ARLAN’S POV.
I rushed into the reception of the hospital, panting. As I headed to the nurse in charge. I saw Mary standing by the pay fridge, struggling to get a bottle of water out.
I didn’t hesitate, I went over and grabbed the bottle, and held it out to her. “Here,” I said, trying to catch my breath.
Mary glanced at me and sighed lightly. She didn’t take it. Instead, she turned away, muttering, “What do you want, Arlan?”
“Mary, please,” I started, sounding desperate. “Just give me a minute. Let me explain.”
She spun around, her eyes filled with anger. “Explain? What’s left to explain? Just stay away from me. Stay away from my family.”
Her words stung, but I refused to back down. “Just one chance, Mary. That’s all I’m asking. Please.”
“No,” she snapped, her tone final. “I don’t want to hear it.”
Before I could say another word, a familiar voice interrupted us. “Mary?”
I turned to see Matilda walking toward us, her face was filled with worry.
“Matilda?” I blinked, confused. “What are you doing here?”
She walked towards and grabbed Mary’s hands. “I know everything,” she said sharply. “You should leave, Arlan excerpt you have the intention of creating a scene.”
I sighed, still trying to process her presence. “Know what? Do you follow me down here?”
“And why should I?” She asked. “But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that Mary doesn’t want you here. So go.”
Her words hit me harder than I cared to admit. I looked at Mary again, but she avoided my gaze. The cold shoulder. The indifference. It broke my heart.
For a moment, I thought about pushing further, but the look on Matilda’s face told me it was pointless. With a tight jaw, I took a step back. “Fine,” I muttered. “I’ll leave.” I stretched the bottle of water towards Matilda who took it from me.
I turned and tears rolled on my cheeks. “I’m responsible for everything.” I began to blame and hate myself. “I hate you, Arlan.”
DOMINIC’S POV.
I leaned back in my chair, staring at my phone on the desk. Still nothing. No missed calls, no messages, not even a read receipt from Saraya.
I dialed her number again, letting it ring until it went to voicemail. “Saraya, it’s me. Call me back. Please.”
I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk with a frustrated sigh. She’d been ignoring me all day, and I couldn’t shake the nagging thought that the blackmail incident was eating away at her.
“Damn it, Saraya,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.
I stared at my phone for a moment before dialing Saraya’s office. If she wasn’t answering her personal line, maybe someone at work would know something.
The call connected after a few rings. A male voice came through. “Good afternoon, Saraya Newman’s office. Peter speaking.”
“This is Dominic Leo,” I said, keeping my tone firm. “I need to speak with Saraya.”
There was a brief pause. “I’m sorry, Mr. Leo, but she’s not at her desk at the moment.”
My brows furrowed. “Not at her desk? Where is she?”
“She’s… not in the office right now.”
“That’s strange.” My voice tightened. “It’s not like Saraya to miss work. What’s going on?”
Peter hesitated. “I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information. It’s personal.”
I clenched my jaw. “Personal?”
“Yes, sir,” Peter replied. “If it’s urgent, I can help pass a message to her.”
“Don’t bother,” I snapped, ending the call before he could say anything else.
I set the phone down and leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. Something wasn’t adding up. Saraya was dodging calls, texts, and now she wasn’t even at work? Whatever was going on, it wasn’t good-and I wasn’t about to sit around and wait.
I hit the intercom button. “Nancy, get in here.”
Within seconds, my secretary walked in, swaying her hips like she was on a runway. Nancy is not only my secretary but she is also my mistress but all of that is about to change.
“Yes, Mr. Leo?” she said, her voice syrupy sweet as she leaned against my desk, her blouse slightly unbuttoned.
I ignored her antics. “Order some flowers. Have them delivered to Saraya Newman’s address as soon as possible.”
Nancy tilted her head, her lips curving into a coy smile. “Flowers? For me, Mr. Leo?” She bit her lower lips.
I slammed my palm on the desk, making her flinch. “No, Nancy. Not for you. Just do as you’re told.”
Her smile faltered, but she didn’t back down entirely. “You don’t have to be so harsh. I was just joking.”
“This isn’t a joke. Get it done,” I snapped, my voice rising. “And if you don’t want to follow orders, feel free to find the door. Understand?”
Nancy straightened up, her playful demeanor replaced by a hint of fear. “Yes, sir. Right away.”
She turned on her heel and left, the sharp click of her heels echoing in the silence.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to steady my breath. Saraya wasn’t answering, Nancy was pushing my buttons, and my patience was wearing thin.
If Saraya didn’t call back soon, I’d have to take matters into my own hands.
*
I stood in front of the massive Newman mansion, gripping the bouquet of red roses tightly in my hand. The wind carried a faint chill, but I barely noticed. My focus was on the doorbell, my thumb pressing it firmly.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and Evan peeked out. His sharp blue eyes met mine, and a faint smirk spread across my face.
“We meet again, Evan,” I said smoothly, tilting my head.
Evan blinked, clearly unimpressed. “What do you want?”
Before I could answer, Isla’s voice called out from somewhere inside the house. “Evan, who is it?”
Evan glanced over his shoulder as Isla appeared in the hallway, her sharp gaze locking onto me. Her expression was unreadable, but there was no warmth in her eyes.
“Mrs. Newman,” I greeted her with a polite smile.
“Mr. Leo,” she said, her tone as cold as the wind outside. She nodded curtly and then turned to Evan. “Go to your room.”
Evan hesitated, glancing between us before trudging upstairs.
Isla stepped aside and gestured for me to come in. “Well? Are you just going to stand there?”
I entered, noting the pristine interior of the mansion. Isla closed the door behind me and folded her arms.
“What brings you here, Mr. Leo?”
“I’m here to see Saraya,” I said, cutting straight to the point. “I’ve been trying to reach her, but she’s not answering her phone. I also called her office, and she wasn’t there either. It’s not like her to vanish like this.”
Isla’s eyes scanned me from head to toe, and I could feel the weight of her judgment. “You brought roses,” she noted, her voice tinged with sarcasm. “Unfortunately, your timing is wrong. Saraya isn’t home.”
My heart raced. “She’s not here?” I asked quickly. “Is she… is she sick?”
Isla’s lips curved into a faint smirk, almost amused. “Saraya isn’t the one who’s sick. It’s my son, Alex.”
Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly followed by guilt. My reaction had been careless. I straightened my posture, clearing my throat.
“I’m sorry,” I said sincerely. “I didn’t mean it like that. I hope Alex gets better soon.”
Isla tilted her head, her expression softening slightly. “I understand,” she said, her voice calm. “The one you’re most concerned about is Saraya. Just as the one I’m most concerned about is my son, Alex.”
Her words stung, but I nodded. “I appreciate your understanding, Mrs. Newman.”
Isla’s voice stopped me as I was about to leave. “Dominic, do you like Saraya that much?”
I turned around, surprised by the question. “I do,” I answered, a little shy. “I like her… a lot.”
Isla raised an eyebrow, studying me. “Enough to make her your wife?”
I blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. I stammered for a moment. “I-uh-I’m not sure. I’m still figuring things out.”
She chuckled softly, her gaze sharp. “You’re figuring things out? You young folks always like to mess around, call it ‘taking your time.’ What are you waiting for, Dominic? Someone might snatch her away while you’re waiting.”
I frowned, trying to explain. “I don’t want to rush her. I just want to make sure we’re both ready for that step.”
Isla shook her head, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Taking your time, huh? You should be proactive, Dominic. If you like her, go for it. Don’t sit around waiting for the perfect moment.”
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. “Are you… are you giving me your blessing?”
She smirked, leaning back. “Let’s just say we’re helping each other out here.”
I frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
Isla waved her hand dismissively. “Never mind. Forget I said anything. The important thing is, when Saraya gets back from the hospital, I’ll let her know you stopped by.”
I nodded, but before I could leave, I felt an unexpected urge to do something. I walked over to the table and placed the roses down gently. Then, I turned back to Isla and, on impulse, gave her a hug.
She stiffened, surprised. “What are you doing?”
I pulled back, smiling. “Thank you. For everything.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback. “Uh… you’re welcome, I guess.”
I gave her one last look and walked toward the door. “Take care, Isla.”
She didn’t say anything, but I could feel her eyes on me as I left the house.