His last minute bride

55

“I would most certainly haven't approved of it if you'd accepted the offer.” The way Rose said it made me feel proud of myself for not taking the money from him.

“Neither would I.” Suzy added through the video call.

They both couldn't make it to the house so I had to call them both.

Rose had to go to work and Suzy wanted to go buy some stuff.

Hane was watching beside me. “I'm so sorry for leaving you alone this morning.”

I gave her a small smile. “It's okay. It's not like you could do much if you were around.”

“True but—”

“I've got to go.” She was interrupted by Rose. “I don't think Darien would be pleased to see me calling instead of working.”

“Darien? Not Mr Stan?” I rose a brow in askance.

“He prefers it that way.” She sounded like she didn't want the conversation to continue so I said no more.

“I've got to go too.” With a smile, Suzy left the call followed by Rose.

Dropping my phone in the pocket of my pants, I turned to Hane.

“Why don't we go have lunch.”

She smiled. “I'll just go make something.”

“There's no need, I'd do that.” But she was already headed for the kitchen.

She stopped, turning to me. “I will leave the house early tomorrow.”

That was strange. I creased my brows a little. “Are you headed somewhere?”

“Yes, I'm going to my sister's place. I have to check out on the wedding preparations.”

That turned my concerned expression to bliss. “Awwn, that's so sweet.”

“Are you still coming?” She asked like she didn't want me to back out, neither did I.

“Of course, when's the date?”

She shrugged a little. “Not sure yet, but it's certainly soon.”

“I'll be there for sure.”

***
The house was boring without Hane's presence. She'd gone really early in the morning like she'd said she would.

Hesitantly, I drew out of bed. I had had a dream about Don and that only made me miss him more than anything.

Could I really live the rest of my life this way? I doubted that fact.

I missed him a lot and although I wasn't happy that he didn't let me know this earlier, I think I might just let the past be the past.

But again could I really live the rest of my life knowing he caused mom's death.

Sheesh, this was hard.

I took off my robe, heading to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth with the brush and toothpaste Hane had bought for me when I came here.

Then I took a shower. Don never leaving my thoughts.

With a towel wrapped around my body, I ambled to the room, reaching for the bag of clothes Hane had also gotten for me.

I picked out a bra and underwear with a blue flare gown.

Throwing the towel over me, I put on the underwear, clipping the bra when I heard the parlor door open.

I realized I hadn't locked the door since Hane left.

Fear gripped me. Who could it be? Could it be one of Marc's men who had come to take me again?

Was it stupid of me to have told him I'd report to the media? I mean this man was a billionaire, he could just send some men to kill me or something.

I could hear steps headed to where I was. Worse of all was I was still naked. I hadn't worn the bra finish.

The fear in me overtook every other thing. My feet and hands were suddenly unmovable.

I knew I had to probably pick up the towel on the floor and wrap it around me, but I just couldn't. My body was vibrating in fear.

The steps became closer, really closer. Was this how I was going to die? I didn't even get to see Don one last time and tell him I love him and have forgiven him.

The door was pushed open and a figure walked in. A figure I knew too well.

“Don?” Gosh what happened to him? He looked lifeless, like a walking dead or something.

“Eri?” He sounded weak, very weak.

Suddenly, reality dawn on me that I was naked.

That was discomforting. Although he'd seen me naked before, still it didn't help to make me feel any better.

At least I was calmer. I was about to reach for my towel when Don staggered towards me pulling me in a deep embrace.

My breast hit his hard chest, causing a deep reaction from my nipple touching his shirt.

“Don.” I was about to push him but he tightened the grip.

Being in his hand, I'd missed the experience. It made me feel safe, made all what he'd done just wash away.

I missed him so much and I couldn't do it, I couldn't live any more day without him.

“I'm sorry.” He murmured into my hair. It was strange how just that simple action could coat my body with goosebumps.

I felt the tears in my eyes. What had I been doing all alone this times. I missed him so much too.

“How did you find me?” I asked into his shirt. “Did Suzy or Rose tell you? Or maybe was it your dad?”

“My dad?” Although that obviously surprised him, it was covered with his weak tone. “Did he know you were here?”

“Just how did you find out?” Strange how neither of us wanted to pull out of the embrace.

I was sure if I made eye contact with him, I'd probably burst into tears.

“One of Suzy's driver let me know that he'd dropped her here with Rose. I just knew it then that I'd find you here.” He sounded like talking was a struggle.

“Why didn't you tell me sooner?” My voice came out lower than intended.

“I just found out a week before you did.” That was surprising. June had said he knew from— June.

I furrowed my brows, anger streaming in me. How could I have believed her of all people? Was I that stupid?

“I'm very sorry. The night you left, I'd planned on letting you know.” No wonder the place was decorated nicely.

Suddenly, his embrace had become more like a pain than warming.

It felt like I was carrying him on my shoulder and like he weighed a billion pounds.

“Don.” The words barely came out as his presence on me was stealing the air from her lungs.

Alertness filled my blood when I got no reply from him.

“Don.” Again nothing. His weight seeming to pull me down.

“Don!” This time, with all my strength, I pushed him off me causing him to land on the floor. That was when I realized he was unconscious.

The scream left my throat without my realization.

He had turned pale. Completely pale. No what had I done?

“Don! Help!” The feeling when it feels like you're just talking to the walls because there was no one to help.

I quickly wore my bra and cloth thinking of what to do.

I couldn't lose Don. I'd lost my mom but not Don. No, please.