Chapter 57 Whatever He Was About To Say
Darcy's POV
I hug myself tightly and curl into a ball. I shiver continuously on the floor. I thought I could handle it but still, here I am.
With shaky hands, I wipe off my tears that doesn't stop falling. My heart continues to pound, so I clutch onto my chest.
My breath hitches. The sound of revving engine jolts me and I struggle to stand as I hold onto doorknob.
My lips part as I slowly walk to the window and peek through the curtain. They are leaving.
I need to tell Adrian as soon as possible. Hopefully, he comes back early.
Hazel's voice echoes as she cries. My eyes widen. Instinctively, I start climbing up the stairs , heading to the room. I pick up the pace a bit.
As soon as I enter, my eyes tear up again. I sigh in relief seeing that Hazel is still here.
"Hazel, baby?" I carry her in my arms.
My grip is not gentle neither is it too tight.
Just possessive.
Several thoughts spiral in my head, making it spin.
After what happened, I have to protect Hazel more. I can't afford to be careless.
Hazel's cries get louder, distracting me. I shift my gaze back to her and her face is flushed and her tears mixed with snot.
She fusses. My grip loosens.
I rock her gently as I pace back and forth. I blink rapidly to hold more tears that threaten to fall.
"Don't be scared baby, I'm here. No one will take you away," I reassured her but it doesn't make her feel better.
It's been a while I fought so hard to protect what I love. Now, I have a reason. Hazel and Adrian.
I bring Hazel closer to my chest and kiss her hand.
"No one is taking you away. Not while I'm breathing."
Nora thinks I'll give up on Hazel because she isn't my birth daughter. Well, let's see how that goes.
I coo more words into Hazel's ears and she finally stops crying. I use the face towel to clean her face.
The bedroom door is open, so I'm able to hear noises from downstairs. My legs stick to the floor.
I hug Hazel to my chest, wrapping my arms around her but not too tight to make her uncomfortable.
My eyes scan the room as I search for my phone. It's on the vanity table. Quickly, I grab it and made my way downstairs.
My steps are light and I try not to make a sound. Is anyone inside? But I did lock the door.
Entering the living room, there's nobody in sight. I close my eyes and breathe out in relief. Am I becoming paranoid?
Hazel looks at me innocently, warming my heart.
How can I not protect her? I never want her to live without the love of a mother and I'll do anything in my power to protect her innocence.
My phone buzzes. A call from an unknown number. I swallow the lump in my throat and clear my throat.
"Hello," I say, placing the phone on my ear.
There's silence for a while before the person replies.
"Camille died because of Hazel. Can you also willingly lose your life for that child?" The voice booms.
I stagger a bit and squint my eyes. My hand tightens around the phone.
"Who are you?" I ask with a firm voice, despite how bad I'm shivering.
"You shouldn't have been stubborn. Remember that whatever happens now, is your fault and you will bear the guilt alone for the rest of your life."
The call ends almost immediately.
Adrian. I need to talk to him.
I dial his number but it goes directly to voicemail. I keep trying but the same outcome.
It rings for a while before ending. No response.
I bite my lower lip. My foot taps against the floor involuntarily.
This is unlike Adrian. He always picks up my calls no matter what he's doing. Did something happen to him too?
I place Hazel on the couch and rush to make sure the doors and windows are secured.
He always answers my calls. So there was no reason for me to ask for his secretary's number.
I ruffle my hair. Sitting and standing repeatedly. This is really not the time for him not to be available.
No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake off this feeling that something will go wrong again.
And I really want to talk to someone. To him.
I should leave a message.
I'm not able to type a word as I stare at his message notification. He sent it an hour ago. The timing correlates with when I was confronting those people.
I click on it to read the message.
"Hey babe, there's a delay in my work so I won't be coming home tomorrow. There's a fraud case in one of the company's subsidiary. I miss you and I'm sorry for leaving you guys alone. Also, thank you for taking care of Hazel. I'll see you soon."
I slump on the chair and my phone drops on the floor. A fraud case? He won't be coming back anytime soon?
Slowly, I turn to look at Hazel and she's already staring back at me.
Adrian trusts me. They both trust me.
So how can I let them down?
Adrian has a lot on his plate. How can I be insensitive and add to his troubles.
Not many people believe in me. But Adrian and Hazel do wholeheartedly.
Can I even bear the guilt of disappointing them?
I hide my fear with a smile as I sit beside Hazel. Her grey eyes pierces mine. The confidence and love in her gaze warms my heart.
Indeed, I am scared and uncertain about the future. Times will come that will push me more than today.
But since I've chosen to love and accept them as family, I will do my best to fight for them.
I breathe out sharply before taking Hazel in my arms again. Her small hands holds my face and pulls me closer.
She sticks out her tongue, touching my face with it. Butterflies fill my stomach. Her gestures strengthens my resolve and gives me new found strength.
"No one is taking you away from mummy," I say confidently, like she can understand me.
I quickly fix her breakfast and as usual, she eats by herself.
After making sure she's settled.I pack my hair into a messy bun and call Julius's number.
There's something I need to confirm. It may be the truth but I don't have to blindly believe them.
Soon, Julius walks into the living room.
"Good day madam," he greets with a low voice.
"Who are they?" I ask in a cold voice.
He shifts uncomfortably, "they are the family of late Mrs. Camille."
They didn't lie.
"Why did you let them in?" I question.
"Because, I... thought they came for a visit."
"Would your boss have approved of them entering the premises?"
He stays silent for a while before shaking his head. "No."
"You know the right thing but chose not to do it. No harm was made but don't ever repeat this mistake again," I warn him.
"Yes, ma" he nods and pause. I wait for him to leave but he doesn't. He fiddles with his hands, his head hangs low.
My forehead creases into a deep frown as I watch him.
Like he is having a mental fight with himself.
Whatever he was about to say… I had a feeling it would change everything.