Chapter 13

"Umm!" She moaned as her eyes struggled to open, feeling like a lead weighed them down.

It was hard to wake up when she knew she hardly had sufficient sleep. She had kept waking up in the middle of the night when nurses or doctors came in to check on her son's condition.

She could not help but jerk awake whenever she heard an alarming beeping sound or felt a slight movement, fearing that her worse nightmare had finally come true.

Nevertheless, exhaustion had finally collected its toll in the wee hours of the morning, as her body finally succumbed to a dreamless sleep while slumped on the edge of her son's bed.

She did not even mind her current state, not caring about her uncomfortable position as she slightly drooled on the white linens.

"Put those over there."

"Careful, we don't want to disturb them."

Unfamiliar voices resonated around her. Whispers seemed to reach her ears. Was that just another part of her dream?

She could not help but ask as she tried to understand what was happening. Then, a few seconds later, everything was back to silence. She was again ready to abandon her consciousness.

But not a few minutes longer, she felt the faintest movement around her. And she believed she heard a vaguest sound that slightly piqued his curiosity.

Could it be another dream? This time, she did not think so as she finally forced her eyes to open, blinking a few times to get the cobwebs off that blurred her vision.

But before she could focus on anything, her mouth opened wide, propelling her to take a large amount of air into her lungs and immediately expel it out of her body.

"I hope I did not wake you up." Suddenly the voice became recognizable as she finally came to her senses.

It was unmistakable.

She knew who it was even before her eyes glimpsed at the man standing on the other side of the bed. Even though she was slightly startled by his presence, she was not surprised anymore. She guessed she should expect his sudden appearance more often now that he wanted to be a part of their son's life.

"That is ok." She responded, acting like she did not care. "What time is it?" She asked as she searched for her phone.

There was no window around the room, so there was no way she could guess if it might still be dark outside, early morning or lunchtime, as she stood and partially stretched her arms and legs, feeling the cramps on her limbs.

"Still early." It was his only answer as his eyes remained concentrated on their little boy, still sleeping peacefully on his bed.

"What happened here?" Her eyes widened upon seeing the room, at least the entirety of the room.

Every corner had stuffed animal toys of different kinds and sizes. Colorful balloons also floated around the room, bringing life to the dullness of the white walls.

Moreover, she sensed the mild fragrance of fresh flowers that filled the air, finding a few vases around her, providing vibrance to a depressing atmosphere.

"I don't want him to wake up in a scary place," Damon commented, waving his hand to the machines attached to their child.

She believed that was the clever and crafty way to put things in a different perspective, agreeing with his actions.

She also did not want Oliver to get overwhelmed by this when he finally opened his eyes. Hopefully, soon as she returned her eyes to his still-unconscious boy.

"I also brought you coffee and something to eat." He pointed to the small table in the other corner.

She supposed that was the other smell her nose had her sniffing in the air. The aroma of the freshly brewed black caffeinated drink alone was enough to make her mouth watery.

But the scent of the newly baked bread had her stomach growling like a hungry bear. Damn! She wondered if he could hear her hunger as she stared at the food before her.

"Don't worry. I did not poison your food. Remember, I still need you to marry me." He casually said as he finally moved in her direction.

Was that a joke? Should she laugh at his euphemism?

"I still need you to consider this marriage. You know you still need me and my money." He prompted her as if she required his constant reminding.

Yet, she could not see the humor in her current situation, as she ignored his statement. She was still not fully awake yet to handle his crap.

"Thanks, but no thanks." She raised the coffee and sipped a mouthful, badly needing the boost to deal with a man like him, an overbearing, stubborn, and arrogant man.

Besides, she felt it would be a waste of limited resources if she threw good food in the trash. Moreover, she had no beef with the tasty pastry before her.

"Jules..." He ran his fingers through his hair as if he had something to say but decided to shut his mouth at the last minute, biting his lips into silence.

"I am just going to talk to the doctors." He suddenly turned and strode to the door. "Enjoy your breakfast." Leaving her to eat by herself.

She had no idea what had happened as she watched his back disappear behind the door. She was sure he would watch every bite she made, but something made him change his mind.

She guessed seeing him leave was better. She did not know if she could eat with him around. Besides, she needed time to think of his offer.

Should she even consider it as she thought of the pros and cons? She could not deny he was right about her money issues.

"Will Oliver be fine?" That was her first question when the doctor came out of the operating room.

"The operation was a success, but we have high hopes Oliver will pull through. He is indeed a courageous and strong boy." The doctor remarked, providing her temporary relief.

"However..." The doctor continued, making her hold her breath once again. "Oliver might need rehabilitation and therapies."

The doctor explained that it would all depend on Oliver. They would know more once Oliver was conscious.

Of course, her heart shouted for joy, believing that her son was ok. However, she could not stop thinking of the cost of all those procedures he still had to go through.

Hence, did she have any other choice? Could she blatantly say no to him? Then, she remembered swearing to do anything to save her son's life.

Was she backing out of her word?

But what about...?