Put me down! Help
She needed time, more time to heal, both physically and mentally. But with Austin constantly around, she felt like she was living on the edge, always tense and on guard. His presence was overwhelming, and she couldn’t think clearly.
Once Austin left to pay the hospital bills, Dora saw her chance. Now that her pregnancy was no longer a secret, she knew he wouldn’t leave her alone for even a second. She needed space, time to breathe, and figure things out. Quickly, she made her move. With Sienna’s help, she planned to stay with her friend until her mind was clearer.
“Oh shoot, I forgot my phone in the ward. Stay here, I’ll be back in a blink,” Sienna said, rushing off.
“Okay, be quick,” Dora replied, leaning against the window and closing her eyes. She was exhausted, her thoughts a chaotic mess.
True to her word, Sienna returned within minutes and started driving. For once, she stayed silent, and Dora was grateful for the quiet. The cool breeze from the window helped calm her racing mind. But when the car stopped, Dora’s eyes snapped open, and her heart sank.
“We’re here,” Austin’s voice came from the driver’s seat.
Dora’s head whipped around, and she stared at him in shock. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Missed me, baby?” he smirked, his tone teasing.
“Wait, where’s Sienna?” Dora asked, noticing the dangerous glint in his eyes.
“I don’t know. Maybe lying on a hospital bed,” he chuckled, clearly amused by his own joke.
“How could you do that to her? She might be hurt!” Dora was furious. Sienna had only been trying to help her, and now Austin had manhandled her again. Dora reached for the door handle, ready to storm out, but Austin grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.
“Away from you,” Dora shot back, but her breath hitched as she realized where they were. They weren’t at Sienna’s place. Austin had brought her back to his apartment—the very place where everything had started.
Before she could protest further, Austin opened her door and pulled her out of the car. “Why did you bring me here?” she demanded, trying to free her wrist from his grip.
“We’re staying here from now on,” Austin said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “It’s closer to the office and the hospital. Plus, my apartment is better suited for your pregnancy.”
“I’m not staying with you. Let me go!” Dora struggled, but Austin’s grip was unyielding. When her efforts to break free failed, he suddenly scooped her up into his arms.
“Put me down! Help!” Dora screamed, drawing the attention of a few passersby. Not wanting a scene, Austin silenced her the only way he could—by kissing her.
The kiss was brief but effective. By the time they were inside the deserted elevator, Dora was too stunned to fight back. Austin set her down gently but kept a firm hold on her.
“Now, if you don’t want me to kiss you again, keep your pretty mouth closed,” he said, his tone light but with an edge of warning.
Dora backed into the corner of the elevator, her eyes wide with fear. “You can’t force me,” she said, her voice shaky but defiant.
Austin stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. Dora shuddered as he leaned in, one hand resting near her waist, the other gently caressing her face. “I can do much more than you can imagine,” he said, his voice calm but laced with intensity.
Dora’s chin trembled, and she blinked rapidly to keep her tears at bay. Austin wished he could pull her into his arms and reassure her that this was all just an act to keep her close. He wanted to promise her that he would protect her and their child, no matter what. But he couldn’t afford to show weakness. Not now.
The memory of the other day was still fresh in his mind. If he hadn’t acted quickly, Dora would have slipped away, and he might have lost her and their child forever. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
“Why are you doing this to me?” Dora cried, her voice breaking.
Austin ignored her question, his gaze softening as he looked at her frightened form. “What if I told you I regret leaving you?” he asked suddenly, his voice quieter now.
He wanted to know if she would stay with him if he opened up and told her the truth. But Dora’s response shattered that hope.
“I know you’re doing this to hurt me. I know you’re not staying with me out of love,” she said, her voice filled with bitterness.
Austin was speechless. When he didn’t respond, she continued, “Now that the only happiness left in my life is my baby, you want to take that away too.”
Her voice shook, but her eyes burned with determination. As a woman, she might feel weak, but as a mother, she would fight to protect her child.
Austin stared into her eyes, his heart aching. For a moment, his gaze dropped to her quivering lips, and Dora took the opportunity to push him away with all her strength.
At that exact moment, the elevator doors opened. Austin grabbed her hand and led her reluctantly to his apartment.
Once inside, Dora stood frozen in the doorway, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Austin closed the door behind them and turned to face her.
“I’m not here to hurt you,” he said, his voice softer now. “I just want to make sure you and the baby are safe.”
Dora didn’t respond. She couldn’t trust him, not after everything that had happened. But deep down, a small part of her wondered if he was telling the truth.
Austin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know I’ve made mistakes, Dora. But I’m trying to fix them. Please, just give me a chance.”
Dora looked at him, her eyes filled with doubt and fear. She didn’t know what to believe anymore. All she knew was that she had to protect her child, no matter what.
As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Both of them knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but neither was willing to back down.
For Dora, it was about survival. For Austin, it was about redemption. And somewhere in the middle, their unborn child was caught in the crossfire.
The question was, could they find a way to move forward together, or would their past mistakes tear them apart for good?