Be my partner?

Chapter 7

"Madam Scarlett," The doctor called and went to meet the woman who stood by the door. The woman's gaze was glued on Caitlyn. She ignored the doctor and began to advance toward Caitlyn.

"You must be more important to my sons than I am to them, as they have decided to stay here with you rather than with their dying mother," She shouted and stood beside Caitlyn's bed.

"You're not dying mother, " Herald countered in a low voice, but madam Scarlett heard him. Caitlyn's head was bowed and she fiddled with her fingers. 'Why didn't they just go to her?'

"I'm not? " The woman turned to Herald. He chuckled wryly and looked away. Martin heaved a sigh.

"How dare you try to take my sons away from me?" The woman's look was stern and sent shivers down Caitlyn's spine. Her eyes were brought down and she held her shaky hands tightly.

Madam Scarlett suddenly busted into a burst of loud laughter at the same time Martin attempted to stop her from intimidating Caitlyn any further.

"Oh, dear, " The woman chuckled and held Caitlyn's hands as she sat on the bed. The young lady had a confused look in her eyes.

"Did I scare you? I'm sorry, dear," She smiled at Caitlyn and rubbed her arm. Caitlyn gave a nervous smile. Herald cleared his throat. "You're one lucky girl, Caitlyn. The two meanest people in our family are being nice to you. You're lucky, I tell you."

Madam Scarlett gasped dramatically. "Mean, you say? You call your mother mean? Herald!?"

Herald scratched his neck. His lips gave a lopsided smile. "You're unbelievable! Caitlyn, " Madam Scarlett called as she turned back to Caitlyn. "Do not mind a word that rascal says, okay?" Caitlyn smiled and nodded.

The doctor cleared his throat and the two women turned to him. "I'll take my leave now " He informed them with a small smile.

"Thank you, doctor, " Madam Scarlett thanked him. He nodded and left.

"I was informed of what happened. Accept my condolences, dear," madam Scarlett started. Caitlyn smiled and nodded.

Herald noticed that Martin's gaze had been glued to Caitlyn. He shifted closer to his brother and whispered into his ear, "Take your eyes off for a moment, Martin. "

Martin sighed softly. "Are you okay, brother?" Herald asked noticing the worried look Martin's eyes held.

"Yes," He responded plainly, his eyes still on Caitlyn who was all smiles as she and madam Scarlett discussed.

Herald stared at him with a suspicious look. Martin cleared his throat and both women turned to him.

"I'll take my leave now. I'll be back tomorrow, " He told them and moved without waiting for a response. The heel of his shoes made a clicking sound as he walked to the door.

Caitlyn followed him with her eyes. "Mr. handsome?" She called as he made to open the door. "It's 'Mr. Martin, " He corrected, not turning.

"Thank you, Mr. Martin. I deeply appreciate your help." Madam Scarlett and Herald smiled at her gentleness. Martin opened the door and walked out without a word.

"He's always like that, dear. Don't let his attitude bother you, " Madam Scarlett told her. Caitlyn smiled. "He has shown me worse. I'm quite used to it," She chuckled. Madam Scarlett smiled.

...

It was three weeks after Caitlyn got discharged and the day of her mother's burial. The Kings were all in attendance.

As the casket was lowered into the already-dug grave, tears streamed down Caitlyn's face. She was struggling to hold herself from screaming.

Someone stretched a handkerchief to her. She turned to see Martin wearing a dark shade. She collected the handkerchief from him and dried her face with it. It was wet again in the next minute. Martin sighed.

"You know, crying will not bring her back."

She turned to him sharply. "Can you be less watchful of the hurtful things you blurt out? Just for today, please." She moved some inches away from him. Martin scoffed and turned to walk away when he caught his mother's eyes on him.

"Don't you dare move," She mouthed to him. He sighed and returned to his position.

Caitlyn's mother was finally laid to rest and all burial rites concluded. The cemetery was slowly becoming empty as those who attended left one after the other.

The kings and Caitlyn were the only ones remaining after some time. Caitlyn walked to them.

"Thank you so much. Your presence means a lot to me, " She managed to force a smile. Her eyes were red and puffy as a result of crying so much.

"It's nothing, dear," Madam Scarlett smiled at her. "We'll leave now," Herald told her as they got on their feet.

"Thank you so much for attending, " Caitlyn thanked them again. Madam Scarlett stretched out her hands for a hug.

Caitlyn quickly rushed into the woman's open arms. "You'll be fine, darling, " She comforted her. Caitlyn felt some relief.

"Visit us sometime. I consider you as a family now, " She told her and caressed her hair. Caitlyn nodded, "I will, ma'am."

"Alright, lucky lady. We'll be off now," Herald announced. Madam Scarlett began walking away.

"I wonder why he's not leaving yet," Herald voiced out his thought, staring at Martin who sat at the far end of the hall.

Caitlyn also looked at him and sighed. She waved Herald bye as he followed his mother.

She slumped onto a chair as soon as they were out of sight, completely ignoring Martin. She soon heard the sound of his shoes advancing toward her. When he was near, she stood up.

"Stop right there, miss Caitlyn, " He ordered as she made to walk away. She halted and turned to him.

"Why are you still here?" She asked, placing her hands on each side of her waist.

"To take you home, " He simply said. Caitlyn's anger melted at his surprising kindness. She hadn't even expected him to attend. She lowered her gaze and smiled shyly.

"Also, the company would be holding an anniversary celebration in two weeks. My mother wants me to attend with a partner. I want you to go with me. You might feel more alive if you do, " He told her.

Caitlyn's eyes widened in shock. "You, Martin king, want me to attend your company's party as your partner?" He nodded affirmatively.

"What?" She voiced out loudly.