Fifty Two

I chose to ignore him. I simply continued to drink.

Your problem will not be solved even if you commit suicide there. Stop doing it. Gianna, too, will not return. " Lance said to me.

"Allow me to go first, Lance. I'd like to get drunk until I'm able to sleep."

I'm currently at Lance's house, and whatever Natasha calls me on the phone, I don't pay attention to because she's the reason I'm in trouble right now. I wanted to find Gianna, but I didn't know where, so the thought of her made my head hurt.

"If you want to find Gianna, you shouldn't sulk here and drink yourself to death."


"It's just a problem, and you'll get through it," he explained.

I went straight to Darius' mansion after leaving Lance's house. He looked surprised when he saw me.

"Are you okay, Marcus? Your kids told me you're not in the right mood anymore, and I can still smell the stench of alcohol up here," Darius said to me as I sat on the couch.

"You lose confidence in yourself as you get older," he said again as I sat in front of him.

"It hasn't been easy for me this month, with a slew of problems, and doesn't Bianca know where Gianna is?"

"I'll let you know as soon as I find out," Darius promised.
In response, I nodded.

I'm at a loss for what to do. I haven't returned home in a few days. I'm on my way to Thompson's house right now. I need him to locate Gianna.

I was about to walk through his front door when I ran into him.

"What can I do for you? You look insane now. When was the last time you took a bath?" he inquired solemnly.

"You're a jerk!" I snarl at him.

"Does it take just one woman to make you like that?"

"Let me in before you hack me with a question," I told him. We went inside together after he laughed.

"Why is your house so quiet? Did your family abandon you?" 
"They're at my father-in-house law's in the city," Thompson replied.
"Since how long?"

"It was the other day."

"So, what exactly do you want?"

"I'd like you to find Gianna for me; I'll pay whatever it takes as long as you find her."

"All right, just wait for my response," I said, nodding.

Because my mother is at home, I'm now inside my boutique, where I've built a small office that can seat four people. Sheena, on the other hand, is entertaining customers outside. So far, our business has been successful, and we have been able to save money, and I have also built a coffee shop.

Then there's the fact that my stomach is eight months old, which makes it difficult to carry. And those who were with me in the house were extra cautious and concerned about me. I'll only have to wait a month before giving birth. I'm slowly acclimating to Winter, especially Pia. They want to find me because Winter and Dion are getting married, but I won't be able to visit them until after I give birth.
And I missed Marcus terribly, and my aunt told me that he's been constantly drunk since I vanished without a trace, and he's still looking for me.
Even if his situation was pitiful, I would not be able to show up to him due to my cowardice.
Sheena's head went inside.

"Are you hungry, Sister? Daddy called, and he says I'm going to feed you; you're Daddy's girl," she said to me. She noticed that my father loved me more than she did, but I didn't realize she was envious of me.
"How many years have you been gone, so they really are like that, and then you'll give birth in a few months, how do you feel?"

"Of course I was scared, but my excitement won out." was my response.

"When you're a mother, it's exactly like that."

I gave a nod.

"Thank you for looking after me, Sheena; we're really like siblings," I said, smiling.

"Silly, we're siblings, of course."


"Because there are customers, I'll go out first."
"Please, Sheena, buy me ice cream and cake."
"Sure."

My life has returned to normal. Leaving the office and returning home. I don't think Gianna and I will ever meet again, and Natasha's pregnancy is due in seven months, so I'm just going to let her stay at home, even if it's against my will.

"I've got your office clothes ready, Marcus," he said to me. It was as if we went back to the beginning, like a newlywed couple.

"You don't have to do this, Natasha; I let you live here at home, but that doesn't mean you have to look after me," I explained.

"Did Winter say she wanted to talk to you?" 

"She just called earlier," I replied. Winter and Natasha's relationship is so casual. They're talking a little bit here and there, but not a lot.
I left the house to go to work. When I walked into the office, I noticed Dion sitting on the couch, from you, sir."

What exactly is it?"

"I'd like to marry your daughter; I hope you agree," he told me.

Dion was alarmed when I grinned.

"Take a deep breath first, Dion, Even if you're not scared or anything, I'll let you marry Winter."  6t


His eyes glowed.
"Thank you, sir; I assure you..."
"Stop. I'm aware, so you don't have to tell me," I said.

After Dion left, I leaned back in my swivel chair. I'm pleased because my children have gradually married, settled down, and begun to raise their own families. And there will be a new member of my family. But why am I unhappy? Something is missing in my life that I have not been able to fill up to this point. I admit that Gianna would have completed my life, but she is no longer with us. She left without informing me. It merely meant that I was unimportant to her.

"Mother! Sheena!" my voice boomed out at six o'clock in the morning. Because Francis and Dad were already in the market, there were only three of us left. So I screamed because my stomach started hurting. It was as if water was leaking from my pores. So I was so scared that I yelled that I thought I was going to give birth.
Mom and Sheena rushed into the room.
"Why, Gianna?" my mother asked.

"My stomach hurts, mommy, I think I'm going to give birth," I replied, my face wrinkled with pain and I was sweating profusely.

I stood up, holding Sheena's hand, and walked out of the house. Even though I did not walk or exercise, I was still able to eat. I knew giving birth would be difficult for me. There was already a motorcycle outside when we walked out of the house. Fortunately, Sheena and I had purchased baby clothes.
My mother immediately sat me on the motorcycle.
"You go to the hospital first, and I'll just fix your baby's things," my mother instructed. The motorcycle was loaded for the trip to town.

We immediately went to the hospital. And the nurses looked after me, putting me in the labor room and putting me to bed.


"How are you feeling, ma'am?" inquired the male nurse. I winced because it appeared that this man was the one assisting me. Is there no other female nurse in the building?

"I'm in charge of giving birth to a pregnant woman, ma'am," the man said as if he could read my mind.

"It appears that the child is about to be born. Nurse," I said.

"All right, did you get prenatal care and everything?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. All you have to do is gather enough air to get the baby out. Remember, your child's life is in your hands."

I nodded, but my sweat was already dripping down my brow.

"Push!" The nurse gave me the order.

But, even though my strength was depleted, the child did not emerge. And I'm getting the impression that I'm running out of breath.

"Please, ma'am, fix it because the baby has been out for a while and we're running out of time."

"All right, hold your breath and push!"

"Ahhhhh!" I feel like I'm out of breath and need to drink some water.

"Go ahead, ma'am, your baby's head is already close; just push to get the baby out first."

"I can't because I'm thirsty."

"You can't drink water and eat because the baby can't breath inside your womb." the nurse explained.
I gathered some strength, but not much. My neck aches. My predicament's difficulty. If only Marcus was still here, I'd be able to handle it, no matter how difficult it is.
My mother entered the room and looked at me.
"Fight back, Gianna; you can do it; aren't you looking forward to seeing your child?"

"I'll help you, let me hold you, and push!" said my mother.

Then I felt like my baby was jumping out, and I heard a baby's voice crying as I passed out.

I've been out of the hospital for a month. But I'll never forget that life-changing blow. I was having trouble getting my baby out, but in the end, my pain was worthwhile. Marky is the name I gave to my baby boy. The adorable baby who changed my life. My figure has returned to normal, so if no one knows I have a child, they will not notice due to the small size of my body. I'm here now, watching him sleep in his crib. My phone abruptly rang, making me nervous.

Winter's name appeared on the screen when I looked at it. I responded.

"Gianna! I miss you!" she yelled over the phone.
"I miss you too, lower your voice, I've gone deaf," I said, looking at Marky in the crib at the same time. I won't be able to keep the child hidden from them forever. I'm still not sure what Marky inherited, but as it grows, it looks like Marcus.
"When are you going to show us? You have a lot of sins, don't you?" she asked.

I'm cracking up.

"Soon," I said.

"Really? When will that be?"

"Just, I won't say surprise," I explained.

Then Marky sobbed.
"How come there's a child there?" she inquired.
"What prompted you to call?"

I changed the subject and instructed Sheena to go get Baby Marky first.

"Thank God, I'm getting married; Dion has finally proposed," Harley said cheerfully.

Congratulations!

" I explained.

"Thank you, and you should leave," she said.

"Of course not. When? "

"Today is the last day of the month."

"OK, fine. See you later." Winter said.


And I wondered why she never mentioned her daddy. I'm going to Winter's house now. I couldn't do anything at home and Natasha had a maid with her at home. I went inside and found Harley in her garden.
"Daddy, you're here," said Winter.
"I visited you. I'm happy for you because you're getting married." I told her.
"Really? Why do I see sadness? I'm sorry, daddy, I didn't do anything for you to be happy." She said to me.
"When everything would have been okay then the problem came. I didn't say I didn't want to have a brother because that's already there but your sadness made me lonely," she said to me once hugging me tightly.
"Don't think of me, you should rest for your upcoming wedding," I told her.

"Don't think of me, you should rest for your upcoming wedding," I told her.
I woke up to Baby Marky crying. And I saw my daddy load him.
"I guess your son doesn't like me, Gianna, I cried when I carried him."
"Maybe you didn't take a bath, daddy," said Shaira.
"Shut up, Shaira, I'm taking a bath with perfume because as time goes on I've noticed that your mom's beauty is coming back." Share and I both laughed.
My mommy entered the room frowning.
"Was your Natasha better then?"
My daddy was silent.
"What are you, Magdalene, you're always bringing back things that have happened a long time ago." said father.
Isn't it enough for you that I love you?"
It's like they're arguing in front of their grandson.
I covered my mouth as Shaira rolled her eyes.
My mommy entered the room frowning.
"Was your Natasha better then?"
My daddy was silent.
"What are you, Magdalene, you're always bringing back things that have happened a long time ago." said the father.
"Isn't it enough for you that I love you?"
It's like they're arguing in front of their grandson.
I covered my mouth as Shaira rolled her eyes.
"Whatever, Carlo." my mother said then left the room.
"What happened to your mother?"
"Because, Daddy, when we went to the city, they were facing each other when Natasha and they answered each other. She told the mother that she was a stealer, so maybe that's why."
My daddy sighed and handed me baby Cleon.
"I didn't know that jealousy was still fashionable at that age?" Shaira asked me.
I laughed.
"That's not missing, Shaira, they're the only ones getting older," I said.
"Shaira, tomorrow I'm going to the city, please take care of the baby and clean for me. My friend's wedding I have to go to." I told him.
"Yes, no problem."
The next day was Harley's wedding day. I was also able to say goodbye to them to go to the city. I was already riding in a passenger Jeep. I have never thought of buying a car. I'm still saving. And then my Aunt Bettina also didn't know that I gave birth so I can't take Cleon. Harley had already called where the wedding and the reception would be held.
We are in church now because today is Harley’s wedding day everyone our family knows is invited but there is only one person I want to see. Luca and Timothy were with Natasha while Lance was next to me.
"Marcus, your son is married now but why do you seem to have died? Can't you see that they are all happy?" said Lance.
"You know the wedding you came here for is not watching my reaction." my answer.
Leon was silent but I was suddenly nervous and the surroundings lit up when I looked at the entrance of the church and saw Gianna walking inside.
"Marcus, Gianna is here," said Lance.
It's been a year but still, nothing has changed in how I feel about him. She looks even more beautiful now and I saw her slowly sit in the back.
I am now sitting in the back of the seat. It started earlier. But I couldn't avoid Marcus accusing stares at me even though I was hiding in the back he was still looking at me. It seems like he just noticed me. And when I turned around my taste was sour I saw Natasha with a big belly with Luca. I thought I wanted to run away from the church, but it was painful to see in person the evidence that the two of them got back together.
The wedding is over and we're on our way to the reception. I was looking for time to talk to Gianna but Natasha held my arm. Maybe this woman felt that she had arrived and talked to Pia, Winter, and Luca. Natasha approached them as I led her. What does this woman want to release?
"Gianna, long time no see?" Natasha asked.
"Mommy, Natasha. Hello." Gianna replied that the reason why Natasha backed away was that maybe she wasn't prepared for me to call her mommy.
"When are you going to give birth?" Gianna asked casually.
"This month," Natasha replied with a sweet smile. Gianna turned to look at me with no other emotion but that she only knew me as her friend's father.
"Congratulations, sir. You'll be a daddy again," said Gianna. That stopped the laughter of people close to us. I didn't comment but I smiled hard. Then came Darius and Bettina.
"Aurora, sweetheart. Is that you?" Bettina asked.
"Yes, Aunt. I miss you," said Gianna.
"Where are you hiding, Gianna?" Darius asked and looked at me. Aurora just laughed but didn't answer.
Harley and I are now at home for the reception. I know his question will make me laugh based on what they think of me.
"Where have you been?" Winter asked.
"Why didn't you let us know where you went?" Pia asked.
Dianna was about to speak but I stopped her.
"That's enough, just ask slowly. I'll answer everything you ask." I said.
"Do you remember when I borrowed money from you? I haven't even paid you that yet." I said.
Winter nodded.
"I used that to build a house up there on the mountain," I said.
Dianna frowned.
"What are you doing on the mountain? Hiding? Who are you hiding?"
I'm laughing.
"I'm not hiding. I found out and found my real family so that's where I live with them now."
"Really? We're happy for you."
"Thank you, They are healthy and alive. My mommy, daddy, and only sister. One of these days I will come back here to introduce all of you to them." I said.
"We're just going there," said Pia.
"Wait!" I stopped.
"Why?" Pia asked.
"Far from there."
They nodded.
Did you know that when you left someone suffered?"
I was puzzled by Draco's question when he got close to us and leaned over next to me.
I was confused by what he said.
"You are too selfish, you know. But I understand you. Who else will let that person know, if we know there is no hope to be with him?"
"Draco!" Dianna's rebuke.
"Do I still have to say goodbye, Draco?"
"Of course, we're your friends."
"I didn't say goodbye because I'll be back. It's different when you say goodbye because you can't come back then." I said.
We all laughed.
"You're right."
"But you missed someone," said Draco.
Then something cold landed on my cheek.
"Hi, Miss Beautiful. I'm among those you left."
"Harry!" I shout. I was happy to see him again.
"Lower your voice, your noisy attitude is still the same."
We all laughed.
"When else will you meet Draco?"
"You're not friends yet, we're friends he just didn't mention," Draco replied.
I was irritated by the annoyance in my seat because Harry was here at Harley's wedding. And still Draco's friend. I heard everything they talked about because our table was just nearby.
I was happy because he had found his real parents but also sad because he would no longer be mine.
"You're too obvious, Leon. Don't try to come close first because a tiger is waiting to devour you," said Thompson.
"Natasha doesn't seem to let you get close to Gianna," Lance whispered to me.
"We understand you but even Gianna doesn't want to talk to you. She has already avoided you so don't bother. What feelings you have for her that hasn't disappeared in the past, forget that." said Lance.
I wanted to get lost because they added to the weight of what I felt.
You just said that, because you're not in my situation. But for me, it's very hard to let go of something you don't want to lose." I sighed.
Thompson taps my shoulder.
"Everything will is alright."
I shook my head, as long as Natasha was nearby everything would not be okay.
I went with Harry when he came home to his house. Because my aunt came home earlier because of their baby.
"He has the right to know that you two have a child, you can't hide that for the rest of your life. I hope you think about your son's situation when he grows up. If his dad can't have you. Your son isn't involved in the problem." Geoff advised me when I told him everything.
"That's not going to ask now because he's still young, how did he grow up?" Geoff asked. I was speechless.
"How do you explain your side to your son? Gianna, just this once don't be selfish." Geoff said in a serious tone.