(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

Eric signed all the documents pertaining to Hope's treatment, "When will she be discharged doctor?", he asked.

The doctor looked at Hope and said, "It was not a very complicated case, though I believe she's really sensitive and that caused this. I believe we let her stay here for the night, so we can examine her nasal passage for any irritation in the morning."

"Okay thanks doctor. You were of great help.", Erica said to the doctor and the doctor left nodding in acknowledgement.

David stood a little far from the bed, his eyes focused somewhere outside the window.

"I'll stay here.", Erica said taking a seat near Hope's bed.

Eric sighed, "You need to go back home Erica. Don't forget you have had a C-section recently, and you need to have proper rest. I'll stay here."

"But.."

David thought it was time to interrupt. They have just started talking and he doesn't want any other argument brewing between them.

"I can stay here. There's no as such issue. Plus you have kids to take care of. And I am very bad at that. So I'd instead do this."

"David..", Erica wanted to protest but was stopped when Eric interrupted again, "That'll be good."

Reluctantly, Erica left while Eric was more than eager to take her home due to several reasons. Only known to him.

*

Her eyes were closed but she felt like life was back in her. Her lips were dry, parched, so much that she had to finally wake up from her peaceful sleep.

"...wa..water..", she mumbled trying to gather the courage to open her eyes.

Soon enough, she felt a glass near her lips, and that instinctively made her sip some water.

When she felt better than before, she slowly attempted to open her eyes, only for a concerned pair of black eyes staring back at her.

For once she thought it was a dream. She was used to having such dreams where she'd imagine him being beside her, but as soon as she's fully awake, he's gone.

Though concerned, a tinge of amusement passed through those black orbs, "Hi Hopeless!"

"Da..David?"

He looked at her amused, "Did those orchids get inside your head and cause you amnesia? I am the most handsome, charming and desirable, David Wellington, at your service madam!"

That instinctively caused her lips to curve. He is here.

Not even in the most beautiful dreams, she has imagined waking up to be treated with his first sight. But the best comes without warning. Doesn't it?

She tried to sit up, and he helped by adjusting her bed.

"I am alive?", She asked.

He chuckled, "Sadly you are!"

She smiled wide, "Thank you.."

If David disliked something, it was words like 'Thank you' and 'Sorry' especially between friends. Probably his experience made him so. Because Eric was everything but courteous. And that was what he was used to..

"Ah well...thanks to you Hope for going on a date with a dumpster, and then sniffing the orchids he sent for you knowing you have such grave allergy. Thankyou love!"

She knew he was being sarcastic and he was anything but thankful. But who would intentionally want to end up in the hospital.

Then at that moment she wondered if any of her family or Erica was informed.

"Erica and Eric came but I asked them to go because of the kids. Your brother will be here by tomorrow morning. Here's your phone. Talk to him."
She took her phone from him which is mostly with Rebecca in her absence.

She wondered if she should call Harry, but one reassuring look from the man beside her, and she knew she had to.

"Harry!", She said as soon as she heard him reply.

"Oh god Hope! Are you alright?"

She chuckled, "I am absolutely fine. Don't change your plans and come here."

"I am on my way to the airport girl! And why don't you explain what actually happened?"

She sighed, "Don't you already know?"

"Oh Hope! Believe me I do!", Harry sneered, "And I am going to choke this man to death even if he doesn't have any allergies."

She heard David snicker looking at her baffled condition.

"Harry! He didn't know. I forgot to mention allergies."

"No Hope! If this guy wanted to date you, he should have done his homework! That sneaky bastard!"

"Okay! Calm down...hear me out...I am fine here. David is with me right now. And Erica will be here with me. Don't change your schedule for me. I'll inform you of my health updates as frequently as possible.."

"But Hope.."

"No Harold! If it was something serious, I would have myself demanded your presence here. Believe me."

She convinced him with lot of difficulty. Harry was a protective man, especially over his sister.

David saw this scene in extreme awe. Ofcourse he shared something similar with Erica but it is mostly the other way around. Erica is protective over him. He is always assured that the man she married is already way too protective for him to go all caveman for his sister.

*

"Why don't you rest for a while?", She suggested him.

He looked at her and gave her a cocky smirk, "Where? Beside you?"

She was flushed. His pervert ideas always made her uncomfortable, not in a bad way though. But from the time she has known him, David has never been inappropriate with her. Probably that's why she loved this weirdo gentleman.

"There's a thing called couch in this room."

He faked a hurt emotion, with that amused glint still swimming in his eyes, "No women has dismissed me from joining her bed till date. But since you all ill, I will hear you for once."

She watched him going to the couch, checking his phone, and then slowly drifting off to sleep.

She wondered if this was god's way to show her what she can't have. It was hurting her in a bad way, but one glance at him, and the hurt would fade away like it was never there.

*

Ace Belrose entered his office building followed by his father, who still had doubts in his son's capabilities.

The huge hotel chain needs potent hands to be handled, and not his son's clumsy ass, who seems to be better at wooing women than any other thing in life.

Coming in front of his office, Ace looked at his secretary who looked more nervous than any other day. But because of his father, he decided to spare the poor man of his father's attention.

He opened the door to his office, "Welcome Fath....", his words halted the moment his eyes fell on what conspired in his office.

  - Holy mother of Jesus!

Exasperated he called for his PA, while his father stared inside the room wide eyed, unable to comprehend the situation.

"Rio! What the hell is this!!!!", Ace barked.

Rio flinched. His boss rarely lost his calm.

"Sir they...they are for you."

The CEO's Chamber of Belrose Hotels was filled with orchids beyond limits. So much that there was no place to step in.

"For me?? Who the fuck sent these?"

His father looked at him disapprovingly, "Probably some women you slept with decided to shower her 'love' with orchids."

While Rio silently handed him an envelope.

Ace opened it hastily wanting to find out who dared to mess with him. Not that he will retaliate or anything.

There was a properly folded letter, which he opened to read.

"Dear Ace,

Since you have ways to shower love by gifting orchids, I thought why not return your favour. Though this is not from Hope who you wish to trap for her money and worth, while sleeping around with woman just after you go on a date with her.

I have power, sources and money that can cost you your reputation as well as chance to prove your worth to your father, who'll sell your company at the highest bid anytime seeing your performance.

Stop bothering Hope, and I'd stay out of your hair. I am a very sweet man, but I can get nasty when it comes to my dear ones. Pursue other women. Hope is not available for a pussy like you.

Your doom,
David Wellington."

*

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

When you are deprived of something for very long, you get so used to the pain, so much that it becomes difficult to believe it's there, when it is really near you.

HOPE RICCI

"Here! Have it before I start finding it delicious and have it for myself!", He forwarded me a bowl of noodles, which I was prohibited to eat by the stout nurse.

"You sure no one would say anything?", I whispered to him.

He shook his head chuckling, "I don't care if anyone does. I just can't tolerate you making ridiculous faces at the broth.  I would get nightmares!"

I nodded to myself taking a note of his horrible humour which hasn't changed in years, and dived into the food before me.

It was morning already, and I was eager to go back home. But the doctor wants some tests to be done, before I finally leave.

Erica was about to come here, but I asked her to instead reach my penthouse with the kids. Wouldn't mind seeing the two and making myself a whole lot better..

*

It was past afternoon when I was home, with Erica cooking and David assisting her. Eve was sucking on her pacifier and enjoying Oliver doing cute antics.

"Paci!!!", He took his own pacifier from me and stuffed it in his mouth, readily sucking as his lips curled into a pout.

Eve clapped both her hands.

Some time later, Oliver laid down beside her and with his small finger touched her still pink cheek, which made Eve reveal her dimple, one she has inherited from her father.

"Is Eric not going to come?", I asked.

Erica looked up from the task at hand, "He is. He went to the office for some work but will be here soon."

"Only if god could extend peace as long as possible."

I snickered as Erica hit David with the spoon in her hand, "Stop abusing my husband!"

"Ah that jerkface husband!"

They decided to take over my kitchen and cook dinner for us. Erica convinced David to stay hoping he will make amendments with Eric, though the chances are low.

"Erica I was hoping to tell you something.."

"Yeah?!?", I decided to walk away to give them privacy but was stopped when I heard David, "Stay Hope! I am not going to tell her how to make a bomb. You can hear what I have to say."

I rolled my eyes, "Okay..."

"So...I was thinking to move out of James' mansion. I mean...I feel overbearing, not to forget I will invade the oldies privacy. And on top of that, I can't bring pretty ladies home!", He waved the ladle in his hand and whined.

A thirty plus man being cute! God! Save me please!

Erica frowned at that, "David you are not overbearingly. You are family. And if you move out, then how will you take care of Oliver! You both have to warm up to each other. Remember.."

He nodded and looked at Oliver, "But I am fighting for this little shit. He'd be soon living with me. Just some time more to go!"

"No! No more time to go David! You are his father and you will miss some of the most important moments of his life! You have already missed so much. So you will be living with us unless this is going on.", I knew she had a point. She always does. But I also know that David has been an independent man. He rarely likes to rely on anybody. And this was sure to come up today or tomorrow.

Just then, we hear the door click and Eric stroll in.

"Papa!!!!", Oliver dragged himself down the couch, careful as to not fall, and then ran straight to Eric.

I see a rare smile form on Eric's face as he picks him up, "All good monster?"

Oliver in answer bobbed his head up and down.

Anyone who watches these two from far would be left awed by their interaction always. Eric kissed his cheeks and Oliver grinned as wide as his small lips could allow.

The two started talking among themselves, and I turned only for my eyes to fall on David, who was looking at the exchange intrigued.

Probably wondering how much unnatural love Eric has showered on Oliver, and will continue. Or may be wanting to establish a same bond with his son.

Erica went to the duo and I see Eric place a kiss on her forehead before moving his attention to his daughter. I sneaked away wanting not to disturb their moment and ended up in the kitchen.

As soon as I was in the vicinity of kitchen, my eyes met David's. He was having several questions. For others. And for himself.

"They are always like this.", I told him.

He smiled briefly, "That makes me doubt if I can ever give him the same. May be I'd end up making his life miserable."

"That's where you are wrong.", I poured a glass of juice for myself, "...he may have everything with them. But he deserves you too. And it wouldn't be fair to him if you deny him that."

I left him to contemplate. Me or anyone cannot force senses into him. May be later, that will result into him feeling of Oliver as his obligation. He will have to realise it on his own. And crave to be with his son..

*

The food was served and we settled to eat while the two guys passed each other some hostile looks. They argued over Eve, and it was so damn childish.

"Here! Have this steak.", Erica served some on Eric's plate and he smiled taking a spoonful.

"Only God knows how much I love this. Can't get enough of your cooking. Ever."

I stifled my laugh, while David smirked smugly.

"Awww! Thank you love! But this steak was made by your best friend, right there.", And she pointed at David, who shrugged arrogantly.

"Oh! Is that! Well, then the steak taste like shit.", He commented.

That made David chuckle sarcastically, "I don't know what to make out of that. Someone doesn't have good taste. Or that someone has actually tasted shit so he can compare!"

I choked on my food while Erica glared at them, "Will you both ever consider the fact that you both are fathers to two kids! Before whom you must not cuss!"

The tension on the table was too much. It looked like someone would pounce on the other any moment.

I had to intervene, "Let's make a rule. No one opens their mouth unless it is to eat.  Understand!"

Erica immediately agreed while the two just glared at each other.

*

"Eric!", I hear Erica chime, and look up to see her holding a coffee mug to Eric..

"Hmm!"

She smiled at him too sweetly, "Remember one day you told me you wanted the floor below our penthouse to get renovated. I have an idea!"

That spiked his interest, "Oh yeah definitely. You have something in your mind? It's definitely not going to be a floor for guests. They are too nosy at times."

I think I know where this was going.

David uninterested in the conversation was hearing some music in his earphones.

"Who all are our shareholders Eric? Come again?"

He looked at her briefly, "Uhm..me, Dad, David, Hastings and Petersons. Why?"

"And who all can own a penthouse in the building?"

"The shareholders ofcourse..but for that your shares must be twenty five plus percent."

She smiled wide, "And David has how much...twenty eight percent! Oh! That's perfect!".

"Why...I..ow.. how's tha..", before he could make out what was happening, Erica went to David and yanked his earphones away, "You wanted to move out? I have found a home for you!"

"Wha..??", He was confused and I saw Eric bewildered.

"If you both want my forgiveness for all crap you have done these past days, then Eric you have to get the floor below ours turned into a penthouse that David will own...and David you will live their without any complaints. Ofcourse, you can get it designed as you want. I am sure Eric will adjust! Am I right love???", Though her words were sugar-coated, but her eyes and stance were daring Eric and David to say no.

If the world wants to witness the power of a woman, they must see her power on them. And for once, I was glad her sensibility is their to balance the craziness of these two.

*

"Yes mom! What's up?"

"Good. You say?", Her tone was a little rough and that made me rise up from my office chair.

"Yeah..I am good too.", Me and Harry did not inform him about my allergic reaction two days ago. Harry came yesterday and we spent the day together.

"Glad to know that.", She said in a very formal tone.

I was puzzled, "What's wrong Mom?"

"Oh nothing is wrong sweety!"

"Mom!", I said in a warning tone knowing well that she wouldn't cave easily unless reprimanded.

I hear her sigh on the other end, "Tell me Hope! How was your date with Ace?"

"Ace?", I was suddenly reminded of the man, "He is a decent man I think. I didn't feel uncomfortable with him."

"Oh is it!", Her voice became high pitched all of a sudden, "Then..did you think of another date? May be very soon.."

"Uh..mom..I didn't think much in the direction.", I was in the hospital first and then busy day dreaming about certain someone.

"Oh C'mon Hope!", She said exasperated, "I don't know what pleasure you both kids get by hiding things from me! I know you are grown up but please let us know what is happening in your lives."

Huh? What is she talking about?

"Mom.."

"Don't mom me!", She rebuked, "If you didn't want to go on the date with Ace you should have refused us properly."

"Mom I don't know what you are trying to imply!"

I hear her release a long breath, "You really think of us as some naïve. I talked to Ace just before you! And he said that he can't go on a date with you because you already have a boyfriend!"

"What??", What is actually happening!

"Yeah! You already have a boyfriend, who is very much irritated by the fact that you went on a date with Ace. And so he threatened Ace to get out of his way!"

I went silent after that. It was shocking. I don't have a boyfriend. None I know of. I mean boyfriends are made by a two party consent and I don't remember giving consent to anybody.

"Mom.."

"And when are you going to tell me about him? When you marry and have kids? I am disappointed Hope!"

"Did Ace tell you any name mom?", I asked finally in my senses.

"Oh yes! He did! And the name is David Wellington!"

What the actual fuck!

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

Healing does not happen in a blink of an eye. It's a whole lot process of people, situations, smiles and hugs that intervene during it.

DAVID WELLINGTON

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I am late!!!", I taunted sarcastically when Jefferson settled across me.

He rolled his eyes, "What got your panties in a twist Wellington?"

"I wear boxers!"

"Whatever!", He arrogantly waved and I stopped myself from punching him.

If only he was not as efficient as he is in his job.

He started fetching papers from his bag and I got into my business mode.

My phone in my hand vibrates and I look down to see a message from Hope. We exchanged our numbers the day before when I begged from her, and promised not to irritate her. I can't always talk to her through Erica.

"We need to talk."

My brows scrunched in wonder at what she wants to talk to me. May be she told Erica about my health issue which is already gone? Oh god! I can't tolerate Erica going berserk.

"You see David...", My thoughts are interrupted by Jefferson and I decide to focus on this first and then think about other, "...Eric is one genius man and you and me both of us have seen how he captures the other party by the terms of his deeds."

"I don't want to hear his praise. I only want to know if I have some way out of this."

He nodded, "Yeah there are many actually. Let me list them."

He pulled out a notepad and began scribbling on it.

"Your first option is to prove Eric as a big fat liar and show how doting father you have been to your son."

I sighed, "Not happening! That's impractical."

"Yeah. Your second option is to convince your sister that she, as a wife of Eric refuses to take your son's custody. The court will never give Eric the custody unless they divorce."

I looked at him horrified, "Are you high on something Jefferson?"

He shook his head, "I am just laying all options before you."

"Another is a testimony by your own son, which won't be valid in the court in your case because your son is just one."

I sighed, "Is there any feasible way?"

"Yeah! There is. If you assure the court that you regret your behaviour and want to correct it by giving your son a better environment. Probably better than Ashton's. Good education. Proper health. And a good mother..."

"Yeah..okay..", I said it before I processed it all, "...wait wait!! What did you say? A mother?"

He nodded, "Yeah! There is one point in this deed that 'Respondent party is a widower, unlikely to marry in future, which leaves no hope for the child's future.' Eric's lawyer has pretty carelessly stated that you are unlikely to marry in future and provide Oliver a mother. This is the only condition that can counter the case pretty well, and we can gain an upper hand."

"Are you sure this is the only way?", I asked.

"This is the only feasible, comfortable for your kid, and good for yourself way. Think properly."

*

Never have I been more troubled in my life. I have read the deed five times since meeting Jefferson and I can't help but sigh helplessly everytime.

Eric has actually done real good efforts to earn my hatred. I have just two ways to go to. Leave the prospect of ever having Oliver with me or marry some woman who may become a whole new problem in my life.

"Here Sir!", Lilly forwarded me a coffee mug and batted her eyelashes trying to look seductive. But she only looked like something got into her eyes.

"I am not in the mood Lillian. Just leave."

I hear her sigh disappointed and leave after stomping her feet on the ground.

Taking a sip from the coffee, I look at those papers again.

I am definitely not showing Eric what mud he threw me in. It would only satisfy his already huge ego.

I have no hope in my life.

I hear the door click again and this time it actually gets the best of me.

"Find some other horny man in the building Lillian to fuck! I am literally not in the moo...", My voice halts as my eyes fall on the figure standing at the door of my cabin.

It surprised me a great deal because I was expecting the mini skirt and dying-to-tear shirt of Lillian instead of Hope, in a really pretty red sundress with floral prints. I mean she looks like a fresh garden and me? A cactus in the desert.

"Uh.. Hope?"

"Yeah!"

I composed myself, "Come inside."

I was embarrassed at what she had to hear even before entering the room. This is no hidden that I am a hardcore playboy but Hope is an exception. She doesn't have to hear about all this.

She took a seat while I removed the one beside her and stood leaning on the table.

"Did you just miss me too much or you really have to talk about something?", I tried to lighten the situation.

And it did work when I saw her getting flushed for a moment. Such a chicken!

"Ahh..I have a situation at hand..", she stuttered. I chuckled and leaned to reach her level, "Don't stutter babe! Tell me what's wrong."

Being caught off guard, she glared at me, and then took in a deep breath. There you go. The stoic Hope.

"I got a call from my mother today and she thinks you..uh.."

"What she thinks about me Hope? That I am a sexy devil, she wishes was born in her times!"

She looked at me irritated, "It's not funny Daft! She thinks you are my boyfriend!"

"Boyf....wait what? Boyfriend??"

Well, this was some hypothesis her mother proposed.

"Yeah.."

I was confused, "And why does she think that?"

She looked up at me, "Apparently, you are the boyfriend, very irritated at the fact that I went on a date with Ace, and so you threatened him to back off."

Oh no!

"I don't need to be your boyfriend to threatened that Acey boy to back off."

If looks could kill, I would have been wooing the sexiest witch in hell right now.

"So you actually did it huh?"

I looked at the the most interesting painting of my grandfather adorned on the wall..

"I am asking something David?"

"Hope..", I sighed, "Someone had to do it. I have a file on that guy and you'd see what fucker he is. You don't deserve that shit!"

She folded her hands intimidating me, "So who do I deserve? You? My mother thinks you threatened him because you are my boyfriend. And this is as ridiculous as it sounds."

I laughed inside, but feigned hurt, "What sounds ridiculous about being my girlfriend?"

Like always, a red blush adored her whitish cheeks. God! I am so glad there are still girls on the earth who blush unconsciously. That is something very alluring about this race called women.

"Don't talk nonsense! My mother wants to meet you. And not in Georgia so I could make some excuse of you dying. But she's coming here, in Italy, and she won't let this go!"

Well, that was complicated.

"I can always meet your mother. It's no problem."

"As what? She knows you as my boyfriend you daft!", I could see her getting frustrated. And no matter how silly it sounds, I couldn't help but get amused.

"Don't worry Hope. All will be handled. I will charm your mother in no time.", I said confident.

"And why do you have to charm her?"

I shrugged her, "Because she's a woman!"

She rolled her eyes and stood up, "I've told you my mother can be very difficult. She is pretty ecstatic that I am in an alleged relationship. And I don't want to break her heart but this is a total mess."

"Don't fret much. We'll meet her, and then we will clarify that I am just a friend and I stopped Ace because he was not a suitable guy to court you."

She nodded worried and so I took her fidgety hand in mine, "Let's get you a cold coffee and I'll tell you about how this blonde head tried to woo me back at college. I am just irresistible."

"You are so full yourself!"

"I am full of hotness."

And then I pulled her with me out of my cabin and met with the devil figure of Eric staring at us strangely.

"Hey Er..."

"Come fast Hope!! We are getting late to the canteen!!", And I pulled her harder with me. No 'heying' that bitch while she is with me.

My PA was staring viciously at Hope. Well, I guess making Hope my girlfriend wouldn't be a problem if it gives these witches the clue to back off.

*