I stepped out of the shower and let the warm air heat my skin. My body felt light and calm like every bit of tension I just washed away from the shower I took. I wrapped myself in a soft towel and wandered into my room, letting the quiet settle around me. No rush, no noise, just me and the stillness. I sank into my chair in front of my dressing mirror, running my fingers through my wet hair.
I began rubbing the towel through my damp hair, enjoying the simple comfort of it. The scent of shampoo still lingered, fresh and clean, and the air brushing against my damp skin made me shiver a little, in the best way. My phone kept buzzing with notifications, little beeps and lights trying to pull me away, but I ignored it.
Today was mine alone. My child was at school, and I could just sit here, do nothing, breathe, and let everything else wait. I slowly began drying my hair, fingers brushing through my strands, feeling the warmth of the towel and quiet of the room. Then my phone buzzed again, shrill and impossible to ignore.
I frowned, then hurriedly grabbed my phone before it could keep yelling at me. My heart was already doing its own crazy dance, and then the words hit me.
Breaking News Blackwood Group Founder Cole Williams Involved in Fatah Car Accident, Critical Condition.
My throat felt raw, tight, as if I couldn't breathe properly. My hands trembled, and I swallowed hard, trying to push back the panic that was clawing up my chest. I had to move.
I ran to my closet and quickly pulled out something casual, something I could move in. I settled on a soft, cream blouse that fell loosely over my shoulders, paired with fitted dark jeans that hugged me just right. My flats were simple, nothing flashy, but comfortable enough to get me where I needed to go fast.
I opened the front door, and the cool morning air hit me. I stepped out and froze for a second, just looking at the villa. White columns, polished floors, the gardens stretching out like they always did.
I crossed the stone path and entered the garden. Flowers bloomed, dew still clinging to petals, the fountain gurgling lazily in the corner.I walked straight to one of the luxurious cars waiting at the edge, its black paint gleaming in the sun. The leather seats swallowed me as I slid inside, and I barely had time to buckle my seatbelt before my foot pressed down on the accelerator.
The city blurred past as I drove, tires humming against the road. My hands were tight on the wheel, and my mind raced as fast as my car. I quickly pulled out my phone, my fingers shaking as I scrolled through the notifications. That's when I saw what I was looking for to know the location of the hospital.
"Axel's William grandfather has been rushed to St. Victoria's Hospital after a severe car accident."
My stomach dropped again, and I pressed the accelerator harder, weaving past cars, ignoring honking horns, "just hope that I don't get a ticket for driving this fast" I thought.
The hospital loomed into view, white and sterile, the parking lot already dotted with black cars. I found somewhere to pack my car and then I ran inside, past sliding doors, my heart hammering.
"Excuse me!" I shouted to the nurse at the reception my voice breaking. "I—I'm here for… Cole William.
The receptionist looked up, startled, and typed quickly into the computer. "He's… currently in surgery," she said gently. "But people are waiting for him in the lounge area. You can go there if you like."
I nodded, barely hearing her, and bolted down the hall. Tiles gleamed under the fluorescent lights, echoing with every hurried step I took. My pulse thundered in my ears.
Then I saw them. Selene, my mother-in-law, standing stiff as ever, perfectly poised. And beside her, mira, Axel's younger sister. Both looked at me.
I froze for a split second. The waiting room around them seemed to fade away. And for a moment, all I could feel was the weight of everything pressing down on me.
I swallowed again and took a deep breath then approached them.