Chapter 32 The Truth That Broke Me
Darcy's POV
"Ahhhhhhh!" I scream as I hold his hand urging him to release my hair which he grips tightly.
He was literally uprooting my hair. My scalp burned. "Please dad, you're hurting me," I cried but he ignores me.
"Let go of my daughter," mama begged in a low voice as she lay on the bed weak. Barely alive.
"Exactly! Your daughter. Both mother and child are stupid and useless," Russo gritted.
"Just how much do you owe, huh? Darcy just paid off the forty thousand dollars you owe. How come there's another debt?" Mum cried.
He smashed the flower vase on the floor. "Don't fucking ask me questions. I'm the man of this house!"
Russo tightened his hold on my hair and forced me to look at him.
"It's either you pay that money or you and that bitch live on the street because you're definitely losing this house," he threatened.
"What have you done Russo? You used the house I inherited from my parents to bet? What is your...!" Mum's voice suddenly got cut off as she started hyperventilating.
Gasping for air and clutching her chest tightly.
"Mum? Mum!" I called out. My eyes widen in horror.
The only response I could get is her loud gasps. With all the strength I could muster, I shove Russo off, freeing myself.
I rushed to mum's side and started shaking her. Her eyes already rolled to the back of her head.
"Better stop pretending Nancy. You and your daughter should provide the money before the week runs out!" He ordered and stormed out.
"Mama please wake up," I shake her vigorously but it's not working.
"Stay with me mum," the tears continue to pour.
I turn to take the phone so I could call 911, and her body goes limp.
Time went still, everything froze.
My breathing hitches. I felt her pulse... nothing. Her skin goes pale.
"Mum!!!!!!"
I screamed and sat up. My chest continues to rise and fall. Beads of sweat rolls down my face.
I look around and I'm in my room, in Adrian. It's a dream. I place my hand on my chest to calm myself down a bit.
It's all in the past, Darcy. You are fine now. In a better place.
Slowly, I got off the bed and walk into the bathroom. Quickly, I had a warm bath and before changing into something comfortable.
Its high time I leave this place. I do not want to drag Adrian and my darling Hazel into my mess.
I know it's unfair to leave after promising to take care of Hazel but she needs a healthy environment to grow in.
And about Adrian, gosh I feel guilty. I groan and fall onto the bed, my eyes focusing on the ceiling.
Is this how everything is going to end before it could start? It's already bad enough that he found out about my past, he even heard about it in the most embarrassing way.
Taking a deep breath, I stand up and bite my lower lip. I have to leave this week. I just have to pack my things. But first I have to tell him.
I head to his home office because that's the second place he stays whenever he's at home.
Gently, I knock on the door. A few seconds passed without hearing a response from him.
I twist the doorknob and push it open. He's not in. Files are scattered across the desk beside two bottles of whiskey.
He's been drinking. I wonder why though.
Going through his things is rude, so I close the door and go to the living room. There he is on the couch.
He stares into space. His face twists into a small frown. Something is clearly bothering him.
I fiddle with the hem of my dress. Is this the right time to tell him about my decision to leave in a few days?
I shake my head. Probably not. I'll wait till he gets better. I turn to leave but unfortunately, my knee knocked the glassware off the mini table and he groans, startled.
"Uhm, I'm so sorry sir," the apology rolls off.
Adrian waves his hand and urges me to come closer. I did with my hands behind my back.
He rubs the nape of his neck tiredly. The dark circles under his eyes are quite obvious. Something is seriously disturbing him.
Maybe the rumour has a negative impact on the company. He's suffering because of me but he won't blame me.
"How are you feeling today Darcy?" He asks in a cracked voice.
I pause for a while before replying, "very well sir."
The lies rolls off my tongue effortlessly.
"What about you, sir?"
He nods with a chuckle. "I'm good."
Lies.
Both of us are two liars who are struggling.
"Do you want something?" He asks again. This time looking up to me.
My lips part but the words does not come out, so I shake my head.
He furrows his eyebrow, obviously not buying my words but he doesn't push me either.
"Okay."
Before I can leave, he calls me.
"Darcy, I have...," his voice trails off.
He stands up but avoids my gaze.
"I have something to tell you," he continues.
My heart pounds against my chest. What does he have to say? I have never seen him this nervous before?
"I'm listening, sir."
"After hearing what I have to say, I hope you will not hate Hazel or..."
The door suddenly opens aggressively, startling both of us.
Mrs. Ashford walks in. Her gaze lands on me and the disapproval on her face does not go unnoticed.
I bow slightly. She's the last person I want to see right now. Besides she interrupted our conversation.
Why will Adrian think that anything can make me hate Hazel? She's just a baby. And I don't believe he can do anything to hurt me.
Several questions flood my head but there's no suitable answer.
"What are you doing here?" Adrian asks rudely.
This is so unlike him.
"Why can't I be here? Because you warned me not to come to your house anymore?" She thunders.
The surrounding air thickens.
Adrian banned his mother from coming here? I need to give them some space.
"And where the hell are you going to? What are you still doing here? It seems like the lesson I taught you isn't enough to tighten your leash," she hisses.
I crease my eyebrows. Lessons?
"What did you do?" I ask in a low voice.
"Darcy let me explain," Adrian chips in.
"Ohh, seems like Adrian did not tell you," she laughs like a maniac.
I shift my gaze to Adrian and back to his mother.
Adrian looks so guilty, like he is drowning.
"Shut the hell up, Georgia!" Adrian yells.
"No, don't shut her up. I want to hear what she did and what you refused to tell me," I clench my hands.
Adrian tries to touch me but I move away.
"Well, you entered my son's life and turn him against me. I must commend you for excellently trying to hide your past but a leopard can never change its spots."
The room tilts and I can't feel my legs.
"Was it you?" My voice - low and hoarse.
The room falls silent.
"Yes and Adrian is aware of that!" She adds.
My heart shatters and I almost tripped.
The only crime I'm guilty of is becoming her granddaughter's nanny. And Adrian knows but kept quiet.
"How dare you talk about my life like you know me! You wouldn't survive a single day in my life. How can you be so cruel? What if it's your son or Hazel, will you do this thing to them?" I snap as tears pour down my face.
She looks away without remorse.
Then I look at Adrian who is on the verge of crying. "You hurt me..." My voice breaks.
I swallowed hard.
"...and disappoint me."