Chapter 54 Secret That Follows Us
Darcy's POV
I hiss as I withdraw my hand immediately as my skin touches the hot pan. The spot has become red.
I bring the finger up to my face as I blow on it. I haven't been myself since I saw that message.
Turning on the tap attached to the sink, I put my hand under the running water. After a few minutes, the pain reduces.
The oven glove is exactly where I keep it. I wear it and remove the roasted chicken from the oven and set it aside on the kitchen island.
The maids did their jobs and left immediately.
As for his phone, Adrian told his secretary to come get it. I can't count the number of thoughts that has been running through my head.
Questions. Answers. Suggestions. Doubts.
Thankfully, Hazel isn't demanding today. After eating, all she's been doing is sleeping. Before I start to prepare dinner, I lie beside her.
My eyes are swollen from crying. I don't know what is going on but I can't lose my baby.
The door opens and Adrian walks in. Looking tired.
"Hello baby," he greets as he dumps his briefcase and jacket on a nearby chair. He already loosened his tie.
"Relax Darcy. You'll talk about it but not now." My subconscious cautions.
"Hey," I smile but it didn't reach my eyes.
I doubt he sees it because he just walks over and embraced me. He inhales my scent.
Unable to help it, a wide smile breaks out this time. "Hey, stop. It's tickling," I laugh.
"Five minutes. Please, let me just stay like for five minutes," he pleads calmly.
I pat his back gently as we remain standing. None of us says a word. We allow ourselves to bask in the calm of the silence.
"How was your day?" He asks after some minutes, pulling away.
My day? It would have been better.
"Hmm. It was okay," I reply flatly and back him, sorting the cutlery.
"What happened?" He demands.
My gaze shifts back to him and his forehead creases into a deep frown and his hands fold against his chest.
"There's nothing," I lie through my teeth. "Come sit down, dinner is ready," I urge but he doesn't move.
Why am I lying? Is it because I don't want to add to his stress? I'm sure work was hectic.
However, does he seriously don't know why I'm in this mood?
"What?" I blurt out as his gaze zeros on me.
"We aren't supposed to hide things from each other right? If there's a problem, we talk about it. We are a couple," Adrian says.
My throat becomes dry.
He knows that and it's a good thing. At least, talking about the message won't be difficult or awkward.
I sigh and approach him. "We'll talk about it when you've eaten and taken your bath."
He removes his hand from my hold and starts unbuttoning his shirt. "The food can wait. I can't eat knowing you're in this mood."
I stand there looking at him.
If he insists, it will be better to get it out. After all, I've been battling with my thoughts all day. Clarity is the least that I can get.
I walk past him to sit on the sofa and he follows me closely.
"Is there anything you want to tell me?" I question.
His body goes rigid. Realization flashes through his eyes but is soon replaced with confusion.
"What do you mean? Because I don't understand," he responds.
I gulp and nod. "What about the message you received today?" I demand.
"A message? From who?" He asks, furrowing his eyebrows.
"You should check your phone and tell me if you don't know what I'm talking about." I suggest.
Without arguing, Adrian takes out his phone. His hands tap hurriedly on the screen.
A minute later, his eyes darkens. His nose flares and I can see the veins in his neck popping out.
He slams the phone onto couch beside him. I watch him as he rubs his hands on his face. He stays quiet but his eyes speak volumes.
I let him take his time. There's no rush. He can talk when he feels like he's ready.
"It's nothing you should worry yourself about. I'll handle it."
That's all he says.
Is he kidding me?
"Nothing to worry about? So I should calm down and pretend nothing happened after finding out I'm being followed? Can you hear yourself speak?" I grit.
Why will he say that to me?
"I know what I ask you to do. And I just said I'll take care of it," he groans.
I scoff angrily. "Do you know what you're doing right now? Invalidating my feelings because you're being dismissive," I hiss.
The atmosphere tenses and I really don't want to stay here with him. I stand up to leave but he is fast to stop me.
He grips my wrist but I don't bother to spare him a glance.
I breathe out heavily.
"I'm sorry for being insensitive about your feelings. I shouldn't have done that," he begs.
"About Hazel, it's complicated," his voice drops lower.
I squint my eyes and finally turns. Adrian's face is pale.
"Tell me everything about it."
He nods and we sit together.
"Hazel's mother agreed to marry me. Going against her family. We were young, willful and I thought our love was enough, that it made us invisible but I was wrong."
"My mother didn't approve as well but she was able to turn a blind eye because she was from an influential family."
"We dated for a year and were married for four years. Hazel's mum loves kids and when she didn't conceive after a year, she became worried. Becoming a shadow of herself."
Adrian's voice is shaky and the tears cloud his eyes.
"Medically, she was fine but somehow the problem was with me," his voice breaks.
Quickly, I pull him into a hug. Biting my lips and blaming myself for forcing him to talk. It's obvious those experiences hurt him.
For how long has he been suffering?
Here I am thinking that I had it worse. Adrian was born into a wealthy family but his problems were even greater than what money could solve.
"I have fertility issues. Having Hazel is a blessing but my condition has barely improved," he admits painfully.
My heart breaks with each word that left his lips.
"Will you leave or stop loving me because of that?" He shivers and hugs me tighter.
I pull away forcefully and place my finger on his lips, "shhhh. Why would you ever think that? I love you and nothing can change that."
He sniffles and wipes his tears.
"Hmmm," he clears his throat before continuing. "Her family reminded her of her mistake. The sin of marrying me."
"Anyways, after she got pregnant. Hazel's mother went back to visit her family. Unfortunately, she was fed a mild poison that weakened her as the pregnancy grew. Unfortunately, I found out too late."
"She died while giving birth to our daughter. They showed up for the burial but never cared about Hazel. I raised her alone since she was a newborn."
"I don't know what they want but I know they want something. However, promise to protect both of you even though it costs me my life," he promised.
My heart skips a bit. "No one is dying. We'll scale through together like we've always done. We're a team and we'll protect Hazel together."
Love. Family. Is all I have.
Hazel is my child now and no one can take her without my permission.