Chapter 8

CHRISTIAN "Christian, you are not the man for me," she stated, her gaze unwavering. She was leaning against another man—the man with whom she shared joyful laughter. "Ple-ease, Veronica," I pleaded. "D-don't leave m-e—" She laughed coldly, "In your dreams—" She looked up at the man and smiled radiantly, a smile that pierced my heart. "Let's go, darling," she murmured softly and departed. "N-no! Veronica!" I attempted to follow her, but I was unable to; a powerful force held me back as I fell face-first. My hands reached out, "N-no!" My vision blurred as she slowly faded away... My eyes flew open as I bolted upright in bed. Sweat slipped through my pores as I panted hard from the cold, terrifying nightmare that had haunted me for the last five years. The only difference was that the man now had a face. "Director, you're awake!" A shriek startled me as I saw Blake appear before me. "Thank God, it's a relief. I was quite worried!" A dull ache pulsed in my head as I massaged my temple and surveyed my surroundings. My nerves gradually calmed when— "Perhaps I should contact Dr. Granger?" he asked, causing me to frown at the suggestion as I looked up at him. He appeared startled and quickly added, "You were unwell, Director, and she had taken care of you, so I merely suggested —" he trailed off. "No need," I declined curtly. "Where is Zeon?" I inquired. "The young master is well; in fact, he was quite cheerful and is now asleep with little Cadence," he smiled. "The young master seems fond of his little sister." I looked up at him as his smile faltered under my gaze, and he quickly asked, "How are you feeling now, Director? Would you like some soup?" He then changed the subject. "Hmm—What's the time now?" I asked, pinching my temple. My stomach grumbled at the mention of food. I hadn't eaten properly since last night, but I had been fed unwanted shocks. "It is four in the morning, sir. You have slept for approximately twenty hours," he informed me, causing me to look up. Twenty hours? I was stunned. So, I have been under that woman's care for the past twenty hours? Fuck! No wonder my head's aching, and I'm starving like crazy. "Bring me some soup?" I asked, and Blake promptly left to do so. I left the bed and walked to the closed window. Slightly moving the curtain, I peeked outside. The weather was still gloomy, and the rain had not stopped yet. God knows how long I have to be tortured here with that woman's continuous presence. Sighing, I tilted my head to the side and abruptly noticed the black silk robe on my body—no wonder she had men's clothes in the house. Suddenly, I felt disgusted by the thought of wearing her man's clothes and hurriedly searched for my clothes. I found them neatly folded at one side of the tea table and immediately picked them up when my phone rang with a call from Blake. I snatched my phone from the bed and received it with a sullen mood. "Why did you change me into her man's clothes?" I burst, only to be greeted by silence. After a few seconds, he spoke, "Director, what are you talking about?" He sounded confused. "Those were your clothes from the emergency backpack." I blinked and looked in the mirror again, only to realize what he was saying was true. A rush of embarrassment washed over me as a frown creased my temple. "Why are you late? Bring food now!" I barked at him. "Director, I was—" But I hung up before he could finish and tossed the phone somewhere. Fuck! Why couldn't she keep clothes for her guests? Irritated, I barged into the bathroom attached to the room. As I was freshening up, Blake returned with a bowl of hot soup and some freshly baked toast. Turns out he called to inquire if I would like toast with my soup, but he thoughtfully brought it regardless. I ate everything with relish and felt much better afterwards. My headache subsided considerably, and I decided to check on Zeon. Blake was right; he was sleeping peacefully, with Cadence beside him. I was quite surprised to see him getting along so well with the little girl. Generally, Zeon is reserved and has a strong personality, traits he likely inherited from me. He became even quieter after Veronica left; since then, he hasn't formed close relationships with anyone, regardless of their age. Even though it is refreshing, I fear he will be disappointed again. He is likely to get hurt once we leave. I stepped in and pulled the quilt over them properly. Just as I turned to leave, I was stopped by a soft touch—"Mow-my..." A soft mewl from a child stirred something within me as I turned to see Cadence holding my hand. Her eyes were slightly open, her little lips pouted. All I wanted to do was free my hand and leave, but I couldn't. "M-mow..." Her soft mewl trails off as I involuntarily leaned toward her and stroked her gently. Soon, she drifted back to sleep again, rolling to Zeon's side and sleeping intimately with him. The child exhibits a strong resemblance to her mother, particularly in her facial features; however, her eyes—which I observed to be a clear, vibrant blue—possess a distinctly tender quality. This is analogous to Zeon, whose sole maternal resemblance lies in this same feature. Pulling the quilt over her, I quietly stood—however, one particular reflection froze me. In the mirror next to the bed, I saw myself, or more precisely, my eyes: my clear, vibrant blue eyes. And it struck me—the idea froze me immediately as my eyes snapped to the sleeping child. A strange feeling fluttered in my stomach as my heart tightened in anticipation. Could it be—I'm the father?