Chapter 9: Chapter 9
She nodded puzzled at the news. Stefan divorced his wife four years ago. She did not know. So many questions arose in her mind, but she did not have the courage to ask Stefan.
It felt good to know that he was at least single. Her heart started hoping more than it ever did before. She didn't know whether he remembered those few days of magic that they had experienced four years back. It was her only memory of him that she'd cherish for the rest of her life. Maybe it didn't mean a thing to him. He had so much on his plate to deal with than remember an orphan girl, seven years younger than him.
She got up and went back to the OT. She would avoid the sore topic of his marriage if it pisses him off so much, she thought.
Stefan's POV
After craving Rosy for four years, I finally saw her. Although the circumstances under which we met were heartbreaking, the happiness I felt right now could not be compared to anything else I felt ever since the day I broke her heart four years ago. I was only surviving because of Arielle and her unconditional love. I didn't have any hopes of a happy life after my bitter experiences. I didn't know how to face Rosy after so many years.
Loneliness and thoughts of Rosy filled my days after my divorce from Claudia although my family supported me immensely. I had distanced myself from everyone though and immersed myself in work. I had lost all hopes of ever seeing Rosy, the thought caused me so much pain in my heart. I knew that I could never feel for anyone else what I felt for Rosy. She didn't wish to have anything to do with me and I respected her wish.
As I sat in front of the OT, waiting for the door to open, I said a heartfelt prayer for gran, it was because of her that I saw Rosy again. Hopefully, the operation would be a success and gran would get back to her normal life. After my mom's death, I had become very close to gran. The thought of anything happening to her was too much to bear. I felt guilty for neglecting her a little for the last few years after Arielle's birth and my divorce.
Although Audrey was my stepmom, she had always loved me from the moment she came into my life. Claire, my twin sister, and I were three when she came into our lives. My relationship with my half-brothers was very close, we were always there for each other. They had helped me recover in the last four years, supporting me through thick and thin, standing by me like a rock. I love them unconditionally and they love me back. They were just like Claire was to me and looked up to me as their own older brother.
Rosy came and quietly sat by my side. I couldn't look at her, out of guilt. I knew she wanted to ask me a million questions, but I was not in the mood to answer her. Maybe I would later but currently no. I was extremely tired as I had come directly to the hospital from a business tour in Sydney. After yesterday's late-night client interaction, I woke up to Rosy's voicemail, and immediately took a flight here. There was no time to rest. I did not get a wink of sleep. Her distressed tone echoed in my mind. Now that I saw her again and got an update about my gran's health, I was feeling exhaustion, clouding my senses.
The door of the OT opened and Dr. Williams, who was in charge of Gran, came out. Rosy and I got up from our seats and immediately rushed to him to get an update about gran's condition.
"The operation went well. We would be observing Mrs. Henderson in the ICU for a 24-hour period and then shift her to a room in our in-house rehab department. Therapy will start there and if all goes well, she will be released in 3 days, but therapy and follow-ups will continue." Said Dr. Williams with a smile.
"When could we see her doctor," asked Stefan, relaxing a bit since gran's operation went well.
"Once she is shifted to the ICU, you can see her, but she will be sleeping for some time due to the painkillers and anesthesia." Dr. Williams said. " I will be in my chamber if you need me," he added and left with a friendly wave.
"Thank God Gran is fine, I wouldn't have forgiven myself if anything happened to her," Rosy's voice shook with emotion. I was surprised that she blamed herself for gran's fall. I had to comfort her.
"It's not your fault at all Rosy. On the contrary, it was because of you that gran's condition has improved. None of us were available, yet you didn't lose your presence of mind. You did the best for gran and now she's fine. We're all really proud of you," I appreciated as I took her soft hands in mine and squeezed. They had become softer than before. I was glad that she'd relaxed in my presence and allowed me to hold her hands.
She looked up at me, her green mesmerizing eyes full of raw emotion. I drowned in them like a man in the vast ocean. I couldn't help the urge to pull her to my chest in a tight hug. She felt so good and warm and fitted into me perfectly, her strawberry and vanilla smell tingling my senses.
Strawberry and vanilla instantly became my favorite scent in the whole world.
She held onto my torso accepting my hug. I didn't want to let her go. The embrace felt so right. I had wanted to hold her for so long. Now at last I could hold her, it stirred a longing deep in my soul. I wanted more of her. I was glad that she allowed me to hold her and accepted my hug. I closed my eyes to feel the contentment seeping through me, as I molded her body to mine. A sigh of pure content escaped me as I drowned in the feel of her body against mine. Bliss.