Chapter 18 Chapter 18
Cynthia's POV
I didn't realise how long I cried in Adrian's arms.
I was just letting out my emotions and he was handling me with silence until a black car drove towards us at full speed.
I was the first one to see it.
"Adrian!" I shouted his name.
He became attentive just in time and saved both of us from the accident.
He didn't ask me anything even after bringing me back home.
His home… that had slowly become mine too.
My thoughts were cut short when the door opened and Adrian returned after dropping Aurora at school.
He went straight to his room, and I made coffee for the two of us.
When I missed the office for four days, he thought I had taken leave because I wasn’t well. But then I told him about Lucien. Adrian got very angry and asked me to stay home for the time being.
I am also looking for work-from-home options so I can look after Aurora as well. Adrian has found a job, so it has become difficult for him to manage everything alone.
I poured the coffee into two mugs when he came out of his room, ready for work. I handed one to him and had mine in silence.
He is still not talking to me much, but things are better than before.
After finishing the coffee, I thought he would leave, but he didn’t.
“You want to say something?” I asked when he hesitated.
He sighed and nodded slowly before reaching into his back pocket.
“Today is the last day to pay Aurora’s school fee.”
My eyebrows drew together in confusion as my gaze fell on the card he was holding out to me.
I didn’t get it.
“I sold my stocks.”
My eyes snapped up at him.
“Wha— why?”
He remained silent. Of course, I knew why he did it.
“Just pay the fee and keep the rest with yourself.”
“I can’t!” I shook my head. “You shouldn’t have sold—”
“Cynthia, I was dying inside thinking that you had to go to him for money while I was still alive.”
He inhaled sharply.
“Don’t make me feel even more guilty. Please take this.”
“Adr—”
Before I could say anything, he grabbed my wrist and pressed the card into my palm.
I felt uneasy at the place he touched me, not because his touch was wrong, but because his skin felt rough.
Rougher than I had ever felt before.
Before he could pull his hand away, I grabbed his wrist.
A loud gasp escaped my lips when I saw his palm.
My eyes widened and my heart clenched at the sight of so many cuts on his skin. My ears burned, and my whole body trembled.
He forcefully pulled his hand back, but I had already seen everything.
“What’s this, Adrian?” I asked. “What exactly are you doing?”
He didn’t answer.
“Adrian!” I took a small step forward. “Are you lifting goods?”
He sighed and licked his lips.
“Work is work, Cynthia,” he murmured. “And it’s good as long as it brings food to the table.”
My eyes grew moist when I saw the pain in his eyes.
I hate you, Lucien.
I hate you.
I parted my lips, but before I could say anything, he had already turned on his heels and left without saying goodbye.
~~
Like always, Aurora was singing something to herself while drawing invisible shapes on the glass as I drove her back home.
“Mumma,” she suddenly said. "Stop!"
"What?"
My head turned to her.
“Stop the car.”
My eyebrows drew in confusion as I stopped the car at the side of the road.
"What happened, baby? Are you alright?" I asked her out of concern.
"Can we go there?" She pouted
"Where?"
And then she pointed at the café, excitedly. My heart sank in the pit of my stomach.
This café!
It has so many memories.
"I..." I swallowed. "We will go some other day."
"Pweeaseee mumma, pwwweeaasee"
I sighed.
How can I say no to those puppy eyes?
"Alright but only for a while. Okay?"
"Yay!" she squealed.
I ruffled her hair and brought her out of the car. For the past few months, my baby hasn't been anywhere except school and the hospital. She deserves this break.
We walked inside and took a vacant table near the corner. Just like before, the café was warm, and soft music was playing low in the background.
I placed my bag beside me and looked at her. “What do you want?”
“I’ll order myself,” she said proudly.
“No,” I replied immediately. “You’ll drop something.”
She crossed her arms. “I’m a big girl now.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”
She nodded seriously.
“Fine. But don’t run.”
She nodded vigorously.
I took out some cash from my bag and placed it in her small palm.
“Buy whatever you want."
"What about you?" She pouted.
I exhaled. It is quite an expensive café.
"I don't want anything. Come back straight to me after taking your order. Okay?"
“Promise,” she chirped.
She hopped off the chair and disappeared toward the counter.
I kept my eyes on her as she stood in the line, swinging slightly on her toes.
But when I looked around, every single thing about this café reminded me of him and the old days.
I shook my head and distracted myself with my phone. A message dropped from Aurora's teacher.
A small genuine smile made its way to my lips when I saw my baby doing great in her tests.
I got so lost in her drawings that I didn't realise how much time had passed.
When I looked up, the line had already shifted and Aurora wasn't there.
My heart skipped a beat.
I immediately stood up and scanned the counter. She wasn't there. My heart now started pounding in my throat as I searched for her everywhere.
A cold sensation crawled up my spine.
“Aurora?” I called softly.
But I didn't receive any response.
How could I be so stupid as to let her go alone? She is still a kid.
My knees wobbled as I felt all the energy draining out of my body.
And then I heard her voice, "Mummaaaa..."
Instantly, I turned around.
Relief washed over me when I saw her standing there, all safe and happy.
"Mummmaaa, meet my new friend," she chirped.
And this is when my attention shifted to the man sitting on his knees in front of her. His back was facing me.
Who is he?
The man stood up, and the moment he turned around to face me, the ground beneath me slipped...