Our Lovely Nights (Original, English Version)

Chapter 16 - Cara Taylor

I didn't know how to react. I thought it was just some sort of sick joke. When he pulled me back into his arms, I realized he's shaking.

"I'm sorry." He said as he rubbed my back. I had my arms around him and I gingerly patted him on the back. He hid his face on my neck and I could feel his hot breath on my skin. I continued to pat him.

"What's your plan?" I asked as I bit my lip.

"Call Oliver. I know he's looking for Lee. He can take you. If he moves around a lot, it would be harder to pinpoint your location. I haven't known where he is since he went."

"Okay." I answered and he let me go. I went to my room to get the phone he gave me. I've used it to message Oliver and he knows it's my latest number.

"Should I call him now?" I gave him the phone. He took it and directly dialed Oliver's number. I watched him as he waited for the call to get connected.

"Oliver?" He asked.

"It's Mike." He sighed as he listened.

"We got involved. I need your help."

"Can you take Cara with you? She'll need to hide."

I'm not sure what my brother is saying, but I could tell he's loud.

"Come to the office. I'll take Cara there. I'll make the preparations."

He ended the call and returned the phone to me.

"Lose your other phone. Use only this one from now on. Just keep my number and those of your family members. If you need a laptop, I'll provide you with one, too."

"This is why I have to leave my work? I need to hide? I should give notice." I asked.

"Send them an email. We can't wait. As soon as Oliver gets here, you will both have to go."

I grimaced. I'll be leaving and they'll have to find an immediate replacement.

"What do I have to prepare?" I asked and he started telling me what to pack. I got my suitcase out and piled only the essentials on it. I got my personal documents and packed them, too.

He helped me with the suitcase and my personal bag.

"What else?" I stood in front of him and we simply stared at each other. When he reached out to touch my face, I didn't budge. When he leaned down for a kiss, I welcomed him. I missed him. He pulled back not a while later.

"I'll call someone to pick you up."

I frowned at his statement. "Just me? How about you?"

"We'll go separately." He explained.

"I see."

He prepared the rest of what I'll need in travelling. I stayed at his office while waiting for Oliver. He wouldn't let me out and walk around. It was a bit awkward when people come and go. I like it when he pulls me in for a hug and when he kisses me. I know it sounds ironic, but I do feel safe with him. If only that was the truth. I can't bring myself to ask about his real feelings, though. This time, I would delude myself in thinking he does care about me. Even if it was only borne out of guilt.

The less I know, the safer I'll be. That's what he said.

When Oliver came, he confronted Mike. There was some yelling. I don't think they physically fought, though. Mike did apologize to him. They talked but they didn't let me know what they talked about. In a couple of days, I was on the road with Oliver.

I decided to shift my focus to him. He seemed different. He looked burdened but not like before. It was still a little awkward between us.

"How was your search?" I asked when the silence became deafening.

"How did you meet Mike?" He deflected the question with his own. I bit my lip. He's still my oldest brother. He sounded upset.

"We met at a bar. I took a fancy on him." I explained. His expression didn't change.

"Didn't he know who you were?" He's still pissed.

"We only gave each other our first names. He probably found out after I told him I was pregnant." He hadn't asked me anything while we're at Mike's office. I thought he would've asked Mike already. I wasn't expecting an interview from him.

"How serious did it get? How did you end up pregnant?" He's really mad.

I exhaled, trying to contain my own annoyance.

"We only met three times. He was honest about what he wants. No strings. It was me who developed useless feelings. We're not supposed to meet anymore, then I learned I was pregnant. I told him and here we are."

He started to calm after that. I guess he only needed the information.

I was able to get answers to the rest of my questions from Mike. He was sensitive about the details. He won't give out specific details, just general statements.

"How about you? Have you found Lee?" I was hesitant to bring it up, but Oliver only ignored me.

"Sleep. You need to rest." He only ordered as he focused on driving.

We made a few stops. We rested at motels. It took a couple of days before he finally pulled into an apartment. When I stepped out, I was greeted by the sight of Lee. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. I squealed and immediately run to her. I was so happy to see her again; I wrapped my arms around her.

"You found her! Why didn't you tell us?" I asked my brother as I turned to him. Then, I noticed a kid by his side and he picked him up.

"Wait, is that Dylan?" I ran to see the kid. He grew up well. He'll be what? Five years old now?

My brother introduced me to his son and to their neighbors who have been watching us for who knew how long. Maybe from the moment we arrived.

I asked questions and they answered. I talked to Lee for a few moments. When I carried Dylan, Oliver had to take him away. He told me and Lee not to carry him as he's heavy. I was surprised to learn that Lee is also pregnant. They've been doing well than I expected.

I was even more shocked when I learned Lee hasn't recovered her memories yet. She doesn't remember me. Or anyone else for that matter. Not even Oliver, her husband.

Oliver did explain that he already told her a few things. It wasn't long after that Lee eventually recovered her memories.

When she did, she was curious about Mike and me as well. She asked me how that happened. She did tell me that she'll be in touch with Mike to help him. She hoped that Mike will be at liberty to live the rest of his life peacefully. She told me how she and my brother nearly divorced because she's adamant to help Mike and my brother was worried she'll get hurt if she insisted on it. I didn't know they had that story.

This time, she convinced my brother to let her help Mike. More like he offered to be more supportive, actually. For my benefit, too, and my unborn child.

"What are the chances that you'll be successful?"

"Pretty slim. And that would already require a lot of planning." She was honest about it. She didn't want to give me false hopes.

I've watched as she worked almost every day. She's not sharing any details, though. Oliver kept her on a schedule. He would tell her to stop and rest after three to four hours of working.

I stared at mybrother. Never would I have imagined him as domesticated. He does most of thework around the house. But I can tell he's happy and content. He's much morecare free than when he was managing his company. Seeing him with Dylan and Lee,I felt that he deserved it after everything he went through. Looking back onit, I think I'm proud of how brave he'd been.