ARGON
“We thank the goddess for saving your life, my dear. We’re so happy to see you’re okay,” One of the councils said, petting Brielle on the head.
Although I was the one who told and called them over to check up on Brielle, they made me feel like I was invisible in their presence.
All the attentions were given to the woman sitting right next to me. And trust me, I didn’t feel upset about it. In fact, I was happy.
Happy in the fact that Brielle was smiling brightly. It brought a glow to my heart as I stared and admired her beauty.
“What did the doctor say about her condition? Is she strong enough to head back home? ” Sir Derek asked, sitting next to Brielle on the other side.
“Doctor Nicole hasn’t said a thing yet about her discharge, but for now, it’s best Brielle stays at the hospital until she’s fully well again.”
“I wish to leave this place, ” Brielle objected to my decision, dimming her eyes at me. “I am not a fan of hospitals. It reminds me of things I don’t wish to recall,” She added, directing her gaze at the councils and at Sir Derek.
Her gaze was enough to tell me what she thinks of my interference. She don’t want me to make any decisions on her behalf.
“Are you sure? You could stay here for a little while and…”
“No, I don’t like the smell of drugs. It’s irritating,” She said, making her words heard.
And just like that, they all agreed to her wish. Sir Derek decided to speak to Doctor Nicole on Brielle’s behalf. “Let me pay her a visit in her office. If Brielle isn’t comfortable here, then it’s best for her to go home and rest,” He said, rising to his feet.
The councils backed him up, agreeing with the plan.
I couldn’t stand against their decisions. In their presence, I felt like a child.
“Whatever she wants, we’ll do it for her, ” The old lady said, caressing Brielle lovingly. She just smiled at them, expressing her gratitude. “Thank you,” She appreciated.
With all of them in support of Brielle’s decision, I decided to join them by agreeing to the plan. “Yes, if you want to get discharged, we’ll get Doctor Nicole to do that for you,” I said, looking at Brielle.
She dropped her gaze at me with a faint smile. No words, just a fixed gaze. I wish I could read her mind, because the way she was looking, made me feel like a complete stranger who joined this gathering by mistake.
With the conclusion made, Sir Derek left the room to go and see Doctor Nicole while the councils stepped out to discuss something.
Tania remained at the corner watching everything silently. She soon made her move, slowly stepping out of the room, and leaving Brielle and I all alone.
I wished to say something to her, but I had no words to pour out.
“So…” Brielle started, gaining my attention. “How’s Estelle?” She asked, tilting her head, waiting for my response.
I was pleased to hear her speak, but displeased with the question. She’s asking about Estelle.
“Estelle? I… She’s… She’s fine,” I stammered, still amused with the question. I wasn’t expecting her to ask about Estelle. And the one she’s making enquiry of, doesn’t care about her well being.
“Is she awake? ”
“Yeah, she is. Doctor Nicole told me she’s up, ” I answered, resting my hands on the bed.
Brielle hummed and asked further, “What about the baby? I hope it’s fine?”
On hearing that, I felt touched. She’s asking about a child that’s no more. Why is she so caring to the little one? Even it’s mother had no love for it, but she… She’s concerned about the child.
This isn’t the first time she’d show this love for a baby that doesn’t belong to her. She also did this on the day Estelle revealed the news of her pregnancy.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Brielle asked, lifting her brow at me.
I wished to stay shut and change the topic, but what’s the need of hiding it? No how, the news will eventually come out to the open.
With a sigh, I answered, “The baby… It’s gone.”
“What?” Brielle gasped out. Her grumpy face slowly faded into sadness. The sight of that expression alone, weakened my heart passionately. I lowered my head and just told her the baby was dead.
“And Estelle? How’s she? Why aren’t you with her? You’re supposed to be by her side taking care of that poor lady! Who knows how hurt she must be feeling, knowing her child is gone!” Brielle’s eyes came all wet, as she looked away from my point, showing her concern for Estelle.
“Losing one’s child is a painful experience. One moment you’re feeling your little one down there in your womb, and the next…” she paused.
The next thing I saw melted my heart. Brielle’s eyes came dripping with tears! She immediately looked the other way to wipe her eyes, sniffing out.
My whole body shivered, understanding what she was saying. She’s talking about the baby Estelle and I killed with our hands. When the child died, I had no care towards it. Even Brielle’s tears meant nothing to me. But now… Everything is different.
I now understand the pains she went through all because of me. She lost our baby due to my obsession and desire to have Estelle.
And what did that get me? Estelle, who got all my care, my love, my affection… She got the opportunity to bear my baby and she went ahead to kill it!
“It’s best you go and see Estelle. She needs you,” Brielle suggested, sniffing out. She finally faced my direction, delivering a glare.
“I don’t know why you chose to stay with me all night, instead of being by the side of your bride-to-be. She’s the one who was attacked, not me.”
“Brielle, It’s…”
“Argon, go and stay with her. I didn’t ask you to stay with me, nor did I beg you to. I have Tania here to look after me, so please, go!” She interrupted, pointing at the door.
She didn’t give me the chance to speak. She kept talking about Estelle and ordering me out of her room, forcing me to go and stay with that woman.
“Go Argon! Go and see her, ” She repeated, groaning at me.
From her tone, I could sense a roar coming next. In order not to upset her any further, I got to my feet and carefully made my way to the door.
Before stepping out, I stopped and took a look at a sad Brielle, who had her hands covering her mouth out of pains for the baby.
In was hurt on seeing her state. But still… “I’ll come back to see you. I won’t be staying long with Estelle,” I said to Brielle.
That got her lifting her head to look at me. She may not want me around, but I want to be with her. I’ll see Estelle and return here quickly to stay with Brielle.
If anyone needs my support at this time, it’s Brielle and not Estelle.
That woman doesn’t deserve it.