Chapter 0009

Bryce arrived at the hospital where Marissa was and went straight to the top floor. That was the VIP section, where Marissa came for regular check-up.

As soon as he walked into her ward, Evangeline looked up from the chair she sat on with a worried face.

Marissa was lying down on the bed, when she noticed his presence, she turned towards him. Her eyes flickering.

Bryce walks towards her. “What happened?” He asks worriedly, lowering his head to give her a peck.

Marissa frowned. “I bruised myself while trying to clean our room. It almost affected the baby, luckily I was careful but I broke you and Rachel's wedding picture while trying to save the baby, I hope you're not angry?”

Bryce sat beside her on the bed, “I told you not to stress yourself, especially this time. You have two months to deliver and you have to protect the baby.” He playfully poked her forehead.

Marissa blushed. “I only wanted to clean our room and surprise you. I didn't know it would happen.” She said with a sickly innocence.

“Bryce.” Evangeline called, gaining their attention. “When will she leave? I'm getting impatient. I still don't understand the reason why you let her stay, even after what we planned. I am really disappointed.”

“I know, mother.” Bryce said casually. “There's only ten days remaining until her departure, let's just tolerate her presence for ten days.”

“I'm really getting tired of her. Anytime I see her I will just feel like nauseating.” Marissa chipped in. “What difference will it make if you just divorce her tomorrow?"

Bryce shook his head. “I had already promised her the fourteen days. Let's just make her have it.”

Evangeline sighs. “Well, I have already made preparations for the both of you to get married, but her presence is hindering me.”

Marissa places her hands on her belly. “I can't wait to get married to you, so we'll train our babies peacefully without any nuisance—”

Bryce shuts her up with a kiss. He places a hand on her big belly and rubs it while kissing her, then lowers his head to her belly and pecks it.

Evangeline smiles.

“I know what is best for my child, my wife and my mother. Just give her a little time, and she will be gone. Do you hear me?” Bryce brushes his thumb against her lips.

Marissa nods, her cheeks red. “Yes.”

Evangeline takes a shallow breath, “You'll make such a good father, Bryce.”

Bryce's phone rings, and he picks. “Hello?”

Hana's voice comes from the other end. “Mr. Voss, Mrs. Voss just fainted. Her blood—”

Bryce's jaw flexed, “Rachel just fainted? You are kidding me. We just saw in less than an hour and you're saying she fainted.”

Hana's voice trembled. “She just came home right now, she—”

Bryce hung up.

“What happened?” Marissa asked, voice laced with false concern.

“Rachel fainted.” Bryce said coldly. “But I know it's a lie.”

Evangeline scoffed. “That girl is so good at pretence! She's not even sick. She just wants to get your attention, so she uses Hana…she's dumb!”

Marissa smirks, “Bryce, she's so funny. She just loves unnecessary attention. Well, we will soon get rid of her.” Bryce nods.

“Well, Bryce, have you collaborated with the resin gallery?” Evangeline asks.

“No. I'm planning to do so very soon, since the CEO doesn't want to reveal his or her face. They are planning to host a party, and then I'll speak directly to the CEO.”

Evangeline nods. “Okay. That will be nice.”

Bryce stands. “I have to go. There is a meeting I need to attend.” He turns to Marissa, “get well soon, babe.” He says and pecks her forehead.

***

“Dominic!” Mr. Alfredo, Dominic's father yells, dropping his sugarless coffee abruptly. “You think I have time, huh?”

Alfredo had earlier been diagnosed with diabetes, since then, he pressured Dominic, his first child to get married.

Alfredo had suggested multiple ladies for Dominic but he kept rejecting all of them, and it only exasperated him.

He believed he didn't have much time on earth again, and he wanted to see his son's bride and be assured that there will be someone to take over the company after Dominic was dead.

Sometimes he even wondered if Dominic was gay, because how will multiple ladies be head over heels for him and he'll end up not falling in love with a single one.

Dominic sighs, “Father, I will get married, you just have to be patient.”

Alfredo stares at his son in annoyance, his hands clenching. “This is what you always say. When will you put everything into action? I'm really disappointed!”

“Father, there are other patients in this hospital. You have to reduce your voice.”

Alfredo looks away from Dominic. “I want the hospital to know that my son is hurting me! Look at my leg, one has already been affected, how long do you think that I have to live huh?” he snaps.

Dominic stares at his father. “Father, don't—”

Alfredo interrupts. “I give you only a month! Just a month to find a wife, if you don't do so, don't ever show up in my life again, until I'm six feet under.”

Dominic wanted to speak but words didn't come out. He stared at his father…speechless.

Then he said, “Fine.”

He stood up to go when Alfredo's voice came from behind. “You will also show me the evidence of your marriage and tell me how you met her.”

Dominic nods and leaves the ward.

Whatever Alfredo says, he always meant it. His words carried power. He just assigned a task to Dominic which he had to carry out in one month.

He pulls out his phone from his pocket and places a call to his assistant, Tony.

“Find a lady, who will act as my wife for a period of one year. Let her be desperate for money and not for love.”

“Yes, Mr. Morello.” Tony replies from the other end.

Dominic sighs exhaustively as he walks down the hallway.

“Mrs. Voss, you have to wake up please!” A lady screamed, following the nurses as they drove a patient in a gurney.

Dominic turns. Did he just hear wrongly? Mrs. Voss?

“Mrs. Voss, please, don't die.” The lady said in tears.

Dominic follows the nurses as they enter an empty ward. Just as he enters, he is taken aback by what he sees.

Rachel is lying unconscious….soaked in blood. But he just met her a few hours ago…

For the first time in a long time, he stutters. “R—Rachel?”