Chapter 56 She's Mine!!!
Darcy's POV
I raise my eyebrow and fold my arms against my chest. I stare at them one after the other.
The surrounding air becomes tense but I'm the least affected. I don't know them but one look at them and I know they are definitely not here for peace.
The older woman is composed and calculating. Her dark lipstick adds to her dark aura. As for the two girls, they are arrogant and unnecessarily loud.
"Didn't you hear what I said?" The blonde hisses, taping her finger.
This is nothing like a visit. It's an invasion.
"My sister says we are family," the red hair girl stomps her foot on the ground like a spoilt brat.
I steady my breathing and part my lips. "Whose family?" I finally ask. The only crazy person I know as family is Adrian's mother.
The older woman steps forward. A bit too forward but I don't retreat either. Adrian entrusted his house and Hazel to me and I can't disappoint him.
These three women are not enough to shake me.
"I am Nora Carlton," she says. Pride laces her voice.
The way she carries herself like she belongs here. They show no respect whatsoever.
I furrow my eyebrows, "am I supposed to know you?" I ask as I maintain eye contact.
From the corner, I see the two girls look at each other but I'm more focus on the one in front of me.
They are obviously here to challenge my authority and it's my duty to put them in their place.
"Julius!" She calls out. She clench her teeth and balls her hands into fists.
Julius rushes towards us but stands some distance away.
"Will you tell her who I am or not?" She grits.
Julius coughs but I beat him to it before he can utter a word.
"Julius," I call.
"Yes, ma'am,"
Then continues, "you are paid to secure the property and not to be stranger's spokesman. If she has nothing important to say, kindly see them out," I command.
"Ye...yes, ma" Julius stutters.
"Who are you to speak to us like that? If only my sister is alive you wouldn't have dreamt of living this life," the Blondie cuts in.
"Where's Adrian? I want to see him," Nora demands.
Who is she to speak about Adrian like that? They may have history together but they are still strangers to me.
"Julius, see them off," I turn to leave when Nora shouted.
"We are here for the child!" Letting down her guard.
Time freeze. My heart pounds frantically. My stomach twists painfully.
This feels like deja Vu. Even though it's my first time experiencing this, I've replayed this scene several times in my head after Adrian told me the truth.
These people are prepared but I'm not one to back down easily.
"What child do you speak of?" My voice remains calm despite how fast my heart is beating.
"What does that even mean?" Nora fumes.
I need go get rid of these people, so I can go back to attend to Hazel.
"What child do you speak of?" I repeat my question.
Her nose flares and the veins in her hands pop. Her composure cracks.
"My grandchild," she seethes.
I dig my nails into my skin as the words roll off her tongue. This is about Hazel. Not Adrian. Not me.
Hazel.
My heart threatens to escape the confines of my chest. My head is woozy and hands tremble a bit but I try to hide it.
If I fear them, how can I protect Hazel?
There's no way they are taking my child away. Besides they killed Hazel's mother and I will not expose Hazel to these dangerous people.
They are playing a game. Four can play.
I furrow my eyebrows. "Is that suppose to be a child's name? Because there's no child that bears that name here."
I remain calm on the outside, in contrast to the chaos that runs through my body.
How do they even have this address?
"I don't have time for your games," she scoffs and tries to get past me to head towards the main door but I block her path.
"No one steps into this house without my permission. It's basic manners that you ask for permission but it doesn't matter because you're not welcome here," I say looking at each of them.
The red hair girl laughs out loudly, "you really think that you belong here?"
"C'mon Tiana, you don't have to be nice with your words," the blonde chuckles before facing me.
"You're nothing but a replacement."
Her words cut deeper than I expect it to. I feel a tug on my chest but all I can do is smirk to hide the pain.
"You shouldn't work yourselves up like this," I reply calmly
Nora takes deliberate steps towards me. Her eyes are bloodshot despite her calmness.
"A child should grow up with when parents."
My eyes widen a bit. The message!
They are the ones behind it. They are the ones stalking and watching me. Us.
A fresh round of anger course through my veins. Ignoring the fear the discovery causes me.
How dare they?
I close the proximity between us and look at her dead in the eyes as if I'm searching through her dark soul.
"Family? I doubt you understand the concept of family. So don't you dare stand here and lecture me." I threaten but she doesn't flinch a bit.
It's true that I don't know them but what if they're telling the truth?
I pinch my thighs, restraining myself from looking in the direction of I and Adrian's room.
Truth or not... Hazel is mine.
"Why are we even listening to her? This is Camille's husbands house. We have the right to go in," the blonde bitch rolls her eyes.
She walks past me.
"Take another step and watch me reduce you to nothing!"
Julius gulps and she stops walking immediately.
"We can take her legally. Adrian carelessly leaves my granddaughter with a stranger. Don't push us," Nora blurt out and I pause.
Oh really? The legal route may just be the best way to resolve this issue. She's trying to scare me into giving in. Too bad she's not dealing with an idiot.
"Bring it on!" I challenge her. "Julius get them out of here and the next time you let strangers into the premises, you'll be risking your job."
Hurriedly, Julius nod and starts pushing them away, towards the direction of their car.
"Let go off me, you riff raff!"
"Stop touching me!"
Nora smirks evily. “Good. Then let’s see how far you’re willing to go… for a child that isn’t yours.”
Without waiting to hear their banters, I walk back inside the house.
The moment I close the door and lock it, I slide down and bury my face in my hands.
My heartbeat increase. Beads of sweat drips down my face and my hands tremble.
The tears I've been fighting so hard to hold, finally break loose.
I cry for my life, for Hazel's safety and Adrian.
Her last words keeps replaying in my head. Will they hurt Hazel? What if I'm not able to keep my promise of protecting her?
I cry harder. My throat tightens.
I can't lose Hazel. I won't.
She's mine!