Chapter 38 The Call That Changed Everything
Adrian's POV
We are currently at the company as I flip through the documents I'm reading, my eyes occasionally shift to Hazel, sleeping in her stroller.
Hazel and I are now back at the mansion. A week of living in seclusion really help to quiet the noise.
Rather than watch the news and drown in more sorrows, I now read books and listen to motivational podcasts.
Once in a while, I take Hazel. It's impossible to go out regularly as we should because I do not want unnecessary attention to my daughter.
Before our lives go back to normal, the only option I have is to shield her and help her grow in a healthy environment, even if I have to create it.
Retuning to the mansion reminds me of Darcy. I thought by the time we return, her scent would have wear off but I'm wrong.
A soft knock lands on the door and I raise my head. "Come in."
The door creeks open as my secretary walks in. "It's time for the board meeting," he reminds me in a low voice.
I nod and waves him off.
The days I come to work, my employees know better than to be rowdy. My life is already chaotic and I will not tolerate any one making it worse.
I stand up and out on my suit jacket. I bring out my phone to call my private investigator.
He picks up on the first ring.
"Any news of her whereabout?" I ask.
He goes silent for a second before speaking, "I apologize for my incompetence sir."
I pinch the bridge of my nose before hanging up. Darcy meant every word in the letter.
She doesn't want to be found, especially by me. Never wanting to see me and going way out to make that happen...is wild.
Will you ever forgive me Darcy? Will staying away from me and my daughter make you happy?
All the love you felt for Hazel isn't fake. At least I know that much. Her issue is with me but now even my baby is suffering because of my sins.
Should I let her go?
I shake my head. No, that won't do. I can't give up without trying. Without exhausting all the cards I have up sleeves.
The more I banter with myself in my head, my headache only got worse.
"Have a grip on yourself Adrian. Think about Hazel," I mutter to myself and sigh heavily.
I walk towards her and after confirming she's still asleep, I roll the stroller out of the office to the board room.
The room goes still as I walk in. Since I told them not to be loud, they could only stand and bow slightly in courtesy.
I make myself comfortable on the chair reserved for me and Hazel's stroller is very close and facing me.
I signal for them meeting to commence. We address the problems that needs to be handled, while I input my opinions.
The meeting continues for thirty minutes when the speaker buzzes loudly, startling all of us.
Hazel's eyes snap open and she starts to cry, wailing loudly.
Quickly, I carry her in my arms. The rest of the people in the room stands too. The atmosphere tenses.
My eyes darken and I clench my jaw as I caress Hazel's back.
"Shhh, sorry baby," I coo but she's not having it.
My assistant is standing a bit away from me.
"Summon the head of media to my office," I order quietly as I begin to walk out. "This meeting is over!"
As the door close, their murmuring starts.
I increase my pace and enter my office. By now beads of sweat are rolling.
The air conditioner is blowing hot. Hazel's cries is making my head spin but I dare not complain.
At least, she's finally crying. She barely zones out and although her cries are unbearable, I chose the lesser evil.
Knowing that she's able to feel and express it makes me happy.
"I'm sorry baby that your sleep got disturbed," I whisper as I brought her face closer to mine.
"It's my fault for going to that meeting and ruining your sleep," I plead and continue to rock her.
By now her face has turn red. Her tears have mixed with her snort. I pace back and forth, as I groan in a low voice.
My head is woozy. Her wailing is fueling my headache.
I carefully hold her with one hand, as I remove my jacket and toss it somewhere across the room.
My sweat drips onto her face. I quickly wipe it with the back of my hand.
My heart is racing terribly and I squint my eyes, bearing the pain as the headache intensifies.
"Baby, please have mercy on daddy," I beg with a shaky voice. "Are you hungry? Let me prepare your food."
I continue rocking her as I bring out the milk in her flask. Thankfully, it's warm.
I put the bottle teat in her mouth, muffling her cry. She sucks on it before shaking her head and coughing out the milk. It splashes on my face, also staining my shirt.
"It's okay baby. Daddy loves you!" I smile and kiss her face. Tasting her tears in my mouth.
I walk over to the table and place the bottle on it and wipe the liquid off our faces with my handkerchief.
Hazel rarely cry when she's with Darcy but when she does, there's something Darcy do to calm her.
I close my eyes trying to remember. I've secretly observed and admire them together so many times, I should remember something useful.
Yes! The way Darcy carries her.
Using both hands, I place her against my chest. Her chest is directly against mine while patting her back.
I press kisses to her hair and whisper sweet words to her, and just like that her breath even out.
She stops crying. A small smile tugs on the corners of my lips.
"Thank you, Darcy," I mumble to myself as I look up at the ceiling.
Darcy knows what I don't. What Hazel needs.
Hazel is a sensitive child, she does not want mere words of mouth. She just wants to feel close to a person.
Her feeling my heartbeat reassures her that I'm still here. No one, including me can take Darcy's place. I'm not competing but I can reassure her daily that her daddy is not going anywhere.
The door opens but I don't turn to see who it is.
"Mr. Coast is here, sir," my assistant informs me.
"Sir...," his voice is inaudible but I cut him off.
"You have ten minutes to drop your resignation letter with the HR," I say quietly.
I can feel that he's about to protest but good thing he did not. Else, I will make his life a living hell.
After the door closes behind them, I sit on the couch with my legs spread out.
Despite the splitting headache, my head did not stop working. My thought center on Darcy. Then came the realization.
Coming into our lives, to me is not a mistake because it gave me a different view of life.
From The beginning to the letter, Darcy did not ask for anything, instead she freely put us first. Giving us her love, care and attention.
Darcy never forces me to do what I don't want.
An irritated growl tears from my throat as my phone buzz.
What now?
I check the number on the screen and it's not saved. Normally, I won't answer an unknown call but I did.
"Hello, am I onto Mr. Ashford?" The male voice ask.
I raise my eyebrow and sit up, "yes and who are you?"
"I'm calling from Roseville hospital, a certain Darcy Ife is hospitalized here and we saw your contact in her phone..."
The rest of his words fades out. Darcy is in the hospital? My heart sinks and my breathing becomes shallow.
Is this my punishment? If yes, can I survive it?