hold her hands. "Ple-ease help me go to the hospital, please!" I pleaded, tears rolling down my eyes. I can't forgive myself if anything happens to them!Sophia seemed concerned and confused, yet I had no time to care! I need to save my unborn twins. If she doesn't help, I'll go alone!With my wobbly legs, I tried to rush but she stopped me, almost dragging me to the darker place. I tried to struggle but my condition didn't help."Ma'am, your baby is fine!"Her hasty words paused me. What is she saying!? Perhaps, my look made her concerned and she nodded vigorously, "Your baby is fine, ma'am. You've given birth to a baby girl."I stared at her, puzzled... I was kidnapped, how did I give birth in the first month!?"No-no, this can't be the truth! I can't give birth to only one baby! I was pregnant with twins!" I panicked.She sighed slowly, "Yo-your other child is... Dead." She muttered.What!? "No!" I pushed her away like a current. "Don't lie!" I shrieked, but she immediately covered my mouth with a horrified gaze."Ma'am please, don't shout!" She whispered. "I understand your concern ma'am, but it's the truth! You have been missing for the last seven months! People say you ran away after hurting Regina, and your mother-in-law prays for your death day and night! But, I never believed it! You couldn't disappear like that when I was away from home!""I..." My lips quivered but nothing came out. Her words seemed way too delusional. "Sophia, I...""Ma'am please believe my words. They kept you here in a deep sleep for seven months and delivered your babies but... your one child was dead in the process.""Wh-at? No!" I trembled and cried. My heart was sliced into pieces."I'm sorry, ma'am." She apologised lowering her head.I grabbed her hands, "Wh-ere is my other child then? my daughter!" I was shaken from the inside. Don't know the truth or lies anymore. If I have given birth, I want to see my baby. If I lost one I don't want to lose the other one!Sophia shook her head, "She's..." Suddenly, a few footsteps interrupted us and she paused. Slowly, peeking her head out Sophia watched something and her face turned pale.Before I could ask, a sirening tone alerted us "She escaped!" A few more footsteps followed as Sophia dragged me to a room and opened a door that ended in the dark alley. She pushed me out. "Run away, ma'am."The pain in my abdomen aroused, yet I couldn't leave just like that. I need to learn more. I need to know where is my baby!"No, I won't! I want my daughter!" I protested but she left me no chance."Go away, ma'am. Your daughter is safe, trust me! They won't hurt her but you! They are devils! They won't let you live! They want you dead! Save yourself, ma'am, please...""B-but, who..." My words died inside when the room's door was banged and a man shouted from outside to open it. Sophia gasped and pushed me more to the alley, "Run away! Find someone who can help you! Go!" She closed the door and in the struggle, my pain increased more.I clutched my abdomen and when look down, my head started spinning. Blood! The continuous banging sound coming from inside. I am so lost, tormented. I don't want to leave Sophia here but I couldn't help her either... Maybe, I can ask for help. Yes, I can...Don't know how but I managed to walk out of the alley, drenched in rain as thunderlight pierced through the night.Wabbled, I somewhat stepped on the empty road. Panting hard with a fuzzy vision. I couldn't feel myself but pain... It's all over.I stepped forward, almost on my knees. Ple-ease God... 'Beeeeepp' A loud horn crowded the place and before I knew it, a bright light flashed before my eyes!A car... A powerful screech of break and... Something hit me from the side, violently shaking me on the ground. My head smacked on something hard and slowly, and the world darkened before my eyes .......FIVE YEARS LATER... EDWARD... My gaze penetrated my appearance in the mirror, as Addison held the black trench coat for me to wear. "Is she ready?" I asked. "Yes sir, She is waiting downstairs with Denise." He replied. "Hmm..." Glancing in the mirror one last time, I walked out of my room with Addison following behind." As soon as I reached downstairs, a pair of little arms hugged my legs. I looked down and couldn't help but break into a smile. Her cerulean eyes beamed, "You're late, Mr Reinford." She pouted with a huff. "Della was waiting sooo long!" She complained and I chuckled before picking her up. "Can Della forgive Papa?" I pretended to be sad. She furrowed her brows like an adult and tapped her chin, "Okay!" She giggled, hugging my neck before sliding down. She ran toward Denise, her nanny and took the huge bouquet of red roses that were almost her size. "See papa, I picked this up for her with Denise! Do you think she will love it?" I bend on one knee, holding the fl
ELAINE (CATHERINE) ... "Run! Run away! They won't let you live! They are devils! Save yourself! Run away!" ..... My eyes snapped open with a deep blow of breath. Drenched in sweat, I sat up on the bed. The same nightmare. A panicked tone begging me to run away. The fear in that tone trembles me every night and keeps me awake. I got out of bed and put on my silk robe before walking out to the veranda and pouring a glass of wine for myself. Drinking is injurious to health, I know the quote. But in the last few years, I cultivated a habit of Drinking due to stress. Nothing is new for me. Waking up in the middle of the night because of a nightmare, became a part of my life. It's always been the same one for the last four years. I turned into an insomniac. Went to a psychiatrist, did consultation, medication and whatnot? However, nothing worked for me and I learned to compromise with my situation. Perhaps... 'Knock~knock'... A knock on the door broke my thoughts as I watched a head s
ELAINE (CATHERINE) ... I looked around but there was no one except us. Turning to the little girl, I realised she belonged to a secure background judging her appearance, but where was her guardian?I bend beside the little girl, "Hey, umm- What's your name, pretty girl?" "I am Della, mommy. Don't you remember me?" Her words were smooth and clear, considering her age. "......" Also left me speechless and awkward. "Uh- I am not your mommy, little girl." Again looked around, "Where are your parents?" I asked. I don't know what offended her, but her lips wobbled, "No, you are my mommy." She said stubbornly. "......" What is she saying!? I was confused when Marco squatted beside me and smiled at her, "Hey little princess, I know this lady is gorgeous. But unfortunately, she is not your mommy. I promise you, I will find your mother, okay? Come here..." He tried to hold her hand but she dodged his touch expertly and pushed herself in my arms, hugging me tightly. "No! You're my mommy!
EDWARD... "Is she on the way?" I asked wiping Della's mouth."Yes, sir," Addison replied, walking out of the suit. Della didn't care what we were talking about, she was enjoying her blueberries. She loves eating them. And if I'm not wrong, Catherine loved blueberries too. After Catherine left me with her, I didn't know what to do. Gradually, I learned to take care of a child. I never let her part away from me. Even in meetings and trips, I took her with me. In a word, Della grew up in business, so she learned to not bother about business conversations. However, this was different. It's not a business but a surprise for her... "Edward?" Regina entered the room and her voice was enough for Della to climb on my lap and get busy in her blueberries again. Regina paused, "Well... I need you to come aside for a moment." She said, eyeing Della, who still did not bother. "It's alright, say it," I demanded. If my daughter wasn't comfortable, then I'm not gonna do it. "Edward..." Regina'
ELAINE (CATHERINE) .... I hastily entered the hospital ward and saw Marco Sitting beside his father. His eyes looked up at me with an assuring nod and I sighed inwardly. Flashing a smile on my face I walked toward Alberto's bed, "Old man, you've become rebellious now, huh? Giving unwanted surprises." I faked a grumble. Alberto turned to me and my heart convulsed in fear seeing his weak and pale face with a pipe attached to his nose. Unlike other days, he smiled, "Seems this old man has truly become old." He muttered and I couldn't hold my tears anymore. "Alberto..." He touched my hand with his shaky cold hand and patted slightly. Grabbing his hand I kissed them, "Nothing will happen to you..." He only smiled, "You're the best thing that happened in our lives..." He breathed hard. "Don't talk..." I tried to stop him but he didn't. Instead, he shook his head. "D-on't s-top me..." He breathed out, holding my hand firmly. Marco nodded, gesturing for me to let him speak. "Elaine..
EDWARD... Was my hallucination going out of control? I asked myself closing my eyes and slowly rubbing them in the hope of snapping myself to reality. I opened my eyes again... She's still standing right in front of me. Same old Cerulean eyes. Dark hair. Same features and that little mole on her chin. Even in my imagination, I love her company but not at the moment when I am on my way to fix something good for our daughter. Please, go away now... I closed my eyes. "Umm, are you... Okay?" I heard a soft tone which stiffened me again, engulfing me in the same features I always wanted in front of me. She blinked. The concern in her eyes was... Unknown. "Sir, are you... Agh!" Suddenly, she gasped and I was thrown back to my senses as the lift shook violently. Lights fluttered and she she gripped my arm tightly with a horrifying expression. Immediately my arm set around her firmly and my eyes never left her face... Slowly, my gaze fell on the place where our limbs had connected. My b
ELAINE (CATHERINE) ... I was working in my office. Mostly, taking the brief of the entire week. Although I don't usually involve myself in office work, I take briefs every week. I was busy checking the reports, when my phone vibrated, making me frown. Keeping my specs on the desk, I received a call from an unknown number. "Yes?" "Miss Agosti?" Immediately a deep, gentle tone soothed my ear. I pursed my lips. "Umm- who's speaking?" I asked. "It's me, Edward Reinford." I don't know what happened to me but something tingling rushed in my veins at the mention, reminding me of the warmth he offered me in the lift yesterday. "Uh-yes, mr Reinford. How may I help you?" "Can you meet me over lunch?" He asked. "At lunch?" I was startled at the sudden asking out. "Hmm... I want you to write something special for my daughter and want to discuss that. Are you free?" He was polite and... Warm. So, it's about his daughter? "Alright, we can do that." "Thanks, I will text you the address a
EDWARD... Watching her in the hospital bed, lying in front of me was the last thing I ever wanted. Our lunch was good. I realised her favourite dishes didn't change with time. But, what happened in the parking lot was unexpected. If I left without following her... My heart shivered to recall the scene again. Slowly, her eyes opened, confused. I masked my emotions, "You're awake." Her eyes fluttered at me and then widened, trying to sit up. "Wh-at happened?" She asked, looking around. I guess, she was still in shock. I helped her to sit up and she pulled herself a little away from me. Uncomfortable. Her closeness was something I have been craving since I met her in the lift... FLASH BACK... "Edward, where are you going?" I paused at the soft tone behind me. I turned to find her cerulean eyes looking up at me. Wasn't she asleep just now? "I have a business trip tomorrow." With a curt answer, I got off the bed. "B-but, you didn't tell me about it. I might help you prepare." She