"Angel you won't believe this… I have a brother." I whispered through the phone as I stared into nothingness. The room was quiet, too quiet, like it was holding its breath. Before Angel could even respond, I felt the presence of someone in the room. A shadow? No… a person.
Suddenly, panic surged through me. What if the person was here to harm me? I opened my mouth to scream but the moment I saw who it was, the breath caught in my throat. My eyes welled up with tears. It's been five months. Five whole months since I last saw him.
Mark.
He stood by the window, slightly breathless, as though he'd run a marathon to get here. He looked terrible. Stressed. His usual glow was dimmed. Dark circles hung under his eyes like a weight he couldn't shake off.
"What is wrong with him? Does he want to get killed? But how did he even get in here?" I asked, more to myself than him. "I came in through the window," he said flatly, already reading my thoughts.
I creased my brow in disbelief. "How did you know what I was thinking? "Your facial expression told me everything," he said, eyes not leaving mine.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered.
"I came back for you, my love. Come on, let's go home." Are you crazy?" I was torn. I felt bad for him, honestly. He looked weak, worn, and desperate.
But damn, how I missed him.
He started moving towards me, and before I could talk myself out of it, I was in his arms. His lips crashed into mine in a hot, passionate kiss. It was raw, emotional, everything I'd buried deep within for months. My hands tangled in his hair as he held me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
"I love you," he whispered.
"Please come back to me," he said again between kisses. "I miss our cuddles, the way you pamper me… even our fights." Mark…"
"Aurora, I brought you—"
Oooo…" a voice interrupted from the doorway. It was Mom. Holding a glass of warm milk, eyes wide at the sight of us.
She walked swiftly towards us and yanked Mark by the arm. "Mark, it would be better if you leave this estate before William finds out. You know he's powerful. It's either he kills you or you get sued for trespassing. I don't want my future grandchild's father involved in this kind of situation."
"Mom!"
"Don't 'Mom' me. You've disrespected my daughter by sneaking into her room and seducing her. "What?" Mark's eyes widened in shock. "Why would I seduce my own wife?"
Kim gave a heavy sigh. "What do you mean, that my daughter threw herself at your feet? You know you are her weakness, especially in this condition and you're using it against her, aren't you?"
"Mom, this is exactly why she needs me now," he argued. "You know it too." Kim turned her face away, heart clearly torn. "I also wish she was with you, Mark. But she's too stubborn. And William… he's the worst of all. I've seen her cry every night. Do you think I want this for her?"
Mark softened. "Please…"
She craves you, I know. But she's too proud to admit it. Just go, for now. Please. Trust me I will give you your wife back. It's just a matter of time." Mark paused. His eyes dropped to my bump.
Mark walked towards me but I took a step back, he glared at me shocked shaking his head.He bent slowly, caressing it with care. "Hey little buddy, I'm leaving now. But very soon, we'll be together, okay? Take care of your mommy. I love you." He stood, looked into my eyes one last time, then turned.
"I wasn't even going to talk to you," he muttered before climbing back out the window. As soon as he disappeared, I collapsed into tears. Mom rushed over and pulled me into her arms. "It's okay. You're safe now," she whispered, brushing her fingers gently through my hair. "I'll sleep here tonight."