Chapter 33 Chapter 33
Cynthia’s POV
I startled when the window howled outside pushing the doors of the window open.
The curtains fluttered and cold air rushed into the room, carrying the scent of wet earth and thunder
I leaned down and gently patted her back. “Shh… it’s okay, baby,” I whispered, brushing her hair away from her face.
She mumbled something incoherent and hugged her stuffed toy tighter.
I pulled the blanket up to her chin and stayed there for a moment before stepping out of bed.
I walked to the window. It was raining heavily, the trees outside bent violently, and the weather was worsening every minute.
I closed the windows firmly to keep the storm away from my child and let out a deep sigh.
My gaze fell on the clock when I turned around. It was already 10 minutes last 12. Adrian promised to return by evening and he is still not home.
I called him multiple times but he didn't pick up even once.
Adrian wasn't careless. He always inform if he is late but today... Today he didn't even pick up my call.
My hands moved to my hair as I walked back and forth.
Waiting for him.
Waiting for the truth.
Suddenly, the phone in my hand started vibrating.
Adrian.
I glanced at Aurora one last time before rushing out of the room. I don't want her to wake up.
"Hello Adrian"
"Hey," his voice came from the other end of the call, "I can't pick up your call. I was in a meeting. I just checked the phone and found several missed calls from you. Sorry"
I didn't reply. My heart now calmed down a bit. With Lucien coming back into our lives, I am afraid for his safety too.
"Where are you, Adrian?" I asked "You said you would return by evening"
I was expecting an answer from him, but instead I heard a chuckle.
"So, you are concerned about me?" He asked in a soft tone.
"Adrian, we have been together for the last five years. Would I not be concerned about you? Especially when the weather is so bad"
I heard him let out a deep disappointed sigh. It was as if he was expecting some other answer.
"The weather is the reason for my being late. I drove slowly. But now I am on my way back home"
The storm outside growled again, and I swallowed hard.
“The weather is getting worse,” I whispered. “Please come fast."
I could feel him smiling on the other side of the call.
"Aurora needs you" I added to cut the awkwardness between us.
"And you?" He asked.
I froze.
A long silence followed his words which he broke after a moment.
"I will be there soon," he assured, “And… I’ve got everything needed to keep Aurora with us. You are her mother and I am her father. No one can change that”
The firmness in his voice sent a chill down my spine. My fingers tightened around the phone. His words gave me comfort and fear at the same time.
I swallowed hard.
“From where did you manage it, Adrian?” My voice trembled despite my effort to keep it steady. “Please… I am not having a good feeling.”
The line went quiet for a while. I could hear his slow and controlled breathing.
“I promise, Cynthia,” he said finally. “Today I will tell you everything.”
He sighed and I closed my eyes.
“You deserve to know everything,” he continued. “I want you to accept me for who I am.”
Who are you, Adrian?
"And once we get Aurora to us, I will be asking you for it again" My breath hitched "Be prepared"
My heart thudded painfully. If Aurora gets saved by him then I will be obliged to fulfill his demand.
The demand that I am still not ready to fulfill.
I let out a shaky breath and opened my mouth but before I could say a word, he spoke again.
"Cynthia, can you do a favour for me?"
I froze for a split second before letting out a breath, "What?"
"I am starving," he said, "Can you make my favorite pancakes? I want them waiting for me when I get back along with you."
I swallowed.
"Yeah, sure" I said
He chuckled softly.
"Wait for me. I will come soon"
And he hung up.
My heart dropped in the pit of my stomach, and my restlessness increased even more.
From where did Adrian arrange such a huge amount of money in one night that he could challenge Lucien?
From where?
The clouds thundered again, breaking the chain of my thoughts.
Now, all I could do was wait for his return so he could tell me everything.
I sighed and walked to the kitchen to make pancakes for him.
Trying not to think of anything else, I just focused on cooking with the hope that I would get all the answers once Adrian is back.
In half an hour, I prepared his dinner but he was still not back.
I scrolled on the phone to cut the time and didn't realize when I fell asleep sitting on the chair.
Suddenly I woke up with the phone buzzing in my hand.
Disoriented and still half in sleep, I looked down at the screen to find the call from Adrian.
I cleared my throat and forced my eyes open before picking up the call.
"Hello," my voice came out hoarse from the sleep.
"Hello, is this Cynthia speaking?"
My brows knitted together. It wasn't Adrian. The voice was gruff, urgent, and entirely unfamiliar.
"Yes... who is this?"
"I am calling from the owner of this phone's device. There’s been an accident, a very bad one. I happened to pass by it"
The sleep suddenly eluded from my eyes. I froze at my place, and for a second, I thought I was just having a bad dream.
I talked to him just an hour ago!
He told me he was starving and for the first time he demanded me to cook something for him.
How is this possible?
"Ma'am are you listening?" The man on the other side of the call asked.
"I..." The words died in my throat.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't move.
It was as if my entire body had been locked up.
"I'm taking him to the City Hospital. You need to come. Now."