4: Darkness

Valerie’s POV

Three Hours Earlier.

“I can't be pregnant… No.” I’m freaking out. 

“I wish so too.” Dr. Glynn’s voice is dead flat. 

My body goes still as I watch him walk down to the bedside table.

“Pregnancy is a burden especially when it’s for a loser like him.” He sucks his teeth. 

Oddly, he crushes against my space, so close that I can feel his breath on my skin. Only now did I notice his cool brown eyes, sharp cheekbones, dominant features… 

I gulp dryly, feeling terrified. My uneven breathing makes him pause. We are barely an inch apart, with his hand twisting my curls around his fingers.

“Don’t be scared, it's just me.” He pulls upright.

For a moment, my breathing is labored. I pause to get stability, my hand presses to my beating heart. 

“You seem-you seem to know so much.” I stop to swallow. 

“And you act like you’ve forgotten so soon.” His tone is hurt. “I woke up to the news of your death and the loser taking over your company… I should have known it was his nasty scheme!” 

He cackles like he’s high on his thoughts, then pulls forward, taking my hand in his, eyes on my belly. When his eyes meet mine, they are possessive.

“Veronica, this should be me and you… us.” He strokes my hand. “We’ll make a power couple, take over the world. You and I.”

My lips part in protest but no words form. 

“I'm Valerie.” I manage to mumble. 

His hands feel rigid against mine, just as his eyes squint. “The baby sister?” As if stunned, he smiles and gently lets go. “You both have such an uncanny resemblance.” 

Silence settles in between us. While I try to process all that he said, he goes on about his job. 

“Good thing you're ready for discharge.” He breaks the silence. “I’ll have a nurse attend to you.” 

“Wait!” The word slips out of me. It makes him pause by the door. I adjust forward. “Do you know how my sister's last days were? She died in this hospital.” 

He masks his shock with an awkward grin. “No.” He bluntly admits. “I apologize for opening old wounds.” He disappears with that.

Things don't seem to add up. If he thinks that my sister's death was a publicity stunt, then maybe there are more skeletons. 

As promised, a nurse shows up to complete the process of my discharge. Instead of simply leaving, I walk down the hallway, reading every title on the door. My intention for coming here was to demand Veronica’s medical record, but Dr. Glynn is a better catch. 

“Hi,” I stop an orderly. “I'm Dr. Glynn’s patient.” It makes her relax. 

“He’s outsid…”

“Wondering when he closes from work.” I cut her off. I can't risk being seen. “Just for a kind gesture.” 

“7 PM. In about an hour.” She does the math and flashes a smile before leaving. 

Pressing my ears to each door, the last one before the bend seems silent. Thankfully, it's not locked. It's their linen room. There’s a dark place in the room, like a small corridor. I press myself into it.

Steady footsteps grow louder. The door opens and someone walks in. 

I push in, trying to go undetected as much as possible. Suddenly the footsteps stop. My heart begins to pound loudly. I shut my eyes, feeling the presence grow stronger. I’m quite scared.

Slowly, I open my eyes. Black crocs, down to the start of navy-green pants, like the orderly’s uniform. I look upward, meeting cool blue eyes… 

Baron!?

Before I can scream, he jerks me into his arms and covers my mouth with a napkin.