The Royal Contract

1178 Secret lover boy

He signed the last paper on his desk before placing them on the outgoing box on his table. His secretary would deal with that later. Then he checked his other schedule for the day, wondering if he had missed anything.

So far, he found everything was in order. He checked his watch, glad that he had finished early. He wished to leave early to see his fiance today. It was their first anniversary as an official couple.

Although they had been on and off in their relationship for years, he considered the day he decided she was the only one for him as their official anniversary. And that was just a year ago.

“Hey, David, do you have a minute?” But his plan was halted when he saw his partner standing by the door. Evan did not wait for his answer as he proceeded toward the center of his office, stopping only when he stood before his desk.

“What is it, Evan?” He curiously asked, contemplating whether his reason for coming without notice was work-related or personal.

It was late for work, but it did not stop Evan before. But it could also be personal, but he seemed happy with the woman he married. Therefore, he doubted that either. He concluded that it could be any number of different reasons.

But he hoped his friend would be fast since he already had his foot set to leave. He still had to drop by the flower shop to buy her favorite flowers. Then, he had to order her favorite meal for a candlelight dinner.

“Adam is coming over and would like to talk to us. I think it will be better if you are also present.” Evan informed him.

He already gave the task to Evan to convince Adam to join their firm. He agreed with Evan that Adam was a terrific choice to replace Gerald in his position. Their background was almost the same.

.....

Although Gerald had years of success in this profession, they still believed that Adam could, without a doubt, fill in his shoes. And his pro bono cases would fit right into their program of giving back to society, especially the less fortunate ones.

“Is this optional, or do you want me in there?” He asked, leaning on his chair as he studied his friend.

He had confidence that Evan could handle this even without him. They already covered all the basis for this arrangement. And if Evan had to decide on a situation, he knew his friend would think of what would be best for everyone.

“I don’t need you there if you need to be somewhere else. But I am just giving you the heads up.” Evan nodded in understanding that he had to leave soon. “I know we need him, and I will do my best to convince him to take the job.”

He was confident that his friend would manage the negotiation even without him. He was one of the best closer in the business. Their partnership would not have been this successful if his friend did not do his equal part.

With that said, they ended their short meeting.

David rushed to avoid the traffic and stopped at his favorite flower shop. He opted to pick up the flowers himself since the shop was on the way to the restaurant and the hospital.

Then, he went to his next destination, ordering a delicious treat, their favorite dishes, for a special dinner surprise. Of course, he took the entire package, which included the linen cloth, the candle holders, and the candles.

“Perfect!” He muttered as he drove to his last destination. He felt satisfied he had everything he needed for tonight. Then, his face suddenly turned solemn.

He guessed he had everything planned for tonight almost to perfection, except for one thing, her presence. She would be there as his date, but she was still unconscious.

Still, he would not allow that to dampen his spirit. He would do this not just for himself but for her. The doctors said there was a slight possibility that she might be aware of what was happening around her, even if she appeared to be sleeping.

Then, he would make this one memorable night to remember.

“How is she?” David immediately asked the nurse in charge of her care when he arrived in her room.

“She is doing so much better today.” The nurse assured him.

Nevertheless, it still made him wonder why she had not woken up. The doctors confirmed her steady progress. But they could not give him a definite answer on when she would wake up.

“We can only give you what science tells us. But in Rosella’s case, only time can tell when she would decide to snap out of her coma.” The doctors told him when he confronted them.

“Thanks. I will take it from here.” He told her, walking further inside the room.

“What is with the basket and the flowers?” The nurse asked as her eyes peeked through the basket that he set on the table.

“It is our anniversary. I just thought we should celebrate it.” He cheerfully told the other woman.

“Are you sure you don’t have a brother? A clone or something that resembles you.” The nurse waved her hands at him. “I like to meet him.” She finished with a wide grin on her face.

“I am sorry, but I don’t one. I have a sister, but I don’t think that counts.” He jokingly answered her, knowing what she was implying with her remark.

“Too bad...” The nurse shook her head as she gathered her things, preparing to leave the room. “I will leave you two with your romantic dinner. By the way, happy anniversary.”

“Thanks,” David gave her a warm smile before she disappeared behind the door. Then he started working on the makeshift table he had prepared, putting the linen on top of it and the candle.

After setting up the flowers on the table and around the room, he busied himself with the different dishes he had specially ordered for tonight. Mostly, it was Rosella’s favorite.

Eventually, he moved the rolling table near her bed. So they could share the food. But suddenly, he felt a hard lump in his throat as tears formed in his eyes.

“Please, come back. Return to me, Rosella. Share this wonderful meal with me.” He moved closer to her, taking her hand in his, allowing the warmth of his skin to transfer to her slightly cold hands.

“I know I am not good with dates when it comes to a relationship, but I remember this date as the first time I realized that you are the only one for me,” David confessed to her, telling her the things he should have said to her long before.

“I love you so much, Rosella. And I want to spend many more happy and blissful years with you.” David pulled her hand into his lips and kissed each of her fingers. “I don’t want to live without you. Please, come back to me.”

He placed her hand back on the side of the bed and quickly wiped the few tears that he could not stop from falling on his cheeks. Then, he pulled the table that he set up on the table and lit the small candle.

He had asked for a fake candle. The one that was battery-operated, knowing a live fire was unsafe in a hospital setting. Smoke could easily trigger the smoke detectors. And the flicker of fire could cause an explosion because of the pure oxygen that might be present in the room.

“I hope this will be good enough for now.” He told her. “But I promise I will do better when you wake up.”

He wished she would open her eyes and join him. He missed seeing her beautiful eyes as they sparkled every time she laughed. He wanted to hear her melodic voice that could brighten up his day.

He missed everything about her.

“I think you will like this even more.” He put a piece of the lamb she loved on her plate. “They put a twist on it. And it is delicious.” He assured her.

Then, he talked about his day at work, like he always did, almost every night when he came around. He shared most of what was happening to his family, her family, and their friends.

He talked about everything he could remember that day that he believed she would love to hear. “Roseann is doing great. But I think she is working herself too hard. I hardly saw her these past few days.”

He wondered if it was because of her work or due to the man that she wanted to see. But that was out of his hand. Roseann was a big girl who was capable of taking care of herself.

“I think she likes a man but finds it hard to confront her feelings.” He continued, telling his fiance what he thought of her sister’s behavior. “Now, she hides in her work instead of dealing with her emotions.”

He hardly saw her anymore. However, if he liked the guy, he believed she should express her feelings instead of running away. That was the only way she could live with herself.

Still, he hoped that this guy was worth all her trouble. Roseann was a fine young lady who deserved to be loved. But he would guarantee that this mystery man would never hurt her, not if he could help it.

“But don’t worry. I will deal with this secret lover boy personally. I won’t let anyone hurt Roseann. You have my word.” He swore to her fiance, considering Roseann his responsibility because she was now part of his family.