Chapter 59

Chapter 59
Chapter 59
Claudia’s POV
That same day, Sonia stopped by, and we didn’t talk about Richard because of the presence of Asher and my parents. I tried to act normal, but I am still troubled by the flashes of some memories I have no idea of. I wish my parents could just open up to me, and let me know what transpired in my past. I wish there was someone I could go to and inquire about everything from.
Finally, we were left alone and I could bring up Richard's issues.
“I am sorry I was unable to fix things with Richard.” She apologizes to me, feeling bad about not being helpful. I should be the one apologizing to her and not the other way round.
“You don’t need to apologize. I am also glad he didn’t hurt you. You came back in one piece, that alone I should be grateful.” I held her hands tight, and she smiled at me.
“I should apologize because I gave my word to help talk him out, and I failed.”
“Bullshit, I don’t think he is going to do anything. I have a feeling he must have thought he had lost my husband. Maybe my husband might have discussed things with him about our home getting back to normal.” I was not sure yet, but I chose to believe this.
“You think so?” She asked not buying the idea. I need to sound convincing right now.
“Yes, if he was going to reveal himself, he would have done it immediately if you left him, but he didn’t, so my focus should be getting strong, solving the issues of my product. Then that wrench, Caroline.” I gave a deadly stare immediately when I mentioned her name.
“You know what, can you just let me handle Caroline? I am going to beat the hell out of her for you, and next time, she won’t mess with you.” I laughed so loudly, saying, “You are one crazy bitch, best friend.” I commented and we giggled together.
“So how are you feeling?” She inquired, and I knew she wanted to know about my health and the baby as well.
“I really don’t know, but the baby is fine, I just need to follow all the instructions the doctor gave.”
“You had better do and I just can’t wait for the day you will give birth. I will be a godmother…” We continued our conversation, and at that moment I forgot all about the scary memories haunting me.

The nurse left after checking me. I smiled because the words the nurse said to me earlier still played afresh in my head. I was so happy when she said, “Your baby’s growing well,” and for a moment, everything felt right. I smiled, my heart swelling with this quiet joy, like the world was finally on my side. My little one, safe inside me, kicking and growing…it’s the kind of news that makes me want to hold onto this feeling forever. I guess I am finally understanding what my mother meant about a few things about being a mother. She told me there are no number of words she can use to explain the feelings to me. When I wear the shoes, then I will understand her better.
Right now, I just can’t wait to give birth and hold my child in my arms.
My happy moment got ruined when I ended up carrying my phone. I couldn’t drop my phone, despite knowing news like this was not okay for my health. All the effort put together, it was all in vain and all our sales were affected. We lost clients and now reading this, I feel heartbroken. It is as if all my years of hard work are just sinking away.
I got so lost in my phone when suddenly someone pulled the phone away from me, “You shouldn’t be going through this, it’s not good for your health.” It was Asher.
“I just wanted to know the situation of things and also, when am I going home? I am getting bored here, and I also need to get to work.” I expressed myself.
“You are such a workaholic, and you don’t even know when to take a break. Well, if the doctor says it’s okay for you to go home, then we leave, but if he says otherwise, we are staying here.” He sounded like I was being controlled. I just rolled my eyeballs at him.
“And as for the company, I got this. You just have to believe in me wifey. I really don’t want anything to affect your health.” He said, sounding so real, I still find it so hard to believe that Asher would be so loving to me, and would end up believing that I never cheated on him. He accepted the child. I just hope this doesn’t end up being a dream someday.
“Fine.”
“Wifey, there is something I need to discuss with you.” He said, with his face calm and his eyes dazzling at me.
“Okay, I am all ears.” I replied to him. I hope there is no problem at all.
“I talked with some of the team and a suggestion was made. First thing first, we need to make a live-stream video to clear up the rumors about you online. We need to let everyone know we are happy, and also talk about the present issue, mostly the part of the people spreading news of the product harming them, how they refuse to meet with us…” He continued and I just listened to him patiently. The idea isn’t bad at all and I accept. I had no idea we would be doing it immediately. He just made a few calls and some people came in with ring lights and every other stuff needed.
I tried to get the fruit next to me, but Asher instantly grabbed it for me. I thanked him for it.
The ring light cast a soft glow as they adjusted the camera, signaling we were ready to start. Asher gave me a reassuring nod, and we faced the camera, the red light blinking to indicate we were live. I took a deep breath, and we began as planned. Asher spoke first, his voice steady and confident, addressing the rumors with clarity. I chimed in, sharing our happiness and tackling the false claims about the product, explaining how those spreading the rumors dodged our attempts to meet. The words flowed naturally, and the live stream felt like a success, the chat buzzing with supportive comments.
As soon as Asher ended the stream, the camera light dimmed, and he turned to me with a warm smile, leaning in for a kiss. But in that split second, his face blurred, morphing into one of the shadowy, distorted figures from my fractured memories…faceless, menacing, trying to hurt me. My heart raced, and panic surged through me. I shoved him away, screaming so loudly it echoed in the room, my hands trembling as I stumbled back, eyes wide with terror.
My screams still rang in my ears, the fear gripping my chest as I stood frozen, gasping for air. The blurred figure from my memory troubled my mind, but then I felt strong, familiar arms wrap around me. He pulled me closer, his warmth was what I needed. “I’ve got you, love,” he whispered, his voice steady and soothing, grounding me at the moment. His hands gently rubbed my back as I trembled, my face pressed against his chest.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I choked out, “I’m so sorry, Asher. I thought… I thought you were going to harm me.” My voice cracked, shame in my eyes, also with fear fading gradually. He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze soft but unwavering. “I will never harm you,” he said firmly, each word carrying a promise that anchored me. “Never.”
I nodded, the tension in my body easing as I melted into his embrace. The fear dissolved, and I felt safe in his arms.
Asher’s grip on me tightened for a moment before he reached over, and pressed the call button on the wall. Within seconds, the door swung open, and the doctor rushed in, his expression calm but focused. Asher quickly explained what had happened…my scream, the panic, the way I’d pushed him away, thinking he was someone from my distorted memories. His voice was steady, but I could hear the worry laced in every word.
The doctor turned to me, his eyes kind but probing. “Can you tell me what you experienced? Is it the same nightmare you had previously?” she asked gently. I swallowed, my throat tight. “Yes, but it happened again, but I was not sleeping. It’s all a blur,” I said, my voice shaking. “I get these moments where I’m so scared, like someone’s going to hurt me. I saw… something, not him, but someone else. It wasn’t real, but it felt so real.”
He nodded, jotting notes on her clipboard, then glanced at Asher. “Given the severity of these episodes, I recommend she spends a few more days here for observation and further tests. We need to stabilize these new issues and ensure she’s safe.” Asher’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, his hand never leaving mine.
I started feeling dizzy, my eyelids growing heavy. “Doctor,” I murmured, “I’m so tired." I need to sleep.” The doctor exchanged a look with Asher, then gave a small nod. “Rest is a good idea. We’ll let you sleep and check on you soon.” Asher squeezed my hand, and as the doctor stepped out, I let my eyes close, the weight of the day pulling me into darkness.


I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, still groggy from sleep, when I noticed a small bouquet of flowers on the bedside table. Tucked among the petals was a folded note.
Curiosity gripped me by the neck. I opened it at once, my eyes scanning the words. It was from Richard, dripping with declarations of love, claiming he wanted to make me his. My stomach churned, anger flaring hot and fast. How dare he? I ripped the note to shreds, the pieces fluttering to the floor, and swept the flowers off the table. I stood, chest heaving, trashing everything within reach.
“What are you trashing?” Asher’s voice cut through, my heart skipped, and I froze, turning to see him standing in the doorway, his eyes wide with confusion. I need
to come up with some lies real quick…