Chapter 004

Chapter 004

Alice

I paced anxiously around the hospital reception, tears streaming down my face. Occasionally, I'd stop to check on Ava and Liam, who slept peacefully on a nearby chair, and adjust the blankets covering them. They dozed off shortly after we arrived, but not before enthusiastically calling out to the mysterious man, "Mr. Blue Eyes!"

I made a mental note to ask them more about it when they woke up.

Hours had passed since Paul was rushed into the ward, but there was no update from the doctors or nurses. I had told my Father and Granny not to come, insisting they shouldn't stress themselves when they heard the news.

My attention drifted to the huge man from earlier, still seated in the waiting area, observing me with an unreadable expression. Despite his intimidating presence, he had kindly driven us to the hospital. I wondered why he still haven't left though.

"God, please," I whispered my voice filled with desperation. "If you heal him now, I promise to never sin again. I'll keep all your commandments."

"Alice, please calm down," Davis said softly. "Paul will be fine. He's a survivor, and you know that."

Davis was a dear friend I'd met by chance at the mall when the twins were just two. And now, he stood beside me giving me comfort and assurance.

When he heard the news, he dropped everything to be here. His presence was a blessing, and I was grateful for his support.

Just then, the ward door swung open, and Dr. Walker emerged, wiping his forehead. I swiftly approached him, grasping his coat.

"Doctor, how is my son?" I urged, my voice trembling.

"He's stable for now, Mrs. Alice," the doctor said. "However, as I advised earlier, I recommend transferring his care to Dr. Smith. She specializes in cases like this, and we've done all we can here."

"I'll make the arrangements, Doctor," I replied.

Behind me, Davis gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"May we see Paul now, Doctor?" Davis asked.

"The doctor nodded. "You can see him now, but please, don't disturb him."

I nodded.

As he turned to leave, he added, "Also, Mrs. Alice, it would be beneficial to have Paul's biological father present. His presence will mean a lot, and he'll need to sign some documents if you decide to transfer Paul to Dr. Smith's care."

My legs stucked to the floor at his words.

"I'm his father," Davis said firmly from behind me.

The doctor snickered and it was followed by an uncomfortable silence. He didn't acknowledge Davis's claim.

As he was going, he exchanged a respectful greeting with the huge man, who was still waiting in the background, but I couldn't hear the name he called him.

I stood frozen for a few more minutes until Davis gently guided me inside. The doctor's words still echoed in my mind.

As I entered, my heart constricted at the familiar yet heartbreaking sight. My little Paul lay fragile and small, surrounded by big machines beeping and humming around him.

I rushed to his bedside, cradling his cold, delicate hands in mine as tears streamed down my face.

"I promise you'll be alright, baby," I whispered, kissing his hand. "I'll do everything, move mountains, to ensure your recovery."

"He'll be fine, Alice. He's a strong boy.” Davis said and l nodded.

Suddenly, the air thickened with an intense aura, and I knew it's because of the arrival of the huge man. His commanding presence filled the room.

"I'll grab some food, Alice," Davis said, his voice gentle. I didn't respond, knowing he wouldn't leave me alone with the stranger unless he had received some unspoken threats.

The door creaked open and shut and the room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, punctuated only by the steady beeps of the machines.

The man's deep, Italian-accented voice broke the stillness. "How is he now?"

I kept my gaze fixed on Paul, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's okay for now."

The silence returned, heavy with unspoken questions.

Then, the man's voice cut through the quiet once more. “How long has it been like this?”

I hesitated, then whispered, "Two years."

My grip on Paul's hand tightened as I added, "Since birth."

The man's murmured response was cut short. "Was it—"

But he reframed his question, and asked, "Where's their father? Or do they not have one?"

His questions cut through me like a knife, stirring up emotions I couldn't yet face.

"How dare you!" I snapped, tears welling up. "Why do you care? You're just a stranger. You have no right to ask me that!"

He took a step closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well–I'm curious, why a beautiful woman like yourself is a single mother to triplets? Can't seem to find a father for them, or perhaps...?"

His words hung in the air like a challenge.

My face burned, but not from the compliment. His tone was filled with disdain. I turned to look at him briefly and he was smirking, and then faced Paul again.

"Finish your sentence," I said, my voice icy, "so I know how to respond. And for your information, the gentleman who was here earlier is their father."

My smirk mirrored his.

I could've sworn his gaze darkened, fists clenching and unclenching. He moved closer.

"Was he?" he growled, eyes narrowing.

"You're calling another man the father of—" His words cut off abruptly, replaced by a venomous tone.

"You're a recklessly irresponsible mother, aren't you?" he spat. "Leaving a fragile child like this vulnerable, despite knowing his condition?"

His harsh words struck me like a slap. I absorbed the blow, letting the anger lessen before responding.

I rose from my seat, turning to face him again, and was taken aback by his resemblance to Ava and Liam up close. For a moment, I wondered if I was going crazy.

"How dare you!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with indignation. "Don't you ever utter such filthy accusations to me! You know nothing about my situation, nothing about what I've been through."

A lump formed in my throat as I confronted him.

He stood motionless by a side, his gaze fixed on Paul's fragile form and also me.

"Who are you to judge me?" I demanded. "What brings you here? Who summoned you? Shouldn't you be with your fiancée and her son, instead of meddling in my affairs?"

"Well, I'm here for my–" He paused as if catching himself. "I mean, for this little cute boy whose mother can't take care of him." he said, his voice low and husky, as he stepped closer, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine.

I retreated, but he walked closer. I moved back, he moved closer until my back pressed against the wall and he invaded my personal space. His warm breath, scented with fresh mint and cologne, caressed my face.

His towering form loomed over me, making me feel tiny and vulnerable.

"Back off!" I hissed, my breath catching. "Don't wake my son. Leave now, and don't come back! I don't want to see your face here again!"

I lied about his face being ugly. It was chiseled and captivating.

Yet, he didn't budge.

My gaze traveled up from his wide chest to his face, only to find his eyes fixed on my lips.

What?!

"I feel like silencing your sharp tongue with a kiss right now," he whispered huskily, his voice filled with so much confidence. "But not now... soon, though."

He raised his hand and used his fingers to trace my lips, sending my breath hitching. I felt lightheaded.

"Back off, right—"

Ava and Liam burst into the room, interrupting me.

He stepped away, but they'd already witnessed the intimate moment.

I braced myself for an explanation, but instead, the children rushed past me to him.

"Mr. Blue Eyes, carry me!" Ava exclaimed.

They wrapped their tiny hands around his legs, clinging tightly.

"No, carry me!" Liam countered, his tiny voice insistent.

The huge man chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazed at the children with a warm smile.

I was stunned. This was really their infamous Mr. Blue Eyes? He'd so get it from me later.

"Ava, Liam, what did I tell you about getting too close to strangers?" I admonished, trying to hide my unease.

The man's smirk only widened, but I shot him a stern glare.

"Mom, Mr. Blue Eyes isn't a stranger," Ava and Liam protested in unison. "He's a nice man."

Their united front left me speechless.

I shot him a dagger-like glare as he effortlessly scooped up both Ava and Liam in his arms. They giggled, wrapping their tiny arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek.

My anger began to dissipate, replaced by a warm sensation spreading through my chest.

"Mom, is Paul okay now?" Liam asked, concern etched on his face.

"Yes, baby, your brother is fine," I reassured, my gaze drifting to Paul's peaceful form.

"Why is he still lying in bed with those wires on him?" Ava asked innocently. "It's going to suffocate my brother."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Those wires are helping Paul, sweetie. They're monitoring his health."

“Really?”

"Yes, just to ensure he's completely okay," I explained, and Ava and Liam nodded, their attention already back on the man.

He whispered something in their ears, and they burst into giggles. The scene was endearing. He looked every inch a devoted father, and they, his delighted children. I must be hallucinating.

His gaze darted to me periodically, his expression unreadable, before returning to the children. He'd whisper, and they'd giggle, leaving me curious about his words.

Just as I looked away from them and said I should sit, Liam's next question froze me in place.

"Mom, why was Mr. Blue Eyes hugging you earlier? And why does it look like he wanted to peck you like you always do to us?" Liam asked in his child-like voice.

My face flushed with embarrassment as I prayed for the ground to swallow me whole.

Avoiding eye contact with the three of them, I fidgeted with my dress, my clammy hands trembling.

"I...we...weren't actually hugging," I stuttered.

The man intervened, his tone filled with amusement. "Mr. Blue Eyes was helping Mom remove a fly from her eye, right?"

His mocking gaze met mine, and I felt a spark of irritation.

I clenched my fists. "Y-yes, baby, that's exactly what happened."

"Well, if he's good at removing things from Mom's eyes, he'd make a great dad!" Liam said, his wide eyes shining with excitement. "He could always help you get rid of anything bothering you!"

Ava's face lit up. "You're right, Liam! Mr. Blue Eyes has our eyes, and you have his hair too! We can matchmake them! He'd be our dad!" She clapped her tiny hands, thrilled.

My jaw dropped. Oh Lord! Kill me!

"Liam, Ava, where did you learn the word 'matchmake'?" I asked, stunned.

Ava beamed. "We learned it from TV, Mom! And we're brilliant!"

Liam nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we're geniuses!"

"Are you sure?" I asked, my jaw still dangling.

Ava and Liam replied in unison, their synchronized response making shivers go down my body. "No one, Mom. Your kids are just too brilliant. You're welcome!" They winked at me, identical grins plastered on their faces.

I'm so dead!

I watched as they shared a knowing smile before gathering the courage to glance at the man. His expression made my heart skip a beat.

Gone was the playful demeanor he'd shown the children. Instead, his eyes burned with an intense, raw possessiveness that made me want to run without picking my shoes.

I quickly averted my gaze, my pulse racing.

“I think I'll go get some things like clothes for Paul now. I'll also call a nurse to help keep an eye on you both.” I said rushing out not waiting for their reply.

Those two little demons are going to be the death of me.

*****

It's been three days since Paul's hospitalization, and he’s recovering well, despite still being on bed rest. Yesterday, I was stunned to see renowned specialist Mrs. Smith walking into the hospital.

At first, I thought she was visiting another patient, but my surprise turned to astonishment when she mentioned Paul's name and began reviewing his file with a warm smile.

Since then, Mrs. Smith has been attending to him, and she'll return this evening. I'm deeply grateful to the mysterious person who brought her here.

Feeling curious, I’d asked the doctor who had arranged for Mrs. Smith's visit.

However, the doctor revealed that the person wished to remain anonymous, just like the benefactor who had settled my hospital bills years ago and donated the blood I needed after surgery.

But that wasn't the only surprise. Paul has been transferred to the VVIP ward where he's receiving care from the world's top doctors. The sudden upgrade in care and attention has left me bewildered.

Meanwhile, Ava and Liam continue to test my patience, stubbornly clinging to the enigmatic "Mr. Blue Eyes."

He refuses to leave their side, briefly stepping out to change and come back. I'd wanted to give him a piece of my mind, but he was too intimidating and the two mischievous kids were always with him. But, he's gone out to change now.

“Mom. Mom.”

"Ava, sweetie!" I exclaimed, startled out of my thoughts as she rushed into the ward, tears streaming down her flushed face.

I quickly released Paul's hand and rose from my seat, expecting Liam to follow. But he was nowhere to be seen, and my heart sank.

I enveloped Ava in a warm hug, trying to calm her down. "It's okay, baby. Breathe in, breathe out. You're safe," I whispered.

As her trembling subsided, I gently cradled her chin, wiping away her tears. Her red-rimmed eyes locked onto mine, filled with lingering fear.

"Where's Liam, baby?" I asked, panic creeping up my mind. "You were playing together in the garden with a nurse watching over you. What happened to Liam and the nurse? And why were you crying?"

Ava's voice trembled. "M-mom... Liam... We were on the slide, and the nurse was sitting nearby, watching us. Then, two big men in black masks appeared. They pointed guns at Liam and took him away in a black van. They shot the nurse... with their big gun..."

Oh my God!

Ava's words dissolved into sobs, and I pulled her close, patting her head. "You're safe, baby. I'm here."

My chest tightened, fear gripping my heart. Who could have done this? My baby was kidnapped? How? Why? Where do I start from?

"I...I tried to save Liam, Mom. I really did. Promise me you're not mad?" Ava pleaded, her voice trembling.

"I promise, baby. You're so brave," I reassured, kissing her hair.

“The men–”

“No. It's–”

But before I could continue and tell her not to talk again, Ava's body went limp in my arms. I quickly pulled back to examine her face, and my heart sank to the pit of my stomach. Her eyes had rolled back, her face pale and a foamy white substance was dripping from her mouth.

"No, Ava! Stay with me!" I cried out, more fear gripping my heart.

"Nurse! Doctor!" I screamed, cradling Ava's limp body in my arms. "Ava, baby, please open your eyes! Don't leave me! I can't lose you too! Don't do this to me!"

I rushed out of the ward like a mad woman with my heart in my throat.

If anything happens to my baby again, I'll lose myself forever. Where do I even begin? Liam's been kidnapped, and I have no leads to find him, but I'll scour the earth to bring him home, even if it costs me my life. That's my sacrifice.

More tears streamed down my face as I thought of my children's fragile lives. One taken, one dying, and the last fighting for health. God, why must I endure this agony?

At that moment, I longed for the reassuring presence of the mysterious blue-eyed man. His calm strength felt like my only pillar in all of this chaos.