What he was after was just his child. She was not relevant to him. If not for the child, he would not want to have anything to do with her except of course to spread her legs apart and have his way with her.
This was exactly why she had tried to avoid him but for the complication of this pregnancy and Gabriel had gone ahead to make him aware of the existence of the pregnancy.
She knew that he was looking out for her but he had just made matters more complicated.
His detachment made made her feel sick Sharon,'s mind ran in circles, trying to find an escape route. She loved him but she would be marrying a man who hated her. A man who was offering marriage only because he wanted to legitimize his unborn child. She didn't think that she would be able to do it.
'Bryan, please...' she swayed, feeling lightheaded and he moved quickly, catching her, steadying her, holding her.
'Are you alright?' His eyes dark with concern, his voice suddenly gentle.
Sharon rested her cheek against his wide shoulders, aching for his comfort, his tenderness and felt his hands tightening round her.
'I'm fine', she lied unsteadily. 'Just tired, I suppose'.
The moment ticked by in silence
She felt his calm strength flowing into her veins, giving her life as she rested against his body.
'Ah Sharon'. There was an intense weariness in his voice as he said her name. She felt his breath against her hair.
'I didn't want anything from you', she whispered brokenly.
'You can't fight me forever and you can't manage in your own. You already have a grown child and this would be another and you will need support', he said evenly.
'You are being unreasonable'.
'Maybe'. He was non -- committal as he released her, wiping the tears from her eyes with his fingers. He looked into her eyes. 'We shall be married next week's.
Panic rise in Sharon's throat. 'It's too soon', she protested fiercely.
'There's no point in putting it off. I'll get the license tomorrow'. He moved indolently towards the door. 'You should rest', he suggested with a smile.
Sharon ignored that. 'I won't sleep with you'. she said fiercely. 'If you force me to marry you, it will be in name only. I... I couldn't bear anything more'.
Bryan looked at her, his eyes blank. 'I've told you, it's the child I am interested in -- not you'.
'And when the baby is born, I shall want a divorce', she told him sharply, his words hurting her more than she could have ever imagined, cutting straight into her heart.
He nodded. 'As you wish', he said calmly, making it clear that he couldn't care either way.
'I won't change my mind about that's, she almost shouted, but she was talking to herself. He had already gone.
Then she heard voices coming from her room and went to find out what the problem was only to find that he was with her daughter
He had remembered to keep the promise he made to wish her a goodbye before leaving while it had escaped her memory where she was hurting from his words and trying to hurt him in return.
'Hope you will come and visit us again soon?' Deborah asked.
'Nothing could keep me away. And I shall make sure that I buy you lots of toys when next I come. Will that be to your approval, ma'am?'
Deborah giggled and hugged him. 'Of course but most importantly bring yourself'.
Bryan was very touched. There was something about this girl. He kept feeling a pool towards her. If he had t known better, he would have thought that she was his daughter but it couldn't be or could it?
Looking at her pulled at his heart strings. He just felt that he had come home when he was with her. It must be because of the connection he had with her mother. Nothing else but it was a good feeling especially since they would be living together very soon. It was good that they come to care and accept each other.
Sharon was also touched by the sight but she watched them with mixed feelings. What if in being close to Deborah, he comes to interpret the connection he felt towards her accurately? What if Deborah becomes too attached to him, then what would she do if she insisted on being with Bryan, since she could not refuse her anything?
They both wished each other farewell and without soaring Sharon another look, Bryan left the house.
Finally alone with her daughter who looked very happy, she sank down on the sofa. Her legs suddenly giving way under her.He wasmad she thought as she sent over their conversation. He was indeed mad and he had won again.
The thought of becoming his wife did terrify her and yet she had to admit to herself that it had its attractions. How bad could eight months if anything be?
She loved him and though she cursed her weak ess, the thought of living with him was not altogether unpleasant. Perhaps she had abandoned her pride altogether. Letting her hands rest on the flatness of her stomach, she couldn't believe that it was it was only a few hours since she confided in Gabriel that she might be pregnant. It seemed years ago.
Deborah came to her mother and she cuddled her in her bossom.
She had to consider her daughter as well. What if he started his arrogant and remote behaviour again, she could barely bear it but her daughter who was so trusting might be very hurt and it might destroy her confidence, then what would she do then?
Bryan wanted the child, not her. She would have to rember that. He agreed to divorce after the baby is born. He would keep his word, she was sure of that. He had made it very clear where his interest lay. She felt tears burn her vision again. He did not care for her. After eight months, he would probably be glad to get rid of her. The outlook for the future still remained grim, even though her life had changed so dramatically in the past hours. She felt confused and exhausted, yet strangely more alive than she had felt for a very long time.
'Mum?' Deborah whispered. It was so low that she nearly did not hear it being as lost in thought as she was.
'Yes, love?'
'I think I like him very much. It feels like he is my father'.
Sharon nearly jerked up in shock. If her daughter felt that way, how must Bryan feel. He was not used to displaying his thoughts and feelings but she really did not need this right now and she could not lie to her.
If she told her Bryan was not her father and later it came to light that he was, then she might not be able to trust her anymore. She had to just hedge the question or suggestion.
'Oh, everyone seem to like Bryan if that is what you mean. He is so charming. All the little boys and girls like him alot. You are not an exception', she said tickling her, hoping that she would laugh over it and forget it.
'That might be so but I have not felt as close to anyone as I feel to him. Not even with uncle Gabriel'.
'Really? What would uncle Gabriel think if he hears that you prefer a stranger you just met to him?'
'Is uncle Bryan a stranger then?' she asked skeptically. 'Is he a stranger and the both of you are already planning to get married?'
Sharon had no answer. Bryan could not be a stranger. How could he when he was her father?
'You get me wrong. Bryan is not a stranger but you just met him that's why I referred to him as a stranger but that's okay. You are entitled to your feelings. So you like him very much, that's good. Let me make some food for us to eat. If you are not starving, well I am after all the cleaning that I did here. Will you help me out in the kitchen?'
They both went to the kitchen with Sharon heaving a sigh of relief. She knew that it was not over and that the topic would be revisited but she was glad for the respite because she was already weary and dizzy.
Gabriel was the person who brought this about and when he got back, she was going to make sure that she gave him a piece of her mind. Look at all the troubles he had evoked by his lack of silence on the issue of her pregnancy. How was she going to deal with all these?