The last thing she wanted was to look the way she did and go visit her mother and so she wiped the evidence, splashing cold water on her face then cleaning it with a paper towel.
She leaves the restroom, going back to the reception area which seemed a lot more quiet than a few minutes ago when she’d been there. Amelia goes to her mother’s room, knocking softly before entering but who lay before her startled her. Instead of her mother, there was a man, plugged into an oxygen mask... Startled, she took a step back having entered the wrong room, she turned to leave but then paused at the sense of familiarity she could feel towards this person. Amelia walks to the man’s hospital bed, clearly seeing the face behind the oxygen mask. “Dax...” What was he doing here? She reached her palm to his forehead, her gaze fixated on him—His had grown more handsome over the years. She dragged her hand to his cheek, caressing it. The patient brow creased, and his eyes fluttered but remained closed. Amelia felt a cold aura that seemed to surround him even while he slept, she concentrated on the feel of his stubbled cheek not quite fully grown. The man's eyes slowly opened and at that moment Amelia locked gazes with him. Her breath hitched at the back of her throat, and her heartbeat widely. She’d been caught, fear gripped Amelia's heart as she pulled her gaze away from Dax, storming out of the hospital room in a hurry, and then out of the hospital, as though being chased. Not long after she left the hospital room, the nurse in charge of the patient room came in and saw the patient awake, then she rushed out to call for the doctor. … An hour later at the patient’s room, a doctor was in the middle of running a minor physical examination on the patient, and no later than when he ended it, the door of the hospital room opened, revealing a woman, whose beauty had aged gracefully over the years. “Doctor how is my son” The woman came to stand beside her son’s hospital bed' “Chairwoman” the doctor gave a low bow. “we’ve just finished a basic examination, and from what I gathered his physically fine” “Is that so?” the woman reaches for her son. “Yes, however, we still have to run a thorough examination of his condition to make sure all is well.” “Why? Is there something wrong doctor?” “Not necessarily, it’s just basic procedure. Now that the patient is awake a thorough examination will have to be conducted since the patient has been in a coma for three years. “Perform all the tests as soon as possible and make sure nothing goes wrong with my son.” “Yes ma’am” Dax's gaze fluttered but didn’t open, as the noise filtered through his subconscious, the voices becoming clearer, and a headache began at the back of his head. He opened his eyes to see his mother standing with a man he presumed was the doctor in charge of him. “Dax darling… doctor my son’s awake.” His mother saw him awake. Too loud… Dax squinted his eyes, the sun was getting in his way. His mother was been too loud, as her anxious voice came at him, increasing the migraine he felt. A flurry of sound kept buzzing at his ear. Then he closed his eyes, letting it remain shut for a while. “Doctor is he truly, okay?” his mother asked the doctor, seeing her son so unresponsive after three years. “It's common for a coma patient to have bouts of consciousness, we’ll do a mental assessment of his condition just to be sure, but know he is awake.” Dax heard what the doctor said, he wasn’t unconscious, instead, he couldn’t be bothered to open his eyes for too long. A warm feeling came to his forehead, like someone had touched him. The image of that woman with a blue iris flashed in his memory. He opened his eyes to take a peek if it was her, but it wasn’t instead, it was his mother's hand on him, she and the doctor were the only ones there. A sense of disappointment washed over him at the thought of that woman not being here. Right, who was she? That woman… Dax felt an ache much higher than the migraine he’d felt as it came from his mind, and images of that woman came at him, scenes of them together, how they met, them dating and the day of their marriage, then he remembered he’d gotten into a car accident whilst going on a business trip. “Wi-wife… where is… my… wi-f-e” Dax opened his gaze, finding his mother’s “Where is… my wife... mother?” The ache was unbearable, and Dax fell unconscious not able to withstand the ache any longer. Stunned, the woman watched her son closely. What did he just say? The chairwoman cast a glance at the doctor, as a sense of unease coursed through her “Is this common doctor?” “…” “…no, it isn’t…” … Amelia beat herself up for what had happened at the hospital. She shouldn’t have done that. Going into someone else’s room, touching their faces, caressing them… she shouldn’t have done that. Why did she do that? Fu*k! She kicked at a can on the road startling a pedestrian walking beside her. Amelia made gestures of apologies, but the stranger walked past her, avoiding her at all costs—she deserves that. No one would want to walk beside a raving lunatic; Amelia sighed. A lot calmer, she gazed at the people on the street noticing that most pedestrians out and about, wore office wear. That means it was closing time for most office workers. Amelia gazed at these strangers with longing—What was she doing? People her age work at stellar companies, getting jobs that can support their lifestyle and family, and what of her? How about her? While she graduated from a local college and had scraps for food to eat, as life dealt her one blow, after another—she could never be one of them... As low as a dog, that's what she was, she could never be in anybody's league—especially not his league, not anymore… No! She should stay away… far away from his radar, where he wouldn’t see her tortured, she’d just about break if he did… There was no point peeling old scars. For the past ten years she hadn’t met anyone she knew from high society and how would she... they weren’t in the same status anymore. Today was just an accident... Almost at her house, Amelia took a turn at the corner of an old building entering the alley, it was nearly sundown, and she had to be back home before that happened. The crunch of two distinct rugged boots sounded from behind Amelia, as her instinct pointed at danger, she was being followed. She looked ahead, quickening her pace, just ahead of her was another corner and she’d be out of the alley. But she didn’t reach that corner, as two men; both looking menacing and all covered up with tatt, came from that spot, men she knew. They both glared at her, and Amelia turned to bolt, but slammed into a body behind her… she was trapped. “Hey, hey, hey, would you look at that, it’s pretty Amelia” Mike, Dylan, Drake, and Dash, entrapped her in a circle of four. With her heart in panic Amelia took a step away from Dash “You were following me” “Of course, we were… had to make sure you and your mother haven’t run away,” Dash said. “By the way, where is your mother?” Dylan asked, pulling her to face him. Startled by the pull Amelia tripped and almost fell, but was caught by Drake, and he wrapped his hand around her. Disgusting. “Don’t touch me,” Amelia pulled herself away, gaining balance on her feet. “We haven’t run away. I promise you will get your money back.” “And how do you plan to pay? Scraping at that miserly diner you work at?” Dylan scowled. His gaze fierce and all the more demeaning. “Did you forget the amount your mother owes us? Fifteen Million dollars… is that what you want to pay while working a diner?” Drake glowered annoyed. Amelia’s hands shook in fright and so she balled them into fists to stop their momentum. The last thing she wanted was to let these men know she was afraid. “Look I’m hunting for a job, and soon I’ll get steady cash, you’ll get your money” “How long will that take to pay, working a regular nine-to-five job?” Dash leaned forward hovering above Amelia, his act of intimidation was so successful. “And speaking of job… we’ve got a job for you” Mike started his eyes crazed, like a dog in heat. “It’ll get you steady cash flow and you can pay us and support the family,” “No” Amelia gritted out the word. “Oh, come on” Mike continued “… you are being foolish… all it will take is for you to spread your legs and let a man fu*k you, and get paid... I could be your first man, and you get money you’ve never seen in your Fu*kin—” Amelia swung.“I presume that Jones already told you…” The chairwoman came closer, her heels clicking against smooth tiles. “About the merger?” “Yes, he has.” Dax tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. “Apparently, in the past three years, Carl hasn’t stopped in his bid to sabotage my company.”# Hahhhhh. And to think his cousin would’ve stopped, with him no longer in the picture. The chairwoman came up behind him, gripping the arms of his wheelchair, she pushed him out the open door and into the night’s garden. “It’s nice you can find jest in this situation.” “Why, mother, should I cry and act all bothered about this?” Dax muttered, his tone flat. “We’ve known him to be this way ever since we were kids, This isn’t something new. Carl will always be Carl.” And besides, he didn’t have the time to worry about a cousin who didn’t know his place; besides, he was more interested in someone else. His wife. “This isn’t about your cousin banter anymore.” The chairwoman started firmly. “
It was evening at Sanctuary Haven. Amelia had her head on the cafe table, eyes closed, lost in sleep, and then it came, a pressure at her shoulder. She frowned“…Miss… young miss…” A deep baritone penetrated her subconscious, and it was persistent.“Wake up… young miss… wake up!” Snap! Amelia opened her eyes, her gaze a bit disoriented, she blinked twice to clear her sight, then she narrowed her eyes to see…David? Amelia sat up straight, her fatigue gone.“What?—How did you—”“The chairwoman is looking for you.”Amelia stiffened, her nerves wound tight.The chairwoman? Right… she did say she was coming, but it wasn’t nighttime yet, so… why?Amelia turned her gaze and froze. The view of the window belied her thoughts. The sight was that of the setting sun as it cast a burning hue on the cafe.What the… all she’d done was have a few bites of food and a cup of coffee, and she’d slept the whole day?Don’t forget you’d cried your eyes out. The earlier this morning came flashing back.
Browsing through the intricate streets of these estates was no small feat for Amelia.Finally, she could breathe easily enough after putting some needed distance between herself, the mansion, and Dax.But… where was she? Amelia turned her gaze sideways, then at the path ahead.She could have sworn she’d come by here earlier.Right? No! She wasn’t sure, was she?“Damn it, I can’t get out. Why did this place have to be so massive?”It was nothing but a maze of roads and high-end gates framing another large estate.How long had she been walking again?It had barely been over thirty minutes or even more, and still, there was no sign of a cab or an exit out of the estate.At this point, it won’t be difficult keeping up with this momentum, with her thoughts out of the gutter of her mind and in the present, her problems were far back in her mind, which, speaking of, she’d just reminded herself once again. Dax. His mother. The contract. Was it right? Exploiting him like this?No. It wasn’t
Amelia choked back on her drink, coughing lightly. “Are you okay?” Dax’s gaze contorted in worry “No, I’m fine. It’s just…” she coughed once more, “went down the wrong pipe.” “Here,” Dax handed her a napkin. “Have a glass of water too.” Amelia reached for a glass, and once she’d calmed down, Dax turned his gaze back on the housekeeper. “I asked you something, Mrs Sim, explain yourself. Did my mom put you up to this?” “No, young master, the mistress did not put me up to anything. I wanted to come.” “I see, you left a position that paid you much more than an office assistant to come work as my housekeeper?” Mrs Sims smiled, her tone warm. “I may be serving by the Mistress’s side, but at first I was hired to be your nanny. I watched you grow up.” “I’m not a boy anymore.” His tone warmed at that reminder. “I know that, young master, that is why I worry more for you and your recovery, I don’t trust anyone to take care of you like I would… like I will.” “How thoughtful of you,
Finally, she’d escaped! Amelia pressed her back against the bathroom door. Heart beating loudly in her chest, her legs gave out, and she crouched on the floor. What had she done? What had she said out there? Oh no! She wasn't meant to agitate him— hadn’t meant to. But he doubted her, questioned her, the very reason he'd not been awake when she’d been there to see him. Amelia let out shaky breaths. This was too much, and it’s only been the second day of this farce she’d gotten herself into. What would she do now?— Right! Amelia took out her phone from her bag. She had to call the chairwoman and tell her what had happened here. Dialing the number, the call went through. “Hello, Amelia.” “Ma’am,” a tinge of elation filled her voice, and it echoed in the bathroom. Getting up from the bathroom floor, she turned the shower on, flushed the toilet, and turned the faucet too; only then was she relieved enough to continue. “Ma’am, your son is here.” “I’m aware of that. Is t
A few minutes before her awakening… He wanted to caress it. Golden Brown or Auburn was it? Dax’s gaze traced over those tresses, It was almost… sinful, the way they wrapped around her frame. It looked so… right. Dax clenched his fist, a subtle action— He wanted that too. What would they feel like? Having them wrapped around his fingers… a fistful. Inhaling sharply, he reflexively closed his eyes, the daunting scent of begonia filling his nostrils. He had his hands in half grasp almost scenting them. As though already holding what it is, he desired most… her. Exhaling gradually, Dax kept his eyes on his prize, reaching for the wheels of his chair. Dragging himself closer to her. He caught the light on the smooth surface of her forehead, and from then on he traced, committing all that met his gaze to memory. Her lashes. Her brows. The bridge of her nose— Cute! He caught himself smiling. Did he find it all cute? What was wrong with him? Dax’s eyes wavered momentarily fro
“Hello Mrs. Amelia” A woman came out from among the seven. “I’m Carla Will, the head designer. It's a pleasure to meet you.” She reached for a handshake.“N-nice to meet you a-as well.” Amelia shook her hand hesitantly.Her heart cringed with uncertainty as a wave of intense unease built over her, having so many faces watching her, their gazes calculating. “Here, take this,” Mrs. Sims threw a few catalogs her way and Amelia caught them mid-air, her knees almost hitting the floor in doing so.She stood straight, her gaze drifting on the cover pages of each magazine.“These here are the designers” Amelia's gaze snapped back to Mrs. Sims, watching as she gestured to the lot of them in the parlor.“They will be responsible for your clothes, shoes, bags— every little thing you may need to look the part of the Hughes family’s daughter-in-law. Your underwear included.”Amelia looked down at the catalogs in her hands, she turned a page, gazing at shoes, bags, and outfits in different styles
The next day at the hospital… A knock came through Dax’s hospital room. “Mr President” Jones his secretary, came in. “Why is it you?” Dax scowled. Secretary Jone’s steps faltered “Yes? Pardon???” he gazed up at Dax, confused to take another step inside the room. Tsk—Dax sounded out, he was running out of patience. “Never Mind” he swept his hands through his hair gazing back at his secretary “Don’t just stand there come in” At first, Secretary Jones hesitated, but then he made his way down to Dax’s bedside. “Took you long enough to come visit ” “Apologies sir” his secretary bowed lightly “I will do well to be punctual from now on.” “You better keep that promise” “Yes sir.” His secretary stood straight, and he leaned back comfortably on his hospital bed. Unlike someone who only bothered to show up when he was inebriated… this was far better. Dax’s gaze was caught on the birds beyond his hospital window. They chirped so happily one with the other— a companionship
Catching a sorry figure, with her eyes tinted red and her gaze lowered to the ground, Amelia walked down the streets; her posture slumped as she made steady but aimless progress down the sidewalk.The pedestrians were but a blur—a fleeting shadow of some sort as the day turned to darkness, the sun had set a while ago.She slammed into a person on the road.“S… sorry,” she muttered, turning only slightly in apology yet not meeting the stranger’s gaze.Hahhhhhh… She needed to get home, and yet she didn’t want to…Packing her bag, leaving her home and her sister to stay all alone without her. She didn’t want to do all that, and yet it was inevitable. Even if it was for a fleeting moment of a year, she would belong to the Hughes to do as told… act as told.Hahhhhhh… She really didn’t want to do all that.Amelia squinted her eyes, coming close to a brightly lit store, her gaze caught on the show glass, and her step faltered on the display where a rack of noodles of all kinds.On cue her s