I woke up after getting the best sleep of my life. I stretched my limbs, feeling refreshed after a long time.
Glancing at the clock on the wall my eyes widened when I saw that it was 9:00 am. I bolted upright and looked around for Malcolm, only he was no where to be found.
Shit, he was so going to kill me. Dammit, why did I have to sleep so much. Shit. Shit.
Jumping out of bed, I quickly fixed the covers and bolted out of the room. I was headed in the direction of my own room when Malcolm's voice stopped me.
"Ariana?" He called out.
I turned to face him, my heart pounding with fear. "Yes. Mr. Bennett?"
"I would like a word with you," Malcolm said.
Yup, I was so fired. He was going to tell me to leave.
"Yes?" I urged him to speak.
"Not here, in my room." Malcolm turned and went to his bedroom while I followed behind.
Malcolm closed the door once I was inside. My heart picked up its pace. From pounding it went to thundering.
"First of all, did you sleep properly?" Malcolm asked softly. I looked at him, his eyes were soft, gentle, there was no hint of malice in them.
"Ye - Yes Mr. Bennett, thank you," I replied.
"Good, you slept for nearly 15 hours, you look refreshed, I'm glad," he said with a small smile.
"Thank you for letting me sleep in your room, and I'm sorry for sleeping for so long, I won't do it ever again." I told him.
"Nonsense, you sleep for as long as you want. You need to be healthy...for the baby," Malcolm replied gently.
I nodded, too shocked to say anything. It was like Malcolm had a personality transplant, he was being so kind to me. Malcolm had never been this kind to me before. Did he have an ulterior motive? Oh God, please no.
"Thank you so much, you're very kind," I said.
Malcolm came close to me and took my hands in his. Suddenly, I felt nervous, and not because of having Malcolm in such close proximity. Having Malcolm near me did something funny to my heart.
"Secondly, you'll be sleeping here, in my room from now on." I opened my mouth to argue but Malcolm beat me to it. "And no arguments. My decision is final. You'll sleep here, am I clear?"
"But Mr. Bennett -"
"No buts, Ana, am I clear?" Malcolm repeated, his eyes boring into mine.
"Yes, Mr. Bennett, but where will you sleep?" I questioned.
"I'll sleep on the same bed, next to you," he stated calmly.
My heart beat accelerated upon hearing his answer. How was I going to get any sleep with him sleeping beside me?
However, I knew there was no room for arguments. So with a nervous sigh, I nodded.
"Good girl." Malcolm cupped my cheek and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. His actions were making my head spin. Why was he being so nice to me? Did he forget that I was poor?
"I have to work now. What would you like for breakfast?" I enquired.
"You won't be working anymore, I've hired a new housekeeper who will be handling things around here. You just focus on your health and the baby. Also, I've taken an appointment with Alicia for your second scan, so be ready tomorrow," Malcolm informed me.
"But - But, Mr. Bennett, I have to work, I need money. I have to buy stuff for my baby." I tried to convince Malcolm into letting me work.
"No, you don't have to worry about anything. This is my baby too and I'll take care of our baby." Then Malcolm did something that had me thinking I was living in some sort of an alternate universe, he hugged me. And it wasn't the normal kind of hug, no this hug made me feel protected, secure, safe. The hug eliminated all my worries.
"I'll take care of both of you," Malcolm murmured, kissing the top of my head, causing me to blush; thankfully my face was pressed to his chest so he couldn't see my crimson cheeks.
"Thank you, Mr. Bennett." Was all I said. It was like I had lost the ability to speak, Malcolm's action surprising me to no end.
"Oh, and call me Malcolm, no more of this Mr. Bennett stuff, okay?" Malcolm commanded gently.
"Okay Mr -" I caught myself just in time. "I mean, Malcolm." I bit my lip, unsure how to react to this new turn of events. Was this new Malcolm temporary or permanent? If this new side of him was permanent, what did that mean for me and the baby?
"Come on, let's have breakfast together, I told the new housekeeper to make breakfast for us." Taking my hand, Malcolm led me out of his room and in the kitchen, where he sat me down on one of the chairs and sitting down on the chair beside me.
In no time, a plate filled with all sorts of breakfast items was placed in front of me. I looked up to thank the new housekeeper. She looked to be in her early forties with black hair with streaks of gray in them, bright blue eyes and soft lips. She was a little plump, but she looked incredibly sweet.
"Thank for the breakfast," I said to her, mentally willing her to tell me her name.
She smiled at me kindly. "Is there anything else you need?" She asked.
"No thank you, Carla," Malcolm replied.
Carla nodded and went to the back of the kitchen leaving Malcolm and I alone.
"Eat up, Ana, it will cold," Malcolm said.
Slowly picking up the knife and fork I started eating, feeling hopeful and afraid at the same time.
I just hoped that Malcolm didn't go back to being his old self.