43

DAVID WELLINGTON

My eyes wandered over to the sleeping figure of my son, calm and naked from top, sucking on his thumb, and smiling a little.

I looked at Hope, who was noticing the same, him smiling in his sleep.

"He's probably dreaming of his girlfriends.", I whispered to which she rolled her eyes.

I shook my head at her attitude and then kept my head on her stomach, something I've loved these days. Taking hold of her hand, i nudged her to roam her hand on my head. It's extremely relaxing and soothing. But this chipmunk here interrupts everytime he sees this happening.

"Tomorrow we have to go for your doctor's appointment."

I shook my head, "I think i should stop the medication now and never see that guy again."

She took hold of my head, and firmly settled it, "Non negotiable Daft! You are going there, no matter what."

"You were on the verge of organ failure. I can't let you be unless we are thoroughly assured you are fine. Also, never ever think of alcohol now. Not even for the sake of courtesy."

I looked at her, smiling to myself. I've had a plenty of people to care about me- my sister, my friend, everyone. But her care feels like home. Like she's meant to do that. As if I feel the safest with her.

"Okay. As you say."

At my words, she raised her eyebrows, probably wondering why i didn't argue, but God help me! I was feeling so full right now. 

Next day, with Oliver, we were at the hospital, and my medicines were reduced further only to include some multivitamins, which wouldn't interfere too much with my normal routine. And then slowly, in a months time, they would be completely phased out.

When we were coming back, Hope wanted to go to her office and attend a meeting. I decided to accompany her, so we could go back home together.

Sitting in her cabin, and reading through some files, i entertained Oliver, as he played in that little play area in the cabin, with a plenty of toys scattered. The way she has assimilated us in her life, it's beautiful. She has space for us everywhere, and i am grateful but also contented at that. I've again found someone who calls me her own, makes me feel like I'm her own, and let's me feel the same about her. What does a man want?

My thoughts are disturbed when someone knocked on the door. Rebecca was probably in the conference room with Hope, so this person doesn't know Hope's not here.

Nonetheless, I said come in, to tell them the same.

In came, this lean guy, with an athletic personality. He looked vaguely familiar with that dusty brown hair and those eyes, looked like someone's I have punched.

He came in, his eyes widening a little.

"Uh..David?"

Well, i don't mind being called David by my colleague. Back at my own office, it's an informal rule. But here, in Hope's office, she made a point regarding that. When I asked her about why everyone must call me 'sir', she simply said that 'I am their boss, and you are my husband. They should keep you in regards.'

Even Rebecca, who I meet so frequently, insists on calling me 'sir', so this guy?

"Uhm...do I know you?", I didn't mean to sound rude, but that resemblance was striking my mind again and again.

He gave me an uneasy smile, and then came forward. Offering his hands, he said, "Hi David! I am Jacob. Remember me? Back in school..."

It took a moment to click. Since I was poor with names, but I  could still remember the striking features of his face, that cut mark on his forehead. He was in the basketball team.

Jacob, the guy who bullied Hope. A wave of resentment rose in me. What was this guy doing here?

"Why are you here?"

He looked baffled at my tone, but I wasn't having it. He's the last guy i expect to see in this building. In a place, that belongs to Hope.

"Uh..i am the manager for sports domain. Just joined a month ago."

That made my jaw tick. He was working here. That too since a month.

I looked at him and then at Oliver who was noticing our exchange. Ofcourse, new people always excite him.

I gulped the anger I was feeling. I need to talk to Hope.

"Hope is not here. She's attending a meeting in the conference room."

He nodded, and my dismissive attitude definitely gave him a hint that I am not going to entertain whatever he's here for.
But some guys are dense.

Near the door, he turned to look at me, "Uhm...David..you've been my classmate. And i regret my behaviour back in school. I am trying to find an opportunity to apologise to Hope. But I bullied her only because I li..."

I didn't let him complete, "You think I don't know why you bullied her. Jacob! She was out of your league back then. She's more so now. And so that didn't sit well with you. So you expressed your 'liking' in the form of bullying. But dear, this is not a hate to love drama. This is real life. She was traumatized back then. So make sure you stay away. Otherwise, your job will become my concern."

By the end of my words I was standing right infront of him. Teenage love was dangerous. In the case of teenage boys, love is less love than it is a conquest. They made a bet, that if Jacob makes Hope kiss him anyhow, he'd become one of those guys who had a girlfriend, which was somehow cool.

He made it a matter of his ego. And more than that, he believed he would succeed.

With a startled expression on his face, he left.

In my thirties, it was probably silly to keep a grudge with him. But these guys, they never settled well with me. More so now that I know he's sharing same space with Hope. Why would she even give him the job!

Amidst my thought, Hope came in.

"Works done! Now what's next David? Oli? Baby aren't you hungry?"

Oliver was quick to throw his toys and run to the couch where Hope fetched the bottle of his warm milk.

"Mumma...hungwy Oli Baby.."

"C'mon... come here."

He went forward and settled on her lap. She pinched his chubby cheeks and he grinned to show his dimples.

Once he was busy with the bottle, Hope looked up at me, "Why are you so silent?"

I sighed, and went to the couch sitting beside her.

"Jacob was here."

Her eyebrows furrowed, as if she didn't recognise but then realisation dawned.

"Oh..he's in the sports domain. Needed someone from sports background. He's probably played some national tournament before injuring in an accident."

I was agitated, "Why would you hire him Hope?"

She looked at me, "I didn't. The HRD did. He has an impressive CV."

Bored and a bit baffled at her non chalance, I said, "You remember he's the same guy who bullied you with 8-9 others?"

She shrugged, "Who cares? It was years ago. He was immature."

I made a face at that, "Immature? Madam? He was planning to propose you? Remember? I was the one who stopped you from going to school that day, and then stuck with you as your best friend so he doesn't bother you."

To my annoyance, she smiled, "I remember how you said you're having man periods, and your mood is not good so I have to take care of you since you took care of me in my periods? Remember? You were ridiculous David!"

"Hope. Try to understand. What if he tries again?"

To that, she laughed. And looking at her laughing, my son popped out his bottle out of his mouth and chuckled.

"Your dad's being a fool. You focus on your milk, my sweet intelligent baby!", she cooed him, making me roll my eyes.

Then she turned to me, and showed her left hand, "If you've forgotten Mr. Wellington, i am married. To a very handsome man, might I add."

That made me look at her face, and my heart, it did skip a beat. Hope doesn't call me handsome. She calls me handful.

"..and so he can't approach me. Moreover, it is Rebecca who deals with the managers, not me. And lastly, i am his boss, so if he loves his job, he'll try not to love me."

"He came here in your cabin? Like you are his friend? Without any prior notice I might add."

In response, she only leaned back, her head coming to rest on my shoulder, and then with a little nudge, she signalled me to relax, and lean back. I did, both of them relaxing back in my arms.

"Proposals don't scare me David. I'll simply say no. I've been doing it for years. Nobody dared reach out more than a harmless question when I was unmarried. You think the big Wellington surname won't protect me."

I took hold of hair and smoothened it over my chest, "I don't trust men. Because I'm one of them."

She chuckled, "And I trust men. Because you're one of them."

A warmth bubbled in my chest that looked like it would thaw all the ice of my heart. Trust? This was the first time somebody associated it with me.

"You trust me?"

"Why? You have a doubt?", she looked up, her eyes boring into mine. Am I finally the version of that man who can be trusted with someone's heart? Her heart? Venus didn't trust me. And i was very much responsible for that. But Hope?

"You think I'll never be reckless again? Like if you see me with a woman? Didn't you doubt me when Lilliana..."

"Your problem is you're too attractive. So women throw themselves on you. That's been the case since forever. I'm sure you were not innocent. But you weren't vicious too. And i trust you because I know you'd never let me have a disloyal husband. Remember Ace Belrose..??"

Remember his name, pulled out a string of curses from my mouth, "That bastard!.."

*

I spilled apple juice in two glasses, with a distaste. That's how my life has become. I only have this apple juice in the name of liquor. Other than those hundred bottles of milk.

"It will taste better if you don't make faces."

I looked up. She was in her nightwear. Not inappropriate but enough to stir my thoughts. And my thoughts are never good.

Oliver was fast asleep, too tired from the days adventure. We came back after dinner, and he was already snoring on my shoulder.

She picked up her glass and then we proceeded to the balcony of our bedroom. A baby monitor was kept beside us. I had picked up a blanket on my way, and as soon as I settled, I pulled Hope on my lap, and then covered both of us in the blanket.

"You wouldn't need a blanket if you wore your shirt."

I smirked and then sneaked my hand under her top. She gasped at how cold my hand was.

"You wouldn't sqiurm like this if I wore a shirt.", her back was pressed against my chest, and I was definitely not letting her go tonight.

When we were done with the oh so tasty apple juice, i turned her to face me and then placed my lips on her. In the moments that followed, she fully turned to me and her hands went around my neck. I'd admit, the taste of apple juice from her mouth, it wasn't that bad.

Our kiss lasted for some minutes, the warmth of the kiss, increasing the temperature in the blanket. Her legs were tangled between mine.

"We are in the balcony..."

"I know.", i mumbled, staring at her swollen lips that looked too tempting to look away.

I dipped my head again for a kiss, before she kept a finger on lips.

"We are in the balcony, you Daft!"

"Then let's go back to the bedroom?", i suggested.

She shook her head, "Oliver is there."

"So you mean to say that we are not having sex since Oliver is  there?"

She hissed at my crude language, making me smirk.

"Then, let's go downstairs? We have the dining room, the kitchen, the vast dining table..."

She smacked me from inside the blanket, "Shut up."

"Guest room?"

She shook her head, "Not spoiling that room for others."

I rolled my eyes. However, her antics were adorable. She's that same innocent red haired Hope, who'd be horrified at my smallest inappropriate joke.

"Let's make a sex room then. Oliver is too small to move out. And we are too big to not get dirty."

I suggested, as a result of which, she pinched my skin.

"You need to wash your mouth with holy water each day. I will not let Oliver inherit your garbage vocabulary."

*

---

Eric was sitting back relaxed when Erica strolled in, in his study. He looked deep in thoughts, but she knew better. He had this habit of thinking alot, whenever something went out of his control. And right now, that was his restraint from poking his legs in David's business, which was bothering him. He had elaborated plans. But now both brother and sister know what is he always upto.

"What are you planning? I swear Eric...", she was about to threaten his life when he spoke up, "I think he knows."

"What?"

He looked at her briefly, "I think David knows he's the guy that Hope loved. Or loves."

She rolled her eyes, "Firstly, we are not interfering in their lives. Secondly, Hope has not confessed anything to him. How will he know?"

He shook his head lightly, "He's not as dumb as he projects himself to be. He has been observing alot these days. Asking random questions here and there. David does that whenever he has to confirm something."

"So? There must be a reason he's quiet. Or may be he's planning a grand proposal?"

Eric rolled his eyes, "Your brother is too dumb for that!"

She chuckled, "Look who's talking!"

He looked offended at that. He believed he was best in what he did. The last thing he wanted was a reality check.

"It doesn't.."

"Look Eric. Unless they need it badly, we are not going to intervene. Especially you. Love is a natural reaction. I know Hope isn't unlovable. David is bound to fall. Let it happen on a natural pace."

He closed his mouth and nodded tight lipped. He was okay with love theory, he wasn't okay with the endless waiting.

*

Jacob believed there was something to mend with his boss. When he first started working here, he was hoping he would sort things out with Hope the first time he sees her, apologize properly and may be act on his way back feelings. But as soon as he joined, he realised Hope was already married. And not to anyone else, but David himself. A guy he never liked. He was himself a manwhore in school but acted like Hope needed protection from everyone else.

He sipped on his drink and thought wildly, "Did he like Hope enough to risk his new job? Or did he want her enough to offend David Wellington?"

That guy was offended only because he breathed the same air as his wife. Would he be okay with him being friends with Hope? Nope. Never.

However, he still made a resolve to apologise from her. For his past nuisances. May be not as close as he'd like to be, he can still be friends with her.

*

On the other hand, Hope believed she has convinced David to not bother about someone as harmless as Jacob. Someone she didn't acknowledge more than any employee of hers. But the guy was wide awake, thinking of ways on how to tackle the presence of this new guy.

He wouldn't lie that when he first came to know about Hope being in love with someone back in school, his face flashed before him. Not because he was lovable. But because she was too naive. Now, he knew that guy was never the answer, and her claims on how she wouldn't entertain any of her admirers should have calmed him. But they didn't. A part of him was aware it was because he was scared Hope will choose the easy everyone can offer her than the hardships that he had always gifted her unknowingly.

His thoughts halt when he feels a hand over his torso, the hold suddenly tightening. He looked at her, who was sleeping peacefully beside him. Oliver was in his crib but it was attached to the bed because he has developed a habit to jump out of his crib the first thing in the morning and climb on their bed, and cuddle his parents in the wee hours of the night.

Her face was contorted in discomfort. She looked like she was having a bad dream. He turned a little, and kept his palm on her head, caressing her lightly.

What was she dreaming about?

The next moment, she mumbled in her sleepy voice, "Dave.. don't go.."

He stiffened under her tight hold as he heard his name. She was dreaming about him- a bad dream to be exact.

"Hope..calm down..I am here..", he had to repeat his assurance quite a few times before she looked like the dream had ended, because she relaxed.

He kissed her head lightly, "And here I thought, I am the only one scared to lose you."

*

HOPE WELLINGTON

I have never used as much foundation as I have done in the last two weeks. David has been notorious. And with Oliver gone for his vaccination with Erica today, he had the best time 'recharging' like he called it.

"You don't have to stress that much. It's Sunday today. You are not going anywhere. I won't let you."

He commented smugly lying carefree on the bed. Once I was done, I wore my favourite hoodie of his and threw his discarded shirt on him.

"Wear this or I won't give you food."

He rolled his eyes, "You cannot threaten me everytime just because I can't cook well."

"I will. Now come down before they come back."

They won't be back for a few hours. Just when I came down, the doorbell rang, and i went to the main door to open it. One of the bodyguards was there with a bag, "Ma'am a delivery was made for you."

"Ah...yes. I did. Thank you."

I brought the paper bag in and then opened the sealed content to see the pill that I ordered. An i-pill.

Both of us, we haven't talked about protection. However, i am aware, neither him nor me are ready to look beyond Oliver as of now. I plan to stabilize us three, and then, in near future, I'd love to have a second child with David. Love or not, I've always loved children. And though i have Oliver, i want to experience that nine months journey, with David and Oliver by my side.

The thought alone made me smile lightly.

After having the pill, i went ahead to cook lunch for us. My phone in the meantime chimed with a text, which was a video of Oliver from Erica.

He was sitting in the sea of toys. A huge stuffed whale behind him, a sea-horse, a big dolphin, and then some a small truck, small but big enough to fit him as a driver. I chuckled. He was looking adorable as he expressed his delight over those toys. They were in some toy store. I am sure he cried after his vaccination, which Eric couldn't bear, and so he was taken to a toy shop to pick whatever he wanted.

"Another set of hideous toys for my son?", i felt him come behind me and keep his head on my shoulder, peeping into my phone.

"No...they look adorable. And look, he's delighted."

He hummed. The sound reverberating through me

I turned off my phone and focussed on chopping the vegetables, the man behind me, not withdrawing for a second.

"I like it.", he commented, making my eyebrows raise in question.

"What?"

He sighed, and his arms wounded around me tighter, "This. You and me. Close. Together. You feel like home."

My heart skipped a beat, "I feel like home?"

"You do."

"What changed?", I asked.

He clicked his tongue, "Nothing. You were always. Since school."

I chuckled, "Since school? You irritated me so much back then."

"You loved me nonetheless."

My body stiffened at that. He didn't mean it that way. Did he?

"Friends love each other. All the time."

He snickered, and then moved back. My face warmed bad when he started singing, "...she says we are just friends...but friends don't know the way you taste la la la..."

"Get out David! Let me work."

*

The next day, I was in my cabin, when a knock sounded. I was alone since Oliver was with David today.

"Come in."

I looked up from the laptop to see Jacob, coming in.

"Oh Jacob? What is it?"

David's words from a few days ago, reverberated in my mind.

Everyone knows I don't work with the managers directly unless I am doing a performance analysis. So, him coming in my cabin has to stop. Not only because it's not the usual protocol, but also because my husband doesn't like it.

I signalled him to sit. Let me address his grievances for once and all.

"Uh...Hope? Thank you for your time. I'm just here to say something."

"Yeah?"

"Well...", he hesitated, "...look Hope. I am deeply apologetic for what happened back in school. I regret my behaviour and coming back here, has reminisced all that. I know I was difficult but I am very much devoted to keeping it all behind us. Let's be friends."

Friends. Friends for me is David, who'd protect me and care for me like i am entitled to be under his care. Friends for me is Eric, who didn't express much, but always kept my secret safe, so nobody would dishonour me behind my back. Friends for me is Erica, who would love me like i am her soul sister. Always prioritising me.

Do I need more friends? No.

Do I need to be friends with a guy who my husband clearly dislikes? No.

"Jacob. I appreciate your thoughts. But you know, it's irrelevant now. I accept your apology. However, now we share a different relation- I am your boss. I don't even remember what happened in school. The highlight of my school days, David, is my husband now. And if schools gives you something so beautiful to keep, you barely have any bitter memories to remember."

*

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