MARY’S POV.
“Mom, you’re looking gaunt,” she said, her eyes fixed on my face as she tilted her head.
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”
Her brows furrowed in concern, but I quickly continued before she could press further. “I actually called you for a reason. I thought your dad might want to hear your voice today.”
Her expression shifted instantly, the worry for me replaced by fear. I so much enjoyed the look of guilt on her face and it made me happy. I adjusted the phone, angling it toward Alex’s face.
Half of his face was covered by the oxygen mask, his skin pale against the hospital sheets. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, the machines around him beeping softly.
Tears spilled from Saraya’s eyes the moment she saw him. She leaned closer to the screen, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Why isn’t he waking up? He should see you, Mom. You look so gaunt from taking care of him. He’d hate this… if he sees you this way.”
“Shh, Saraya,” I said gently, shifting the camera back to me. “Don’t say that to his hearing. It’ll only make him feel worse if he hears you.”
She wiped at her face, trying to compose herself, but her tears kept falling. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I just wish he’d open his eyes. All of these is heartbreaking for me.”
“I know,” I said softly, offering her a small smile. “You’re worried about him. We all are. But you have to stay strong for him, Saraya. He needs us to believe he’ll pull through.”
She nodded, her lips trembling as she glanced at the screen, her eyes darting to Alex’s still form in the background. “He looks so… frail, Mom. I don’t know if I can do this. What if-”
“Stop,” I said firmly, cutting her off. “Don’t let those thoughts take root. He’s still fighting, Saraya. You have to hold on to that. We both do.”
She nodded, her face etched with guilt and sadness. I adjusted the phone again, giving her another glimpse of Alex.
He looked so peaceful, even with the oxygen mask covering part of his face.
“He misses you,” I said after a moment. “Even if he can’t say it right now, I know he does. So be rest assured he will break through this.”
Her tears started again, silently rolling down her cheeks. “You should have more rest, Mom,” she said quietly. “We have a personal care giver for him. You’re so gaunt. Remember, Evan needs you too.”
I forced a smile. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Taking care of him is what I’m meant to do right now. One day, when you get married, you will under it better. Marriage is for better for worst. So don’t worry about me.”
“But I do,” she insisted. “How can I not? You can’t keep this up forever, Mom. You need to rest too.”
“I’ll rest when he wakes up,” I said firmly. “Until then, I’m not going anywhere.”
Saraya opened her mouth to argue, but I held up a hand. “No more worrying about me, okay? Focus on taking care of yourself and being ready to come home soon. How long would you be in Colorado for?”
“I will be back soon.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” I said. “Oh my goodness,” my eyes widened when I saw who it was. “You came.”
“Who is it?” Saraya asked.
“It’s Dominic.” I replied excitedly, turning the camera to his face. “You really should thank Dominic, he’s been visiting everyday since you left.”
There was this shock on her face. “Dominic?” Saraya’s voice trembled as she repeated. “What do you mean by he’s been visiting everyday.”
“Hey, Saraya,” Dominic greeted her gently, his voice warm and calm as he stood beside me. He smiled at the the camera. “I thought you might want an update from me directly.”
Saraya’s tears seemed to pause for a moment as she wiped her face. “Is that true?”
“What do you do?” He asked.
“Thank you, Dominic. For being there for Mom… and for Dad. It means so much to me.”
“Hey, don’t mention. What are friends for?” Dominic replied. “I’m just doing what I can. I know it’s been a tough time for you.”
I adjusted the phone again so Saraya could see both of us clearly. “Dominic’s been a huge help, Sara.” I added. “He’s been here every day, making sure I don’t overdo it and bringing me food and fruits to make things easier. He’s been incredibly thoughtful.”
Dominic chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck in modesty. “I’m just making sure she takes care of herself. You know how persistent your mom can be.”
I laughed softly at that, “what do you singles know?”
“Thank you, Dominic,” Saraya said again, her voice quieter this time. “I really don’t know what we’d do without you. I’m sorry to put this burden on you but you know you don’t really have to.”
“Saraya, it’s no burden and I’m happy to help,” he replied with a fake smile that made lines etched to his eyelids. “I don’t have to but I want to. Doesn’t mean I’m putting any pressure on you, I understand what you mean perfectly. I just can’t lose my friend.”
I cleared my throat. “What is going on here?” I asked looking at the both of them.
“It’s nothing, mom.” Saraya quickly interjected. Turning to Dominic. “Then I will have to plead with you to ensure she rests well, I’m afraid, she will make me worry.”
“Sara!” I called out, drawing a chuckle from the two of them.
“I’ll do just that, Saraya,” Dominic continued. “You don’t need to worry. We’re all here, fighting this together.”
Saraya sighed softly, her voice full of worry. “I can’t help but feel guilty, thank you so much.”
I shook my head, trying to reassure her. “We’re doing okay, sweetheart. We’ll manage.”
Dominic nodded, his eyes never leaving Saraya’s face. “And we’ll keep you updated if anything changes.”
Saraya’s lips trembled as she nodded. “Alright. Take care of yourselves, both of you.”
“We will, don’t worry,” I said, giving her a soft smile.
I ended the call and let out a long breath, looking at Dominic. “You can drop the act now.” I said nonchalantly. “Let’s hope we can get her emotionally blackmailed into accepting you.”
“That was such a brilliant plan, thank you so much.” He said. “I never would have thought you would come up with something after she rejected me yesterday.”
“You don’t have to thank me.” I reminded him. “Don’t forget I’m only doing this because it would benefit me as well but if after all these,” my voice became stern. “You still can’t capture her heart and tell me what she is thinking and doing, then, I do not see any need to continue this facade with you.”
Dominic’s expression hardened slightly, and he straightened, his easygoing demeanor replaced by a more determined air. “I understand, Mrs. Newman,” he said, his tone steady but respectful. “I won’t let you down. I’ve got everything under control.”
I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. “You better. Because if she finds out we’re scheming behind her back, you’ll have more to worry about than just her rejection.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Your business is done here, you should leave.” I said.
Dominic nodded, picking up his coat from the chair. “I’ll leave you to rest,” he said.
I waved him off. “Just remember, I won’t tolerate another failure.”
He gave me a small nod, his jaw tightening, before stepping out of the room and quietly shutting the door behind him.
I fixed my eyes on the door for few seconds. Dominic is a useful pawn, but he wasn’t entirely trustworthy. His eagerness to please me and his desperation to win Saraya over made him unpredictable. If he slipped up or got too comfortable, everything could crumble. And that was a risk I couldn’t afford.
I let out a sigh, my gaze shifting back to Alex. “You won’t blame me, if by per chance you do wake up, will you?”
The phone buzzed on the side table, pulling me from my thoughts. It was a text from Saraya: “Thank you, Mom. For everything. I’ll try to call again tomorrow.”
I stared at the message, a pang of guilt cutting through me. “If only you were my biological daughter.”
I clenched my fists as I read her message over and over again.
“Your existence had only made me desperate, Saraya,” I whispered, barely audible. “This isn’t the life I wanted for any of us. But sometimes, you have to fight dirty to win.”