"What do you mean by that?" I inquired, arching an eyebrow, a mix of concern and confusion evident on my face.
Stella continued, her voice trembling with emotion, "My mind has been completely consumed with thoughts of how to appease my wicked husband.
You see, Amanda has faced her own share of horrifying trauma; she has been emotionally scarred before."
A frown etched itself onto my features as I cast a cautious glance at my mother.
There was clearly an entire backstory about Amanda that I had been blissfully unaware of, one that hinted at a darkness lurking beneath her surface.
"What happened?" I ventured, my voice tinged with curiosity and urgency.
With a deep breath, Stella recounted the dreadful tale, her words trembling on the edge of despair.
"When Amanda was just 15 years old, she was raped by her uncle, who happens to be Herbert's brother.
That incident shattered her innocence, changing her forever. She used to be so full of life, so vibrant and lively, but after what Frank did to her, she became a different person altogether. The trauma nearly consumed her, and in response, she enrolled in a self-defense school and underwent intense training. But despite her newfound strength, I can't help but feel responsible. I wasn't there to protect her when she needed someone the most, and now she's gone through so much pain." Stella's voice broke as she wept.
This revelation hit me like a freight train, leaving me reeling.
Guilt clawed at my insides as I reflected on the past. I had always treated Amanda as a source of pleasure, completely disregarding her pleas for sensitivity and care.
All the while, she had remained loyal to me, but I had betrayed her trust, and now I felt like a monster.
I realized with a horrifying clarity that I had hurt the one woman I truly loved. I didn't deserve to be near her at all.
"Where's Frank?" I demanded, my eyes swelling with fury and pain, turning bloodshot from the overwhelming emotions surging through me.
Stella responded, her tears flowing freely, "He's in prison. But every time Amanda remembers him or sees his face, she crumbles. She becomes terrified and unstable, it breaks my heart to see her like this."
"It's okay, Stella," my mother chimed in soothingly, placing a hand on Stella's shoulder as a gesture of comfort.
"She is going to be alright. We'll get through this together."
But Stella was not prepared to show mercy. "Stay away from me! If it hadn't been for Herbert being in love with you, then none of this would have happened!" she spat at Yvette, her emotions boiling over.
"Enough, Stella. Yvette is a victim in all of this, too. If Herbert truly loved her, then why didn't he save her from Vanessa? He was only interested in her money," I interjected, my voice firm as I tried to redirect Stella's anger.
I made a silent vow then and there, nothing would happen to Amanda or my mother anymore.
They had become my responsibility, and I would do everything in my power to shield them from any further harm or danger.
As we waited anxiously for news on Amanda's treatment, the atmosphere was thick with worry.
Suddenly, Vivian rushed over, tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, Killian…" she began, but her words caught in her throat as she locked eyes with Yvette, gasping in disbelief. "Yvette? You… you're alive?"
"Of course I am. And how is your son doing?" my mother asked, maintaining an air of poise despite the tension in the room.
Vivian broke down at this, her composure unraveling. "The accident was brutal, Killian, it was all planned! Liam mentioned that Klein's guards attacked him from both sides. Oh goodness, Vanessa is such a vile woman!" She lamented, her heartbroken words echoing through the sterile hall.
With a sense of bitterness, I couldn't help but respond,
"Liam got what he deserved. And as for you, you deserve to rot in prison for the rest of your life."
"What? No, Killian, it's all Vanessa's fault, please!" she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.
Just then, the police arrived, and they led her away, her protests echoing in the corridor. I watched her go with mounting irritation.
"I'm innocent! I'll call my lawyer! You're making a mistake; I'm Mrs. Drakes!" she rattled on, but I felt no sympathy.
The doctor emerged from Amanda's ward, and I hurried towards him, concern gnawing at my insides.
The uneasy feeling I had was all too familiar, it reminded me of the times I spent at my father's deathbed.
"How is she, Doc?" I asked, my voice a mix of dread and anticipation.
"She'll wake up in about an hour. Right now, she needs rest. But I need to speak with you, Mr. Drakes," he replied, gesturing to follow him.
"Of course," I nodded, anxiety twisting within me.
I turned to my guards stationed nearby. "Don't let anyone in. No exceptions," I ordered, my voice leaving no room for negotiation.
"Yes, Boss," they affirmed, eyes sharp with determination.
I entered the doctor's office, taking a seat opposite him, my heart racing.
"Mr. Drakes, under the current circumstances, she can't lift any heavy objects. She had previously undergone kidney surgery, and the health of the baby is also at stake if she puts too much strain on her body," he informed me, his tone serious.
"What baby? What do you mean?" I asked, confusion weaving its way through my anxious thoughts.
The doctor raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised.
"You weren't aware that she's three months pregnant?" he asked incredulously.
"What? No, she never told me a thing about it!" Anger and betrayal surged through me.
She was carrying our child and had kept it hidden from me?
I realized with heartbreaking clarity that I had failed her, she couldn't trust me, so she kept this crucial part of her life a secret, and now it seemed I had only treated her like a mere object.
"How's the baby?" I pressed, fear clawing at my throat.
"As of now, the baby is stable, but you need to ensure she avoids any risky situations," the doctor advised.
"Just do whatever it takes to ensure she's okay. I'll pay you double if necessary," I promised him, urgency in my voice as I stood to leave.
As I walked away from his office, a new resolve settled within me.
I would take revenge on those who dared to hurt my wife and threaten my child. In that moment, nothing would stand in my way.