STEPHAN-

I tried to open my eyes, but everything seemed blurry. Where am I? Even though my memory seems foggy, I hear the sounds of machines beeping. I took in my environment, I’m in what seemed like a hospital room, and different machines connected to my body. I tried to jog my memory, but all I got back was a strong bout of headache, and the darkness soon enveloped me, and I slipped into it.

A whiff of soft jasmine fragrance caught my nostrils, I opened my eyes and the most beautiful set of green eyes stared back at me, she looked like she had seen a ghost, her eyes widened in fear, she hesitated, as though assessing if I’m a threat or not, she glanced at the door as she moved towards me as though contemplating if she should bolt or not.

“Do you need me to call someone?” she said, gesturing with her phone. I tried to respond, but my throat stings. I nodded instead

“Who are you? How did you get here?” she continued. I still couldn’t make any sounds, I kept shaking my head instead, hoping she’ll understand.

“I think I’ll have to call Austin,” she lifts her phone,

No! She can’t call Austin I gathered all my strength to say in a low, coarse whisper, “N-not Aus-s-tin ple-as-e”

she dropped her phone into her pocket, looking indecisive. “Okay, I think I know someone I can call, I’ll be back,” she said after a prolonged silence and dashed out of the room

I close my eyes, hoping she doesn’t change her mind and decides to call Austin, speaking of Austin, that half-bred bastard, after everything our father did for him, only for him to stab us in the back. My thoughts were interrupted as the door creaked open. The lady came back in with a maid. I could tell by her uniform that she was a maid. Strangely, she looked familiar, but I couldn’t place the face.

“Master Stephan!” the maid gasped, “you’re alive! But how?” She rushed to my side. The other lady, who came in with looked very confused and raised a questioning eyebrow at the maid.

“Mrs. Lorah, this is Master Austin’s elder brother, Master Stephan.” So that’s her name, I thought to myself

“He was involved in a ghastly motor accident six months ago, and we thought he was dead,” the maid continued. “I think we should keep this under wraps for now, Mrs. Lorah, at least till he is out of the woods.” The maid looked at me with so much pity whilst she spoke to Lorah.

I looked at Lorah, hoping she would make the right decision

“Alright, but do you know someone who can handle this discreetly?” Lorah asked the maid, and I heaved a sigh of relief

“Yes, Mrs. Lorah, my cousin is a doctor who runs a small clinic not too far from here. I’ll call him and he’ll be here in a short time.”…

The doctor who got here in less than thirty minutes, conducted a series of checkups and said to Lorah and the maid

“He’s very lucky, in fact, this is a miracle that he’s alive and not brain dead.”

we were all looking at him as if waiting for him to pass a verdict. He adjusted his glasses and continued

“With consistent treatment and physiotherapy, he should be hale and hearty, and on his way to full recovery.” This gives me hope…

Lorah made it a habit to constantly check on me and read to me, even after the doctor might have left, she would stay behind for a while. Our reading sessions became something I looked forward too; her soothing voice and calming presence are all that kept me sane.

As usual, her jasmine fragrance preceded her presence as she opened the door. I take in her appearance; she’s wearing a cashmere top with a low neckline, exposing her cleavage a little, paired with a jean trousers hugging her curves perfectly, her hair is flowing down her shoulders today and not in its usual bun.

“You look well, Stephan,” Lorah pulled the only chair in the room and sat beside me.

“You look vibrant, too, Lorah. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Your doctor told me you’ve made remarkable progress with your physiotherapy,” she said with a smile

I shrugged, “I’m making progress, I guess. I can at least walk from here down the hall and back.”

“In no time, you’ll gain full recovery,” Lorah squeezed my hand reassuringly

“Lorah, what are you doing in the Barnes mansion?” Running my hand through my hair, I hope I’m not invading her privacy, or should I be content with the help she’s offering?

She raised her left hand, showing me her ring. “I’m married to Austin.”

“What? Austin? No, that’s not right, how are you married to that scum?” I blurted out without thinking

Oh no! Lorah’s expression turned sour. Why did I react like that?

“What do you mean? Married to that scum?” Her cheeks are starting to redden from anger

“Lorah, calm down, I-”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” She stood up from the chair. “You asked me to keep your secret, I did. The wife of that same scum has been taking care of you all this time; perhaps I have tolerated too much of your indulgence.”

“Please, I mean no harm, I just wanted to-” my words were left hanging in the air, she slammed the door, and left.

I really hope I’ve not pissed off Lorah that she won’t come back anymore, I always look forward to her visits, regardless of how short, her presence always leaves a soothing effect, I truly did not mean to upset her, I was merely looking out for her, Austin has always been a conniving selfish person, and undeserving of Lorah who has been mothing but kind to me since I woke up. All thanks to her and Dr. Albert, I’m making considerable progress with my health.

I will make Austin and his mother pay for doing this to me, but first, I need to get better, and I can’t do that without the help of Lorah. How do I convince her that Austin is not who she thinks he is…