38

Chapter 38

Adrian’s Pov

After speaking with Darcy I left for my room. The mansion was quiet, people slept but I couldn't sleep. The weather made the mansion cold.

I laid down on my bed as thoughts rushed in my head. About Pink’s nightmare, then she’d called me Mommy and the way I’d held her until she fell asleep.

"I wish we would share those moments together Pink," I whispered to no one.

Rain was falling heavily outside, it was softer when Darcy came back but it's now harder. It beat on the window like a warning.

The sound reminds me of my worst night in prison when it rained. I stay awake wishing for one thing. Freedom.

My head throbbed. My head aches. I felt pain in my body. It felt like sickness mixed with exhaustion. I should’ve told Darcy so he could get medications for me or allow me go get them myself and if it's a flu, keep Pink away in case it was contagious. But I didn’t want to disturb him.

So I was just there covered in blankets, listening to the rain and thinking.

"Pink called me Mommy?" I said, in a low voice.

I knew that night she was scared, but the way she said it. It came with trust. Something broke inside of me at it reminded me of the baby I lost three years ago, the nurse had said the baby died from breathing complications. The baby I never held with my hands.

And then there was Darcy. Always Darcy.

"You’re special too." Those words from earlier wouldn’t leave me. He’d said them softly, almost tenderly. For a second, I’d believed him. But how could I, when he was getting engaged to another woman? When he’d made plans with Brittany like I didn’t exist?

I liked him. More than I wanted to. Liked the way he took care of his daughter,Pink,the way he tries to be a good father. The way he handles his CEO business. But the truth is I won’t let him use me again. Not as a distraction or a mistake.

Even if staying away from him hurt more than anything.

Sleep came late and shallow. By morning, I felt worse—my head heavy, my body aching. But Pink will go to school tomorrow. So I'd like to get her ready for school.

---

We prepared for school this morning. Pink was excited. It's a new day for school. She was talking nonstop as I helped her dress.

“And Ms. Lilian said I’m really good at reading,” she said proudly.

“That’s because you read all through summer break." I said,

Her expression softened. “Ms Adrian, will you be here when I get home?”

“Of course. Leo and I, I'll pick you up from school today.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Darcy appeared in the doorway then—immaculate as always, but looking tired. Our eyes met briefly before Pink ran over to him.

“Have a good day, princess,” he said, kissing her head.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too.”

He left without a word to me. I told myself I didn’t care. That silence was better than coldness. But it still hurts.

---

When I picked Pink up that afternoon, she came running, holding up a painting.

“Look, Adrian! It’s you, me, and Daddy!”

Three stick figures held hands beneath a big yellow sun, smiling in front of the mansion. A happy family.

My chest tightened. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart. We’ll hang it in the fridge.”

“Mr Adrian, let's go to the park for some ice cream, please? Please?”

I wasn't feeling too strong to go to the park. I should’ve said no but I felt it wasn't a bad idea. But she looked so hopeful.

“Just for a little while,” I said. “Leo will come with us.”

Leo, the security guard Darcy had instructed to follow me, was there when I talked about going to the park. He gave a small nod. “The park is fine, Ms. Martinez. I’ll keep watch.”

---

The evening winds blew in the field. The park was so peaceful. So, when we got there, just a few children playing, swinging and leaves rustling in the cool afternoon breeze. Pink ran to the swings, laughing.

“Higher, Ms Adrian! Higher!”

I pushed her gently, watching her face light up. Everything felt normal. Safe.

Later, she insisted we build a sandcastle. She instructed I help her shape the towers we build although I felt weak

“Ms Adrian, are you okay?” she asked, studying my face.

“I’m fine, baby. Just tired.”

“You should take medicine. Daddy gives me medicine when my head hurts.”

“Maybe later. Let’s finish this first.”

Leo had stepped away to take a phone call but stayed within sight. The park was almost empty now. I brushed sand from my hands when it hit me—that eerie feeling of being watched.

My stomach dropped.

I glanced around. Everything looks normal. The trees, benches, sunlight touching the leaves. Nothing looked unusual. Yet something doesn't feel right. Something was off. My instincts tell me that something was wrong.

“Ms Adrian?” Pink’s voice broke. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “We’re just going home soon.”

Then, I saw him...

He stood near the tree hiding behind the tree, spying on Pink and I. Even that same hood he wore the last time I saw him.I knew that stance. That posture.

Martin.

My blood went cold.

He was here. Watching us.

“Pink,” I said, forcing calm into my voice. “We need to go, sweetheart. Now.”

“But…”

“No arguments. Come on.”

I reached for her hand just as Martin stepped into the open, his smile slow and deliberate.

“Adrian Martinez,” he called. “What a coincidence.”

This can never be a coincidence. He wanted to see me again. Wanted me to know he could reach us anytime.

Pink pressed into my legs, frightened. “Adrian… who is that man?”

“No one,” I whispered, pulling her close. “Stay behind me.”

Martin walked closer, his face clearer now. He looked healthier than before—successful even. The sight made bile rise in my throat.

“You look well,” he said. “Nanny life suits you.”

“What do you want, Martin?”

“Just to talk.” His eyes slid toward Pink. “That’s Darcy Rodrigo’s daughter, right? Pink?”

“Don’t.” My voice broke. “Don’t even look at her.”

He smirked. “Still protective. You always had a soft spot for kids. Even the one you lost.”

The words hit like a slap. My vision blurred with rage and grief. “Leave. Now. Or I’ll scream.”

“Will you?” he mocked. “You really want to tell everyone why your ex is here? Or how the man who got you arrested suddenly cares?”

“What do you want?” I repeated, shaking.

He smiled coldly. “To know how much you’ve told Darcy. About me. About what really happened.”

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “I haven’t told him anything.”

“Liar,” he hissed. “You’ve always been terrible at it. That’s why you are always easy to use .”

“Adrian!”

Leo’s voice cut through the tension. He was running toward us, hand reaching for his weapon.

Martin saw him coming. His smirk deepened. “This isn’t over. Next time, keep your guard dog on a shorter leash.”

Then he turned and disappeared into the trees.

Leo reached us seconds later, scanning the park. “Who was that? Are you hurt?”

I shook my head, though I was trembling. “We’re fine. But we need to leave.”

Leo didn’t argue. He pulled out his phone, calling backup, and guided us quickly toward the car, keeping himself between us and the trees.

Pink was crying softly. “Who was that man? Why was he so scary?”

“No one, baby,” I said, hugging her close. “Just someone from a long time ago.”

“You promise we’re safe?”

“Yes,” I said, even though the words felt like ash.

Because I knew we weren’t.

Martin had found me again. I didn’t know how he always traced me. And next time, he might not stop at a warning.