LOGINAdrian’s POV“You did what?” Eric spat out his drink. I sucked my teeth, dusting off the stain on my shirt. “Get a grip on yourself, man. I don’t remember speaking gibberish.” “Why would you do that?” “Why not? I was trying to talk to her, and she acted like I wasn’t worthy of an adequate response. I had to say something.” “The child is obviously yours.” “But without a DNA test, she will definitely deny he belongs to me. And he carries her fake name. How didn't I even think it through from the start? It is ridiculous that she lets him call someone else dad while I am alive.” Eric ran his hand through his hair, “Do you even know how she has had to live in the last five years without any support? Aren’t you being unfair?” “Unfair?” I raised my voice. “What about me, Eric? First I thought I had lost my wife and child. Only to find out she is alive and when I asked about my child she told me he was dead. All along he was right in front of me and I had no idea. She made a fool of me
Briar’s POVThe silence that settled into the room was deafening. In the midst of it, I could hear my heart pounding aggressively. If I wasn’t made of bone and flesh, I would have turned into a puddle from the restlessness. “Wait a minute, this needs to be explained to me more simply.” Rissa broke the silence. “He wants a DNA test for a child that is confirmed as his? Knox practically looks like a miniature version of him.” “That is not the point!” Liam snapped. He sounded irritated. “He shouldn’t ask for it. If he is sensible, he should know to let go and not pull any dumb tricks. Five years is a long time.” “Really? Is that supposed to be reasonable enough for him to back away? It’s not like he was aware of his presence and chose to ignore him.” “Do you hear yourself? Why wouldn’t he know of his existence in the first place? Isn’t it because he is an asshole? One that shouldn’t be found around an innocent child like that.” Rissa groaned loudly, flaring her nose at him. “Oh, ple
Briar’s POV“You like it?” I asked Knox as he chewed with relish on the mashed potatoes and baked fish. He bobbed his head, his signature bright smile plastering his face. “Yes, mummy. I like it.” I patted his hair down gently, “I am glad you do baby.” I smiled back at him. The last five days have had me bouncing from one emotion to another. My repayment out of it all is seeing Knox get back his color, talk in his usual manner, and eat well. The doctor assured us we could get him discharged by tomorrow. I can't wait to have him well attended to at home. Despite the room upgrade I don’t feel comfortable about it. Adrian had paid for a VIP room and covered the entire bill without telling me about it. I haven’t seen him since that day and I can’t even fathom what it is he might be thinking. “Mummy, when is Uncle Liam coming?” Knox's voice jolted me back to the present. I patted his hand, “Uncle Liam is busy, baby. He came yesterday when you were asleep. There is no need to worry, ok
Adrian’s POV“Here is your card, sir.” The lady by the counter handed it over with a smile. “Thanks.” I sniffed, retrieving it and heading for the door. “I thought you had left.” I heard Liam behind me. My body stiffened at his voice. When I didn’t respond, he came in front of me. “I forgot to thank you earlier. Thanks for your help and sorry you were caught off guard. If you weren’t here it might have been too much trouble.” I furrowed my brow, staring at him in disbelief. Who the fuck is this dude? I scoffed and walked past him. He isn’t deserving of a response. “What? Aren’t you going to say something?” He called after me. I threw him a side glare. “What do you want to hear? Don’t piss me off, man.” I warned, heading towards my car. “It’s not her fault you know. Don’t make this about you. Let things be. There is no need to get all upset for nothing.”I tightened my fist, fighting the rage bubbling inside me. “Mr Ashford, I do not remember being friends with you. You have no r
Briar’s POV“Where is he? Where is my baby?” I yelled the moment I sighted Liam. He appeared too slow giving me a response which prompted me to rush over to Gina who was sobbing profusely. “What happened to my baby? Talk to me, Gina!” “I don’t know, ma’am. We had just returned from his school and I was making him lunch when he collapsed. I am sorry.” She wailed. Liam held me back, “Calm down, Briar. Please. He is being attended to by the doctor. Let’s just wait.” “It might be nothing serious,” Adrian said, making his way towards us. “Why are you here?” Liam asked him. I ruffled my hair, throwing my arm out. “He drove me down here.” “She didn’t seem to be in a good state to drive herself. It’s why I helped.” He responded. A doctor soon approached us, “Is this Knox Smith’s family?” The lady inquired. I stepped forward, wiping off the tears that stayed glued to my face. “I am his mother. You can talk to me.” “Your boy has autoimmune hemolytic anemia.” I was about to ask what she
Briar’s POVI did a sharp intake of breath at the sight of the building. I am haunted by it and it’s only been a few days since our encounter. I know being flexible is the most expected act of a designer, but in my entire experience, I have only had to work on the interior of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and housing projects. Working on a dialysis center isn't exactly something I would have envisioned. That sounds silly of me and I feel bad. However, I am forced to think up different ways to not make it appear grey nor too colorful. Even though Liam is offering to help, I can’t ask too much of him. At least not until I have done the full inspection and come up with a moodboard. I was only able to cover a few rooms the last time I came by. Looking at the whole mass of brick, I am amazed by the intention behind it. I heard it’s a charity space. The sponsor wants it open to the public and to help families find relief in nurturing their loved ones back to life. The more reason I am cha
Briar’s POV“Congratulations, Mrs. Sterling, you are six weeks pregnant.” The doctor’s words played repeatedly in my head making my toes curl in excitement. A little burst of giggles kept escaping my lips at each reminder. I knew it was only a matter of time before all that I wanted came to me. No
Briar’s POVI finally made up my mind. Atlanta to Inglewood by road will take me two days to reach. But it is the best option for me. I cannot afford to have my movement tracked by Adrian. So taking a plane is off the table. I need to disappear as quietly as possible. This would be my first long
Briar’s POVAs the rain thundered against the window, my chest tightened and tears flowed nonstop. It’s been two months of darkness in my life. My little one grows inside me healthily, but I worry that my sadness might deprive the child of a full life. How can I be happy when everything around me i
Briar’s POV“Why can’t I visit?” Mum yelled from the other end of the phone. I held the phone away from my ear, cursing inwardly. “Mum, please. I am stressed.”“That is not the response I seek.” She snapped. Inhaling sharply, I rubbed at my growing belly gently with my free hand. It’s been over







