Chapter 9

Clifford rushed into the hospital to find Tania sitting up in bed, her eyes teary. "Tania!" He quickly pulled her into his arms, murmuring to calm her. "It hurts," she whimpered as her tears fell, soaking through his suit jacket in seconds. "Mr. Jones, I was at the mall trying to pick out a tie for you, and then I slipped and fell…" She began to sob while shakily saying, "I'm so sorry. If I lose this baby, I'll have failed you and Isabelle…" "It's okay, it's okay." He gently stroked her swollen belly with one hand while the other carefully wiped her tears. His touch was even more tender now. "The baby's fine. He's doing great. Don't worry." Tania put on her most fragile expression. "Mr. Jones, I know I only got to stay by your side this long because I'm carrying your child. That's the only reason I get to be taken care of like this. "Mr. Jones, actually…" she paused, her voice trembling. "I've admired you for a long time, that's why I didn't hesitate to go to you when you were d