"Because you'll be the mother of my child; that's what the contract said," he replied.
His voice was calm and flat, like he was stating a rule that could not be bent. I stared at him, my fingers tightening at my side, my chest rising and falling slowly.
I kept quiet and didn't say a word.
The silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable. He watched me closely, as if waiting for a reaction.
"Your safety matters to me," he added.
I scoffed, turning my face away, a short laugh escaping me before I could stop myself.
"If I didn't sign the contract, would you care about my health and safety?" I asked.
He looked at me sharply, his jaw tightening, his eyes darkening.
"You are in no position to ask me that." He replied.
The air between us felt tight, heavy with words left unsaid.
"Ohh really, you can't even give an answer; isn't that a sign of being a coward?" I blurted out.
The words came out before I could stop them. My heart was pounding, anger burning through me. Who does he think he is?
Getting upset about my life, my choices. He made it clear: no interference. So why does he suddenly care?
"You only care about yourself, Raisem, so quiet the act. You don't have to be worried about me, and we don't have to interfere in each other's personal lives," I added.
I didn't even know what I was saying anymore. The words just kept rushing out, uncontrolled, sharp, and reckless.
He scoffed, taking a slow step toward me.
"Why are you being so ungrateful and silly?"
My heart skipped, but I refused to back down. Now, I'm silly, I let out a soft laugh.
"You are more silly. You risked my life so many times and didn't bother or show any remorse about it. Now, you're upset about a headache?" I challenged him and pushed his chest.
I rolled my eyes. He doesn't really care about me or my health. It was all because of the contract I signed; he needs a healthy woman to carry his child.
"You're a hypocrite." I raised my voice a little. I had no idea why I was even mad.
I froze for a second, shocked at myself, but I stood my ground even as guilt crept in.
"You can call me whatever you want, but even if you didn't sign that contract, I would still care about you." He replied and walked away in anger.
He turned his back to me and left, his footsteps heavy and fast. The anger in his shoulders was clear.
He was so angry. What have I done? What have I said? That was too much. How do I even face him right now? Ara, your mouth will lead you to hell.
But I actually didn't say much; I said he was silly and he was a hypocrite. That isn't bad?
"Raisem." I called back and wanted to run after him when someone pulled my wrist.
It was Austin.
"Let him be. Trust me, I've known Raisem for years, and all I can say is, he cares about you. I hope that answers your question, and you two won't be so childish and hurt each other," Austin replied.
So he heard everything.
"I didn't mean any of that." I said, my voice low, shame washing over me.
"Tell that to him, not me," Austin replied and walked back.
I felt like the most horrible person on earth as I walked through the hallway, dazed and lost. Nurses moved around me. Someone rushed past, pushing a stretcher right by my side.
Then I heard a man speak. He was dressed in black, with a head warmer.
"Mona, hold on; you'll be fine," he said.
That name again. That familiar name.
Mona.
I kept staring at them until she was wheeled into another room.
"Mona," I muttered.
The name felt familiar, heavy, like a memory just out of reach. But Austin said I shouldn't force myself to remember anything from the past, so I let it go.
I had to find Raisem and apologize.
I ran to the parking lot, breathing hard, looking around desperately, but he wasn't there. His car was still there; he hadn't left.
I rushed back inside and met Austin again.
He told me Raisem would probably be at the rooftop..I walked there and opened the door, my eyes scanning the place. He wasn't there.
"Raisem," I called out, but there was no response.
I stepped back and suddenly hit something solid. Someone. I turned quickly.
"I'm so sorry." I apologized immediately.
It was the same man who wheeled Mona into the ward. The one with a head warmer.
"I thought no one was allowed here," he spoke.
I forced a smile.
"I sneaked in," I replied.
He nodded, pulled out cigarettes, and offered me one.
"No, thanks. I don't smoke," I said politely.
He nodded again and lit one himself.
"I have to go now," I replied and ran out. Not wanting to start any conversation.
Where could Raisem be? I moved through the fourth floor when I saw someone outside heading toward a nearby garden.
A beautiful place where patients can stay for a while and enjoy nature without any stress.
It was Raisem.
I ran down and followed him. The garden was beautiful, calm, and peaceful. Patients sat with loved ones, laughter soft in the air.
He was alone by the little lake. I never imagined a hospital could have something like this.
Raisem was sitting with his head on his knees.
"Raisem," I called out.
He turned slowly. His eyes met mine. He said nothing. His gaze held pain, something hidden and deep.
"I'm sorry, Raisem. Everything I said, I didn't mean," I said.
He stared at me. "I don't care about all that you said, but I meant it when I said I'll care for you even if you don't sign the contract."
I remembered Austin's words and kept calm.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, forcing a smile.
He looked unwell. I couldn't take my eyes off him; he wasn't as lively as he was, and his eyes kept closing every second. He looked so stressed and tired.
"Raisem, you don't look good?" I said, holding his hands.
"I'm just cold." He struggled to speak.
It doesn't look like a cold. I rushed to him, took off my jacket, and wrapped it around his shoulders. It barely fit his frame. He looked up at me, his eyes softer.
"Let's go home," I said with a smile.
"Boss." Jack, his personal assistant, rushed toward us.
"Mrs. Henderson." He bowed slightly.
"I'll take you and Mr. Hargrave back home." He added.
"Thank you," I replied.
"Mrs. Henderson, please, can you get the boss's phone from Dr. Austin? He left it in his consulting room. "Jack said.
I nodded and ran back into the hospital.
Later, Jack scolded him gently.
"Boss, why haven't you visited the hospital?"
"I'm fine, Jack. I'm not going to die from a simple headache," he said.
I went back to the garden after getting his phone, and we drove back home.
******
In the car, Jack kept looking at him through the rearview mirror, the small mirror above the driver's seat that could tilt down.
Raisem was quiet all through, and he dozed off. His head fell on my shoulder.
I froze instantly. I wasn't expecting that.
"Boss is just tired," I heard Jack's voice. I could tell from his tone he was worried.
"You can place your head on my thighs. They are fleshy," I said shamelessly.
Raisem hesitated, then slowly rested his head on my thighs, curling slightly due to his height.
His weight felt warm and heavy. His body relaxed, breath evening out. He slept like a baby.
"Boss falls sick a lot, so most times they put him on IV drips to help him feel better. That's why he looks tired today." Jack said before he slammed the brakes quickly, and I held Raisem instantly as his body moved forward due to the sudden halt of the car.
"My apologies," Jack apologized
I can't believe Raisem was going through that all alone. It will be so tiring falling sick and having to be on IV drips. I just hope he's okay.
We finally got to the apartment.
I helped him inside, supported his weight, guided him to bed, removed his things, and tucked him in.
As I turned to leave, he pulled my hand back and whispered.
"Stay here for tonight."