Mystery man

BETH'S POV

My lips parted on their own accord. “Yes, I'll be your girlfriend,” I voiced out, and he flashed me a satisfied smirk.

**********

That was the beginning of our beautiful love story till he began to demand sex, which I wasn't ready for. I made a vow to offer myself only to my husband to avoid the costly mistake my mother made which left us in this mess.

I didn't want my kids to be born out of wedlock, just like me and I upheld that vow. Even the love I had for Clement wasn't strong enough to make me break it, though I once felt guilty about it.

I recently began to feel a throbbing ache in the depth of my core, and Layla advised me to see a physician, which I did. It was ascertained that I had a bartholin's gland cyst, and I didn't hesitate to tell Clement, which was the reason behind his sudden outburst at the cafeteria.

I picked up my phone to send him a text and realized he had blocked me on all platforms. My heart clenched in my chest as I tried to remain sane. The pain was just too intense for me to bear. I thought he'd comfort me and make me feel better. If I had known it'd be the end of our beautiful love story, I would have kept it to myself.

The door cracked open and Layla came in sight, looking lively and bubbly in a red dress that stopped just above her thighs. She was my exact opposite and people always wondered how we managed to become friends.

I quickly wiped off the tears and feigned a faint smile the moment she stood before me to avoid an interrogative section but it was too late. She already noticed the tears.

“Bethy— are you okay? What did the test results say? Was it so bad?” She asked multiple questions with a worried expression on her face, giving me no time to respond and I sighed frustratedly.

“I'm sorry, what was the result of the test?” She asked with a softened gaze and I found myself sobbing like a baby as I told her.

“The doctor said I have Bartholin's gland cyst,” I dropped the bombshell and her eyes widened in shock.

“I've never heard of such,” She muttered, picking up her phone to browse through the internet and the next moment, she heaved a sigh of relief.

“It's not something severe and it can be cured if treated on time. Why are you getting yourself worked up?” She asked with a squinted gaze.

“It's Clement… he broke up with me after finding out,” I sniffled back the tear that threatened to roll down my cheek and she gasped.

“How could he be so mean? This is a time you need him the most, gosh! This is why I hated his guts from the onset but you insisted on loving him, now see where it has landed you.” She tried to play the blame game but I wasn't emotionally ready for it.

“It's fine, dear. Don't get yourself worked up about that jerk. What you should be concerned about at this point is how to treat yourself,” She urged and I let out a maniacal chuckle.

“It requires a few grands and I have nothing. I'm privileged to be a student of this college because I was lucky to be granted a scholarship, you know all of this. My mum is somewhere in Italy having a good life and my father doesn't want to have anything to do with me. Where can I get such an amount of money?” The tears I had been trying to hold back poured out endlessly and she patted my back comfortingly, pulling me in for a hug.

“It's fine, Beth. My dad just sent my allowance; I'll pay for the process,” She promised, and I was touched. She transferred the exact amount and I hugged her tightly, burying my face in the crook of her neck.

“Thanks, Layla, what would I have done without you?”

“Nothing! Absolutely nothing because I'm your one and only bestie!” She squealed childishly and I flashed her a weak smile. She urged me to freshen up and have a meal, which I did, and drifted off to sleep after what seemed like forever.

**********

The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly energetic though there was an intense throbbing ache in my head. I took in a view of my figure in the mirror and the ugly dark circles around my eyes made me look like a shadow of myself.

“Good morning, Bethy!” Layla hollered from her bed and I turned around to flash her a warm smile.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked and I nodded.

“That's good, remember you aren't going to class today. You're going to a good hospital to get rid of that shit, okay?”

I nodded with determination and she approached and drew me into a tight hug. I proceeded to have my bath and put on a floral dress and a pair of sandals afterwards.

“You look stunning,” she complimented and I appreciated her efforts to lighten my mood. Her bubbly nature had a great impact on me, and I was grateful. I waved her goodbye before leaving the college premises to flag down a taxi.

“Your destination, ma'am?” The driver asked.

“Blue Ray Hospital,” I responded and shut my eyes tightly as the car got in motion.

Disturbing thoughts ran through my head as we moved further. ‘What if the process doesn't turn out successful?’ A voice sounded in my head and I tried to brush off the negative thoughts.

After thirty minutes, the driver pulled up before the hospital gates and I paid him off before alighting. I walked through the gates and headed directly towards the reception. My phone buzzed and I glanced at the screen to check the notification, taking slow steps further.

I collided with a rock hard surface and my phone fell off my hands. As I lifted my gaze, “shit!” I heard a masculine voice curse and a strong lavender fragrance coated with pine wafted through my nostrils.

I picked up my phone and looked up to meet his gaze. I didn't realize I was gawking at his alluring facial features. His almond-shaped grey orbs, pointed nose, thin lips and sharp jawline. He was putting on a black pair of suits, neatly ironed. His wavy dark hair was styled perfectly and I couldn't help but gawk at his handsomeness.

“Your mouth,” He muttered with a smirk that vanished almost immediately.

“Ugh?” I replied cluelessly, touching my lips to see if they had a stain.

“It's open,” He voiced out nonchalantly and I glared daggers at him. I knew I was gawking at his handsomeness but rubbing it on my face was quite rude.

I rolled my eyes at him and subconsciously bit my lower lip as my gaze lingered on him. He glanced at his watch the next moment and cursed under his breath before taking long strides away from the scene.

I remained rooted to the spot, gazing keenly at his retreating figure till he hopped into a Rolls-Royce in the parking lot, leaving me astonished. The car zoomed off the premises and I regained my sanity when it was no longer in sight.

“Who's this mystery man? He seems wealthy!” I screamed in my hand as I walked into the reception. I felt like making enquiries about him but decided to focus on why I was there. I requested an audience with Doctor Ethan who confirmed my condition the last time I visited.

“Good day, ma'am. Doctor Ethan isn't around, and he won't be back today, but there's another doctor available.” The nurse at the reception informed me and I sighed frustratedly.

“Ma'am, Doctor Vivian is as skilled and professional as Doctor Ethan; you have nothing to worry about,” She tried to convince me and, I was slightly relieved, knowing it was a female doctor.

“It's fine, where do I wait?” I asked and she led me to a seat where I waited patiently. I slightly became nervous and a text from Layla came just in time to solve the puzzle.

“Dear Bethy, all is gonna be fine. Do well to

stay strong and always remember I love you.”

“You must be Miss Blakes, right?” A tall lady in a fitted black dress and black stilettos inquired as she approached me and I nodded. She was putting on a pair of glasses which made her look like one of the professors at the college. The badge on her chest drew my attention. “Doctor Vivian,” was boldly inscribed on it, and I realized she was the doctor the nurse had talked about.

“Alright, come with me.” She instructed, and I followed her closely, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. I bawled my fist to get rid of the anxiety but it wasn't helping at all.