Chapter 297 A Single Mother and Businesswoman
As Edward slipped out the door, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Alaric handed me a glass of water and said softly, "Diana, don't stress. Everything's gonna be alright."
I glanced at Joshua and Alaric. Joshua, the cop who'd been my silent guardian for years, and Alaric, a friend who'd stepped up in my time of need despite barely knowing me. My heart swelled with gratitude.
"Thanks a ton for today," I murmured, a tired smile on my face. "But I'm really beat and need some alone time. You guys have had a long day too. Please, go home and rest. Thanks again."
Joshua stepped forward, looking like he wanted to say more, but settled with, "Alright, Diana. I'll have two officers posted outside your room. Just call if you need anything."
His voice was low and gentle, full of his usual concern. With that, Joshua turned and left.
Now it was just Alaric and me. I sat cross-legged on the bed and looked at him. "You see, my life is full of danger. Even so, are you still willing to stick around?"
Alaric's eyes were full of concern. "Diana, don't overthink it. As long as I'm here, I won't let those dangers get near you again."
His tone had a hint of reluctance. "Get some rest. If you need anything, just text me. I'll be here first thing in the morning."
With that, Alaric also left the room.
Watching them leave, I leaned back against the headboard and finally closed my eyes. So much had happened that day, and I was utterly exhausted. A tear slipped from the corner of my eye.
The next morning, sunlight gently filtered through the curtains into the room. I woke up feeling somewhat refreshed after a night's rest. But the memory of yesterday's peril still sent a shiver down my spine.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, and Alaric appeared again, carrying a food container and wearing a warm smile.
"Good morning, Diana. I brought you breakfast. Hope you like it," he said as he opened the container.
Seeing the steaming breakfast, I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. "Alaric, you got here so early and even brought breakfast. Thank you so much!"
Hearing this, Alaric scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "I figured you probably didn't eat much last night, so I thought you might be hungry. Since I wasn't sure what you liked, I made some simple breakfast at home."
I was surprised to see the beautifully prepared breakfast. "You made all this?" I asked.
Alaric nodded eagerly. "Yeah, give it a try and see how my cooking turned out!"
I never expected Alaric, a tech whiz, to be so good at making breakfast. His thoughtful care made me feel genuinely cherished.
"I am a bit hungry," I admitted, and without further ado, I started eating.
As I was enjoying breakfast, the doctor came in to check on me.
After a thorough examination, the doctor smiled reassuringly. "Fortunately, the gasoline didn't harm your body. All your vitals are normal. You can be discharged today."Hearing this, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
Alaric quickly said, "That's awesome, Diana. You keep eating, and I'll handle the discharge paperwork."
He seemed particularly happy, his tone much lighter.
Thanks to his efficiency, the discharge process was completed quickly.
Stepping out of the hospital, I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin.
"Diana, what are your plans now? If you don't mind, I can take you home to rest," Alaric offered.
I glanced at my watch and said, "I have a parent-child class scheduled with Skylar today. I need to pick her up and take her to class. I also have a meeting at the Cooper Group this afternoon."
Alaric's eyes showed a hint of concern. "Do you always keep your schedule this packed?"
I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, as a single mom and businesswoman, I have to work harder than most."
Alaric's voice was filled with sympathy. "Let me drive you and Skylar to the class."
I felt grateful and nodded. "Thank you. That would be great."
The car sped towards home, the scenery outside the window quickly passing by. Alaric focused on the road ahead and said, "Skylar will be so happy to see you."
I nodded gently, a soft smile on my face. "Yeah, she must have been worried since I didn't come home last night. Skylar is a very sensitive child."
Alaric glanced at me briefly and said, "It must be tough raising Skylar on your own."
I smiled and teased, "What mother would admit that raising her child is tough? Besides, I have Melissa and friends like you to support me."
We soon arrived at my place, where Melissa was waiting with Skylar.
As soon as Skylar got in the car, she threw herself into my arms, her voice tinged with a bit of sadness. "Mommy, why didn't you come home to tuck me in last night? I missed you so much."
Her little face pressed against mine, like a clingy kitten.
I hugged Skylar tightly, gently patting her back. "Sweetheart, something came up last night. I'm sorry I worried you. I missed you too."
Skylar looked up, her eyes red. "Mommy, promise you'll always come home to me, no matter what."
I nodded repeatedly, kissing her forehead. "I promise. I'll always come home as soon as I can."
When we arrived at the parent-child class, the teacher had already started singing with the kids. Skylar's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly joined in, pulling me along. Watching her sing and occasionally create her own cute dance moves was heartwarming. I felt deeply relaxed, temporarily forgetting my worries and enjoying this precious time with her.
Alaric, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, seemed to be drawn in by Skylar's enthusiasm. He greeted her warmly. At first, Skylar was shy, hiding behind me and peeking at Alaric curiously.
Alaric, full of smiles, started mimicking animals, making funny faces and sounds, which made Skylar giggle. Gradually, she warmed up to him, stepping out from behind me to join Alaric in singing and dancing like little animals. Their laughter and joy filled the entire classroom.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
