5

Julian's eyelids fluttered open, and she looked around tiredly, breathing softly. She could see the familiar chandelier and also perceived the familiar scent of the rose flower in the garden which was only located in Ashju Mansion.

She smiled now, wondering why she was having a weird dream about the man she loathed. Slowly, she sits up and rubs her eyes.

" Donny? " She called sleepily but no answer came through. " Donny? Are you there? I need to use the bathroom. Can you help? "

There was no response but there was an offer. A palm was extended to her and she smiled at it. Slowly, she looked up as she wanted to take this palm only to lay eyes on the very last person she wished to see. Asher Atticus.

The slumber in her eyes vanished away at once, and she looked around frantically to see she was back in the room she had once called her matrimonial bedroom.

Then she waited for a while, allowing the memories to rush back in, making her feel more irritated than she could ever be.

" Donny? " She called out now, scared and agitated. " Donny, are you out there? "

" He is in Moscow. He told me he got a commercial to do " Asher replied, stunning the lady so much.

" Oh, well. I have to go. I need to close the windows in the bungalow to keep the house warm. Please excuse me and ... "

She was still saying, trying hard to stand on her swollen feet, when Asher reached out to her, but Julian slapped his hand away so aggressively.

" I will say this once Asher. Not again " She began tightly. " Don't you ever lay your hands on me or else... "

" Or what? What exactly? " He dared softly, frustrated. " You certainly do not know what is wrong with you, do you? Do you have the slightest idea what is growing in your body? You are killing yourself and my baby! Damn it! My baby. For many years, I have worked tirelessly to save countless people who share the same situation, but I couldn't save my own family. My own woman and baby? "

" Point of correction, Asher. I am not your woman anymore. I never was, to begin with. Were you not interested in Hattie who was my receptionist? Oh, wait. Are you both married now? Don't tell me she is pregnant too, is she? Is she? Answer me! "

Asher remains silent. He didn't wish to infuriate her further. She has suffered enough because of him, he thought.

" Our parents want to have a conversation with us in the living room. Come on out," He said and then walked out, leaving her to herself and her emotions.

Her parents are there too?

" Mom " She suddenly said to herself. The thought of her Mom in the living room filled her with energy, and she moved out of the room. When she emerges into the large furnished living room, she sees only her mother there.

Mrs Atlas would be setting eyes on her daughter again after four months, alive and walking. Those months had taken a toll on her, and it was evident in her eyes and appearance.

Julian knows her mother to be the type that follows the famous trends, but now the valor has left her eyes. The sparkle had left her soul.

Slowly, the woman made it to her feet. Tears trailing down her cheek silently as she walks closer to Julian and pulls her into a hug. This time she is tender and protective.

" You are alive. Oh, my baby. How much you must have suffered alone. How much you must have loath this mother of yours for not having your back "

" I never for once hated you, Mother. Never " She replied, hugging her. After a few minutes, she pulled back to look around. " Dad didn't come? "

" Uh ... He was busy with some meetings. Do you know what his status as the state senator can be? " She heard her mother say as an excuse for her father not coming. Julian understand already why he wouldn't come but still she smiled and nodded.

" Yes. I know how busy he can be "

" Once we get out of here I'd treat you to a big lunch. What would you like to eat? " Mrs Atlas asked kindly to her daughter who smiled sweetly.

" How about fried chicken and ... "

" You would not be taking that type of food, Julian. It's harmful to your health now. " This word was said by Asher, and a response was given to him. A cold glare and a harsh couple of words.

" You won't tell me how to care for my daughter. You hear? You would certainly not! " Mrs Atlas replied angrily.

" My son is only trying to save your daughter's life. Shouldn't you be grateful, huh? " Kathleen Replied as graceful as always. A woman is so graceful, cruel, and elegant. She is Asher's mother.

" Oh? Trying to save her life after he ruins it with his Infidelity and Weird genes? "

Julian frowns in surprise at the response from her mother. She wondered what she meant.

" Weird Gene? "

" Yes, My dear " Her mother replied. " His gene has caused the baby to grow up in such an abnormal way. He caused it! "

Julian slowly turns to Asher in awe. A scoff fell from her lips as she pitied her fate. Again, Asher had inflicted pain on her without her knowledge.

" Mother, can you take me away from this place? I need to call Donny "

" Oh really? We should then. I have to thank him myself for everything he has done for you so far. Let's go "

" You have less than a month before you bleed to death, Julian "

Mrs Atlas is ready to leave with her daughter, but that statement from Asher stops her. The competent scientist gets up from the couch he sat on and approaches his ex-wife. This time he didn't want any interference from either family. It's between his woman and him.

" I can save you, Julian. Would you rather die? "

His words earn him a hard slap from his ex-wife, but Asher only welcomes the sting with a sigh.

" You must feel like a big shot after I come back like this, huh? You must have been thrilled after Donny begged you to come save me, didn't you? Now, I'm sorry to break your heart and disappoint you, Asher. This baby is mine and I will give birth safely without your help "

She turned around, but he was swift to catch her wrist, now scared that her stubbornness would cause so much calamity.

" I will give you anything you want, Julian. Please... You are running out of time. I beg... I beg you. Damn it! I didn't even know what came over me that time. After you left I was... I was sorrowful. I searched nook and cranny for you, Baby. The moment I heard you were in Baltimore, I felt like going crazy with excitement. I have to rush down there. I beg you, Julian. Come back to me. Let me do what I do best. Let me save my baby and you from this rare illness I ... I put you into "

The great Asher Atticus, whose lips had never said the word ' please,' goes down now at the feet of his ex-wife. He is begging her, pleading with her, but the lady is still adamant. At last, she sighs. If anything she wants, it will be for her baby to be born safely. She is ready to overlook Asher's one mistake for their baby to be born but on one condition.

" I can only agree to your request on a condition "

" Name it " He swiftly mutters. " I promise to make it happen. Anything, Julian. "

" I want half of Ashju Facility. I want to be your co-CEO. It's your world but let's rule it together. You are a scientist, and I am a health consultant. The ' Ju ' you added to the facility already stands for Julian. Let's play by my rule this time. Deal? "