Chapter 2 INDOOR NURSE

"And you are?" he asked, his tone curious. "I'm Mirabel Brown, the nurse covering for Kate." He scrutinized me for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment. "Alright."

"How is my wife doing? Is she in any pain? And the baby... how is the baby?" he inquired anxiously. I assured him that everything was currently fine, though the baby's head wasn't positioned quite right. I added that she was otherwise stable, but if he noticed any discomfort in his wife, he should let me know. He listened intently, his gaze never leaving his wife, a look of deep concern and love in his eyes.

"Mrs. Helen," he called out to the maid, "Please assist the driver outside in bringing in the chair and foot massage machine I purchased. They'll be handy for days when the nurses aren't available. This way, she can still enjoy some relaxation." He continued, "And in the back seat of my car, you'll find a bag. Kindly place the ice cream into the fridge and the suya meat on the table; my wife was craving for it this morning. There are various flavors of the ice cream, as I wasn't sure which ones to get with two babies now - he was talking about his pregnant wife and his son. Also, could you please help adjust my wife to a more comfortable position? Her neck seems stiff."

As he tenderly tried to shift his wife into a more comfortable sleeping position, his son came bounding down the stairs, calling for his mummy's help with his school assignment.

"No, no, no, Jaden. Today, I'm going to help you with your assignment. Mummy needs to rest, okay? Go grab a snack from the kitchen, and when I'm finished putting my things away, I'll help you, alright?"

"Yes, daddy," the little boy replied in an endearing manner. He planted a kiss on his son's cheek. "Alright, my sweet boy, let's be very quiet so we don't wake mummy up." It was the way he spoke to his son, with such tenderness and a touch of playfulness.

Just listening to him speak drew my attention, not out of any intention to covet another woman's husband, but purely out of curiosity. His commanding and captivating presence left an indelible impression. It was impossible not to study him, for he held an aura that demanded attention and respect.

He possessed a commanding presence. His light brown skin exuded a healthy glow, complementing his striking hazel eyes. The fine strands of his rich, dark hair framed his face with effortless elegance.

His face, though often serious, softened only for his wife, revealing a depth of tenderness. Filthy rich, his aura exuded a quiet confidence, a man who knew the world was at his fingertips. He was a rare blend of rugged allure and undeniable wealth, a presence that left an indelible mark on all who encountered him.

I was truly amazed by the depth of this man's love for his wife and son. It was evident in every gesture and word. It made me think of Mason, and I reminded myself to call him. If he didn't answer, I'd have to pay him a visit.

"Alright, sir," I assured him. "I'll be on my way now."

"Thank you so much. When can we expect to see you again?"

"I'll be coming by tomorrow, sir. See you then."

As I exited the Smith mansion, I made repeated attempts to reach Mason on the phone, but he kept brushing off my calls. Frustrated, I decided to go to his house, fully unaware of what awaited me.

As I approached the lift to his floor, my heart sank. There, outside his car, I witnessed Mason locked in an intimate embrace with a girl. Shock coursed through me, but what truly rattled me was that, as I strained to get a better look, I realized it was my roommate and close friend, Laura.

In our tight-knit group of friends - Kate, Jackson, Laura, and myself - each bond held its own unique depth. While Kate was my confidante, Laura was my soul sister. We'd vowed to always have each other's backs, and now I grappled with the betrayal unfolding before me. Was this what she meant by having each other's backs - by carrying on a secret relationship with my boyfriend?

I felt a surge of self-doubt about my choice in a partner. Disappointment washed over me, but I resolved not to confront them. Our friendship of 15 years was too valuable to shatter over a two-year relationship. However, things would never be the same with Laura. As for rent, I knew I couldn't shoulder it alone, so I decided to endure until I had the means to move out.

I wouldn't be the one to break our circle of four friends over a guy. With a heavy heart, I turned away and left, tears streaming down my face, my mind racing and heartache echoing in every step. How I got home, I couldn't say - lost in my thoughts and emotions, it felt like a blur.

I awoke from my restless slumber, my stomach growling in protest. It was the middle of the night, and hunger gnawed at me. Rummaging through my bag, I found a forgotten sausage I had randomly picked up earlier. It was a stark reminder that I needed to go grocery shopping soon.

As I sat there, munching on the sausage, my thoughts turned to the life growing inside me. I couldn't label this precious existence a mistake. I loved Mason, and I had made a promise to do everything in my power to care for our child.

Yet, a tidal wave of concern washed over me. I was a medical student, and pregnancy wasn't part of my immediate plans. Ideally, this would have come after I completed my studies. I couldn't help but chastise myself for being careless about my contraception. The torn condom during our intimate moment was a harsh reminder of my oversight, even though he hadn't fully released inside me.

I relied on a scholarship that supported me in every way, except for my basic needs like food, housing, and textbooks. It was a lifeline that came from a charity for the less privileged and special needs category. Now, with the unexpected turn of events, I faced uncertainty about how my support system would react.

Tears welled up again as I considered the myriad of possibilities and the weight of my responsibilities. I needed Mason's support more than ever, but instead, I felt betrayed and alone.

It had been two weeks since the betrayal, and I still saw Laura around the house, though she rarely stayed in anymore. Today, I left her to her own devices, not bothering to contact Mason. I refused to stoop to the level of begging him or appearing pathetic in his eyes. I wouldn't let him think I was incapable of handling things on my own. No, I was determined to fight for my own happiness.

In light of this, I decided to adopt a new fashion thread, opting for bigger clothes to conceal the early signs of pregnancy. It wasn't a drastic departure from my usual style, and thankfully, my petite frame allowed for the adjustment. This way, people wouldn't question my sudden change in attire.

Considering the circumstances, I calculated that a break from work would be necessary months to my due date. If not granted, I'd have to take a sick leave. Every job opportunity was crucial now, and every penny saved counted. That's why moving out of the shared house with Laura wasn't an option.

Kate called me yesterday, her voice filled with tears. She explained that her mother's health was deteriorating, and as an only child, she felt the weight of responsibility. I assured her I would continue working as the nurse for the Smiths, and I promised to visit her this weekend.

As for my education, quitting was out of the question. The MBBS half-year exam was crucial, especially in the third year. Missing it was not an option. So, with determination, I prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

Now, I needed to make a quick trip for groceries and head to the hospital. The days were demanding, but my resolve remained unwavering.