Chapter 1 001

Dalma's POV

I sat across him motionless,my future depended on whatever judgment he made. Some say it'll only be a few days. Others say this is the end.

Everything I had worked for, the struggle to get to this point, and it's all about to vanish.

"Dalma!" he called out, drawing me out from the ocean I call thoughts.

"Yes....yes Sir," I struggled to keep my cool.

"We don't tolerate any form of illegal activities here so...."

Just as I expected. Kudos to whoever did this, I'm leaving anyway. He could have it all to himself now.

He slid a sealed envelope towards me, and all I could do was stare at it. The decision had been made, and my hopes and dreams all put to an end in a single sentence.

I slowly opened the envelope, trying to scan through, and only one sentence caught my attention.

"Therefore, effective immediately, you are hereby expelled from the University of Oxford."

I couldn't understand how It got to this. A few days ago I was preparing for my finals and now this?

I stood up and left the office without saying a word. After all, I wasn't their student anymore, so to hell with respect.

At this point, a drink or two wouldn't hurt. It's not my typical kind of thing, but I need it.

I stood at the entrance of the crowded bar, dimed blue light, and the smell of sweat welcomed me.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Some men giggled at one corner, and some couples made out at another corner. I guess they were right when they said alcohol can make you forget your misery.

"2 shots of tequila, please," I requested as I took a stool at the counter.

I gulped it like it wasn't the first time. "One more," and just like that, I went on and on until everywhere got hazy.

"I.....have.....to get out.... of here," I said in-between burps as I rubbed my temple.

At the far end of the table, a man gestured for me to come closer.

Did he seriously think I was that kind of girl? I shot him the middle finger and chuckled, then let my head drop onto the table.

My serotonin levels must have been sky-high because I felt an odd kind of thrill coursing through me.

"Hey! You seem to be in a good mood," a deep voice said as he slid onto the stool beside me.

Drowsiness crept over me, and I nearly slipped off my stool, but like a prince catching his princess in a fairy tale, he caught me just in time.

We laughed over a few more drinks, not bothering to get to know each other. It didn't matter-we were just having fun.

I found myself staring at him, drawn in by the way he smelled, a mix of heaven and vanilla ice cream. As I reached out to feel his hand, a strange calm washed over me despite the rush of adrenaline.

I couldn't see him clearly, but from what I could tell, his body was a solid 10.

"Please kiss me," I blurted out in lust.

Oh, shit. I said that out loud.

"Tu deseo es mi orden, bebé (your wish is my command, baby)," his voice smoked as silk.

He stood, gently pulling me toward him. As he inclined his face and pressed his lips to mine, the warmth and softness of his kiss enveloped me.

Without warning, he lifted me into his arms and carried me toward a dark room at the back of the bar, placing me gently on the bed that waited at the far end.

In that split second before his touch, every nerve in my body and brain was electrified.

He stroked my face, temple, cheek, and chin and went straight to my thighs. All I could recall was the shiver down my spine when he kissed me. I wanted more.

After a few hours, I woke up having a hangover, but shit I laid in bed with a stranger. It was still dark so I could make the run for it.

Well, what's the worst that could happen? We don't know each other, neither did we see our faces clearly, so I'm safe, I guess.

I sneaked out and headed straight for the airport. It's back to New York for me. It's no use staying back when there's nothing left.

TWO MONTHS LATER

"When was the last time you got treated for the flu?" the doctor asked.

Just 2 months back to this city, and I'm already down with the flu again. This city has always been against me, but it's a shame I have nowhere to turn to now.

"It's been 2 months since my last treatment."

Just as I completed my sentence, a nurse walked in and handed a file over the doctor, my test results, I guessed.

"Oh, I see what's going on now. Congratulations, Dalma. You're going to be a mom," she said with a faint smile

I giggled because there was no way that was happening. "Doctor, please stop with the jokes, and let's talk about my treatment so I can leave."

She slid the file towards me, and it felt like a deja vú because my expulsion letter was given to me in that exact manner.

"Pregnant?"

"I'll make a reservation for you by Friday. You'd need to commence antenatal care as soon as possible....."

Fuck! This city really hates me. I'm yet to inform my parents that I'm back in town because I couldn't graduate and now this.

What is she blabbing about this time?

"What I'm blabbing about is that you need to take care of yourself and your child. Considering your health, there might be complications."

Oh shit! My mouth diarrhea came back.

"I'm sorry, I'll be back by Friday. Thank you,"

FOUR YEARS LATER

"Mommy, will I die?" he asked in a weak tone.

"No, baby. Don't say that. You'll be fine. You just need to be a good boy and take your medication," I said, trying to withhold my tears. I need to be strong for him

"Can you do that for me?"

"Yes Mommy," he said as he crawled into my arms.

My poor child, how do I tell you I can no longer afford your medications. You're all I have now. I can't let you die. As long as I breathe, you breathe.

I guess It's time to go back to the dungeon. At least I'm sure you'll get better food there and a good roof over your head. I packed our things as we headed back to the Mille Mansion.

I stood in front of the Millie Mansion, recollecting the best of my life. The day I left for college, but before I could recall the entire event, the door cracked open.

"Dad?"