Chapter 3

Arrogant Markos

I hurried through the hospital halls, smelling the strong antiseptic. My heels clicking was the only sound I heard as my heart kept pounding.

 I felt confused and couldn't focus.

 I stopped a nurse at the desk.

"Excuse me," I said with a trembling voice, worried about my son, my baby.

"Where is my son, Leo? He was brought to this hospital after an accident."

The nurse gave me a kind look and gestured to a room down the hallway. 

"Room 312. The doctor is already in there with-" I didn't wait for her to finish talking.

I rushed down the hallway and opened the door with my hands and was shocked when I saw him.

Leo was lying on the bed, his head and hand heavily bandaged and he was so pale.

"Mommy." He said his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm here, sweetie," I said, quickly going to his side and holding his hand that wasn't hurt. 

"Mommy is here." A gentle tap on the door caught my attention.

 A tall man in a white coat, who had a kind but serious look on his face, walked into the room.

He looked at the chart in his hand and asked, 

"Are you Ms. Ecca?" 

"Yes," I replied immediately, standing up tall.

"How is he doing? Will he be alright?" 

The doctor looked serious and let out a sigh. He said, "Your son's arm is broken, and he has a small head injury. We've made sure he's okay for now, but he needs a blood transfusion right away. "His blood type is O-negative, which is not common. "

"Can I donate my blood to him?" I quickly responded. "I will donate my blood to him."  

The doctor agreed with a nod. "We will do a fast test to make sure."

 Shortly after, while I was in the testing room, the nurse returned with the results, looking sorry.

"Ms.-" She said gently, in what sounded more like a question.

"Ecca, " I said immediately.

"I'm sorry, but your blood type is not a match." 

I stopped in shock. "What?" "It's not possible. I am his mother." 

The nurse looked at me with understanding. "It can happen sometimes. We will try to get blood from the bank, but it will take time and there will be some costs. Do you have insurance or money to pay for this?"

I felt my stomach sink. I had absolutely nothing. I didn't have any savings, insurance, or anyone to help. I chewed on my lip, trying to figure out who I could reach out to for assistance. I wondered who could assist me, but I couldn't think of anyone.

 The people I thought of either weren't around anymore or didn't want to be involved with me.

I couldn't stop thinking about Markos. I shook my head to push the thought away. I didn't want to call him. I didn't want to do it. But when I saw Leo, who was tiny and vulnerable, I realized I had to.

Putting aside my ego, I took out my phone and called him. It rang once. Then it rang again. And then one more time. I whispered desperately for Markos to pick up the phone, my hands shaking.

 Unfortunately, the call went to voicemail. I froze for a moment, then quickly put the phone back in my bag. 

Tears filled my eyes, but I blinked them away. Since he didn't pick up my call, I decided to go see him in person. I was willing to do anything, even if it meant getting on my knees. I would plead if necessary. 

It felt like forever driving to Markos's house. 

As I arrived, I was too confused and nervous at the same time but I had to do this.

 "Markos, please open the door!"I knocked .

A maid responded, looking surprised.

 "Madam—"

 "Where is he?" I asked forcefully, moving past her.

I heard moans and groans coming from the room upstairs and I stopped in my tracks.

 After what seemed like forever, I saw him walking down the stairs, wearing a robe that hung loosely on his strong shoulders. 

His messy hair and sweaty body gave away all the information I needed.

 A lady came down the stairs, fixing her dress straps and her lipstick smudged. I tried to keep my cool and not show any reaction. 

This wasn't the right moment.

 Markos looked at me and his smile went away. "Ecca?" 

"I'm here to ask for your help," I said nervously.

He stood with his arms crossed, leaning casually on the railing.

 "This sounds interesting."

 "What do you need from me this time?" He asked smirking.

 "It's about my son. He's in the hospital.He needs blood, and I—" "A son?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You have a child?"

"Yes," I replied quickly.

 "He's only four years old, Markos. He's just a little boy. "Please help me, I have no one else to ask." 

He chuckled softly, but there was no laughter in it. "Why should I even bother? Ask his father for assistance,” his words hit me hard.

 I tried to speak up, but I couldn't make a sound. 

"I'm correct, aren't I?" He asked, moving nearer, his voice full of mockery. "Isn't that what dads are supposed to do? Or is he conveniently not around?" 

I cried with tears running down my face, biting my lip. "Markos, I'm begging you. This isn't about me. It's about Leo. Leo needs you." 

He stopped suddenly, his face changing a little. "Leo?" He whispered softly.

 "That's his name." I said in a very small voice which was barely above a whisper with tears running down my cheeks. “His name is Leo."

"So what's my business?" Markos said and at that very moment my heart broke.

Maybe I should tell him. I said to myself.

"I have something to tell you." I said more to myself than to him.

He lifted an eyebrow and folded his arms casually, clearly amused.

"Leo is your son."