The Royal Contract

1072 His only legacy

After Mike left her alone, Haley finally moved toward the bathroom to check her condition. She was still wearing her clothes from last night. But her makeup was a mess, and her hair was like a bird’s nest.

She would be appalled by her appearance if her situation had been different. But at that moment, she did not care about how she looked. Still, she did not want people staring at her. She did not want them to suspect that anything was amiss.

Quickly, she washed her face, removing all the stains that reminded her of her pain. Then, she combed her hair with a brush she found on the counter, deciding to tie her hair in a messy ponytail before fixing her clothes.

“I guess that would do.” She did not have any plans to do a sleepover. Therefore, she had no other change of clothes.

Then, she exited the room where she slept and slowly moved down the stairs. It was slowly coming back to her, remembering going to that room and locking herself up to cry all night.

However, she hardly recalled the details of the place when she passed this hallway last night. Her mind was spiraling out of control during those times, so focusing on other things was not her priority.

She remembered him calling her for dinner, but she ignored him, not having any appetite to eat anything. Now, she could feel her stomach grumbling from the lack of nutrition.

“I am sorry, but we will eat soon.” She spoke gently down her belly, reminding herself that she also had to consider their child’s health and not just herself.

But where was she going? The place was huge as she turned her head from left to right. She wondered if this was Mike’s house. It was clear she had no idea who he was.

.....

Then, she caught the scent of burning bacon in the air. And it was coming from her left. She could only assume it was coming from the kitchen, which was probably not far from where she was standing.

“Mike?” She called, hoping she was not lost, but her nose indicated she was on the right path.

She could see the place was well decorated, but nothing seemed to indicate any personal effects. It looked like a house that came from a magazine.

“In here. Just go straight ahead.” He shouted as she entered a large, beautiful kitchen.

And Mike was in the center, with an apron on, cooking on the stove. “I am sorry, but can you wait for a few minutes? I accidentally burned the first batch.” Showing her the toasted meat. “Why don’t you sit down first.” Pointing to a chair.

She watched him throw the burnt bacon in the trash and walk to the sink to clean the pot. Then, he was back to the stove to start over again. But she noticed his lack of skills in the kitchen.

“Why don’t you move over and let me cook?” She quickly moved around the kitchen island and took over from him. “Can you at least toast a bread?” She asked, looking at the sliced loaf on the counter.

“That I can do. And I already made a fresh pot of coffee.” He proudly said, pointing at the coffee-making machine.

He quickly moved to the bread but turned around, facing her. “But you are not supposed to drink coffee.” He banged his head with the palm of his hand, making her smile. “Then, what can you drink?” Looking clueless as she was.

She had never actually thought much of her pregnancy. She still had to learn all the do’s and don’t’s, but she had a few ideas. And one of them was not to drink caffeinated drinks.

“Maybe give me fresh juice or water. I guess that would be fine.” Haley suggested as she placed the fresh bacon on the pan, hearing it sizzle as it touched the oil.

She was, without a doubt, famished as her belly started rumbling like a drum. The delicious aroma of the bacon had helped her gain some appetite. She knew she had to eat for her baby.

Then, on another pan, she whiffed a quick-to-cook omelet to pair with the toast and the bacon. A few minutes later, she had it on a plate and served it on the table where Mike had already set up two seats.

“I think we make a good team.” He complimented them as he helped her on a chair.

She could tell he was only making light of the situation because of her condition, and she appreciated it. The last thing she needed was to cry again and lose her craving to eat.

“Thank you, Mike.” She told him as she sat down while he took the opposite side. “Thank you for being a friend.”

She watched him smile at her as he extended his hand to hers. “Remember that I will do anything for Gerald. And now that you two are having a baby. You have become my responsibility.” Mike said as he gently squeezed her hand before pulling away. “Now, shall we eat?” He pointed to the food before them.

“I know I can hear your stomach rumbling a mile away.” He teased her as he shoved one whole bacon into his mouth.

“No, you did not.” She answered. She would have laughed if this was just an ordinary day. But the pain inside her still prevented her from erasing the heaviness in her heart.

But she truly appreciated the effort he was giving to make her situation slightly better. But, of course, she could not take him on his offer. She could not put the responsibility of caring for her and their baby on his shoulders.

It was Gerald’s, but now that he was not here anymore. It was now solely hers. But that was something she had to plan later when she could think more clearly.

“But please eat. Your baby needs it more than you do. Or was it you need it more than your baby does?: He said, looking confused. “Whatever? You both need it.” He told her instead.

For now, filling her belly was her priority. The future of her child depended on it. The most beautiful gift that Gerald left her was the child that would continue his name and carry his blood. In her mind, this child was his only legacy.