ENDLESS NIGHTS
Chapter 13
Alessia
The evening had started with laughter, a lighthearted exchange between David and me, as we shared memories and stories, clearly enjoying each other's company. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie, and for a fleeting moment, all seemed right in the world. But then, without any warning, my joyful expression vanished, replaced by a cloud of concern that settled heavily on my heart. David, ever the perceptive one, caught my change in demeanor almost instantly. He turned to me, his brows knitting together in concern, and asked,
"What's wrong again?"
I took a deep breath, trying to mask the worry churning inside me.
"David, I'm laughing with you as if everything is perfectly fine. But the truth is, it's not," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "I can't shake this nagging worry about Aunty Gini. What if…?" But before I could voice the worst of my fears, he silenced me gently, placing a finger against my lips, a gesture both tender and authoritative.
"Don't worry about Aunty Gini," he whispered, his voice low and calming. "Tomorrow, I'm going to visit the hospital; I'll make sure she's okay. I promise she's going to recover." His words were intended to soothe, and for a moment, a flicker of hope ignited in my chest. I couldn't help but smile faintly, even as the worry refused to fully dissipate. I couldn't help but think about all the money he had paid toward her medical bills—would he expect something in return? Perhaps he was hiding ulterior motives, wanting to leverage his kindness. I shook my head, trying to dispel those intrusive thoughts that plagued me. What was meant to happen would unfold in its own time, and if it was his wish, I would give him whatever he wanted.
After exchanging whispered reassurances, I crawled beneath the sheets of the bed, carefully placing pillows between us as a makeshift barrier, though I knew all too well that the physical distance didn't alleviate my growing desire. As I lay there, tangled in my own thoughts, David stirred awake, pulling off his t-shirt. My heart raced as I caught sight of his impressive physique—broad shoulders, powerful arms, a perfectly sculpted six-pack. I couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful he was and how much I craved to reach out and touch him. But I knew better than to act on those impulsive desires.
When he turned in my direction, I instinctively averted my gaze, something closer to shame washing over me.
"I-I'm sorry; I was just staring out the window, okay? I never looked at you," I stammered, as if sensing the tension in the room. I smirked, unable to resist teasing him.
"I see. By the way, I love the way you lie."
My eyes widened in disbelief, scrambling to defend myself. "What? No! Wait, I'm not lying; I wasn't looking at your big muscles!"
He leaned closer, whispering playfully, "Are they attractive? Just like your lips?"
A blush crept across my cheeks as I wondered if he could see how much he affected me.
"Isn't there another room where I can sleep?" I asked, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "I just can't sleep with you, David. I'm really sorry," I stammered, clutching at the sheets as I rose from the bed.
But he reached for me, grasping my hand and pulling me toward him, and suddenly, the distance evaporated. I felt the warmth of his body against mine, our breaths mingling, creating a tension that crackled in the air around us. I looked up into his enchanting green eyes, and for a fleeting moment, I felt suspended in time, lost in the depths of his gaze. There was a profound connection, a truth brimming with unspoken promises, and in that instant, I felt a surge of courage.
Unable to suppress my emotions any longer, I leaned in, my lips meeting his with a fervor I hadn't anticipated. But to my shock, he remained unresponsive, caught off guard. Doubt washed over me: what if he didn't feel the same way I did? My heart sank as I pulled back and met his startled gaze.
"I'm so sorry; I never meant to kiss you. It was a mistake. I got carried away, that's all," I blurted, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
But then he moved closer, brushing a lock of hair from my face, his touch sending an electric jolt through me.
"I really love your blonde curly hair, Alessia. Don't apologize; you didn't do anything wrong. The reason I didn't respond is that I was in shock! I didn't expect you to kiss me," he confessed, his voice laced with an eagerness I hadn't noticed before.
"Ohhh, maybe," I mumbled, grappling with how to navigate this new territory.
"So can we sleep n…" I began, but my eyes landed on the undeniable evidence of his arousal, and I quickly bit my lip, feeling a rush of heat flood my face. I averted my gaze, desperate to maintain some semblance of composure.
Taking a deep breath, I wrapped myself in a blanket and made my way to the couch in the dim light of the room. I needed to put distance between us; it was the only way to regain control of my feelings.
"Goodnight, David. Sleep in the bed; I'll be fine on the couch." I could sense that he wanted to persuade me otherwise, but I couldn't allow myself that vulnerability.
He switched off the light, casting the room in darkness, though I could still feel the intensity of his gaze on me as he settled into bed.
"Goodnight, Alessia; anyway, I enjoyed the kiss. You're a good kisser. I hope to be kissed by you again."
His words hung in the air, a heady promise that sent shivers down my spine, leaving me lying awake on the couch, my heart racing with all the possibilities of what tomorrow would bring"
**Mandy**
We were viewing a television program with Ariel, but my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with concern for my mother. I found myself grappling with anxiety over her condition: would she ever recuperate, or was that the final chapter for her? Turning to Ariel, I remarked,
'Continue watching television; I am going to rest.'
'Wait a moment... are you alright? We had agreed that after our television time, we would head to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. Have you forgotten our promise?' she inquired.
'Ariel, I am deeply distressed about my mother. She is currently hospitalized, and there is nothing I can do to assist her. I can either watch animated shows or prepare something to eat, but it feels inadequate compared to what I wish I could do for her,' I replied, tears welling in my eyes. Ariel then kissed me gently on the forehead before rising from her seat.
'I understand, alright? But do not worry; my father is managing the situation. Allow me to go to the kitchen and bring you some food,' she whispered before promptly exiting the room.
As I rested on the bed, I noticed a shadow at the door. Initially, I believed it to be a figment of my imagination, but it turned out to be real. I stood up and asked,
'Who is there? Is anyone present?' The shadow moved into the room. I felt an overwhelming urge to scream, but Ariel's loud cry halted me; her scream resonated throughout the mansion.
I hurried downstairs towards the direction from which the sound had come, only to find her collapsing, crying, and clutching her hand.
'Ariel? What has occurred?' I asked in a panic. As I was questioning her, a woman rushed towards us, lifting Ariel with urgency.
'You disgraceful orphan! What did you do to her? Did you push her down the steps? Now you are pretending as though you know nothing of what happened?' the woman accused. I was not the one responsible for pushing Ariel; she had fallen on her own. A wave of confusion and fear washed over my face as I longed to declare my innocence.
Just then, David, his mother, Alessia, Bruno, and several maids dashed into the scene.
'Pinky, what has transpired with my daughter?' he asked in a frigid tone. So, the woman who lifted Ariel was named Pinky? I was on the verge of explaining when Pinky pointed at me and declared,
'She pushed her.'
'No, that is false! Mr. David, she is lying. I did not push your daughter. Ariel intended to make something for me to eat; she left, and I remained in her room. When she departed, I noticed a shadow and could not comprehend it. Shortly thereafter, I heard Ariel scream. I assure you, I never pushed her.'
'Hold on! Who do you think you are, young lady? My granddaughter fell while attempting to prepare food for you? Good heavens! Are you aware that she is the child of a billionaire? How could a billionaire's daughter be making food for someone like you?' Mrs. Katie shouted vehemently.
Mr. Maynard interjected, 'I cannot ascertain what truly transpired. I cannot claim definitively that Mandy pushed her, nor can I say the same for Pinky. Let us await Ariel's awakening to hear her account of the events. For now, I would like Mandy, Pinky, and Alessia to return to their respective areas.'
'Mr. and Mrs. Maynard, we sincerely apologize; however, please trust me when I say that Mandy is a good girl. She would never engage in such behavior! How could she push someone? That is far from her character. I have known her since her infancy,' Alessia pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
David retrieved his phone from his pocket to contact the doctor. After completing the call, he stated,
'If a doctor arrive and I learn that my daughter was pushed, I will ensure that the individual responsible faces consequences, regardless of my affections for them,' he murmured to Alessia.
Mrs. Katie retorted, 'Son, do not be foolish! It is evident that your guests are instigating trouble. Can you believe she is even fabricating tales about seeing a shadow—spirits inhabiting this house? When have you ever heard such a claim? This girl is deceitful, a harlot, and a menace!' she exclaimed.
Alessia grasped my hand, leading me aside and asking, 'Mandy, I need you to be truthful with me. Did you push her?'
'I did not! Please trust me, Alessia.'
'Very well, go to Ariel's room and rest while I go after David to ask for apologies. I shall see you in the morning.'
"Alessia there's something off about this mansion, I don't think I'll be able to sleep alone. Can you join me please?" I asked her, she remained silent for a while and then said
"Ok, for now go to Ariel's room. I need to have a private talk with David I'll come and sleep with you"
"Okay" I replied...
**Alessia**
It seems like the problems will never end. Each day brings its own problems. I followed David, who was carrying his child, while Ariel was silent as if she had fainted. He walked into his room and placed his daughter on the bed. Then we noticed the blood coming from her head. I got so scared! Was she hurt so badly?
"David?"
"Alessia, stop! Don't talk; let's wait for the doctor. We'll talk about this later."
To be continued...