And as I sat, lost in my thoughts, came Adrian's soft voice to pierce my fog."Sit, my love." But I didn't utter a word, my mind still wandering to some far-off place, engrossed in the thoughts that had occupied me all day.Adrian's voice came again this time louder, more insistent, "Sit, babe." The sound of his voice was like a summer's breeze-soft and soothing but it was enough to bring me back to reality."Hmm, I breathed in immediately," I said, my voice a little shaky, as I slowly came back to the present."Sorry, I was lost in thought," I apologized, and my eyes found Adrian's concerned face across the table. A look of worry marked his features, and a pang of guilt pinched in my chest as I looked at him for the first time. The scent of the food wafted up to me: savory, full, and growling my stomach with anticipation.Today's dinner was a light, elegant rice flour and chicken soup. What astonished me most was the way it had been presented: freshly arranged with a handful of color
No sooner had the words escaped my lips than Helen's eyes had widened in alarm and she let out a loud shout, but I was quick to react. I swiftly clamped my hand over her mouth, my fingers pressing gently against her lips to silence her. "Why are you shouting?" I asked her in a low, urgent voice, looking around the room nervously, fearful that Julian might have heard her cry out.Helen's eyes darted back and forth, her face pale with fear, as she whispered, "He will catch me, ma." Her voice was trembling, and I could feel the depth of her anxiety. I took a deep breath and, as reassuring as possible, my voice calm and soothing, told her, "No, he won't. Just do it, and be unnoticeable," I urged, my eyes locked on hers.Apprehension clouded her gaze; she was terrified that her ruse would be discovered. I knew by now that I really had to get her on my side. My knees nearly grazing the floor, I stepped closer, speaking in a begging, urgent voice:"Please, Helen, I beg of you. I need to kno
We got into the car and zoomed off to the Adrian company. I was feeling a little bit anxious.Finally, we got to the company, the name of the company welcome us and the beautiful environment was wowMr. Williams, the manager who had been shaking under pressure; quickly handed him all the necessary files. With a great deal of confidence, he showed the people present in the room.I was so confident that Adrian was taken aback, and soon found himself stealing glances at him as he flipped through the pages of the document."Good morning sir," the cleaner said, breaking the spell. "Mr. Jude, our client, is here to see you.""Alright, I'll be there in a minute," Adrian replied, adjusting his clothes. He looked at me and then the other remaining six workers and sighed."I want this client to invest in our company," he said to me."I, please, I would be happy if you make us proud. I know you haven't done this before, but I just believe in you," Mr. Williams said, desperation and hope so thick
"No, sir, please don't go!" Mr. Adrian pleaded as he tried to stop investors from storming out of the company in a fit of anger."Let's talk about this; there must be a way we can resolve our differences.""I don't think so," one of the investors turned and said. "I think you don't pay your manager well, that's why she couldn't even answer our questions.""Why do you say that?" Adrian asked as he tried to defend Jenny."I say that because the lady who slumped looks stressed, that's the reason she slumped," the investor added. "We will send you our response soon," Mr Shank said as he and his core investors left the company.The voices of the investors made Mr. Williams run out from the other office to the conference room to see what was happening. "I! I!" Williams shouted, running to the lifeless body of Jenny, slumped to the floor, her body limp and her face pale."Ahh, no! What's happened to her?" Williams exclaimed, shaking me gently. "Wake up! please wake up!"But I didn't respond
Adrian paced around his office, the soles of his shoes echoing from the walls-a rhythmic accompaniment to turbulent thoughts.He paced around, looking into the floor as though he was looking for some sort of misplaced treasure.His face furrowed: his brow did show worry and concern. He was tormented by uncertainty over what would next happen, with his mind consumed by the fear of Mr. Shanks' response.The memory of Jenny's collapse in front of Mr. Shanks' investors was fresh within his mind, the shame and embarrassment still burning within him. Adrian boiled in anger and frustration as his mind went to the words of Mr. Shanks:"I don't pay my workers well.”He slammed his hand onto the table. The sound resonated through the room, like the cracking of thunder. Books that lay upon the table tumbled to the floor, their pages fluttering open like wounded birds.Adrian's face twisted in agony and he screamed, his voice a raw and primeval shriek. "No………!" he yelled, his hands tearing at his
Adrian's voice came like thunder over the phone, and a cold shiver ran down William's spine as he had never before heard Adrian speak with such urgency and emotion.Adrian was a man known for his tough exterior, his business acumen, and his strict demeanor. Yet, when it came to his wife, Jenny, he was a different person altogether. He had human feelings for her, feelings that he rarely showed to anyone else.William was scared; he heard the running heartbeat of his heart as he listened to Adrian's angry voice. He knew he had to do something quickly to cool off Adrian's anger and get the doctor to attend to Jenny.Immediately, he sprang from his seat and scurried to the doctor's office, his legs moving with swiftness down the hall to try to soothe Adrian's temper.He was now at the doctor's, and Mr. William delicately knocked on the door as his knuckles kissed the wood softly."Come in," a voice called from behind the door in a meek manner. The door cracked, and William slid into the
The eyes of Dr. Fredrick shone with urgency, and his whole body was filled with anticipation. Another minute more he could hardly wait for; he was out of patience, began to pace up and down in front of the ward, his hands trembling like that of a thief who had been caught red-handed."Nurse!" he yelled, stamping his foot on the ground as his voice reverberated down the corridors. The echo of this sound in the hospital was like a clarion call-one that could not be ignored. Immediately, the nurse came running to the ward, her face a picture of concern as she hastened to attend to the doctor's summons."What is it, Sir?" she asked breathlessly as she struggled to keep up with the doctor's frantic pace.Doctor Fredrick's eyes flashed into hers, his stare intense as he gave his directions."Get the surgery ready," he said in a low urgent tone."We are about to perform a heart transplant now."The nurse widened her eyes in surprise but wasted no time, hurrying to prepare the operation theat
A shrill ring cut through the silent corridor of the hospital-one of William's phones was ringing. He reached for it in a flash and answered the call in a racing heart. The voice on the other side sounded strong and commanding-no room for any doubt or hesitation."Where are you?" Adrian asked, leaving no room for arguing.In an instant, William's heart sank, with his mind racing towards the implication of Adrian's question. He did not ask him which hospital he was in, but where he was; it was as if he knew where he was. The realization sent a shiver down William's spine, and he felt his voice catch in his throat."Ehhhhh." he stammered, faltering.Adrian was explosive in response. "Speak up, my friend!" his voice boomed through the phone."What are you stammering for? Or is my wife dead?" The words hung in the air at once a challenge and a threat. William felt his heart pounding with the struggle to respond; his palms started to perspire."No, sir, no, sir," he said at once, the words
JENNY POVWe strolled to the living room and there, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights illuminating the path from the entrance, we found Grace (or so she claimed) standing with head downcast, turning eyes to the floor in a gesture of abandonment and with shoulders slumped in an act of discomfiture. "Good day, sir and ma'am," she addressed, her whisper almost inaudible, trembling slightly as she spoke, the words formed by hardly fluttering lips."Yea, Grace," he replied in a neutral tone, without a discernible expression, right when we sat together, as I was sitting on him, arms wrapped around me while holding me to himself, a hand softly placed on my stomach. Adrian then turned to Scarlett, his eyes narrowing as he studied her with a furrowed, working overtime with his brain to decode whatever she was ruminating upon."Grace, who are you?" he asked in a commanding tone that seemed to challenge such pronouncement, laced with some measure of skepticism, his tone even dripping wi
JENNY POVThe onset of this incident will forever remain my awakening hour, with the night still darkened. I became more aware of my surroundings, with the first thing in sight being Adrian, my husband, seated next to me with a most concerned look on his face. That dim bedside lamp light warmed him, throwing the depths of his worry into bold relief."What happened?" I pictured me demanding, but my voice was edged with confusion and alarm. Just as I attempted to rise, dizziness would encompass me, my husband's hands there to gently yet quite firmly assist me."You fell; you fainted," Adrian said. I kept on repeating it to myself in an attempt to fathom what it meant to faint. "I fainted?" I was finally able to whisper, the word now hanging in the air as if challenging my perception.He looked at me for a long moment, concerned but slightly annoyed. "Yes, love," he said gently but firmly. "I've told you to take it easy on yourself." Even as his tone reproached, his eyes showed the quick
JENNY POVMonica left my mother behind, with Grace, the maid, for services in the house. The next day, I woke as if with no energy; my body felt heavy and completely pregnant. "Honey," I called, sweet and gentle, hoping that Adrian would respond. But there was only silence. I waited for a moment expecting him to walk into the bedroom, but nothing.Sighing, I arise and manage to put all my strength into moving toward the kitchen. The instant Grace saw me walk through, she seemed to stop whatever the action was that she was engaged in and smiled, saying "Good morning, ma'am." In that voice, there was this plural, respectful and welcoming tone. I returned the gesture but instinctively put my hands on my huge tummy to rub it while feeling kicks from the baby inside. "Good morning, dear," I added just to sound a little more cheerful than I really felt.It was an exceptionally warm and inviting room that within one breath, would include coffee brewing. I found my usual place on the table an
ADRIAN POVIn the warmth of home, the weak lights of evening embraced us in lazy comfort. "Well, this is home; I was checking on Jenny," I muttered, sadly and tenderly gazing at her with concern. "No need to worry, babe. Jenny was fine," I comforted him with a smile, gently pulling him into hugs.As we moved on toward the room, the only sound from out two feet padding softly across the floor. "We need to hire a maid," I soothingly suggested, trying to approach the subject slowly. But Jenny interrupted, her voice very clear and very strong. "No, baby. I can do all the housework," she opposed right away, with a determined glint in her eyes that dared me to argue with her.My heart reeked of love and guilt towards her. I smiled sweetly and said, "No, my love-no." "You are expecting and I cannot allow you to submit yourself to doing that." Please, let me take care of this." I pleaded as I caressed her hair softly, as though that might somehow soften her resolute spirit.She regarded my w
ADRIAN POVFour hours later, the wait finally ended. Dr. Dazzy walked out of the emergency room, a mask of professionalism on his face, his eyes revealing but a sliver of concern. He called out my name, voice laden with reassuring authority like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man, "Mr...?" Suddenly his gaze shifted towards the waiting area, raking in one after the other until at last, it rested on yours truly.I jumped up, my heart racing. Oh yeah, that's me, I whispered back. "How is she? How's Jenny?" The floodgates burst open.The treatment softened the doctor's looks a bit as he nodded. "I'm with your wife now," he said, almost holding out a glimmer of hope. "Let's talk," he said, sending a gesture toward one of the waiting room's quiet corners. My heart drummed in my chest like a drummer preparing for some primitive ritual. What was he going to say? Was Jenny okay? The uncertainty was murder.I quickly marched into the doctor's office, purposeful stride like a man on a mission,
ADRIAN POVAs we lay there, Jenny's body tensed, muscles broiling under the skin like waves about to crest. A grotesque distortion of her face came into view as her eyes were closed shut, and a strangled, guttural cry, "Hpppp!" escaped her lips, followed closely by a heartbreaking wrenching sound. This tearing sound ripped irrevocably through the very fabric of that moment. Eyes that once sparkled with humor and fun turned into tight, scrunched-up furrows of mixed terror and discomfort." And I, exhilarated, turned toward her, speaking soft, reassuring words, almost like a summer's warm, gentle breeze."What is it, baby?" I asked, leniently. Distracted by pain, Jenny barely perceived my touch as I brushed a straining hand from her forehead. In that instant, I felt an electric jolt through my fingers. Slowly, her eyes opened, and she gazed up at me- her expression blurred and hazy, breathing labored. Each rise and fall of her chest steered with ragged breaths alongside cowering flickeri
ADRIAN POVFive months laterSoftly I entered the room calling for my wife. "Honey," I said very softly, very lovingly. "I'm over here, baby," she said, warm and inviting, as I turned in the direction of her voice.Jenny was in the room, snacking and gently rubbing her stomach. She had dancing happiness in her eyes, and her face shone with a glorious smile. I, at that moment, couldn't help but smile back at her, as time seemed to make my love grow stronger for her."You are eating too much baby," I said, staring right at her, mischief ringing in my voice."Funny. It's that time of the baby." She replied, "I'm eating for two now, you know." And I laughed and shook my head, awestruck by the miracle in her womb.Looking at her, he could not stop the gratitude that he felt for all that was in store for the couple. The joy of becoming parents was getting real for them, and the dreamy excitement of meeting their little one was almost tangible. Then Jenny held my hand, intertwining her finge
ADRIAN POVAll fit to burst with happy joy, and really not in any way able to keep joy controlled, I ran straight towards Jenny's ward; and my heart beat like a train's wheels running on the tracks. Cracked the door ajar, I peeped in. But, no sooner did my eyes lay on my beautiful wife lying down there, with her eyes locked onto the television-"Honey," I called softly so as not to startle her.She turned her gaze to me, and a slight smile fell across her lips. "Yea," she replied soft and gentle. I moved to the edge of the bed and sat on it beside her, our eyes shining into each other. I was lost staring into those beautiful eyes and getting all the more lovely toward her.Before the evils of my mind settle, I kissed her lips very lightly, "I love you very much," he whispered-voice barely audible as he choked with emotion. She smiled and wrapped her arms around me, drawing in tighter. "I love you too," she murmured, still kissing me.Kissing her made euphoria and gratification wrap aro
ARROW POVCrack of dawn with blurred golden rays peeking through the wrappers of my curtains woke up my senses. As I turned my head, there was the soothing sight of Jenny sleeping beside me; what a rare sight. Normally, J would be awake, ultra-busy preparing for her day most probably hours ahead of me. With my finger, I touched her shoulder softly, even while talking-low and concerned. "Honey?" I said quietly, but no stir. Her gently comforting breath indicated she was still fast asleep.Looking at Jenny, my face turned into a mask of concern. I knew I should take her in for an immediate checkup. "I think we should go to the hospital," I said, maintaining a naturalness in my voice. But all of her answers were a slight shake of her head along with a presence in her playing lips-a weak smile of assurance. "No, baby, I'll be fine; maybe it's just stress," she said, her words at a whisper.I nodded my head, in understanding, with my concern still at its peak. "It's stressful, I know, but