Chapter 72: Chapter 72

The doctor confirmed that the drug was a narcotic and prolonged use of it was very harmful, that week was indeed crucial as Michael Deloux wakes up screaming for Marcella and asking for the drugs, he was always agitated and throws things when not given, Derek had flushed all the drugs down the toilet and it hurts to see his father crying like a child while seeing for his dose, Marcella would rot in jail, he promised, "dad you have to be strong, you'll overcome this I promise" but his father wasn't getting stronger, instead, he was gradually fading, he had no choice than to take him to a rehab facility. His father screamed at him, cursing him when he was being taken away, tears flowed down Kathleen's cheeks at the sight, she knew father and son were suffering but Marcella had already done the damage.

His father kept asking for Marcella to be released, " she mustn't be in jail, you have to get her out" he begged Derek, holding onto his pants, Derek clasped his father's hands in his, "just get better first dad, we'll talk about that" his dad became agitated at his words, throwing tantrums as he was dragged away, he fought against the officials taking him to the rehab center, his bulged eyes sought out Kathleen, "don't let them take me, please, I don't want to go, I'm fine, I promise I won't ask for the drugs anymore, just don't let them take me" he begged

Kathleen's heart went out to him, "you'll soon be back, just focus on recovering okay"

"I'm not sick, I'm okay" he screamed, Derek nodded at the officials to take him away and they soon dragged a screaming Michael Deloux into their waiting van.

"This shouldn't get out" Derek warned the officials and they nodded, "we understand Sir, no one will hear about it"

Derek stood and watched as they took his father away, he was tempted to call them back but Kathleen put her hand on his shoulder, he glanced at her and she shook her head at him, "it's for his own good Derek, you don't need to feel guilty about it"

"Marcella was right about one thing though, where was I? I was supposed to be there for him after Mom died but instead, I left home in anger, perhaps if....."

"Shhhh, there's nothing to blame yourself for, Marcella was his wife, who would believe she would try to harm her husband, and for what?"

Derek shook his head, "I'm still trying to figure out her reason, I don't get it also"

Derek's phone rang before Kathleen could reply, he answered it and his heart thud immediately he heard Nicole's hysterical voice from the other end, "calm down Nicole and tell me what happened"

"Kyle ..he...he..." She stammered and his heartbeat frantically, "what happened to Kyle?" He barked

"His nanny....he fell....hit his head, bleeding profusely and unconscious"

"Where are you now" Derek cuts her short as his throat constricted

"In city memorial hospital"

"I'm on my way" he hung up and stared at Kathleen, his expression dazed

"I heard, I'm coming with you" his expression turned grateful and he nodded at her, without another word walked towards his car.

Mary watched as Derek and Kathleen drove out their expression troubled, she hope everything was okay, she love that they had finally sought things out and were at peace. Geoffrey had sent for her to meet at their usual place and she wondered what he has to tell her as she walked over, she sighted him already there waiting for her, his back turned towards her, over the months, he had finally opened up on how he felt about her and they had continued seeing each other secretly, she smiled as she watched his form from behind, how she loves him, he was everything she had ever dreamt of and she was always amazed to think that he would love someone like her.

He turned when he heard her footsteps and she quickly walked into his arms, he held her for a while before asking her to sit, looks like he has something on his mind, so she sat down and gazed at him, he simply shifted from one foot to the other, looking nervous, "what is wrong?" She asked suddenly nervous at his odd behavior, she frowned as she noticed sweat beaded his forehead and upper lip, her heart painfully, was he regretting their relationship and planned on a break-up? Would she be able to take it? If he wants to break up she does not think she wants to hear it, she stood up and made to leave but he suddenly grabbed her and drew her back, placing something in her palm, she opened her palm to see a cold metallic ring, he was staring at her nervously, "well? What's your answer?".

Her head reeled, wait, did he just propose to her?

"If you're proposing, don't you think, you should do it right," she asked, amused

He glanced at her solemnly, "Is that a yes?"

She rolled her eyes, "yes, it's a definite yes, I'll marry you, now place this on my finger".

He sighed in obvious relief as he placed the ring on her, "it looks good on you"

She smiled as she burrowed into his embrace, she had just accepted his proposal, she don't want to think about how they will live after marriage, she was just a mere orphan and maid and he was a guard, for now, she would not allow future worries intrude into her happiness.

He kissed her chin as they observed nature together, "I love you" he whispered fiercely and she smiled in contentment, "I love you too"

Together, they sat under the cool evening breeze simply enjoying each other's company.

*

*

Derek and Kathleen rushed into City memorial hospital and immediately saw Nicole pacing the hall, "how's he?" Derek asked but instead of answering she immediately burst into tears and hugged Derek tight, Kathleen felt her chest tighten as she glanced away, this wasn't a time to get jealous, Derek, pacified her for a while before offering her his handkerchief, "what did the doctor say?" He asked again, rephrasing his question.

"He was bleeding profusely and had sustained an internal injury, he would have to go through surgery but for now, they're still trying to stop the bleeding"

Derek felt like the world was falling apart, a lot has happened in a day, Marcella was in police custody, his father was in a rehabilitation center and now Kyle was fighting for his life, could the day ever get worst? He braced himself as the door opened and the doctor appeared looking worried as he walked towards them.