(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

Life is the hardest road to walk on. Not because it is dark, but there is light coming from a direction we never expected to go to. The hardest, the brightest and probably the best.

DAVID WELLINGTON

When this time Hailey opened the door, she smiled wider if possible because Erica was beside me.

The two ladies got engaged in gossips, and I was informed Oli is with Hope in the master bedroom.

I have slept in the master bedroom once, when I was ill, so I know my way around here quite well enough.

The door to the bedroom was wide open and when I went in, I saw my little shit sleeping peacefully covered in the huge blanket. But that was not all.

Hope, too, was lying beside him, most probably asleep, with a hand securing him, and another above his head.

My mind then, shifted back to the conversation I and Erica had, back in the car.

-

"You know what David...", She sighed leaning back, "The only person I trust with Oliver, outside our family, is Hope."

I looked at her and chuckled, "I think Hope's name coming up again and again has gotten into your head."

She shook her head, "No...even if her name never came, I can sleep peacefully if I know Oliver is with her. She loves him like we do."

I nodded. I have seen this. They are close.

"But I can't even think of Hope in the pretext her name is coming up."

She smiled, "Even I can't. She's my friend. It's ridiculous imagining my best friend with my brother."

I gave her a look, "What's so strange about that? I have seen my sister getting married to my best friend!"

She rolled her eyes, "And that is why Eric can't share too personal things about us to you. I don't want this communication gap between me and Hope."

"This 'too personal' means the juicy details!?"

She scrunched her face, "Whatever wrong things you can think of jerk!"

-

So basically, we deliberated over the idea of Hope.

But no matter what superficial reasons we devise, Hope is both mine and Erica's friend, and we both have her best interest in mind.

I would never want her to sacrifice her chance at love to make things feasible for myself.

I stood at the door, leaning on the frame and watching the two.

I decided to leave them alone and came downstairs.

"...yes Hailey...things have gone down the hill. But I am glad now Oliver is atleast getting to know his father."

"Oh child...Eric is a wonderful man! You know he was the one who asked us to come visit Hope and made all the arrangements."

My eyebrows raised. Where is this all gentlemanliness coming from!?

"Did he? I didn't know. But yes, no one can understand what Eric is upto. Everyone has tried explaining him things and advising him to take the case back but he has been relentless."

I came down the stairs, making my presence known.

"Hey David! Taste this cake please..", she forwarded me a plate, "Today's dinner is important."

"Dinner?", Erica voiced the question in my mind.

"Yeah! I asked Harry to bring Lucia and Hope to invite David. I need to access where this lo..."

I coughed before she could proceed further. I gained an idea what it must be the moment she mentioned Harry and Lucia.

Why didn't Hope warn me there was a dinner?

"Here have this water!", Hailey forwarded me a glass of water.

"Erica? Why don't you stay for dinner?"

Erica smiled, "I would have Hailey. But Eve is back at home with mom, and she doesn't stay away from me for long."

"Oh! Then maybe some other time kid!"

"Ofcourse!"

When I intended to drop her at the door, "You sure you can take care of Oli? Though Hope is here, but he gets a bit cranky after he wakes up..."

"I'll manage...I mean I'll try to."

She laughed, "You will manage big brother. I know you will."

And with that, she left.

Meanwhile I decided to help Hailey as she prepared for dinner.

"Erica told me about the court case going on David. I hope you are doing fine?"

I looked at her and smiled, "I am fine Hailey. I just have a lot going on in my head all the time."

She nodded, "I understand. But don't lose hope. It will be alright."

*

"So? How is your bride hunt going?", I heard Hope ask me and glanced at her.

"Okay I guess, if you minus the bride hunt part."

"Why? The ladies don't impress you?"

I chuckled, "They do. They do. But I don't want someone who impresses me. I want someone who can clear this mess for me."

She nodded, "I see."

"Well, shut up about me. Since you have decided to have such a dull birthday, I decided to be your savior and picked up something for you."

I see her eyes widening. Bang on! The reaction I wanted.

I fetched the small box from my jacket's pocket and kept it before her, "Here you go Hopeless!"

She looked at me, and then at the box, "This wasn't needed David."

I nodded, "I know it wasn't. Consider it on the behalf of me and my little shit."

It made me a little, a teeny weeny bit nervous when she started opening it. But well, the look on her face the next second had me sighing in relief.

"This is beautiful!"

It was a chain, with a butterfly charm hanging between.

"I knew you'd like it.", I said smugly while she only smiled wide.

Well, she gives this unguarded smile very rarely now a days. But I love it.

"Hope!! Harry and Cia are here!"

And well now comes the interrogative family dinner.

*

I laughed at the cost of Hope, while she glared at me.

"At school, her room partner brought a boy to their dorm, and she was so uncomfortable she called me up to save her. I thought it'd be something serious if she's calling. But well, she was not aware how to tolerate her roommate going dirty on her furniture."

She narrowed her eyes at me, "It was not like you saved me David. Instead, you ended up drinking the liquor they brought, and I had to take care of you!"

I shrugged, "But then you had your attention diverted from those two."

Hailey chuckled to herself, "Edward! You remember we had the same set of embarrassing stories about each other!"

I was glad our talks had made the table little calm. Because these set of parents had welcomed me and Cia with open arms, but were constantly glaring at their kids, for supposedly hiding us.

Hope's mother however has not let me complete that there's nothing more than pure platonic friendship between me and Hope. And now, I was under Harry's scrutinizing gaze.

He was not asking anything right now, but I was sure I am up for some questioning later on.

Just then, my phone pinged, and I excused myself when I checked it was text from Erica.

And when I opened it to see, I found a very peculiar text.

"I have found your bride. Come back fast."

Now that had all the colour from my face leaving, as if I was doomed.

"What's wrong?", I heard Hope whisper to me.

I turned to look at her, and I was dumbfounded, "I..um.. Erica..she's calling me. I'd have to go."

"Is everything okay!?"

Stiffly I nodded a yes.

"Uh...mom! I think David has to go...", She announced unsuredly.

Hailey nodded, "It's alright David. But Oliver is still sleeping."

Before I could say something, Hope interrupted, "Mom! Can I go with him so he doesn't have to take Oliver alone? You know he doesn't have much experience with Oli.."

"Ofcourse kid! You can...but David...visit us before we leave for Georgia...and make sure you bring your handsome son."

I nodded robotically and we left as soon as we could.

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

3 HOURS EARLIER

She called up her mother in law, who informed her that Eve was with Eric, at his office.

She rolled her eyes at his antics. He'd do anything to steal her children.

She asked the driver to drop her to his office, and the staff dutifully greeted her. She was instantly reminded of the incident that happened years ago, when she came to meet him here. They took her as a mad girl, running behind their boss. And when their boss got the air of it, he fired all of them, announcing her as his wife, even when she was not.

Now, the HR rules and regulations of conduct hold a point, that Erica Ashton must be given the due respect or the consequences would be worse.

Antonio, his PA greeted her, "Good evening ma'am!"

"Good evening Antonio! How's it going? I hope my husband is not giving you a hard time."

He smiled, "Ma'am he came in pissed today, because the elevator had a power cut. He yelled at me thrice, and was on the verge of firing the receptionist. Thankfully, your Mrs.Ashton came and dropped Evelyn, and from then he's all smiley.", he ended it with a sigh.

She chuckled, "He is giving you a hard time. Well, I am planning a vacation for us. And I'd take him for few days, so be ready to enjoy some days away from the monster."

"That will be awesome!!"

"What is he doing now?"

He looked at his tablet, "He's in a meeting, but you can wait, because it is about to get over."

She nodded, "I'd go and bring Eve from him."

She went on to the end of the corridor where his office was, and was about to knock, when she heard the giggle of her girl, and him talking.

"...it has to be done, Jefferson. Make it more apparent. I can't do more than drop hints here and there. And it has to be done anyhow."

"I am trying my best Eric. But your wife and brother, do not even consider the idea of Hope. I mean they start laughing at that.", It was an eerily familiar voice, and once she realised who it was, there was no mistaking.

I heard him sigh, "That's because they have not even thought in that direction. But right now, they have to realise that Hope is the only solution."

That was all, and she knocked on the door. Not to her surprise, as she opened the door, she came face to face with her husband and her brother's lawyer, Jefferson.

Wow!- she thought to herself.

This is some sneaky thing going on.

And the baffled expression on Eric's face just confirms her thoughts.

However, there was a rule she and him made. They would never fight in front of their children and strangers. So she smiled at both of them.

"I am sorry to disturb, but I came for Eve."

Jefferson stood up probably sensing the tension in the room, "Oh no Mrs.Ashton. I was just leaving."

For a fact he knew his job was in danger. David Wellington was one of his highest paying client. And he'd definitely feel a hole in his pocket.
Not to mention, the man held the capacity to ruin his career, if he comes to know that his lawyer was conspiring with his current rival.

As Jefferson left the room, Erica went near him and showed herself to Eve. As soon as she saw her mother, all the longing and hunger resurfaced. Eve started whimpering and Erica was quick to coo her. She took a seat on the couch and prepared for breastfeeding, while Eric went forward and locked the door.

He turned to see his wife and daughter relaxed on the couch. Carefully, he went forward and took a seat beside her. He still didn't know if she heard anything, but he was afraid what he'd do if she did.

As Eve concentrated on getting milk, he rubbed her head, that had small hairs curling at the end. She looked back at her father, with the same eyes as his.

Soon after, as her stomach filled and the gentle caress of her father made her eyes droopy and then, in moments she fell asleep.

Erica wrapped her in a blanket and placed her securely on the couch.

She then came and took her seat beside him, bringing all her attention to him.

"I hope you do not believe I am that naive Eric. Tell me what David's lawyer was doing in your cabin."

God!- he exclaimed internally.

"We just had some work to deal with.."

"What were you bribing him for?", She asked without any conviction.

He sighed, "You know I don't bribe."

"Then you threatened him with what exactly?"

He looked at her. She caught him. It is a misfortune that she knows him too well. But that is one reason why he loves her beyond everything.

"If you think Eric..", she said in a calm voice, "...that the strangeness of your actions has not striked me, then you are highly mistaken. I just gave you some time, because I do not want to be an overbearing wife who is always behind you to know stuff. I was giving you a personal space. But this is all the space that I can give you.."

He sighed looking up. He was in a thick situation. He didn't want to hide things from her. She knows his ways with David have been quite hard. He was not a softie. But it is also a fact that David is her brother, and she would not approve of his ways. She was a protective sister. On top of that, his promise of secrecy with Hope.

"C'mon Eric! I can assure you that right now I am here as a friend, the first phase of our relationship. Tell me."

He knew she meant it. He had told her several things. Things that he would never say out aloud. All the bad things he did, all the embarrassments he had had. But she never judged. To be honest, if for this task, he could rely on anyone in this world other than himself, it was her.

He nodded, "I will tell you all. But I want you to promise me that you will patiently hear it all and not run to conclusions."

"Ok!", She said without any apprehension, "I'd be here till you say it all."

He rounded his hand behind her and pulled her closer, "In very brief, I am fulfilling a promise."

She narrowed her eyes, "What promise?"

"Well, I had made a promise with Venus when she died. And that promise was to not let David remain alone for life. Which is why I am doing all this. "

She was shocked. Definitely shocked. Because she did not guess this in her wildest of dreams.

"Remember a day before she went into labour, David called us over to Wellington's and we had a sleepover. Well, that was the day when I and Venus had a conversation. You and David were in the library, when you were picking up your father's journals. She said she trusts me when it comes to David. I don't know if she had some prior intuitions of death. But she clearly stated, that David must know there is a life beyond her. She also said that now when they were giving birth to a child, and that I'd be the Godfather, she entrusts their responsibility over me.

I asked her what is wrong, and why is she talking like she's leaving. She only said she is not leaving, she is just saying what she felt at that moment. At the moment of her death, she again looked at me, dead in the eye, and reminded me of her words. More clearly this time."

"Oh Eric! It is not that big! You should have shared this with me."

He looked at her, "That is not all Erica. There is much more."

"What!?"

He looked down for a moment, and then looked at her, "I ain't doing all this just for David. But also for someone else."

"Oliver?", She answered on his behalf but he shook his head chuckling, "Not Oliver. I would have given him the best. I am talking about Hope."

"Hope?", And then she was reminded how she heard Hope's name in his conversation with Jefferson, "What has Hope to do with anything here?"

"Hope has a lot to do here. Infact Hope is the only one who can do something here."

"Be more clear Eric."

He looked at her, "Hope has been in love with David since high school."

He felt her stiffen in his arms. He knew this piece of information was brand new for her.

"Oh my god! Is that true??"

"It is. As true as me and you."

"That's not possible Eric!", She breathed.

"You say this because you don't know the back story."

She shook her head in disbelief, "What is the back story?"

And then he told her all.

How they met. How they were together. Why she liked David. What she liked. What he thought of her. How they grew close. And how they drifted apart.

"So David doesn't know even a bit of it?"

"No! I never told him. Nor Hope. He was happily in relationship with Venus. And neither me, nor Hope had the courage to break it. All that mattered to me was his happiness. To be honest, I was more a friend to him, that I was to her. And Hope? She was probably more loyal in friendship than she was ever in love."

She leaned back and he tightened his hold, "I can't believe this. How did I miss this?"

"Hope is very good at hiding things. And David is your brother."

The two remained silent for a while. But he knew, he had more to tell, more to explain.

"The fight for Oliver's custody is only my cover to get David a family, for the second time, because as far as I know, he ain't settling down anytime soon. I don't want Oliver to miss being his son, and David to miss being Oliver's father. You know, as well as I, that no other woman than Hope can be an ideal mother to Oliver. People are to selfish to love someone else's child."

She looked at me, "If they are meant to be a family, they will eventually be. Just trust god! We do not need to intervene."

He looked at her briefly and then looked up at the ceiling, "I don't believe in god. I'd rather take things in my hand because I trust myself more. I was tired of seeing David dying in misery. I missed him. But I also knew I can't go straight and ask him to sort his life for a second time. I already did that thrice."

He was definitely not guilty for all he has been doing this days.

"When my sister died, and we moved to California for my studies, I was still grieving. But I was out of nonna's care. There was no one who had authority on me. And so I started trying things to numb out my pain. I went towards alcohol, but my body tolerance being low, I ended up in hospital. One of our classmates gave me a contact number that I could get drugs from. I somehow considered that. I was such a fool. If it was not for David, I don't think I would have been alive today. So now when I see him in the same situation, how can I just let him be."

She kept her hand on his and squeezed it tight in reassurance. She knew he hated recalling that time. But he only recalled them when he was beside her. Because he felt safe with her.

"What are you doing now? With his lawyer."

He looked at his, "His lawyer is also his friend, and he's convinced I am doing right. I only asked him to present Hope as an option again and again, so you and your brother finally consider it. Believe me, no one can be a better mother, or a better wife to Oliver and David."

She thought about this. This situation has been occupying her head lately.

"But what about Hope? I love my brother and my nephew, but I love my friend too. What is the guarantee that David will ever be able to give her the love that she deserves? And how are you sure she will agree to this?"

"About agreeing to this, David is in a thick right now. He is in problem. And Hope can see that. She'd do anything to save him. She's whipped. And about David loving her in the future. I have a positive feeling about this. I don't know why, but Hope and David, for me have always fit together. A reason why I gave a thought to their relationship back in school and supported it. Even when I thought love is a cheesy shit. I believe it will be good."

She looked at him, "What if it fails?"

"I am a businessman Erica, and I make millions everyday. And that question- 'what if it fails' comes to mind a thousand times. Do I avoid taking risks?"

"But this is about someone's life!", She argued, "You cannot equate materialistic risks to this!"

"This is about Hope's life. A life whose huge part has been spent in loving one person. We are not taking a risk with her. We are only making sure she gets a chance to win what she deserves."

She knew there is no arguing before him. He has made up his mind. And to be honest, the thought of Hope and David made her ecstatic, especially after all she heard today. It is just that she didn't believe in monopoly, but on gentle course of life. Only that her husband was complete opposite.

A part of her believed it will be good, a part was scared. She decided to give it a thought. She decided to trust his trust once in a while.

"I will suggest Hope to David."

He was more than happy, "Do not just suggest! Get him married to her! God I love you!", and she was embraced tightly in his arms.

She chuckled at his happiness, "I am not promising you anything. I only pray this doesn't go in vain."

"It won't."

"Now let's get back home. I feel tired."

He nodded, "Let's go! Let me call in Antonio first."

He went to his intercom when she said something that halted his actions.

"What about your relationship with David?"

He had no answer to that. He has sacrificed his relationship with David. And he was afraid there will be no coming back.

He shrugged, a sullen expression suddenly washing away all his happiness, "I don't know."

(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

HOPE RICCI

"Hoeee...", He said softly and I couldn't help but smile how his beautiful teeth grinned at me. He was playing with my hairs. And no man has ever played with my hairs like this one in my lap right now.

It's way past his sleeping time, but he is here, wide awake, looking at everything with interest.

"Such a pervert!", I hear a mumble and look across me to see Eric eyeing Oliver with bored eyes.

"He's not a pervert.", I defended, "He's adorable."

As if he knew what the word means, he bobbed his head up and down.

"C'mon Olive! Let's go to sleep! Eve is already in her bed sleeping like a good girl. You are being a bad boy right now.", Eric scolded him for the nth time, but the guy chose to ignore him like he's been doing since we came here.

It's been an hour and half, since we arrived. A very tensed looking David, and Erica was in the garden discussing something, while Eric was sitting here all calm and happy.

When I asked him if everything's alright, he only said it's all as good as it can be.

I sighed sitting back on the couch. David asked me not to leave alone at this hour of night. And apparently drivers were not on duty today, as Eric said.

I looked through the glass doors that led to the garden. David was sitting on the swing with his head in his hands, and Erica was talking endlessly.

"I feel something isn't right.", I voiced it out again.

"Don't worry.", Eric said coming forward and finally taking Oliver from me, who obviously protested.

"No Little monster! You have had a long day...tell me all about it."

The prospect of talking diverted his attention and he started blabbering a lot of things. 'Dickay', 'Dadda', 'Tois', 'Baloos' occupying the most of it. I felt glad that he is finally warming up to David's presence.

My thoughts are halted when the sliding glass door opens, and I turn to see Erica entering followed by David, who looked really stressed.

"Aww my baby! Not asleep yet!?", Erica cooed Oliver and he made a cute innocent face and shook his head.

She beckoned him to come to her, so she can make him sleep but the guy refused. Because well, Erica was more of a disciplinarian than Eric.

"I'll make him sleep.", Eric announced. To be honest, at this time, only he can make him sleep.

"Uh Erica!", I voiced out, "It's late and I will leave now."

She looked at me, a strange expression on her face, "Exactly! It's late and you are not leaving. I'd call Hailey and inform her. And by the way, David has something to talk to you about."

I got confused by her announcement, and turned to David, "What is it David?"

My voice as if pulled him out of a trance and he looked up. Something in his eyes told me he is unnerved.

Beside me, Erica nodded at him reassuredly.

He shifted his eyes back to me, "Uh..H.. Hope...I..I.."

"What is it David??"

He looked at me, at Erica, then Eric, and then back at me.

"Come here...let's go!", He took my hand in his, and just like that he pulled me with him out of the mansion. On the way, I looked at Erica searching for an answer, but she only nodded and smiled at me.

He made me sit in his car, a black Porsche, his favourite. I thought he was driving me back home, but halfway, he changed the way, and soon we were in front of a familiar set of doors.

Wellington mansion.

My eyes widened because of the fact that I knew he was visiting this place for the first time after he an year ago.

"David...what's wrong.."

"C'mon!", He led the way, and the watchman instantly ran to unlock the doors of the mansion.

He was acting strange. Way unlike David.

We entered the mansion. I silently followed him.

The mansion suddenly lightened up brightly as he switched on the lights. Embrey, Erica's mother used to live here, but she moved out to Erica's apartment once David left.

As I was observing the surroundings, I felt eyes on me. And no wonder who those eyes belonged to.

"I had done this here, once before. But at that time, I was living in a world filled with aspirations, dreams, desires and hope. Right now, I have nothing to be proud of except my son. I want him Hope. I want to be a part of his life. So real bad!", The desperation and the pain in his voice was something I had never imagined to see in this sunshine of a man.

All my love and longing surfaced for him. I don't want him being this weak. Right now, if it was in my hand, I'd give him anything to see that precious smile of his.

I went forward and took both his hands in mine, "Don't worry David! Oliver is your son. He'd be with you soon. There's no way anyone can take him from you."

He only looked at me strangely, a look I have never seen David have for me.

"You may not know, but the prospect even scares me Hope. Oliver is the last piece I have of Venus."

I nodded, "That is why he is going to be so close to you. Just like Venus was."

"I..I want your help to have him. I need your help.", It was a simple sentence but I was confused beyond everything. 

"What do you mean David?"

"I know I am being selfish and that I am asking for your life. But I need it Hope."

The word 'need' from the man who held so much power on money, on his business, on his people, and on my heart, made me feel so weak. Not in a good way.

"What do you want me to do David?"

"Will you do it?"

"That's what bestfriends are for!"

"I am asking for your life!"

"And I'd give it anyday for my bestfriend."

"You won't!"

"Try me!"

"Marry me!"

"Ofco....wait what!?"

*