33

DAVID WELLINGTON

I had a lot to do today. There was a lunch meeting that I have to attend with Tobias, then I have to pick my recent reports from the hospital and settle some payments, and then I am going to look at the message that Hope sent me. She wanted to go somewhere...but where exactly? For dinner? Or some night out beside the beach or something like that. She generally doesn't ask me, so when she did I won't refuse her. If she had agreed to drop Oliver out of the plan, then it is definitely something serious. I hope she just wants to relax and calm herself down from everything that's been going on.

"Where do you want to go? Like on dinner? Or some place else?"

Her reply came a half an hour later.

"Anywhere you like. We can have dinner though."

Anywhere I like. She wouldn't tell me what she likes, no matter how much I try. And so I decided to call Erica.

As soon as she picked up her phone, I asked her, "Tell me Hope's favourite place in Rome. Anywhere near or far."

She chuckled, "Why so much hurry?"

"Erica! Be quick...she has asked me to go out today, which she barely ever does. I need to make it good. May be to express my gratitude?"

She sighed knowingly, "Do one thing. Go to some beach side restaurant. An open one. She loves the breeze. Whenever we go for concert in some coastal state, she makes sure we visit the beach. Especially at night."

That made me think. And I hang up on her.

Calling Tobias, I instructed him a few things and told him to make reservations accordingly. He took notes and i decided to make some preparations.

I went to a flower shop and brought a bouquet for her. Well, she may have not explicitly said it is a date, but I will bully her into admitting it. The thought alone made me smile to myself.

After a lot of wandering in the shop, i finally settled on carnations. They were something out of the league, but beautiful nonetheless. Somehow, they reminded me of her the instance my eyes fell on them.

My next destination was a jewellery outlet. Ofcourse there's a saying that we men think we can buy women's love using jewellery but we don't. Jewellery signifies permanence. It is something that cannot decay easily, and so whenever the subject of our concern wears them, it gives us a strange sense of satisfaction. As if staking some kind of claim.

The manager, most likely recognising me, took me to the VIP seating area and asked me what I would like to see. With a cup of coffee in my hand, I decided upon a plenty of jewellery pieces kept before me, but nothing made sense. Last time, when I brought her that neck piece, it was purely out of a friendly instinct. Now, things were different. I wanted to tell her I commit to the relationship between us.

"I can't choose. It's messing up my mind.", I told the polite lady who was assisting me choose a piece.

She nodded, understanding, "Sir I can help you if you answer some of my questions. Will you try?"

I agreed, "Yes please! Go ahead.."

"What is the relationship status for whom you are buying this?"

I sat back comfortably, "She's my wife officially, but we are more like best friends."

"What is the occasion?"

I shrugged, "Nothing special. She only expressed her wish of going out. I am just trying to make it special."

She acknowledged my answer and then narrowed down the choice to a box, "Sir, since it is not a specific occasion, you must experiment and get some hand accessories. Bangles are not so much in trend here in Italy, but you can always try. Look at these."

And then she showed me many gold and platinum bangles, some adorned with intricate patterns and carvings. Some were even embedded with gems. The gems one looked a little too flashy, so I focused on the simpler one.

"These can be customised also. If you want to write some message in there. Something that symbolises your relationship with her."

I thought for a while and then chose a rose gold bangles that had roses made on it with gold. Golden on Pink was looking fine, more than fine with the design of this sort.

"I want this one. And can I get it customized?"

She nodded, "Yes sir! It will only take half an hour. Can you wait for that time?"

I had to go to the hospital, but they can wait. Ofcourse they can.

"What will be your message? Please write it on this paper in your handwriting. We'll copy the exact same."

I took the notepad from her and thought for a while. And after thinking for a minute, I came up with something that made me chuckle to myself.

It was - 'Hi Hopeless!'

The phrase was very close to my heart when it came to Hope. Whenever I wasn't serious about something, which wasn't rare, i always used this. During our school time, when we met after years, or even when we met after i came back. Somedays it is even my good morning to her. She seems unbothered now and responds quickly to it- keeping in her mind the fact that I am never really going to love her original name as much as I love this.

I sat back, scrolling on my phone, as they raced here and there to get my customisation. They seemed puzzled at my message but it is what it is. I am not going to explain why my message is not some cheesy shit. Because the message I wrote feels really close to my heart.

In less time that expected, they had my package ready.

I paid them, the amount and a hefty tip for their good service and left for the hospital. I don't really like driving around, but my driver is busy in his sister's wedding and his substitute will come from tomorrow. The carnations and the gift was sitting proudly on my backseat, making me feel giddy, somewhat nervous.

Was i overdoing it? What if it makes her uncomfortable?

I was indulging into intense overthinking when I finally made it to my destination- the parking lot of the hospital. Taking a last look at the things on the backseat, I convinced myself it's all good and left for taking care of my hospital account. This is generally overlooked by my PA, but since he was new, i wanted to manage all this once before I hand it over to him. It is a sensitive thing and I need to trust him fully before I give him charge over everything.

When I reached the reception, the receptionist indicated I move to the patient consultation room. It would be there where I will pay for the ongoing treatment and get my reports.

It was a cabin, a big one, with several cubicles. I was directed to one of those and a man sat before me, who acknowledged my presence.

"I had to look over my account and pay the remaining balance."

Using my registration number and other details, he fetched my account and then forwarded it to me.

"Sir! This is your account history. The last payment was done by Ms. Lilliana. Here is her signature. And your remaining balance since that payment is eleven thousand euros."

That wasn't much keeping in mind that my medications were drastically reduced. He pointed towards a place in the paper where the amount was written.

Once I verified it all, I gave him my card, and he started proceeding with the payment.

I was aimlessly skimming through the paper when my eyes land on the details of the first payment. A seventy thousands euros. Payment settled by Eric Ashton.

My mind froze as my eyes refused to leave, away from the name. Eric? He was here when I was first admitted.

But when I woke up, there was no one but Hope here. But ofcourse, how did she manage to bring me here? When I asked her then she said Stephan helped.

Also, when I asked to take care of the payments, she said it was all already taken care of. I thought she was the one to pay.

*
"Does Erica know? Eric? Oh god! He'd definitely use this against me in the court."

She looked at me pointedly, "No one knows about this. Okay???"

"But how did you bring me here all on yourself?"

"Stephan..he helped me. And I forced him to make a promise to keep this a secret."

I sighed in relief at that. Thankfully, my case is not yet in the ditch.

*
"Here is the hospital bill, that is already cleared and all the required documents. You won't have to stay here anymore. I have already explained the medications to your wife, and you need to take an appropriate amount of rest.", said the attendant who was taking care of my case.

I looked at Hope confused, "Who paid the bill?"

Hope looked at me briefly before turning away, "Me."

"Hmm... thanks for everything."

"Whatever.", She waved me off, and collected our things.

*

I started having flashes from that day. Hope clearly mentioned Stephan helped, and she also said no one knew about it. She even said the bill was paid by her.

Sitting there, numb and at the same time overwhelmed, i realised what actually happened. Hope betrayed me. She hid the fact that even Eric was here, when I was admitted. And not only was he here, he was also that one who took care of the expenses. And me? I thought atleast I have a charge over my own bloody liver treatment.

A wave of rage started building up within me. She should have told me. If not then, then sometimes later. I don't think she was ever planning to tell me this. Did she think I'd never know? And Eric? That man pretended so well to be oblivious to everything.

Even after this realisation, a small voice still yelled to me to think it from their perspective. And I tried to not act in rage.

By then, my payment was made and the man responsible, came back with my card.

I stood up, and asked him, "Uh? I want to ask if I can meet the doctor who's taking care of my case from the Hepatology department. May be his juniors, or someone who's been assisting him in the case?"

"Do you have an appointment sir?"

A nerve irked in my head at his dumb question, "If I had an appointment, i would have not asked you."

He got a little intimidated at my tone, but nodded nonetheless.

"Let me check if the doctor is there. Please sit for sometime."

Minutes later, he came back.

"Sir the doctor is available. He's in his cabin. I've informed him of your request."

I thanked him, and left for meeting the doctor.

The doctor was confused and a little worried because I was here, earlier than my scheduled time. Way earlier.

"Are you okay Mr. Wellington? Any issues?", he asked a little concerned.

I smiled at him, "I am alright doctor. Never been better. I only came here to ask some personal question, something other than my medications."

He looked a little apprehensive and observed me for a while but nodded thereafter, "Go on."

"If you remember, can you please tell me who all were here during my first visit. When I came in unconscious."

He was puzzled at my question, but tried to think back to that day. The doctors here knew me from outside my medical history. They were aware I am an important architect in Rome and so my arrival created a buzz. But since they were responsible for safeguarding my privacy, nothing has bothered me as such. Now, I was asking him a question, a personal one, but I was the subject of concern. And I had the right to know who was my attendant when I was admitted.

Thankfully, the doctor did not debate with me over medical ethics, but he remembered soon enough.

"Mr. Wellington....your wife, for sure and i remember your friend, uh...I am not getting his name...uh...that billionaire who's very arrogant.."

"Eric Ashton?"

He immediately agreed, "Yeah! Eric Ashton... and there was also his bodyguard. I am sorry I don't know his name."

"That's okay. It was a great help doctor. I'll take your leave."

With a smile plastered on my face, i left the cabin. But I vanished the moment I was alone.

Why would Hope hide this from me? As much as I didn't want to think of this as a betrayal, it made me feel hurt physically. And Eric?

Looking at my watch, I saw it was close to seven in the evening. I asked her to be ready by eight.

Despite the storm in my chest, I went home. I didn't want to face her, but at the same time, the questions cannot be left unasked.

The guards greeted me on the way, and I returned their gesture, trying not to show my discomfort on my face. When I was finally at the doors, I gathered courage to go in.

The penthouse was unusually silent, but that can also happen because Oliver must have gone to Eric's. I went up, and opened the door to the bedroom to hear some shuffling from the closet.

I stood in the middle of the room, when she came out of the closet. She was ready, almost ready because I could see her holding her sandals in her hand. She was wearing a white bodycon spaghetti strapped dress, with a deep neck, and that butterfly necklace around her neck. Her every bit of fair body, glowed more than usual. And her hair, it was left open, flowing like waves till her waist.

For a few moments, I was awestruck. This was Hope, my friend and my wife. It was not just about her face. It was her presence that brought me comfort. Everytime I breathed in the same air as her, it looked like things will get easier.

At that moment, i realised that even if she wasn't in that exquisite dress, she would always make my breathing easier. But the fact that she lied to me, still gives me a sore area sticking out.

We stared at each other for a long time, something glazing over her eyes, something familiar yet unknown. She has looked at me, like that, for many times. And there was a nervousness surrounding her. Reminding me, how she asked for us to go out.

But then again, looking at her, I was reminded of the lie again. And so, i went forward. Close enough to catch her off the guards.

She looked a little startled, but nonetheless stood her foot. I took her sandals from her hand and threw them, a little away from us.

"David....", before she could say anything other than that, I kept a finger on her lips.

"Stay quiet."

Her innocent face, was distracting me, but I had a task at hand. I can't get distracted. I need to clear the air. I can't have a wound sticking out like that.

"Tell me Hope! And tell me the truth. Please!", her eyes narrowed at my words, confused and probably wondering what I have to say.

"Yeah...", her voice was merely above a whisper, blinding me for a while.

I took a deep breath, and began, "I went to the hospital. And saw that the first transaction was done by Eric. Was he? Or was he not present when I was first admitted to the hospital."

Her eyes widened at that, and even though I knew the answer, I was waiting for her to say it. Even she knew that I am aware because she searched in my eyes, and I am sure the answer was there.

"David...I can e..."

"Just tell me yes or no! For once let me hear you say the truth damnit!!", i snapped at her, and she visibly flinched.

She closed her eyes for a moment, and then looked up at me, "Yes! Eric was there. Infact, he was the first one to spot you lying unconscious on the terrace."

A wave of frustration ran through me, and i distanced myself from her, immediately.

"David! Hear me out. We hid that fact from you because we didn't want to worry you that Eric would use your illness against you in the court. We know Eric wouldn't do that. He didn't after all. But I...I just didn't want you worrying over something when you already had so much to take care of."

I looked at her, "Despite your reasoning Hope, I still feel like you betrayed me, along with Eric."

It didn't take her long to come closer, and stand just in front of me, "I would never betray you David. That is not just yours, but my own worst nightmare! Please try to understand..."

Her eyes were glazed with tears and desperation, making me look away.

"You don't get to do this Hope. You should have told me. You should have been the one to tell me this. Or that bastard, Eric. I don't get to have my life knocked out of me, by some bloody hospital records."

"What would it take you to believe I only had your best interest in my mind!?"

I spared her a glance, something breaking within me at her tears. I did what I was afraid of doing from the first day of our marriage. Made her cry.

I gulped the lump, "For now. Staying away."

"Away? David please! Let me make it better!"

I shook my head, "No! You made it worse. You can't make it better. I feel so taken aback that breathing is becoming difficult for me."

I feel her take my face in her palms, "Look at me please. I didn't mean to hurt you."

I took her hand in mine, "It doesn't matter what you meant to do. What matters is what you actually do."

I moved away and took a deep breath to calm myself down.

"I am not in the right state of mind right now. We'll do this dinner thing some other day. Stay home. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back."

Before I could move any further, she came before me.

"Where will you go?"

"Somewhere I can breath freely.", i realised how wrong my words were the moment they left my mouth. The hurt was visible on her face, and that made me gulp, some anger on my own self.

She stepped back, "Okay. Just... don't drink."

Nodding, i left, hoping to find a way to make it all go away. When I got in my car, my eyes fell on the gift package and the carnations resting on the backseat. A strange pinch in my heart followed me as I drove away.

*

THIRD PERSON

"Eric! I think I am more nervous that Hope would ever be."

He chuckled over the phone, "Ofcourse. Since you were the one to motivate her. But tell me one thing? Was this the same motivation that had you confessing to me, and leaving me like a fool at that restaurant outside the city."

She laughed, "Ofcourse. You men are dumb. And we as women will always feel more than you. And obviously we are better interpreters. Who would spend time in waiting for you to realise!"

He couldn't help but smile.

He was returning home and then as he made his way to the parking lot, he saw the familiar black Porsche moving out.

"I think David and Hope just left. I saw his car."

She looked at the time, "Yeah! Hope told me David asked her to be ready by eight. You know he even asked me how to make it special. I am so happy for them. It would be so good to see them both finding happiness in each other."

He only hummed, and signalled the guards using his hands to follow David and Hope's car. In all the fun and love moments, he wouldn't risk there security which David often did.

The guards would stay a mile away as long as they don't sense the threat around them. So it was fine for them to go for security purposes.

With that, he left for his own penthouse, excited to spend time with his wife and children. After all, even Oliver was tonight with them.

*

Mechanically, Hope went towards the kitchen, and got herself a glass of water.

'But loving is all about how much risks you can take. If you accept things and forgive yourself for feeling them, then you have already won half the battle. Don't worry about the consequences.'

For once she stopped worrying about consequences, and this is what she got. She was a liar, a betrayer, and someone who'd be able to hurt him.

The water in her throat felt like it was sharp edged cobbles, being gulped by her. She was wearing a designer dress, she wanted to make it special. Even if he didn't know. As Erica said, she wanted to make it special for him. For herself. She had finally gathered the courage to do what she couldn't manage in years. And this comes out the end result.

She chuckled at her fate. And then moved away from the kitchen, and went out of the dining room, to the balcony. There under the moonlight, she laid down on the couch. She knew if she thought alot, a panic attack will strike her.

So, numbly, she laid down, unthinking. She could hear her phone ringing at the distance but she didn't care. Her face was hidden in her hand, and unwillingly, a few tears escaped her eyes. But she didn't let the sobs overtake her.

*

It was way past midnight when the black Porsche drove back in the parking lot of the building. He spent a few hours driving, and then as her voice rang in her mind, he decided to return back home. He was hungry, really hungry. And he only hoped Hope cooked something. Did she? If she didn't he'll probably go and cook a peace making meal and they'll eat together. He will talk it out with her.

He saw the small droplets of water on the windows of the car, that suggested slight drizzling.

With some contemplation, he picked up the carnations, slightly wilted now, and the gift from the backseat. Back in his penthouse, he went in and like before, everything was silent. He went to the kitchen and saw it untouched. Untouched to the extent, that it looked eerie.

He went upstairs, and checked in the bedroom.

*

DAVID WELLINGTON

'Stay home. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back.'

I remind myself what I said to her. She must be home.

I came back downstairs, and saw the balcony door open.

I move out, and I see her lying on the couch, in the same dress she was wearing hours ago. And to top it all, it was drizzling.

"Hope! Hope!", I went near her and shook her.

"Hope? What is this place to sleep?"

Her eyes opened at my loud voice, her hair, a little damp from the drizzling. I helped her sit up, and then take her hand in mine.

"C'mon in! Don't sit here or you'll get completely drenched."

I pulled her in, but she remained quiet.

"You didn't even change? Your dress looks good though!", I tried to sound as normal as I do on a normal day. Because something looked off about her.

She lifted her face, to look at me, visibly shook.

"See! I brought these carnations for you..and the..."

Before I could complete, she looked at the flowers, resting on the dining table, and picked them up.

"Thank you David.", her voice merely above a whisper, "I'll get them preserved. Because these are probably all I have."

*