CHAPTER 3

CATHERINE...

I pushed open the door of the study room. First time in two years I am here without Edward's permission. He might get mad, but then again, he is not here to be mad.

In the huge mansion of Oakenhold, I was alone. A few Servants were downstairs though their existence could be considered uncountable. They are used to remaining this way because Edward despises the existing crowd around him.

I am surprised Reinfords didn't rush here yet to bash me. Probably, with Regina now. She really succeeded huh?

Wondering if they would show the same concern if I was in her place. Well, I was supposed to be there though. And the answer was very expected, A big NO. Maybe they would have sympathised but not care.

I am glad I wasn't there. I need to protect my child at any cost... At this moment, I am missing Margaret and Sophia. Two people in Oakenhold, who actually care for me besides May and Grandpa. Sigh... They were out of town for a few days.

Slowly, I walked toward his desk. The brown envelope was still there, abandoned. Not for too long though.

Picking it up, I opened the envelope with my shaky hands. The white paper inside stated the proof of his disinterest in me. In the bold later, 'DIVORCE AGREEMENT' was strung along with the amount of compensation, wrenching my soul gradually.

Compensation, huh? I couldn't help but mocked a laugh. Does he know what I left in the past? What I acquired? He does not. because if he did, he wouldn't dare to show off his money in front of me. What I craved was his love and not assets.

Two years ago when Grandpa Reinford came to me with the proposal of marrying Edward, I was utterly shocked. It's rare for a chairman to ask the mere employee to marry the next heir.

Though I used to adore Edward from afar, I wanted to deny it until I learned his interest in marrying me. I agreed and we got married. I wish I had known the consequences beforehand, I wouldn't give my consent ever.

Now, it's hard to leave him. But his actions were against my tolerance, especially the way he marked me in his life_ A random woman_ That's who I am for him. And if that accident didn't happen, I might be begging him now, blaming my action on my child.

As it said, Things happen for a reason. I would take it as the last warning bell from God. Because if not now, then I don't know what the future holds for me and my child except darkness.

I would take this chance and leave silently, just the way I appeared in his life, we would go away, closing all the connections between us.

Sigh... Glancing at the divorce paper, I swallowed the hard lump before reaching for the pen on the desk... Aagh! I gasped, suddenly feeling the sharp pain in my abdomen again.

God! It's too painful! My eyes started darkening and my vision blurred. The paper fell somewhere as I was suffocated by the anguish.

My phone! I search for my phone... I found it and dialled Edward's number but he didn't pick up. I dialled again, but no answer!

AAGH! My phone slipped from my hand. The pain was too much to endure, I can't stand this! I need to go to the hospital! I can't let Anything happen to my child!

Forgetting everything else, I rushed out of the mansion. Guards came to me with concern and I only requested for the chauffeur. None of them were available at the moment so finally ended with a taxi.

The entire road I sat there with my teeth clenched and even the taxi driver was worried. Thanks to his skill, he carefully dropped me in the hospital in the shortest amount of time.

I don't really remember how I dragged myself inside or asked for the doctor and only mumbled "Save my child" before fainting...

********

"Congratulations, Catherine." Dr Sharon, Reinford's family doctor Congratulated me, Entering my ward. But I was fully invested in my pregnancy report that brightly says 'My babies are fine' for now.

Yes, babies. I am having twins.

The pain was caused by mental stress. Lastly, the physical imbalance. The unborn infants were safe now but my gynaec had strictly warned me not to be harsh on myself which I failed somehow.

Just when I decided to divorce Edward, this happened. And once again, my decisions stumbled.

"Catherine?" Dr. Sharon slightly patted my shoulder. "Anything wrong?"

Pursing my lips hard, I shook my head. "Nothing, dr. Thanks." I avoided her question. "I will just take a rest before leaving."

She smiled with a nod, "As you wish, your family is on the 3rd floor. Do you want me to inform them about you?"

Before I even processed the situation "No!" Came out of me, startling her maybe. I seemed more panicked than happy.

"Uh-I want to surprise them..." I muttered and she slightly furrowed her brows, "You didn't inform them yet?"

"Umm-not yet, dr. Everyone was busy with Grandpa's funeral party, so... I chose to wait." I made up an excuse.

She smiled, "Alright then, stay here and let the nurse know if you want Anything. And Catherine, be careful, okay?"

"Hmm..." I nodded. She walked out and immediately I sighed out a nervous breath.

I almost forgot the entire family is here for Regina. What could I expect more? This hospital is Reinford's property. That made me wonder, is Edward still with her?

I caressed my belly. Should I tell him? Would he consider our marriage with a new view? Maybe... I swallowed. It would be unfair to him if I walked out without informing him, right?

This wasn't the plan just an hour earlier, yet the sudden incident made me think twice. I should talk to him for the last time before taking any final decision.

Getting off the bed, I walked out of the ward and went to the third floor. The receptionist greeted me with a smile, "Mrs Reinford, are you here to see Miss Frost?" She asked.

"I... Yeah." I agreed. "Which way?" I would just have a glance if Edward was there, if not, I would leave. I have no intention to see Regina.

"room number 307." She informed and I went that way thanking her.

When I reached in front of the VIP ward, I looked inside through the glass space. My in-laws and Regina's brother were inside. However, no trace of Edward.

I was relieved inwardly but it was short-lived when, "What are you doing here?" Edward's cold humourless tone rang in my ear, and immediately my eyes snapped in his direction. He was a few feet away from me.

"Edward..." My throat tightened as I felt the lump forming again. "I..." My words died inside when he suddenly held my hand and dragged me away from there. His long legs strode into the floor exit room, closing the door behind before turning to me.

"Do you realise the consequence if any of them see you here now?" His tone was heavy and displeased.

"I- I am sorry, Edward. Please trust me, it was just an accident." If I say she did it, he might not believe it. But, I also have a tinge of hope that he would believe it's not intentional.

"Accident or not, it happened Catherine. Her shoulder was dislocated and her back was injured deeply. She or her brother could file a case against you, only stopped after a hard time of convincing." His tone was dangerously low and gloomy.

Ashamed, I lowered my eyes. I didn't come here for this.

"Go back home and we'll talk about the divorce at night." Saying, he was about to turn but I clutched his sleeve, "Ple-ease Edward, just listen to me for once. I want to tell you something!"

He pulled his hand away from me before glaring, his eyes were dark and in their coldest form. Guess, I fucked up real bad. Perhaps, I shouldn't dodge the pushback then. The situation might be different.

"Not a word, Catherine. We're Getting a divorce and that's final. Go back home now. Do not play with my patience." And then he was gone...

I shuddered, leaning against the wall as my tears flowed down my cheeks. Guess, that one chance had gone. I should not continue this with no hope.

I returned to my ward and sat on the bed. Slowly I caressed my belly. If history had chosen to repeat itself, I wouldn't made the same mistake as my mother and chose myself and my babies, not the man who has no slight affection toward me.

Tears of remorse slipped from my eyes. It was my mistake to think he would listen. I should have been more determined.

They might not know but I am alone capable of taking care of my child. I stood up, wiping my tears away. I'll make sure to leave without a trace behind and this time there was no turning back.

And I know who would help me without asking a question at this time... Liam, my childhood friend. I need to call him but I left my phone at home. He's the one who would and could sent me away from eyes just like the past.

Soon, I opened the door to leave and manage a phone to call Liam for help, when I bumped into Dr. Sharon at the door.

"Dr.?" I blinked at her.

"You're leaving already?" She asked. For a slight moment, it felt like she was nervous.

"Yes." I nodded, masking my emotions. Hopefully, she didn't reveal the news to them.

"Uh- Can we talk for a bit?"

She seemed hesitant for some reason. Her behaviour was... Weird.

I nodded, "Sure." I stepped back and she entered with a male nurse followed behind, pushing a wheelchair along. He was wearing the mask, that's... Unusual.

"What is it, doctor?" Suddenly, I was sceptical. Something in my bones telling me it's not a good sign.

"Well, Catherine..." She turned to the nurse, eyeing him as he moved toward me.

"D-dr.?" I tried to step back but the nurse held me from behind.

"W-what are you doing!?" I gasped, struggling to free myself but the male nurse was too strong!

"You... Help_ mmmmm!" I yelped but he covered my lips, preventing me from making a sound.

"Hurry up, we don't have much time, the hospital is full of surveillance cameras." The nurse urged her to do something and I saw Dr. Sharon bringing out a syringe.

She came toward me and my eyes widened. I raised my leg and stomped on the ground in pain. What is happening!?

Dr Sharon injected the syringe into my neck, ignoring my struggle. She leaned forward to me as her image blurred in my vision.

Before everything turned dark, I heard her whispering, "I am sorry, Catherine. Please forgive me..."