Chapter 014

Hailey's POV ***_flashback_*** I lay on the luxurious hotel bed, my senses dulled by the alcohol coursing through my veins. The stranger stood before me, his features shrouded in shadows. The sunlight streaming through the window cast an eerie glow, making it impossible for me to discern his face. As he turned to face me, I felt a surge of arousal mixed with desperation. I slowly rose from the bed, my hands reaching out to caress his broad chest. My voice trembled as I spoke, "Please... fuck me." The stranger's husky voice sent shivers down my spine. "Are you sure you want this?" he asked, his breath laced with the scent of alcohol. I nodded, my hands trailing down to his pants. "Yes... please. Fuck me... I want to forget him," I whispered, my emotions raw and exposed. The stranger's lips found mine, his kisses gentle yet passionate. His hands roamed my body, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. As he thrust into me, I felt a mix of pain and pleasure, my moans echoing through the room. "I want you... but please don't be like him," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The stranger's movements slowed, his eyes locked on mine. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of understanding, of empathy. But it was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. ****flashback ends*** I jolted awake, my heart racing from the vivid dream. It felt so real, but the details were hazy. I tried to recall the face of the stranger, but it remained shrouded in darkness. Frustration washed over me. Why did my mind keep teasing me with fragmented memories? I slumped back onto my bed, my thoughts drifting to the previous day's events with Aiden. He had revealed that the stranger claimed to be my brother, but I struggled to believe it. The credentials I had didn't mention a brother, and there was no resemblance between us. Aiden's reassuring words echoed in my mind, calming my anxiety. He had promised to investigate the stranger's claim and inform me of any developments. His kindness and sincerity had won me over, and I felt grateful for his presence in my life. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a bath. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I noticed how refreshed and beautiful I looked. Aiden's care and concern had clearly rubbed off on me. I placed my hands on my baby bump, feeling the gentle kicks and movements. My bump had grown noticeably larger, a testament to my baby's healthy growth. "Looks like you're waking up too, big guy," I said with a smile, gently rubbing my stomach. I smiled as I spoke to my unborn baby, "Let's get ready, okay? Mummy has a hospital appointment today to check on you." I settled into the jacuzzi, savoring the warm water and tranquil atmosphere. Aiden's voice echoed through the hallway, interrupting my relaxation. "Hailey, you're going to be late!" I hastily finished my bath, slipped into a comfortable gown, and rushed downstairs. Aiden met me at the stairs, offering his support as we walked to the garage. Just as we reached the front door, a car pulled into the garage. Aiden's mom stepped out, beaming with a warm smile. "Aiden, darling! I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said, embracing her son. "Mom, you didn't tell me you were coming," Aiden replied, surprised. "I didn't know I needed to schedule an appointment to see my own son," she teased, turning to me. "Hailey, sweetie, how are you feeling?" "I'm doing well, thank you," I replied, smiling. Aiden's mom turned to her son, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Aiden, I'm glad to see you're taking good care of Hailey. That's all that matters to me." Aiden raised an eyebrow, amused. "Glad to know I'm doing something right, Mom." His mom turned to me, her expression serious. "Hailey, I almost forgot. I was thinking we could have that mother-daughter date this weekend. Would you be available?" I hesitated, unsure. "I'm not sure...I thought it might be too early." Aiden's mom waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, dear. It's the perfect time. I'll send my driver to pick you up on Friday." Aiden called out from the garage, "Hailey, we really need to go!" His mom yelled back, before entering into her car "Make sure she's not late, young man!" I chuckled at their exchange, feeling grateful for the loving, albeit quirky, family I had become a part of. ************** As I sat in the hospital, waiting for my appointment to end, my mind wandered to Aiden, who had dropped me off earlier and headed to work. The doctor's examination and questions had been thorough, but thankfully, everything seemed normal - including the health of my baby boy. Just as I was about to leave, a nurse stopped me, handing me a worn, dusty bag. "This belongs to you," she explained. "You were holding it tightly when you were rushed in." I took the bag, feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation. As I opened it, I found the usual contents: a small purse, lip gloss, and eye pencil. I sighed, feeling a bit disappointed. But then, my fingers brushed against a small, leather-bound book. My journal. I picked it up, staring at it intensely, wondering if this could hold the key to unlocking my memories. As I flipped through the pages, a shiny object fell out, clattering on the tiled floor. I bent down to pick it up, realizing it was a key. But what was it for? A key to what? I wondered