Martina POVThe kind expression on his face was like a magnet that drew me out.For the first time in years, I now have the chance to tell Marcus what was in my heart and mind.“You knew that I grew up in an orphanage, right?”When he nodded, I swallowed the lump in my throat.Reliving those past years leaves an ache in my chest. I feel suffocated by the memories.“Every time children line up before potential families for adoption, and I won’t be selected, I feel rejected. I wanted to have a family. I craved it so much.”
Martina POV“Marcus!” Briana walked in on us while Marcus was trying to console me.I failed to notice that the door to his unit opened because I was too focused on Marcus.I latched on to him, taking solace in the warmth of his body, wanting more.But Briana’s unannounced appearance was like a dousing of cold water, especially when I saw the expression on her face.She was so livid when she saw me.If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now.Marcus and I pulled apart. We were b
Martina POVThe silence that enveloped us after Briana left was deafening.Marcus and I looked at each other.“I am sorry,” I said, full of remorse.The siblings should not be arguing because of me. Now, their relationship was strained.Briana and Marcus used to be thick as thieves. I saw their bond grow for years.“Go and talk to your sister. Don’t let this misunderstanding create a gap in your relationship.” I told him, feeling a constriction in my chest.While I was happy that Marcus defended me and took my side, I did not want to complicate his relationship with his sister or any of his other siblings. Their bond was admirable, especially when they found Briana. Her presence completed them.Moreover, Briana loves him and is only looking out for him.What he said must have hurt her, too.“You love Briana. She is your clo
Martina POVWhat he said had me worried.I was in a hospital, and judging from my surroundings, I was in an expensive suite.Alarm gripped me in worry.I can’t afford to pay the exorbitant fees here. If truth be told, I cannot be hospitalized.Hospital expenses would mean I will be buried deep in debt, and I can’t have that. I would rather save the money I will spend here for the children’s needs and expenses.“What are you doing?” Marcus asked, askance when I started pulling on the IV drip attached to my wrists.
Martina POVOh my god!I was hyperventilating. The intensity in his gaze was too much.And his words.Was Marcus telling me something important here?What did I miss?My lips pursed, and my eyes felt pinpricks of pain.I shook my head.“I don’t deserve it, Marcus. I betrayed you and hurt you. You should be angry. You shouldn’t treat me kindly.”“Martina, listen. You already told me the real reason you left. That was enough explanation for me. From now on, I want us to leave the past behind and to start anew.”“But…but…” I stuttered. My chest constricted. My breathing became labored as I tried to assimilate what he meant.“Are you saying….” My voice trailed off.I was so afraid to voice out what was in my head.Shivers run down my spine at the inte
Martina POVThe door to the room burst open, and a team of doctors and nurses barged in on us. “What is wrong with the patient?” The head doctor asked, noting the way Marcus smothered me. Marcus pulled away and cleared his throat. “Doctor, when can we leave the hospital?” He asked with excitement that he could not contain and laced his voice. The doctor frowned. “Mrs. Ford still has two rounds of IV therapy. I thought I already explained she had to be admitted overnight.” I was surprised by the address. I never used Marcus’ last name before, and being addressed with it now feels surreal. It speaks of a permanency that I hadn’t thought about us. While I looked surprised, a quick look in Marcus’ direction told me how he was conflicted by the doctor’s verdict. I had to butt in. I was sure he was excited to meet our children. “I feel fine, doctor. Can we leave now and then come back tomorrow?” I asked and squeezed Marcus’s hand to tell him I got him on this. He squeezed back
Marcus POVI squeezed my eyes shut.“I should have listened to my instinct and not filed the divorce papers,” I said.My voice was full of regret. It caught Martina’s attention as she eyed me curiously.She tapped my hand, prompting me to cage her hand between mine.“I don’t blame you. I asked for it. I was the one who initiated the divorce, not you. Don’t think that I feel bad because you finished what I started.”Now, Martina was the one sounding remorseful.I
Marcus POVI grimaced when Martrina mentioned that part of the city where the poor live.I am not looking down on those people, but what pains me is knowing my children are living under those conditions.Their father is a billionaire, and Martina came from a wealthy family in Redwood but was forced to live in an impoverished community because of desperation.“I wanted to blame myself. I should have scoured the earth to find you, but what did I do? I moped and turned to drinking.”I sighed when the traffic lights turned red, and Martina tapped my hand.