Chapter 9 ILLNESS

NEW YORK }

Keaton stood in front of her closet, deliberating on what to wear for her date with Denzel. She finally settled on a flowy red dress that accentuated her curves and made her feel confident. As she slipped on her heels and did a final check in the mirror, Denzel appeared in the doorway, looking dashing in his suit.

"Wow, Baby, you look stunning," Denzel said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. "That dress was made for you."

Keaton blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Thanks, Denzel. You don't look so bad yourself."

Denzel chuckled and walked over to her, offering his arm. "Shall we?"

Keaton grabbed his arms with a smile and they walked out of the room.

Just then, their daughter Angel appeared in the hallway, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Mommy, Daddy, where are you going?"

Keaton smiled and went to hug her. "Mommy and Daddy are going out on a date, sweetie. We'll be back later, okay?"

Angel nodded, looking up at Denzel. "Can I come too?"

Denzel smiled and ruffled her hair. "Not this time, kiddo. But we'll take you out for ice cream soon, deal?"

Angel nodded, seeming to accept this. "Okay. Have fun, Mom and Dad."

Keaton and Denzel shared a smile, then headed out the door, feeling excited for their night out.

As they walked to the car, Denzel couldn't help but steal glances at Keaton. She looked radiant in the fading light of day, her red dress glowing like a beacon. He felt grateful to be spending the evening with her.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Denzel opened the door for Keaton and gestured for her to enter. Inside, they were greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the aroma of fine cuisine. Denzel gave his name to the hostess, and they were led to a cozy table by the window.

As they perused the menus, Denzel reached across the table and took Keaton's hand. "I'm really glad we're doing this," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I feel like we've been missing out on quality time together."

Keaton smiled, her heart fluttering at his touch. "Me too," she said. "Life gets busy, but we should always make time for each other."

Their conversation flowed easily as they ordered and waited for their food to arrive. Denzel told Keaton about his day, and she shared stories about her fake latest projects. They laughed and joked, feeling like they were reconnecting on a deeper level.

If he only Denzel knew she was not his wife but a doppelganger, impersonating his wife.

When their food arrived, they savored each bite, enjoying the flavors and textures. Denzel complimented Keaton on her choice of wine, and she playfully teased him about his lack of sophistication.

As the night wore on, Denzel and Keaton found themselves lost in conversation, their connection growing stronger with every passing minute. They laughed and joked, their bodies leaning in, their faces inches apart. The air between them was charged with tension, and they both knew it.

Denzel's eyes locked onto Keaton's, his gaze burning with intensity. Keaton's heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath on her skin. She wanted to kiss him, to see where this spark between them might lead. And Denzel, sensing her desire, leaned in closer, his lips almost touching hers.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Keaton's phone beeped, shattering the moment. She groaned in frustration, feeling like she'd been punched in the gut. Denzel pulled back, looking disappointed but understanding.

Keaton reluctantly reached for her phone, her heart still racing from the almost-kiss. "I'm so sorry, Denzel. I need to take this," she said, trying to sound casual.

Denzel nodded, and Keaton quickly glanced at her phone, it's a message from the doctor that treats her mother. "Her condition is getting worse " The message says and her heart skip but didn't make it obvious to Denzel. She shoved the phone into her purse and make a tired face. "I'm so sorry, but I really need to go to bed,honey," she said, trying to sound firm. "I'm exhausted."

Denzel looked surprised but understanding. "Okay, no problem. Let's go home then."

As they walked out of the restaurant .Keaton felt like she was in a daze. She couldn't believe how quickly her emotions had shifted from desire to panic. But she knew she had to get out of there before things went any further. Her mind also went to her mother and she panicked even more.

The drive was silent till they got home. Noone said anything.

They got home and entered the room together.

As they changed into pajamas and climbed into bed, Denzel reached out and took Keaton's hand. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

Keaton nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for understanding."

Denzel squeezed her hand. "Of course, Nadetta. I'm here for you."

Keaton smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Denzel. "Thanks, Denzel. That means a lot to me."

"Let's go to bed" Denzel cooed and they both laid on the bed,her head on his chest. She wasn't really nervous like their first night sleeping together,this time she's relaxed as she drifted into sleep.

**

**NEXT DAY>> HOSPITAL**

Keaton walked into the hospital room, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been worried about her mom's health since last night, and she couldn't wait to see her. But as she approached the bed, she was taken aback by her mom's frail appearance. Her mom lay weakly on the bed, her eyes sunken and her skin pale.

The doctor stood beside her, a look of concern etched on his face. "Keaton, thank you for coming," he said, his voice soft. "Your mom's condition has taken a turn for the worse."

Keaton's eyes welled up with tears as she took in her mom's appearance. She had never seen her look so weak and vulnerable.

But as the doctor began to explain her mom's condition, Keaton noticed him glance at her with surprise. She realized that she was dressed up richly , and she felt a pang of self-consciousness.

"Keaton..I have to say..you look different" The doctor said,his voice hesitant. " I mean, you're always so casual but tonight you look...radiant .

Keaton blushed feeling a mix of emotions. "Thanks doctor..I just wanted to dress up for a change"

The doctor nodded,his expression understanding. "Well, whatever the reason,it suits you. But let's talk about your mom's treatment. We need to discuss the next step."

Keaton nodded,her heart heavy with worry" what do we need to do?

The doctor explained that her mom needed a new round of treatment but It was expensive " We need you to deposit 10,000 dollars to the hospital account to cover the cost" He said,his voice gentle.

Keaton nodded slowly" I'll definitely get the morning before tomorrow,I promise. Just make sure nothing happens to her please "

"Okay, just be fast about it " The doctor said. And with that she left the hospital,she hopped into her car and her phone suddenly rang.

It's Bella.

She swiped green and placed the phone on her ear.

"Hey,babe" Bella's voice boomed from the other end.

"Hey" Keaton replied slowly. Her voice laced with a lot of sadness. Her mother's illness is bothering her like crazy.

"Hey, what's up? You sound dull" Bella said.

"My mom's condition got worse and am asked to deposit 10,000 dollars" Keaton replied and Bella gasped loudly.

"10,000 dollars? Woah! That's huge. Why not tell Denzel you needed money for something or ask Nadetta to send half of your money to you. " Bella suggested and Keaton reasoned with her.

Oh yeah! She's right! Nadetta promised her 100,000 dollars,right? She should just ask for her part payment.

"You're right Bella. I'd call her right now. You're still in school?

"Yeah, would be coming home tomorrow. You'd gist me about you and Denzel moment,I hope he didn't suspect a thing" Bella rushed out her words and Keaton chuckled.

"No,he didn't. I'll talk to you later.

And like that she hung up and drove out of the vicinity, feeling a bit relieved.