“You have no say in this, Damien. You’re staying with us until you’re fully recovered and that’s final.” Stacy said.
The doctors had discharged Damien from the hospital, although he still had a bandage wrapped around his chest because of his wound. No matter how much Harriett wanted him to stay until his wound was full healed, the man wouldn’t listen as his body itched to get back to work.
Damien knew that there was no need fighting with his mother on the topic as her mind had already been made up. But, an idea came to his mind.
“Fine. I’ll come with you… on one condition.” He said with a corky smile as his eyes drifted to Harriett who was standing by the side.
“Harriett spends the weekend with the kids.” He said, secretly crossing his fingers and praying that she would agree.
“W-what?” Harriett’s eyes widened and her cheeks reddened. She couldn’t imagine spending the weekend with Damien and his family. It would bring back old memories that she had worked so hard to forget.
“I-I don’t think I can.” Harriett fumbled with her fingers, shaking her head nervously.
“Of course. You can, my dear.” Stacy jumped in, loving the idea of Harriett coming over with the children. She knew that it would be the start of something new.
A new beginning.
“Please, Harriett.” Damien pleaded, forcing her to look at him.
“I’ll let my parents know.” She said after a short while, giving in. A wide grin immediately appeared on both Damien and Stacy’s face at her reply.
“Weekend starts tomorrow so, we better leave now to make the necessary preparations. Come on, Damien.” Stacy said happily as they both said their goodbyes to Harriett and left the hospital.
As Harriett arrived at her parent’s house, her father was the first to notice the nervousness on her face.
“Is everything alright?” He asked, genuinely worried about her but she only shook her head and took a seat beside him.
“Damien got discharged today.” She announced just as her mother walked out of the kitchen with a tray full of cupcakes.
“Well, that’s good to hear, my dear. I’m sure he’ll recover faster at the comfort of his house.” Ha Young replied with a smile.
All through the time Damien was at the hospital, Harriet’s parents had been kind to him. It was as though taking a bullet in place of their daughter had gotten rid of their hatred for him. All they wished for was his quick recovery.
“Uhmm…” Harriett started, confused on how to break the news to her parents. She remained quiet for a few seconds, only staring at them but after a while, she decided to get it over with.
“I’ll be spending the weekend at Damien’s house…. His parent’s house to be precise. It won’t just be me, the kids too.” She said in one breath.
She was expecting that she would need a little convincing for them to let her go but when she finished talking, she was shocked to find a smile on their faces instead.
“You.. you don’t seem surprised. Why?” She asked and her mother chuckled.
“Stacy informed me a few minutes ago.. You needed to hear how desperate she sounded. We had no choice but to give her our word that you’ll be there.” Ha Young revealed.
“Oh.” Harriett blushed.
“I think it’s time we get over the past. Don’t you agree, Jake?” She said but her husband shifted in his seat. He was still unsure about letting his daughter get back with Damien.
“I don’t know, my love. I really don’t.” He confessed and Harriett took it as her cue to leave them as she wasn’t prepared for the conversation that was on the way.
It was going to be hard for her but she planned on taking things slowly with Damien. Of course, she won’t be able to trust him fully yet.
He’d have to earn that.
“I should go. We’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. Goodnight mum, dad.” She kissed them both on the cheek and walked to her children’s room.
They were both fast asleep when she got in and guilt washed over. She had been spending time at the hospital that she had barely had time for her children.
“Mummy is sorry, my loves.” She placed a kiss on their foreheads before going to her bathroom for a long bathe. When she was done and feeling refreshed, she carried her blanket and went to her children’s room to sleep beside them.
*
*
“Goodbye, Granny!” Adrian screamed happily as she waved at his grand parents while Addison kissed Jake before running back to her mother.
Harriett had announced to the twins that they would be spending the weekend at their paternal grandparent’s house. Adrian who had been missing his father was happy with the news and had been on cloud nine since the start of the day.
They said their goodbyes and got into Harriet’s Range Rover. When they left the house, it was only 7am as Stacy had implored her to come before breakfast so that they could spend the time together.
Thirty minutes later, Harriett arrived at the Damien’s mansion and they were warmly welcomed by Stacy and Thomas who had been waiting for them.
“You came just in time. Breakfast just got ready.” Stacy smiled, unable to control her happiness as she led them to the breakfast. Harriett replied with a curt nod as she sat down.
A few minutes later, Damien appeared at the table and took a seat beside Harriett while Stacy made the twins sit beside her.
Harriett sucked in a breath as she felt his presence beside her. He smelt like a mixture of honey and vanilla. She took a slight peek at him and a blush crept up her cheek.
How was she to spend a weekend with this man and still control herself? She had also stayed celibate for four whole years and now, as she sat beside him, she felt her hormones awaken.
She wasn’t sure of her feelings anymore as this past week with him has made her heart waver beyond understanding.
Clearing her throat, she turned her attention to the breakfast table to avoid getting caught by Damien.
The breakfast table was filled with pancakes, waffles, sausages, eggs, bacon, fruits and healthy juices. The aroma made Harriet’s stomach rumble and a smile appeared on her face.
They said their prayers and digged into their food. Harriett found the scene awkward as it had been four years since she last had a dinner with them.
They seemed like a happy family.
“Harriett, darling. Thank you so much for agreeing to spend the weekend. I know how tough the decision must have been for you.” Stacy said with a pout.
Harriett chuckled awkwardly, shifting her gaze to Damien who had been watching her all along.
“It’s nothing, mother. I’m happy we’ll be spending time together. It’s about time I let go of the past.”