Chapter 23: Chapter 22

© S A F I E

CHAPTER 22

ELLE

"Perhaps there will only be one boy whom I'd love till the day I die..." I was surprised when Neola suddenly stands from her chair, turning her head on the floor as she bit her lip, "Neo?"

"Uhm-I probably should be going, I needed to-" She paused, her cheeks red making me figure just as much of what she was thinking. I shake my head at her direction, taking Jacob's flannels as I lean close to her and whispered, "Neola," she raises her head, her eyes lost and guilty, "I'm talking about my boy, Jacob. There will be no boy on earth that will receive my love more than my angel. Only him, Neola..."

"But, how 'bout me?" The blonde lad suddenly peered out of the door as I speak; Luke came in and I settled back on the bed, watching him as he prances towards me, taking a seat next to me and resting his head on my shoulder. "Don't you love me too?"

"Luke," I can't help but smile at him as I reminisce the day I woke up a week ago from what I thought was an endless sleep.

It's been a week since I saw my child for the first time. There's no doubt of him as a 'West' since he is a spitting image of his father which reminds me -- Gabe hasn't paid me a visit since the day I woke up, he seems to maintain a distance away just like how I had asked him too. I am not complaining though, because I doubt that I can control myself the next time he stops by. I have only enough of my dignity to lose once I succumb to his charming looks. I am quite surprised though because Gabriel kept on informing me about his daily visit to Jacob through his messages, waking me up with a bouquet of roses that is delivered through Joe.

Many things happen in just a week: I was able to finally walk again and have the fun of exploring the hospital with Neola, well, not really. I am glad of a few distractions though, just like meeting my saviour, Luke Stevens. Sometimes he felt so familiar to me that I am drawn very close to him in just a short time, as though we have met in the past.

I was charmed. I guess Neola, too.

There’s no denying that this man is from Europe; with his blonde hair, blue powdery eyes, enigmatic smile and the undeniable British accent. He’s hot and perfect and I'd like to have him all for myself except the fact that I don't feel like that towards him. I treat him like a family, like a brother. As though he was my long lost brother.

I'm so happy that they are with me, showing me the loving that I have always longed for. I am also glad that I am with my son and the fact that today, we're going back home to my apartment in New York. I wonder if I would have to buy more stuffed toys for Jacob, he appears to love his teddy so much.

"Luke!" I push him off shaking my head in disappointment as he wipes his nose. "You love me, right?" He smiled, nuzzling his head deeper on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes at him, wanting nothing but to wipe that lazy smirk on his face. The gut of the lad. "You love me, am I correct, Elle, dear?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Luke." I frown at his puppy dog eyes, trying to push him off the bed but his fat arse wouldn't barge.

“I love you but more like a sister would for a brother.”

"And I love you too, my dear." He stated, raising his hands and attacking me with his fingers, making me lie down on the bed. The feeling of his fingers on my waist made me go weak on the legs and I desperately swatted off his hands, hating the fact that he knows my weak points. Just like Gabriel.

"Luke, Stop!" I tried to get away from him but he just tackled me, reminding me of the way Gabriel used to during the mornings of bliss. I hit his arm, a desperate attempt so that I can escape him but to no avail, Luke remains unaffected, focusing on turning me into a puddle by attacking me with his fingers. "Luke!"

I heard the door close and I stopped noticing that Neola was gone. "Neola?" Oh no, she must have taken it the wrong way. I glared at Luke, " What?"

I rolled my eyes, "Go out, I need to change into an outfit before I go home," I stated, watching Luke as he scratches the back of his head and made his way out of the room.

Geez.

Neola might have thought that something is going on between me and Luke. That girl, she clearly misunderstood everything and it was partly wrong for me to assume that everything is going alright. I haven't made it clear to her and she might have thought that I am only jiffing about my feelings towards Luke.

Luke is like my brother. I treated him and loved him the same way I did to my lost or dead brother; I really don't know who or where he is.

I can't even remember his name...

NEOLA

"You heart - you stupid ignorant idiotic dumbass organ inside my chest!" I stated as I walk out of the room and to the hallway leading up to the neonatal unit. "You just don't learn your lessons, don't you? You just want to follow what you want!"

"Haven't you learn from what you heard about Elle and Gabriel's relationship? Do you want that same complicated thing that they have? Urgh!" I shake my head and sigh, "I just want to rip you off my chest so you'll stop beating and maybe then I can throw you somewhere far away that even Google cannot find or even retrieve you!" The nurse momentarily stops as she stares at me with wide eyes, but I just shake her off and continue my rant at myself.

I have to tell Gabriel about this. He has to know that the brit guy and Elle are growing closer in every day that Gabriel might become a forgotten as times past and Luke becomes the father to Jacob. shit, that will be disastrous. I doubt that Gabriel will allow that to happen.

With pure annoyance and irritation, I pull my phone out of my back pocket and called his straightaway. 'Neola, why did you call? Is Jacob-'

"No, idiot. Jacob's fine." I sigh, leaning on the staircase to catch my breath. "You know what, Gabriel? I'm very pissed at you.”

'Me? What did I do?'

“You just don't mind what's going on around you, do you?" I take a deep breath and stared on the wall, willing myself not to go back inside Elle's room and scream at Luke that I wanted him. "Gabriel, you should get her back. You do not know how Luke is slowly capturing her heart. I know it is wrong to assume but it seems like she is opening up to him and I am afraid that if you witness them, you will hurt Luke. Please, just for today, let us be a team and help each other,” I concluded the call, my heart beating so fast of the words I just said. Yes, I need my brother's help especially now that Elle was involved. I wouldn't let their relationship be destroyed this time because I am afraid that this will be their last shot.

I wring my hands and couldn’t help but feel guilty. Elle would surely hate me for doing this to her. Once Gabriel arrives, he will find out that they are going home. Although all I wanted is a complete home for Jacob, perhaps I should have had tried to let Elle heal first. I walk slowly and reach the nursery, surprise as the nurse start to take Jacob's bed.

"Uhm, Liza? Where are you going? Are you--" The nurse smiled at me before letting out a chuckle. "Crazy girl, I'm not going to kidnap or harm him, stop having your panties in a twist." She chuckled again as she clicks the button for the lift.

"What are you doing then?"

"I'm going to take him back to his mother for they will be released at this moment." The elevator doors open with a ping and we enter. I didn't wait for it to close before I turn back to Liza, who immediately started playing at Jacob who is just looking at her.

"What do you mean?"

"They are going home."

"You mean, they can really leave this hospital now?"

"Yes." She answered in a tired tone, waiting for me to speak again as she taps her feet, impatiently waiting for our floor.

“How about Gabriel, does he know?" She sighed before looking back at me. "I was given strict orders that Gabriel wasn't supposed to know about this. It was Elle’s request.”

"He's the father. He should know." I was surprised when Liza grabs my shoulders and said, "Neola, I know that, too. I feel sorry for him but I can't do anything about it. Elleana asks Dr. Eric for help; she said she wanted to be away from him.”

The elevator pings as I shrug off her hold, looking at her I said, " Alright. You should take Jacob to her. I just have to go somewhere." I didn't give Liza a backward glance as I went down the second floor, fishing my phone out of my back pocket.

I rang him but he didn't pick-up, instead, the system directed me to voice mail, "You have reached Gabriel West but sadly, he can't talk to you right now. He has a meeting." The machine beeps, giving me the signal to talk.

"Damn, Gabriel! You really need to get here right at this moment!”

GABE

"There's no need for you to curse me again." My sister gapes, her eyes wide and so was her mouth. "Are you going inside?" I point at Elle's room and I rolled my eyes as she nodded her head 'yes', trailing behind me.

I knock two times at the door and Liza opens it, her brows shooting up in surprise, "Mr. West--"

“Liza." She bows her head as I pass by her quivering form, hiding a smirk. I don't want to look smug, Elle might throw her shoe from across the room and hit me on the head if I ever tried to do so. The anger I am feeling because they attempt to keep me out from the news of Elle's discharge, quickly dissolves as I stare across the room. Elle is holding my son on her arms, making funny noises as Jacob scrunch his face, Staring up at his mother with his eyes half-open. I didn't take my precious time to pretend that I am not here as I cleared my throat.

Surprised by the interruption, Elle frowned at me, Holding Jacob close to her chest and hiding him from view, "Gabriel! I don't think anyone has invited you here?" She glared past me which I know is pointed to my sister. I pity her. Neola shouldn't be facing the consequences of my actions because it's my fault. Neola shifted on her feet, her eyes focused on the floor.

Elle handed Jacob to Liza as she arranged their clothes inside a suitcase. Liza leaves the room and so did Neola, leaving us alone. Turning to me, Elle said, "I think you're lost, mister. There's no reason for you to be here, maybe you should go. I don't want to interrupt your scheduled meetings and business ventures." She stated in a calm manner but the slight tremble of her fingers failed to show that. I watch as she takes the baby bag from the bedside table and stuff Jacob's things inside; bottles and nappies and Baby formula slipping swiftly from her hands down unto the bag. She zipped it up and I made my way towards her, watching as her breath hitched in her throat as I put my hand over her trembling hands.

I snatch the blue flannel from her hands and handed her the stuffed bear so she can put it on the side of the bag. Both of us didn't speak a word as I put Jacob's toys inside, her breathing tickling my ear as she stands beside me, while I am crouched over the bag, "Gabriel."

My hands stop as I straighten up, looking at her, "I refuse to leave you again even if you insist that I should stay away from you." I stated, my eyes trained with hers. She was glaring at me, but her eyes are shining unshed tears. She takes a deep breath, shaking her head before she pushes me, making me stagger as she puts a distance between us. My jaw tightened as I scowled, biting my tongue as to prevent the incoming remarks.

"Try saying that again, Gabriel, or I swear-"

"I'll never leave you, again-" My left cheek burns as her hand made contact with it, the stinging pain only urging me to continue. "Never say-"

"I'll never leave you again, Elle and-" I hissed as she strikes me for the second time but I couldn't care less. She can kick my butt and hit me again and again for all I care as long as she'll forgive me. I don't care what she does to me.

"How can you even say that, you git? Making promises that you can't even keep, Gabriel?" She pointed her finger at my chest and I regret looking at her as I stared at her tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, Elle. please, let me have you back, please?" I pulled her into my arms, tucking her n even if she was struggling, flaying her arms and hitting me. "Gabriel-"

"I'm sorry if I've been a git. I'm sorry if I accuse you of cheating. I didn't have enough trust in you as I did to myself. I'm sorry if I can't be a good husband to you. I regret it all, believe me-"

"Enough," she whispered and I look down to see her smiling at me. She pulled me closer and sniffed, "I know all of that already. Even if I hear you apologize, I am not certain if you are truly sorry for the things you have done. You're always saying 'sorry' for the sake of my forgiveness, but you are not showing regret for your actions. It's like a cycle: you do it, I forgive you then you do it again - how can I be sure that you are speaking from your heart

I am speechless; both in a good way and in a bad one.

She pulls away from our embrace and shakes her head. Her hand caresses my cheek, wiping a stray tear before she lets go, "I don't want to give you false hope but I'm gonna try for the sake of our son. Though remember this, Gabriel. I'm not your wife and you're not my husband anymore so don't ever expect me to be intimate or be close to you. I'm just doing all these so Jacob will know who you are, give him the father he needed in his life." With that, she turns around to sort her suitcase once more, not uttering a single word to me again after our talk.

Well, its a little hope but I can make it bigger.

"We are going to stay back in our house," I stated, clenching my jaw as I grip the steering wheel.

"Nope." Elle argues from the passenger seat, glaring at me, "My son and I will not go back to that blasted mansion." She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. I stop the urge to look at them, focusing my gaze back at the hospital driveway, as I ask in a resigned voice, "Where to, then?"

She smiled at me and pointed, nodding in appreciation. I raised an eyebrow at her expression and she composed herself, blushing. "Back to my old apartment. We're going to stay there whether you like it or not..." With a roll of my eyes, I turn my Lamborghini in reverse and drove out of the hospital.

The slight jam around the city gave me enough time to appreciate how beautiful Elle has become from the past few months. Motherhood suits her well and I smiled in appreciation of her breasts - I quite like the little bounce they give when I push down the brakes. Elle catches my gaze and narrows her eyes, giving her a smirk that made her blush. I turn my car down the familiar street and chance a glance at Elle as she looks out of the window. She turns on her seat and checks baby Jacob as he continues to sleep in his car seat.

We arrive at her apartment in no time. She unlocks her seatbelt and got out of the car, not waiting for me. She takes Jacob's car seat and carried him inside the lobby, heading for the elevators. The ride up is consumed with silence between us. We arrived at the fifth floor and I watch as he fished out her keys, unlocking the door leading inside her suite.

I bit my lip as I remember the last time I was in here.

It felt like a decade ago but it's only been a year. I can remember the way I bolted in, knocking off her artworks as I search for her petite for. I can remember the way her paintbrush bounced off from the side of my head and her cowering after she realizes what she has done. I am prepared to ruin her then, hating her immediately but I needed her in one piece for the party that required both of us to attend, as requested by my father.

I shake my head and adjust the suitcase and baby bag, standing by her threshold, a bit hesitant to follow her inside the suite. Elle turns, car seat on her hands and an eyebrow raised, "What? Are you going to just drop off our things and not help me?" I shake my head and quickly went inside, watching as she fumbled with a few more keys. We enter her room, "Just put the bags on the side, near the cupboard." I do as she said as she enters the room adjacent to hers.

I followed behind her and was surprised to see the interior of the little room. It's a simple nursery, painted green with a tree on the side holding letters of his name, JACOB.

So Neola knew it all along that she'll name him Jacob. I watch Elle as she pulls Jacob out from the car seat and settles him down on his cot. She attaches a machine on the side and turns to me, "We need to talk. We need to settle the following agreements and I'll tell you my rules about your visiting days."

Elle left the door open on our way out, clicking the monitor and tucking it in her pocket. She led me inside the kitchen and we both sat on the barstool facing the counter, "No limits," I stated before she even speak. "I want to visit my son whenever I want to."

"You could," she shrugged. "But, in one condition; you need to call me first. You aren't supposed to come barging in early in the morning or late in the evening and demand me to show you Jacob. I have a job and I have clients to think about so if ever we are not here, don't have us followed. Understood?"

"Yes." I nodded, expecting the words from.

"Second." She held out her two fingers as she continues, "I want you to stay far from me as possible. I don't want to engage in a relationship yet. Please consider my heart, are we clear?"

"Crystal." My eyes harden as I clench my jaw, restraining myself from storming out the kitchen because of my disappointment It hurts my pride to hear this from her but I am willing to risk it just so I could be with them.

"Another thing-" a knock interrupted the next word she was about to say. "There will be some-" The knock interrupted her again. Damn this person whoever it is. How persistent! Finding it hard for me to concentrate on the things what she's saying, I made my way out the kitchen and open the door. I stand there, frozen, not expecting the one who is leaning by the door, his hand halfway up as though he was about to knock again.

"Luke! I didn't know that you were coming," Elle let out a chuckle as she stands behind me. I felt her lean closer, as she whispered, "He's the next thing we should talk about, really need to talk about..."

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