Chapter Four: Shadows of the past

LAURA’S POV.

“Oh my God Laura, I missed you,” Elijah's Aunt embraced me in a hug, “you have lost so much weight, Elijah haven't you been taking care of her?” She groaned as he glared at Elijah.

We stood by the airport, as we welcomed Ms Ivy and Ethan Reed.

Elijah had a striking resemblance to his brother Ethan, he had brown eyes, black hair. He was a bit shorter than Elijah.

His auntie had the same green eyes, what a striking feature.

“No Ivy, how are you and how was your trip?” Elijah asked.

“All good my Sonny, I am so tired from the flight. Ethan get in the car with your brother, let me bond with my daughter in law.” She smiled. Even in her late 40’s she still looked beautiful.

Ms Ivy Reed had always been kind to me, like a daughter. I felt safe around her, I saw her as my mother. A mother I wish I had.

We hopped into the car and headed to the mansion.

“Hey bro..” Ethan jumped to hug Elijah, “did you hear that Astrid is in town?” He was goofy , yet organized and kind. He was a total opposite of my husband.

“Yes I heard, she's at the mansion.” He said.

“Why at the mansion-?” Ethan asked. His gaze fixed on his phone as usual.

“What?! And you did not bother to inform me? How does your wife feel about that, Elijah?” Ms Ivy Reed exclaimed, she seemed skeptical about Elijah's idea of accommodating Astrid. She had always suspected Astrid and Elijah's relationship.

“Ivy, we will talk more when we reach the mansion,” he answered nonchalantly.

The driver fixed his eyes on the road, the tension in the car was heavy.

“I demand answers now, Laura, did you agree to this?” she asked me.

I looked at Elijah and jaw tightened, his hand flexed angrily.

However I did not want any drama brewing in the house, Elijah may have been an ass but he will get his punishment soon.

“I wasn't aware, but we agreed to accommodate her well as soon as she arrived.” I smiled.

“Really? If you're okay with it then that's fine. But if anything goes wrong Elijah, I will not spare you.” She said,

Ethan chuckled and Elijah gritted his teeth.

“I'll try my best,” he huffed.

“We are here,” Richard announced.

We got in the mansion, the house help carried the bags into Ms Ivy and Ethan rooms.

Elijah sat by the living room, Ms Lilly rushed in breathless.

“Mr Reed…! It's Astrid, she fell unconscious.” She panicked frantically.

“What?! I thought she would be fine by now,” he said.

We rushed to her room and found her on the bed, I could swear she looked fine.

Elijah sat by her bed calling her name. He called the family Doctor and within minutes he arrived.

Ms Ivy stood there in shock, Elijah could not allow anyone near her. We stood outside the door, as the doctor examined Astrid.

“She should be fine, she had some complications from the allergies but here is a list of medication she should take.” The doctor walked out the room.

Elijah held Astrid like his life depended on it. Something he never did with me.

“I'll take care of you, no matter what” he said.

Elijah did not step out of the room, Ms Ivy became frantic about it.

“Laura, why is Elijah still in her room? Go get him.” She ordered.

“She needs him, he's the only person close to her. In this situation she needs his comfort and support.” I muttered. I know he loved her, he could not see her hurt.

“But that's why we have the house help, they can take care of her,” she looked at me with worried eyes.

“Ms Ivy, trust me on this one. I trust my Elijah, she's safe with him.” I could feel tears beaming from my eyes, but I blinked them away. I could not show my weakness, I could not show I am affected that my husband is with another woman in the name of comfort.

She looked into my eyes and I could see she felt pity on me, but I couldn't show how affected I was.

*****

Hours later, we were all preparing for the evening party. Ethan's 27th birthday. Elijah had already walked out of Astrid's room, ordering me to take care of her because of her fragile health.

Everyone was busy trying to prepare themselves except me, who had to fetch every little item for Astrid. Fortunately, Ms Lilly was there to help.

She was selfish and a spoiled brat, for someone who collapsed a few hours ago, she sure looked fit enough to order everyone around.

“Oh Laura, don't forget to pack my inhaler.” She sneered as she walked into the dressing room.

I let out a forced smile, if not for Elijah ordering me to do this. I wouldn't be doing this.

“Whatever, bitch” I answered, Packing everything in her purse. I saw a piece of paper stick out, out of curiosity. I secretly took it out and it was a pregnancy test report. I gasped.

I scanned through it and it showed positive.

I couldn't believe what I had seen, I quickly took my phone and captured the test results.

Astrid came out of the dressing room, bossy as usual and grabbed her purse from my hands.

“Whatever you have seen, keep it to yourself or else.

You'll go back to the streets where you belong.” She said.