Chapter 3 He’s Awake

At the end of the gathering, Tiffany was once again given several gifts by Madam Kelly. It was obvious the woman approved of her greatly. She even had one of her personal maids escorting Tiffany out. Such graciousness was considered one of the highest honors one could get from such a family. Just as Tiffany was about to enter the car, she spotted Seth staring at her from a far corner. She waved the maid away, and Seth instantly came up to her upon seeing her alone. “Are you really going to have my uncle’s child, Tiffany?” Tiffany brushed away her golden locks from her eyes, replying flatly, “You saw Madam Kelly’s insistence. If I have his child, not only will the inheritance be in my grasp, but I’ll also be the matriarch of the family one day. Why wouldn’t I do it?” Seth’s eyes gleamed when he heard this. “That’s a great idea, Tiff! But…” He paused, his lecherous eyes running all over Tiffany’s body. “I wouldn’t mind standing in for my uncle if you want to have a baby. You’ve seen him. He isn’t fit for that anymore.” It made her want to empty her stomach. Tiffany took several steps back after shooting him a look of disdain. “Things ended between us the moment the wedding started, Seth. I’d advise you not to think or act inappropriately around me. Need I remind you also that Mortimer is still Madam Kelly’s and this family’s pride, vegetable or not? What do you think will happen to you if she finds out you’re hitting on me, ruining the family’s reputation?” Seth knew the implications of Tiffany’s words, being part of the Campbell family himself. He would land himself in a world of pain if he was caught, not just by his grandmother, but even by Mortimer’s loyal followers. He seethed in rage upon being found out, gritting his teeth and spitting out, “So what? How long do you think that bedridden vegetable will have before he dies? The family will turn their backs on you the moment he leaves this world!” Tiffany gazed at him distastefully. “It’s still much better than being kicked out from one’s own family, no?” Seth glared at her, eyes boiling with rage, though he was speechless from the jab. Feeling ecstatic, Tiffany nodded at him politely before continuing, “Madam Kelly has asked the doctor to come by at home, so I’ll take my leave first. Oh, and, please address me as ‘aunt’ from now on.” The doctor had already been waiting for some time when Tiffany returned. Upon seeing the various glinting medical instruments laid out, a wave of nervousness rose in her, albeit having prepared herself for this on the ride back. Seeing her fingers tremble with fear, a nurse said kindly, “We’re only doing a check-up today, miss. Try to relax.” Tiffany took several deep breaths before her heart was able to calm down. She watched as the liquid in a syringe was injected into her arm. “How long will it take for me to be pregnant if this works?” “It differs between people. The earliest we’ve seen was half a year, and the longest, well…” Tiffany sighed. The next few months were spent watching over Mortimer and taking care of him, interspersed with weekly check-ups at the hospital. Tiffany had read up on those with Mortimer’s condition online, expanding her knowledge on it. She even learned the medically recognized way to massage his body so his muscles wouldn’t atrophy. Sometimes, she would talk to Mortimer. “Your body is still in really good shape after being in bed for so long. You must’ve really worked out before this, huh? I wonder if you had a girlfriend before the accident. She must’ve been really something if she caught your eye.” Just then, the rain started outside, and Tiffany hurried to close the windows. When she turned back, Mortimer’s blue eyes were open and directed at her. It gave her a shock even though this was now a common occurrence. Tiffany gently pressed a hand on his chest, ready to massage the muscles there when a weak voice strained out, “Who are… Why are you… here?” Tiffany blinked in surprise before jumping up from the bed. “You’re… talking to me?” The man was gazing at her as always, but she noticed how different it appeared now. Usually, his eyes resembled clear, still pools with no light in them. But now, they were bright with emotion. His lips were moving weakly too, making Tiffany certain that it was him who had spoken. The next moment, she was running out of the room, yelling, “Monroe, get the doctor! Mortimer’s awake!” 20 minutes later, Madam Kelly along with several key members of the Campbell family were huddled outside the room waiting on the doctor. The moment the doctor reported that Mortimer’s entire body had resumed normal function, Madam Kelly fell on her knees to the floor, thanking God for the miracle that had graced her family. Tiffany coaxed the woman to rise before helping her into Mortimer’s bedroom. The man had changed into proper sleepwear after waking up. He leaned against the headboard, an inexplicably dangerous aura rolling off his skin. It was anger and contempt rolled into one deadly mix, like he would strike at anyone and anything that came close right then. Madam Kelly couldn’t get a word out to her son before collapsing. Her body could not stand the excitement. Monroe hurriedly called the doctor to bring her out. Tiffany was about to follow her when Mortimer called out, “Who are you?” “I...” She gulped. “I’m your…” The word “wife” was caught in her throat. Monroe immediately explained, “Master Mortimer, this is the woman Madam Kelly had married you with while you were ill. Her name is—” Mortimer snorted, the sound chilling their hearts. “Get her out of my sight!”