7 Chapter 7: Ism here (2/2)

It took her awhile before she was able to calm her nerves down. However, she coudn't seem to find her balance whenever she tries to stand back up. She was holding unto the sink when she heard knocks on the door.

Three times. And few more.

She could not seem to find her voice to answer.

”Laurice, open the door.” That was Sid.

”I ... ” Laurice still in a daze, didn't know what to say. Moments after, she collected herself and stride towards the door, grabbedthe knob and turned.

She met a pair of deep set eyes the moment she opened the door. He was so close she could hear his heavy breathing. Her heart skipped a beat at the mere sight of him.

She clears her throat and asked with a hoarse voice,

”What is it?”

Sid crease his browns and aswered, ”I was worried.”

Laurice was startled. 'Worried? Why was he ...'

She probably looks horrible so she started fixing her clothes and her hair. Sid loosen up his grip from his son and walked closer to her.

”Are you alright?” Sid asked.

Laurice stared at the man who was now brushing her fringe away from her face and did something unexpected the next.

He pressed his fingers on her cheeks, as if caressing it. He looked straight through her eyes and suddenly pulled her to his embrace.

Laurice: ” ... ! ” Laurice sucked in her breath the moment she felt his warm embrace.

”It's going to be alright. I'm here.”

When Laurice heard him, her face crumbled. She somehow felt weak in his arms. Laurice suddenly felt the urge of crying again.

The butler who was standing at the side dismissed the servant and excused himself without making a word and even led the little young master back to the living area.

Louie surprisingly understood the situation as he obediently followed the old man but was still looking worried.

He hopes his mommy will be okay.

'I will also hug mommy later.' He promised to himself.

Laurice was now crying silently in Sid's arms. It was comparable from her hysterical cry a few moments back. Sid gently pats her back, hushing her as if consoling a toddler.

She gently smiled with his gesture. Her eyes softened as she halted her tears, surprised with the man who appears to be cold but could actually be this gentle.

She doesn't even know this man. And yet ...

Her eyes widened. This man was indeed a stranger!

Laurice slowly tried to pull away from his embrace. With cheeks flushed and eyes stinging from excessive crying, she held her chin up to look at Sid who was staring intently at her with eyes as deep as the ocean. Sid was at lost for a second when he felt that soft body pulled away from him. His eyes fixed on her.

As if confirming something, he releases her from his embrace but only to wipe her tears using his thumb while the other hand continued to support her weight on the side. He was worried she might collapse any moment but noticing the time and place they're at, he finally led her out of the washroom.

”You need a drink.” Sid said.

...

”You need to eat.” He added after a long pause.

”And a change of clothes.”

Laurice was dumbfounded.

She initially thought he will take her to the kitchen for a drink but she was brought to a room instead.

”Lie on the bed and close your eyes.” Sid muttered.

Laurice: ” ... !!! ”

'Close my eyes?!'

'Lie on bed?!'

Laurice was too shocked she stumbled on the carpeted floor.