Billionaire's Revenge(51)

Chapter Eight


The whole evening she sat by Carly’s bedside, the small girl waking several times as the pain in her stomach become too much for her, Sara soothing the child who would cling to her hand until sleep would finally take her once more. She did not care what a strange sight she made, her hair now falling around her naked shoulders, her elegant cocktail dress now creased. She slept fitfully on the uncomfortable high winged chair which had been brought in by some kindly nurses. Sara was glad even for it, as they apologised that they had nothing else to offer her. She was thankful also that the nurses brought her tea, their friendly smiling faces welcome, after the coldness which seemed to fall on Darius as he left.

That their relationship was over she was in no doubt. His need to get away from the hospital - away from her - testament to that, she having to fight the tears which threatened each and every time she thought of him. Was this not what she wanted? Had she not needed to get away for her and Carly’s sake? Time and again the answer “yes” would stick in her throat while her heart cried “no”.

As the grey half-light heralded morning, Sara rose, stiffly moving her aching muscles as she unwound herself from her curled up position on the chair. The dress was a mess, its once exquisite flowing material now crinkled and sticking up and out at odd angles. Moving to the window she peered at the clock on the wall, sighing softly - 6:00 already. In an hour they would be down to take Carly to surgery, her stomach flipping at the thought of her beloved Carly undertaking such an operation, fear and concern filling her. She knew that it was routine, but it was Carly... her little girl. With a gentle smile on her face she looked over at the child asleep on the bed, her features so serious, her small heart-shaped mouth set mutinously, brows drawn in a frown, Sara’s heart filling with the love she felt for the little girl.

The movement from the door made Sara jump, smiling warmly seeing Rachel standing with a large bag in her hand. Motioning the other woman in, she looked at her with the surprise she felt.

“Rachel? How...what?” the questions falling over themselves as she whispered in confusion. Rachel gave a small chuckle, her eyes falling onto the small child still sleeping in the bed, a gentle compassionate look entering her features. “How is she? Darius phoned and told me that you were here with the little girl you are adopting”, her voice kindly, Sara feeling the slamming awareness of his name. “H...He did?” she managed gently, Rachel nodding.

“He had me up at four this morning”, waving away the apologetic words that rose to Sara’s mouth. “No...Its fine”, her gaze once more returning to the bed. “I was around at some warehouses I know...they are open super early, so it was no problem. I think I got everything on his list”, handing over the large overnight bag, gently patting Sara’s arm. “If you need anything else...anything...I promise it is no bother, just ring me”

Sara nodded as she once again thanked her, Rachel slowly and silently once more backing out of the room, giving her a final wave as she disappeared out of sight. Opening the bag, she gave a smile seeing the jeans, t-shirt and trainers, sighing with pleasure at the small silk bag full of toiletries. Delving deeper she drew out small bright pink pyjamas decorated with images of princesses and nightdresses also, smiling at the expensive and wonderful items, her eyes once more looking at the small girl on the bed, wearing pyjamas which had seen better days, thankful that Darius included items for Carly on his list.

Delving further, she felt the small happy tear rise to her eye as she pulled out a large teddy bear, one of the softest she had ever felt, her lips curling into a large grin as she quietly moved over to place the bear on the bed beside Carly so that it would be the first thing she saw when she woke up. An assortment of books and toys completed the contents of the bag, and Sara placed them on the nightstand, brightening the austere room instantly.

She hoped that there would have been some word from Darius...a note, a card, but there was nothing, the happiness she felt from the many gifts marred by his silence. He had left for Italy with a last kindly act...and silence for her, Sara feeling the pain of knowing that he must have nothing but contempt for her. She wished that she could tell him how she felt...how she loved him...but it was too late for that. With a heavy heart she wondered if he would even look her up when he did eventually return from Italy.

The stirring of the little girl on the bed as she woke pulled her thoughts back as Sara moved over to sit on the chair. “Good morning sleepyhead”, she chuckled softly as Carly’s eyes fluttered open, a sweet smile on her lips as she saw Sara so close. As she moved, her hands touched the bear, her eyes flying to it as she gave an excited squeal. “Look...look Sara...I got a teddy bear”, her small features becoming momentarily so serious. “I told you I was brave” Sara nodded as the child pulled the bear against herself, hugging it lovingly before holding it out for her to see.