Theo, on the other hand, got home, to find Alicia hugging the toilet bowl, retching. He grabbed a bottle of chilled water and knelt beside her, rubbing her back soothingly. She tried to push him away, but another nausea wave hit. Theo opened the bottle of water and thrust it in her hand when she raised her head next. After gargling, Alicia leaned back on her knees with a tired sigh. Theo draped his hand over her shoulders and pulled her to him. “Hey,” he called, caressing her hair. “I am guessing it's the pregnancy,” he whispered, making her nod weary.“I don't know why they call it morning sickness, though,” Alicia grumbled, making Theo chuckle softly.“Why didn't you call me?” He asked. He would have dropped everything to come to be with her.“You are a busy man.” Alicia retorted. “Plus, this isn't exactly a sickness or a one-time thing.” “But…” “I am okay, Theo.” She argued defiantly. “But we should get that housekeeper soon.”“We will do some interviews tomorrow.” It was a weeken
Two weeks later, Alicia had a scheduled appointment with the family doctor. She woke up around nine am and was surprised to find Theo idling around waiting for her to wake. He hadn't gone to work, and it was on a Wednesday. “Why are you still here?” She asked, sauntering to the kitchen and Theo in tow.“You have the doctor's appointment,” Theo responded simply.“So?” She asked taking her usual Banana, and strawberry smoothie from Louise, their housekeeper. They did hire one after Theo rejected almost every applicant. Louise is a middle-aged woman, divorced, with two kids who are in boarding school.“So I am not missing your first appointment,” he said in a duh tone. “Well, technically this will be the second…” “Doesn't matter, Alicia. I am coming.” He narrowed his eyes. There was something she wasn't telling. “What?” “I promised your mother…” “I will handle my mother,” Theo informed. “In fact, let me call her now.” He fetched his phone from the sweats pocket.“Won't she feel bad?”
“Yes,” Alicia couldn't hide her pride. “We are expecting twins.” Xavier was speechless. For ain't at least. “Talk about rewarding birthdays.” He mused. Alicia had to laugh. “Mum owes me,” Xavier added with a grin. “She will be ecstatic.”“Remind me again why she owes you.” Alicia scoffed. “It's not like it's you who did the work.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth.“But I am the reason why the work was done in the first place.” He retorted cheekily. “I am towards fate or mere coincidence,” Alicia mumbled, retrieving an ultrasound picture for Xavier. “Keep telling yourself that.” Xavier grinned, wiggling his brows. “Here,” Alicia handed him the picture. Xavier stared at it for a second or two, wondering what he was supposed to be seeing.“A little help here,” he raised his gaze to Alicia. She laughed. “It's your nieces, or nephews, or both.” That made Xavier snap his gaze back to the picture. Keenly this time. He concentrated so hard, but nothing. Theo, who had been following the conver
“Dad…” Theo stretched his hand for Martin to shake. “What are you doing here?” Xavier coughed, glancing between Alicia and Theo knowingly, making the elder brother scowl in a warning. “Hi Alicia,” Martin kissed her on both cheeks. “I will give wifey here a tour of the premises,” Xavier murmured, taking Alicia's hand and led them out of the office.“I had the urge to drop by and check on my company,” Martin said, simply sinking onto the visitor's chair.“Dad,” Theo scolded, drawing a chuckle from Martin. As it turns out, his impromptu visit had everything to do with the Maitans company. The CEO, who also happened to be an old acquaintance of his, had reached out with regard to Theo's dealings with them.The said company had taken a loan from Cavill Corporations and after four deferments, Theo had been forced to liquefy most of their assets, since they had used the company as collateral. Theo argued that under no circumstance is he doing business with that company ever again. Apart f
“Let's go home,” Alicia whispered breathlessly, nuzzling on her husband's neck. Theo tightened his hold on her waist and used the other hand to rub her back up and down.“At least wait until I get the feeling back into my legs.” He breathed with his cock still buried in her. He pulled back to cup her face in his palms and looked into her eyes. He couldn't understand what it was he was feeling, but it was a great feeling. And it was all because of his wife. “What is it?” Alicia asked with concern. She loosened her grip on his neck. Theo didn't say a word. He just kept staring at her. “Theo,” she prompted again, drawing him from his confusion.“I fe… I feel….” He could utter a coherent sentence, so he just swallowed nervously and hugged her tightly. “What do you feel, baby?” Alicia cooed, laying her head on his shoulder. Theo exhaled heavily, shaking his head. He couldn't explain what he was feeling in words, for it was an alien feeling. “I just want to hold you.” He said instead, pla
Alicia breathed out in relief. She had been wanting to go see her parents, and bid proper goodbyes, but was scared of going alone. With a good reason. Not only had she run away and jeopardized her family's relationship with the Heralds, but she had also gotten married without their knowledge and not to mention her pregnancy. She knew her parents would disapprove and disparage all her choices, but she needed to try to get their blessing anyway. Or at least clear her conscience. And with Theo on her side, Alicia was sure she could take whatever they threw her way. “Are you busy this weekend?” She asked hopefully.“No,” he replied. Alicia hesitated, but Theo knew. “We can visit them.” He assured, making her smile. “But you need to tell me everything I have to know so that I don't appear as a clueless husband. Alicia nodded enthusiastically. She had needed to tell of her life before him for some time now anyway. She glanced at Rowan through the rearview mirror and Theo figured she was un
“I am starving.” Alicia moaned, following Theo out of the bathroom dutifully.“I wonder why,” Theo shot dryly, making Alicia slap his biceps. “Ouch,” he whimpered dramatically, drawing a soft laugh from his wife. In the kitchen, they found Louise loading the dishwasher. She inquired if she should serve the food, but Theo was quick to tell her that they would manage. He insisted they would take care of everything, and she should retire early for the day. After she left, Alicia turned to him with a smirk.“Couldn't wait to get rid of her, uh?” “She couldn't have left sooner.” He retorted, checking what she has prepared for them. Alicia winded her hands around his waist and laid her head on his back, sniffing him deeply. She sighed in contentment, making Theo laugh.“What are you doing?” He asked, “Sniffing you,” her answer surprised him.“Why?” “I love your scent,” Alicia shot back, “It calms me.” Theo didn't know what to say. He turned his attention back to the white rice and beef st
After ensuring that everything in the kitchen was spotless, Theo took hold of his wife's hand and led her upstairs, straight to his room.“Would you like to sleep here tonight?” He asked hopefully. Alicia nodded eagerly. He steered her towards the bed, and disappeared into the connecting bathroom. Alicia sank and sprawled in the massive, comfy bed on her back facing the ceiling. She thought back to the only time she had slept in that bed. The day she lost her virginity to the man who thought she was a whore and who is now her darling husband. “What are you thinking about so seriously?” Theo asked, climbing on top of her, as he supported his weight with his elbows. He leaned and dropped tiny kisses on her nose, eyes, cheeks, and eventually, her lips.“This is where it all began,” Alicia murmured, patting the bed. “I beg to differ,” Theo smirked. “It began out there,” he pointed at his balcony mischievously. Lord knows how many sleepless nights he has had to stare at that very same bal
“I just might,” Xavier whispered, training his hot gaze on Stephen. “But sadly not today.” He added, lingering his gaze on the hunk for a little longer before turning on his heels and re-entering his brother's room. As if on cue, Theo's body began jerking. Martin rushed to hold his son down, fearing that the tubes sticking from his body might dislocate from the involuntary movements. “Xavier,” Theo groaned without opening his eyes. Chances were he was still out of it, and it was his subconscious pushing his fears to be voiced. “I am here, bro.” Xavier rasped, staring at his elder brother intently. “I am here.” He repeated. A good two minutes passed before Theo whimpered. “Please take care of them for me.” And just like that, his body went limp again. "T… Theo, wake up, dammit!” Xavier almost screamed. But the nerd was dead to the world. “Please…” Xavier begged, willing Theo to open his eyes and put him out of his misery. But Theo didn't even move a muscle. Xavier turned and looked
When Hilda, Alicia, and Stephen got to the hospital, Theo had already been transferred back to his private room. Xavier was pleasantly surprised to see Stephen, though he just dipped his head in acknowledgment.“How is he?” Hilda asked softly. Martin shook his head, seemingly worried. “The surgery was a success, but the doctor says he isn't out of the woods yet.” Hilda nodded, peeling at Theo. She wondered if he knew they were all there waiting for him to wake. Alicia didn't utter a word to anyone. She just stared hopefully, as if she were expecting him to simply pop his eyes open. Xavier appeared from behind her and draped his hand loosely on her shoulders. She actually jerked in surprise, for her mind was solely on her unconscious husband. She turned with a frown.“Sorry," Xavier whispered. Alicia gave him a small smile before returning her attention to Theo. “I keep wondering if he will ever wake up.” She confessed, leaning onto Xavier's side with a heavy exhale. Instinctively, X
“Watch your tone with me, young lady.” Hilda retorted with a narrowed glare. Alicia shifted uncomfortably, lowering her head. She hadn't meant to come out so rudely. “I am so sorry, mum.” She apologized mortified. “I am just so…” She stuttered, looking for a way to express her distraught.“We are all stressed.” Hilda reasoned with a sigh, spreading her arms. Alicia walked into her arms and the two women hugged tightly, comforting each other. “He had a complication they had to rush him back to the surgery,” Hilda whispered. “We should be there.” Alicia whimpered. She didn't like the thought of Theo suffering alone. “Please, mum.” She begged. “Martin and Xavier are already there,” Hilda informed. “We can all be there,” Alicia insisted. “And we will. I just needed to give you time to rest fully.” Hilda explained. “Plus, the boys have been through enough exhaustion from yesterday.” Alicia couldn't argue with her observation. “Let's give them a few more hours of a peaceful nap before
Martin was startled awake by the persistent ringing of his cell phone. He picked it up with a grunt. He hadn't uttered a word when a worried voice notified him that he was needed at the hospital because Theo had gone into cardiac arrest due to internal bleeding. Apparently, he had been rushed back to the theater for another surgery. Martin's heart skipped a beat and for a while, he didn't utter a word. His mouth suddenly dried and his breath held. “Sir,” Martin could hear the same voice call him over and over again. He attempted a response, but all that tore out of his throat was a loud sob. That woke Hilda. She immediately thought the worst. Her husband's wretched expression made her think they had lost Theo. “Martin,” she called softly. Her voice shook with dread. That is what drew Martin from his trance. “We will be there soonest.” He told the patient soul on the other end of the line and hung up the call. He turned to a now sobbing Hilda. “Don't tell me,” she cried, latching ont
In the washrooms, Alicia stared at her pale complexion in the mirror, tracing her puffy eyes. They looked bleak… lifeless even. How could fate be so cruel? She wondered. Her Theo had done nothing to deserve the kind of misfortune which befell him. For a split second, she blamed herself for not stopping him when he decided to head out briefly. Knowing Theo, he would have done her will. Perhaps then Rowan could still be alive and she and Theo could be home having the time of their lives with their kids. Hilda, who had entered but decided to watch from the entrance, couldn't take it anymore. Anyone could have deciphered that Alicia was loathing herself for some reason, from how tightly she was clutching at her own chin. “Alicia,” Hilda called, stepping closer. Alicia didn't turn. But she gazed at her mother-in-law through the mirror. Her lips began to wobble, and before the first tear could fall, Hilda was by her side. “Shhh…” Hilda stood behind her and began rubbing her shoulders. “Yo
Theo's surgery was estimated to take a couple of hours, so Martin decided to visit Rowan's mother and deliver the bad news. It wasn't easy. Rowan's mother was his only living relative apart from the daughter. She broke down, and all Martin could do was watch helplessly, especially when he had to tell her that the drunk driver survived. In his mind, he was planning on lawsuits that would ensure the bastard never saw the outside of the prison cell again, not that it would benefit him in any way, but at least it would save someone else somewhere from a fate like Rowan's. Or Theo's for that matter, who was fighting for his life. “I want to meet him.” Rowan's mother declared. She wanted an audience with the truck driver and though Martin didn't know for what, he assured her that he would make that happen. After promising to take care of the funeral arrangements, Martin left the heartbroken grandmother to break the news to her granddaughter. Martin could only imagine the pain the family wa
When they got to the hospital, the nurses couldn't give them a sensible response, and it irked Alicia. “Can't I see my fucking husband?” She screamed. The thing about public hospitals is they were clouded and had very shitty customer service. And every member of the Cavill clan hated it. “Ma'am your husband is in the ICU and in dire need of surgery.” The exasperated nurse rasped, retrieving an authorization form that needed a signature for them to proceed with Theo's surgery. Hilda, who was calmer than the rest, picked it up, but when she was about to sign the nurse insisted that the patient's spouse should be the one to sign. Hilda turned to a nervous wreck, Alicia and held out the pen. “Sign here, sweetheart.” She cooed, pointing at the dotted line. The urgency in Hilda's soft-spoken words got to Alicia, who did so without a question. After the form was passed back to the nurse, she asked them to take a seat in the waiting room and that she would keep them updated. “I can't belie
With the help of Louise, Alicia prepared a variety of dishes for dinner. Theo got an urgent call from one of his business associates and decided to meet the lady, but promised will be back shortly. After he left, Alicia called Xavier, who graciously helped look after the twins as Alicia and Louise set the table on the terrace. As expected, Hilda and Martin arrived on time, but Theo hadn't come back yet and all the calls went to voicemail.“Let's eat,” Alicia decided. “Perhaps he got held up.” The Cavill clan took their places at the table and overall, it was a joyful dinner. Even Xavier's mood had immensely improved, and to Hilda, he even looked giddy. “Are you expecting someone?” She asked cheekily. Xavier blushed and covered it quickly with a frown. “Of course, not.” He argued. But he was expecting something. A call from a certain hunk. Ever since Stephen said he would be calling him later, Xavier did nothing but anticipate it. And though he won't admit it loud, he couldn't wait t
It took Xavier almost an hour to find the strength to move. He didn’t feel like going back to his brother's, so he ended up upstairs instead. His own bedroom felt strange to him, and he knew it was because a certain hunk wasn’t around to bring the warmth only he can in the somewhat abandoned room. Xavier dropped face down on the bed and his mind drifted back to Stephen. He missed the hunk more than he had thought it was possible to miss anyone. Theo, on the other hand, couldn’t take the uncertainty anymore. He dialed Xavier, wanting to know if the clown was okay. “I am fine.” But despite his words, Theo was convinced Xavier was lying, and he told him so. Xavier argued that it was Stephen's surprise visit that had shocked him and that he just needed a few hours to himself and that he would see them later. Without further argument, Theo hung up after making Xavier promise to have dinner with them. Xavier pulled himself up, discarding his shoes, and slipped inside the covers. He curled