~Adams Pov~
Sunlight seeped into the room, warm and relentless, yanking me from my light sleep. My head throbbed vaguely, a residue of whatever had been dropped into my drink last night, but it was nothing compared to the turmoil in my mind. The events of last night played in my mind like a lunatic dream. The girl, Merina, stumbling drunkenly into my room, her idiot stubbornness, her soft lips… I let out a harsh breath and ran a hand over my face as I sat up. The room was silent now except for the soft sound of her breathing. I rolled onto my side to look at her more fully, my head twisted toward her as I watched her stir under the covers. Her hair was a tangle, her face smothered in sleep, but something in that pose seemed tranquil, lulling, to dispel chaos she had stirred with her. She stirred, eyelashes batting open to reveal cloudy eyes. She looked around the strange room, momentarily disoriented, and then it was as if something else clicked into place inside of her, perhaps the confusion giving way to alarm at what she had just realized. Her body tensed up as memories clearly came flooding back to her. She looked down at herself, noticing how her bare shoulders were sticking out from under the sheet. Her face reddened, and then, surprisingly, her face set. I waited with a half-amused smile, wondering what she would do next. Would she yell, fight me, and misunderstand? My lips were twitching with anticipation as I waited for her to notice me. She sat up with a jerk and pushed my arm off her waist with more force than I had expected. I let her, wondering what she might do next. "Shit," she whispered, her voice shaking a little as she scrambled to gather her clothes from the floor. Those clothes had been taken off by her in the middle of the night when she cried of heat. I had wanted to stop her but just let her be. I watched her in silence, as my amusement grew with each passing second. Most women would cry, shout, or lash out after thinking they lost their virginity to a stranger. But Merina… She was so calm. Too calm. Her face was a mask of indifference, as if what had happened meant nothing to her. That intrigued me. Though I was waiting for her to ask me. I broke the silence. "Where are you going?" I asked, my voice low and even. Her head jerked up, and for the first time since she'd roused herself from the alcohol, her eyes, wide, locked on mine. She blinked in surprise and immediatelyschooled herself into indifference. "You're awake?" she asked in measured neutrality. "Sorry about last night. I was drunk." She shocked me by speaking like this, and why is she apologizing? "What do you mean by apologizing?" I asked, sitting up and shrugging into a shirt. "I don't need your apology. Besides, you're the woman here. I took your first time. Shouldn't you be angry or… I don't know, upset?" I lied blinking an eye. She pulled her T-shirt back over her head and smoothed the material with a nearly dismissive air. "Oh, I'm going home," she said simply. "You don't have to worry about me. I won't give you any trouble. I promise I won't even remember you once I walk out that door." I stared at her, incredulous. "Excuse me?” Her voice was steady, her gaze direct as she said again, "You don't have to worry. It's only one night. Goodbye." Her indifference was like a slap in the face. My jaw clenched as I stood up, looming over her. "And who the hell said you could just forget last night? Did you even ask for my opinion?" She cocked her head to one side, her face all but taunting. "Do you want to keep me as a toy? I'm not interested." Her calmness, her utter lack of reaction, rubbed me the wrong way in a manner I couldn't quite explain. Most women would cling, cry, and demand explanations. But Merina? She was walking away as if none of it mattered. I took a step closer, lowering my voice. "I never said anything about you being a toy, Merina. Sit down. Let's talk. You can't just wake up after a night like that and leave without knowing who you slept with.” I felt frustrated because I was doing all this when I didn't even do anything, but I just feel there was something about her that was so different. Her lips quivered in a faint, humorless smile. "I don't care who you are. It was a great night, let's leave it at that. " "Goodbye." She turned toward the door, but suddenly she froze. Her hand flew to her head, and her face went a frightful shade of white. She shivered violently, her bag slipping from her shoulder and hitting the floor with a dull thud. I frown in confusion, "Merina?"I called out to her, my irritation giving way to concern. She didn't respond. She rocked, clutching her head between both hands, gritting her teeth. Her breathing quickened. Ragged gasps tore from her throat. "Make it stop," she whispered raw with pain. Her knees buckled, and I caught her just before she hit the ground. "Merina!" I shook her gently, my voice sharper than I intended. "What's wrong? Is it a hangover?" She didn't say a word. Her body was shaking and tears were running down her cheeks. Her veins were standing out against her pale skin, and I started to feel panic. This isn't a hangover, but definitely an illness! "Where is your medicine?" I asked, panic-stricken, and looked around the room. Her hands were rummaging through her bag, shaking in desperation, like a leaf. Finally, when she pulled out a small bottle from inside, her face lit up with relief. But when she opened it, the smile completely vanished from her face and was replaced by an expression of despair. The bottle was empty. She stared at it a moment before her face crumpled and a low sob tore from her lips. "Hahhh!" She pressed her lips as she reached up to touch her head again. I took the bottle from her, my eyes scanning the label. The words punched me in the gut. Brain tumor meds. "You have a brain tumor?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. She didn't answer. Her tears fell harder as her shoulders shook, and she buried her face in her hands. I knelt beside her, catching hold of her wrists gently to stop her from hitting herself. Her cries were low and broken, each twisting something deep in my chest. "I. I just want it to stop," she whispered, her voice cracking. "It hurts so much. It hurts, I just want to die." Her words cut through me like a knife. I tightened my hold on her wrists, my jaw working as I fought to keep control. "I can't let you do that," I snarled, clamping down harder. "Be still." She whipped her head back and forth, her sobs growing louder, fuller. "Let me go!" she shrieked, struggling against me. I let go of her, for a moment, to reach for my phone, and call for help, but the sound of her moving behind me had me turning around. She was making her way to the wall with her intentions clear. "Merina, no!" I shrieked, grabbing her in time. I grabbed hold of her shoulders, flinging her backward, while she was fighting against me. "You want to die? You want to die on me?! Not a chance, so calm down!" Tears had been running down the front of her face, but now she really began to cry—tears dousing my shirt as finally, the raw, incessant sobs came through. Now that the lid was off, it just boiled up—how she was so angry at herself, me, and the situation at large. Slowly, brokenly, cracking at the edges by the weight I tried not to show in my tones, softly, "I'm sorry, Merina. but I just can't look at you this way." No further words came as I coaxed my fingers back into her pressure point, rendering her unconscious. She just went limp in my arms, and I slowly lowered her to the bed, brushing a strand of hair back from her damp forehead. I just sat looking at her for the next few seconds, constricted in my chest as I stared at the pale face and an almost imperceptible hollow in the area right under her eyes. She was, oh, painfully pretty, the malady having elsewhere left its stamp upon her countenance—what a young age. I picked up the phone and dialed my assistant. "Track my location and send the car now. I want everybody removed from the mansion. And send me the best doctors in the neurology field; I don't care what they cost." My voice was cold and authoritative, and he knew by the tone that I was serious, for he gave a good reply to that. When I hung up the phone, I looked down at her once more, my jaw setting in determination. "You're coming home with me," I rasped.(Adam's POV)The car stopped in front of my house—a modest, modern house that stood tall against the city's mess. As the gates opened, I got out of the car carrying Merina in my arms. She was lighter than I had thought, with her pale and fragile body that looked like it would break if I tightened my hand.I scowled, how could she who had shoved me with such force last night, now looked as though the slightest wind could topple her? My assistant Sean waited by the door, his expression was wary, though he wisely didn't ask questions. He knew better.He bowed slightly, "All is in order, sir. The doctor will arrive shortly," he said, his voice even."Good," I said coldly, not looking at him. "Keep everyone else out of sight."He opened the door for me, and I carried Merina in, my arms instinctively tightening around her. The house was quiet, the usual staff gone, leaving only the butler and a couple of attendants. As I went up the stairs to the guest bedroom, my footsteps echoed elegan
~Merina Pov~I looked at the breakfast which was laid in front of me. There was no denying it looked sumptuous and if it was any other day, I would have grumbled it down but right now I have no appetite. I felt exhausted both mentally and physically and I just wished to escape from the eyes of this man who stood rigidly by the door as he fixed his eyes on me as if telling me he wouldn't go if I didn't eat.“I bet you haven't eaten all day right?” His calm voice asked, jolting me out of my daze.I rolled my eyes at him and ignored him. I felt so irritated just thinking about how he wouldn't let me leave. I wonder why mine is always so different. Other people have a one-night stand and forget about it, and some become friends or lovers when they find themselves fit. But in the case of I and Adams, like he had called himself—We don't fit! He chuckled. Then walked closer to me, “You need to take care of yourself more. Now, eat!” He ordered, but I wasn't focused on that, my eyes were on
~Adams Pov~I sat down back into my leather chair and stared blankly at the open laptop in front of me. Emails, reports, phone calls—I have lost count of how many hours I tried to drown myself in work, and yet my thoughts kept going right back to her. Merina.It wasn't a concern, I told myself. Just. Curiosity. She was a riddle I'd yet to find the answer to. Someone so beautifully broken, yet so infuriatingly stubborn.The curiosity eventually got the better of me. I stood up from the chair and off to her room I went. The house was so silent and it got me thinking if she would feel uncomfortable with the silent place. I got to her room and pushed the door open—then hesitated.Her bed was empty.My eyes scanned the room suspiciously, as I took it all in. I look at the glass of water that remains untouched and on the nightstand a blanket that was neatly folded on the bed. But She wasn't there."Merina?" My voice ripped through the silence, a whiplash command, cutting the stillness.No
~Adam's Pov~I walked out of her house and angrily entered my car and ordered my men to drive off. I could feel the anger in my chest at that moment. I wanted to break something, I wanted to beat her up and make her come back to her senses but I can't bear to. I know if I stayed for another moment, I would spank her because that was what was on my mind at that moment. I wonder how someone could be so frustratingly stupid. She doesn't care about her life just because some idiots betrayed her? Just thinking about it annoys me so much. I swallowed hard and raised my hand to remove my tie but then it dropped as I remember I had no tie on as I was in my home clothes.“Darn it! That silly girl!” I cursed as I glared out the window. As the car drove off, I looked at the dirty community and the people living in it. Seeing the men smoking and others gambling as they shouted to the extent of almost fighting while some women sat idle as they gossiped and cursed, my heart felt more uncomforta
~Merina Pov~“What?!” My eyes widened as my hand flew to cover my tummy in shock. Pregnant?! How come?! No! No! I am not ready for this, what will happen to the baby? What if my illness affects the child? Just thinking about it made my stomach churn, it seems it's the pregnancy reaction. Oh my goodness! Am I pregnant?! I turned to look at Adams hoping he would tell me it was just a joke, but he looked so serious and he is not the kind of person who jokes around. I looked at him anxiously hoping that he would say something but he ignored me and continued looking at his phone as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb on me. I looked at him and then swallowed hard. I tried to calm my body but how can I be calm when I am told I could have a baby in my tummy?! “Adams…Can you take me to the hospital before it's too late? I need to ask them to give me anything I can use to stop the pregnancy, this isn't right!” I said nervously while looking at him, but he ignored me and kept looking at his ph
~Adam Pov ~The moment she went limp in my arm, I felt I was going to lose her. I knew I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt, but her hot body slapped me out of my daze. She was burning, especially her forehead which was scorchingly hot. My hand trembled as I looked at her unconscious self then with trembling hands I took out my phone and punched in Sean's digits. The call was picked up in a minute, “Call the doctors now! I want to see them in fifteen minutes! Go drive them here! Take the fastest car!” I ordered and put the phone away, then carried her and laid her on the bed comfortably. Looking at her furrowed brow, I couldn't help but be angry at myself at this moment. If I had left her at her place, maybe if I hadn't been so stubborn in wanting to bring her back with me, then Maybe—Just maybe, she wouldn't be like this. “Shit!” I cursed as I paced around the room, my mind overwhelmed with different scenarios. My hands tangled my hair, as I looked at the bed worriedly.This
~Adams pov ~“What do you mean, Mr Adams?” The male doctor who had been silent asked with furrowed brows. I signed tiredly and then explained everything which shocked them. I don't see why I should hide it from them as I know the truth will soon come out and besides, to help Merina they have to know everything about her, including the fact that we just met and I don't know her. Alice, the Female doctor looked at me with shining eyes which made me speechless, then when I turned to the young doctor, he was also smiling amicably which got me more confused.“Mr Adams, you are a good person! I thought you both were lovers. You are such a gentleman! No wonder you can bring the Nart Company to great heights.” Doctor Alice said. Her praises though were met with indifference. I ignored their worshiping looks and turned to walk to Merina's bedside, seeing her hand which was connected to the drip, I couldn't help but trace it. Then I covered her body well with the blanket then signaled them t
~Adams Pov~I stood in shock on hearing the name she had whimpered, I felt confused at first then I felt uncomfortable. I wanted to wake her up and ask her who Liam was, I wanted to shake her awake badly and make her see who I was. I am not Liam! But then, I looked at her sleeping face which looked pale and exhausted then snorted and pinched her nose, “Heartless girl!” It seems pinching her nose made her breathless as she raised her hand to swat mine away making me chuckle.************** ******************I walked out of the shower wearing just a towel on my waist with water dripping down my body. I looked at the mirror and looked at my dark hair which had gotten a bit longer and my clean-shaven chin which I had just shaved. I breathed a sigh of relief.I walked to my closet to pick up a nightwear as it was late and should be getting ready for bed. I need to be at the office by tomorrow as there is a lot to do there. I had ignored so many meetings and documents as I had been so fo
~Merina Pov~I was really surprised when she said so, I felt so confused but looking at her, somehow I knew she is not a bad person and I was glad to have someone involved in this kind of profession in this place. I have never studied about pregnancy or children and I really know nothing about it.I would have decided to leave early and go back home but somehow I feel really scared. Adams has enemies and not just him, I have enemies too. Like my my family and especially Sofia. What if she decided to harm my child after I had spoiled her reputation? I wouldn’t be scared if I wasn’t pregnant but now that I am, I have to be careful especially when two different doctors have talked about my weak body. I will be heartbroken if anything happens to my baby. I signed and thought about it then decided to stay here and take care of my self, at least I get the peace I am looking for even if I would have to wrong Adams but I know he would understand and I really don’t want to be his weakness. I
~Merina Pov~ I walked into the hospital closest to the village and not too far from it, and beside me was Lilah, the daughter of the village head. She had suggested we take the taxi but since it was just a 15-minute walk from the village, I decided to trek it to prepare myself. When aunty told me yesterday that I might be pregnant, I felt so shocked. I wasn't expecting it at all, and I don't even know what I feel right now, excitement? Not really, sadness? Nope! But I don't feel neutral at all. I feel a touch of everything and it's not making me think straight. This is the moment when Adams was here with me, but no, he isn't here so I have no choice but to take care of this myself. I sighed loudly and Lilah who heard me turned to look at me with a worried face, “What's wrong, Merina? You okay? Do you want to rest?” she asked nervously and I couldn't help but laugh at her nervous face. “C’mon, I have only been walking for just 5 mins, how can I be tired? Sister is not that weak,
~Micca Pov~I coughed as I looked at the ceiling. My eyes were bloodshot, I had been sick for days, it hadn’t been easy so far, and sometimes it felt like I had been poisoned I am beginning to suspect Mark since he wouldn’t allow me to leave the hospital, and also wouldn’t call in a doctor, I have been vomiting everything that goes into my tummy and I have been feeling dizzy, it’s got so bad that I can’t even move my legs but all mark keep yapping about is how he want to protect me from Adams as the outside was not safe but I feel I am not even safe with him. My head shifted to the door and seeing Mark enter with a tray of food, I ignored him and adjusted myself properly then closed my eyes so as not to see his bastard face. I heard his sigh then he traced my neck and face which was all skin and bones now, “I’m sorry baby, I never knew it has gotten to this, I have been busy dealing with the aftermath and throwing attacks so you can be safe, but I never knew you were this sick until
~Adams pov~I took a deep breath in front of Merina’s room, I clenched the test result I had just received from the doctor’s office. It was supposed to be a good thing but the news that followed scared me so much. Merina is pregnant. The thought of it brought joy to my heart, the thought that she has our fruit growing in her heart made me want to run around the place in joy, but the complications that come with her pregnancy are something I fear so much. I took a deep breath and put on a calm face before pushing open the door to the room but what I found was an empty bed, I raised my eyebrow in surprise, “She is awake?!” I muttered then walked inside then sat down on the couch waiting as I thought she might be in the toilet doing her thing. But I waited for long without seeing the toilet door open, and that was when my eyes saw the drip package on the ground, I frowned and bent down take it then I saw it torn. My eyes flashed with shock, I stood up hastily and rushed to the toilet
~Merina Pov~ I woke up and looked at the white wall, my eyes was dazed and filled with confusion, “Where am I?!” I asked myself but no one was there to respond to me, I sat up gently and noticed the IV drip connected to my hand. I frowned as everything came rushing in. The Conference, the talks, and the secrets. I closed my eyes tiredly, “No wonder I had lost consciousness, everything was so tiring. I felt so drained and suddenly I didn't want to see anyone. I was still dressed in the gown I had worn to the conference. I looked around and saw no one there, I suddenly stood up with the help of the bed, and then I looked at the drip which was connected to my hand and was dripping little by little. I frowned in impatience then suddenly removed the injection from my hand which drew blood but I could care less about it, then I took the drip and cut it off then drank it all without a change of expression. I looked out of the window and suddenly had one desire, I didn't know what came ov
~Adams Pov~ I watched in distress as Merina shed tears of pain, this was one of the reasons I didn’t want her here. There were too many revelations and she had just recovered, her being here might trigger her wound and it might hurt her. My chest felt so much pain and I couldn’t help but sweat just thinking about it.I leaned down and buried her face to my chest then kissed her forehead. I looked at the reporters who looked so excited as they had gotten so much worthy news. I knew they would do her justice but it’s was left with just one thing which I had to do. It’s time for everyone to know of Merina’s talents and the scams her so-called family had done to her. I turned to look at the manager of my company PR and gave him a signal which he understood immediately, then he turned serious and hushed the reporters, then smiled on seeing the obedient crowd. I sat down with Merina on my leg and I hugged her in my arms like no man's business. I don’t care if people are watching and all I
Merina Pov I walked confidently into the hall with my heels clicking on the floor. I was dressed in a way that brought out an aggressive but elegant aura. My eyes were as sharp as a hawk and my face held a polite but indifferent smile. In my hand was a small handbag. The hall became as quiet as the night after I announced my presence, then walked to the front where Adams stood with his mouth agape as he looked at me with a shocked face. I smiled when I got close to him then whispered, “Hubby, I am here.” I said and saw his eyes brighten up with laughter. I couldn't help but chuckle too then held his hand, “Did I disturb you? I’m sorry, I just don't want you to face this alone. It's time to step out and assist you. I have always wanted to face the world with you and fight it off, but I have never had the confidence, seeing the announcement yesterday, I know I am the one drawing you back, it is time to stand next to you with my hand in yours as we tackle things as couples. I know you
Adams Pov I walked inside the house at a fast pace. I had just heard everything that had happened on the internet an hour ago. I had never expected Marina's father to break up with Merina at this time when things were still against her.It seems something is giving them confidence. I had always known Merina’s family is shameless but her father’s act was so shameless this time around. Seeing Merina in the middle of the fire, he immediately disowned her. I can't imagine what she is feeling now. She had faced a lot and this would hurt her which is why I immediately put down things and rushed home. I opened the door and saw her in an apron with a spatula cooking in the kitchen. My heart beat increased seeing her gentle side, but the surging emotions in my eyes cooled down when I saw her so calm and also seemed to be enjoying the new home. I cleared my throat, disrupting her focus on the food she was cooking.Her face lit up with a smile then she opened her arms wide before running towar
Merina Pov~My heart shook when Adams Father gave the options, my fist clenched in a fist and with my eyes looking at him with disdain, how could a father do this? He prioritize his interest than his son’s interest. Well, I am not surprise, I have a father like that too and having experience something this heartbreaken before, I could understand how Adams feel. I turned to look at Adams and was surprised to see him looking so calm and elegant, then his lips curled up in a mocking smile making me curious to know what he was thinking, I felt my hand being grabbed then Adams nodded seriously. “You are mistaken, Master Nart…” Adams said and I was shocked, my mouth open in a gasp when he changed the way he addressed his father, I looked at the wide mouth of Madam Nath and also his father who was taken aback, then Adams scoffed mockingly, and continued, “The company belong to me, now. You might have shares, but what you have is only 15% while I have 55% of the company shares, and also,”