Chapter 2
The Norton Group was currently negotiating a major project.
If the scandal got out of hand, Brian's grandfather, Adam Norton would definitely pin the blame on Brian.
So, I quickly packed my things and followed Brian out.
The driver had parked the car in the underground garage.
Brian strode ahead, walking briskly in front.
I shuffled along behind him.
As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, camera flashes erupted all around us.
A crowd of reporters swarmed around us.
"Miss Easley, how are you feeling?" one of them asked.
"How's the baby? Is it a boy or a girl?" another shouted.
"Will the child be recognized as a Norton?" someone pressed.
The flashes were so bright I could barely keep my eyes open.
Instinctively, I lifted my hand to shield my face, feeling helpless.
In the chaos, Brian took off his coat and wrapped it around me.
He held me close and barked, "Who gave you the nerve to block us here?"
The reporters stopped in their tracks, looking at each other in confusion.
"Get lost," Brian said coldly.
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling authority.
The reporters exchanged glances, then silently made way.
Brian scooped me up and settled me into the car.
He closed the door, shutting out all the chaos from outside.
Then he leaned in and patiently helped me put my hat back on.
"It's okay now," he said softly.
He took my trembling hand, his voice gentler than before.
It put me in a trance, bringing back memories of when I first met him at eighteen.
Back then, I was livestreaming in Arkton City and ran into a shady client.
As I escaped from the private room, I crashed right into him.
I looked up for help, and my gaze landed on his face, which was almost too good-looking to be real.
He gave me a teasing half-smile and asked, "If I help you, how are you going to thank me?"
Then, with a clean, decisive move, he booted the creep out of the way.
At eighteen, watching him walk with that bold swagger, I felt like even his shadow was shining.
When I came to my senses, Brian had already let go of my hand.
"I'll drive you back," he said.
He slipped back into his usual cold, aloof demeanor.
It almost felt like that fleeting moment of care was nothing but a mirage.
As the car started up, I hesitated for a second before finally speaking. "I haven't officially met your mother yet. Should we arrange a proper introduction sometime?"
Brian's eyes drifted to the window, avoiding my gaze.
"You're supposed to be recovering. What's the rush?" he replied.
"I've been keeping track of the days. Your mom's birthday is coming up soon, and I was hoping to visit the baby too," I said.
The AC was making the car feel cold, so I instinctively pulled his coat tighter around myself.
Brian finally glanced over at me, frowning a little.
He cut me off, sounding impatient, like he wanted to brush me off.
"I told you, it's not the right time. There's too much going on at home. We'll talk about it when you're feeling better," he said.
Suddenly, the phone he'd tossed onto the seat lit up.
The screen was blinding in the dim car.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the message.
It read: [Brian, don't forget tonight at our usual place. Miss you!]
There was a bright heart emoji at the end.
I tugged on Brian's sleeve, giving him a pleading look. "We haven't had dinner together in forever. Can you keep me company tonight?"
*****
Fiona Kincaid greeted me at the apartment entrance, flanked by two nannies.
After she repeatedly confirmed that I hadn't brought the baby, her eyes grew misty with emotion.
I glanced around the room. Nothing had changed here.
The crib I'd carefully picked out sat all alone in the corner.
The baby's tiny clothes, diapers, and skincare products were lined up neatly in the cabinet.
I'd only spent a few days in the hospital. But somehow, it felt like everything belonged to another lifetime.
I dismissed the nannies and had Fiona pack up all the baby things.
The postpartum meals were kind of bland.
Brian took a couple of bites and then set his utensils down.
I was a bit hungry, so I ate my food hungrily.
Brian kept glancing at his phone, barely paying attention.
I cleared my throat and urged, "Eat up."
He suddenly looked up, staring at the way I grabbed some food.
"Amy, maybe you should start working on your figure," he said.
I caught a fleeting look of disdain in his eyes.
"What? You think I'm fat?" I asked.
Brian reached over and pinched the soft flesh at my waist.
His grip wasn't strong, but it caught on the harsh scar across my stomach.
I drew in a sharp breath, and lost my appetite completely.
*****
Back in my room, I pulled the blanket tight around myself.
No matter how tightly I wrapped up, I was still cold.
Suddenly, I heard the front door close. Brian must have gone out for his appointment after all.
I couldn't help but ask Fiona, "Is the AC on in the apartment?"
Fiona gasped, "Is it too cold for you?"
She checked my forehead for a fever, let out a worried sigh, and hurried after Brian.
Fiona, who was always terrified of Brian, reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
"Miss Easley's sick. Please, take her to the ER," she begged.
Brian stopped in his tracks, hesitated for a moment, then finally came back and helped me out of bed.