7

KAI'S POV

When I woke up on the hospital bed two days ago, the world felt different, it was as if I had been reborn. I was surrounded by the sounds of medical equipment and the soft murmurs of the hospital staff.

My body still aches, but it was much better than when I first woke up; it was a dull pain and a reminder that I made it alive, against all odds, I had survived and was given another chance in life.

The room was private, with a large window letting in the morning sunlight. I moved my wheelchair closer to the window and stared at the view outside. I felt weak but more alive than I had in months. My first thoughts were my mother, my unborn child and of course, Zara, my supposed wife who is carrying my child.

I left without telling them the truth so as not to get my mother scared or worried. Zara wouldn't care less if anything happened to me. I'm sure Ethan would have broken the news to them about my successful surgery. I had told the doctor to inform him about the outcome of the surgery since he was the only one who knew about it. But I haven't called him myself.

I can imagine the joy and happiness my mum would have felt when she heard the news and the shock it would have given Zara.

I reached out to my phone on the bedside table and dialled Ethan's number.

He answered on the second ring. “Kai? Is that you?” His voice was a mixture of surprise and relief.

“It's me,” I croaked, my throat dry. “I made it, Ethan. I'm alive.”

“You bastard. You made me fucking scared. Don't you ever make me go through that again, or else I'll kill you myself,” he ranted.

“Is that a way to speak to your almost-dead friend?” I teased him

“Man, You don't know how happy I am to hear your voice.” I felt his voice trembling. “The hospital had called me a few days ago that the surgery was successful and you would be awake any moment.”

“I woke up two days ago, but I wanted to inform you myself,” I said. “How did they take the news? I mean, my mum and Zara.” I asked.

“Mrs Adler was so happy that she cried. I couldn't quite fathom Zara's reaction but she looked shocked,” he explained.

‘As expected,’ I said in my thoughts.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Like I've been hit by a truck, but I'm alive,” I said, managing a weak smile.

“When will you get discharged?”

“I'll know that, once my current test result is out,” I replied. “Don't tell anyone yet. I'll inform my mum personally.”

“All right. Can't wait to see you, man. Get well soon.”

Moments later, the doctor came in with a clipboard and a reassuring smile. “Good news, Mr Adler. Your recovery is progressing well, and you will be able to go home tomorrow.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you, Doctor. I can't wait to get out of here.”

“But you still need more rest,” The doctor advised. “Your body needs time to heal fully. You would be given some medication prescriptions and a list of things you should avoid for now. To make your healing process faster.”

“Okay. Thank you so much, Doctor.”

After the doctor left, I picked up the phone again and called my mother. She answered almost immediately.

“Hi, Mom,” I greeted.

“Oh my God, Kai. You're awake.” Her voice filled with joy and relief. “How are you feeling? How could you hide such a thing from your mother? What would I have done, if you didn't make it? When are you coming back home?” She asked at once, without pausing to breathe.

“I'm sorry mum. I'll apologize better when I come back home.” I managed to say. “The doctor said, I'll be discharged tomorrow. So I'll be home before nightfall tomorrow.”

“That's Good News, Kai,” she exclaimed. “This calls for celebration. I'll plan a party for your return.”

It seemed surreal, but after everything, a little celebration didn't seem out of place. So I decided to let her have her way.

“That sounds great, mum. I'll see you tomorrow.” I said, feeling a rare warmth spread through me.

“Can't wait to see you, son,” She replied.

The drive home felt surreal. The city passed by in a blur, a mosaic of familiar sights that seemed both foreign and comforting. I had left for London with the thought that I might not make it back. But here I am, back in Berlin.

Ethan had arranged for a car to pick me up, and as we neared the mansion, I could see the preparations in full swing. Banners and flowers decorated the front entrance.

As the car pulled up, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Stepping out of the car, I was greeted by a wave of applause and cheers.

My mother was at the front, her eyes shining with tears of joy. She rushed to hug me, and I felt a lump form in my throat.

“Kai, welcome home!” She said, her voice choked with emotion.

“Thanks, mom,” I replied, hugging her tightly. “It's good to be back.”

Guest began to gather around, offering their congratulations and well wishes. It was overwhelming but I managed to keep a smile on my face.

As made my way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. I was also greeted by Mr Klein, Zara's father and her sister Lena, I couldn't help but notice that Zara was nowhere to be seen.

Finally, I found a moment to speak with my mother privately.

“Mom, where's Zara?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

“She was here earlier,” My mother said, looking around. “She must be around somewhere. I'll send someone to get her for you.”

I continued to mingle with the guest, but my mind wasn't at ease. Something didn't feel right. Minutes turned into an hour, and there was still no sign of Zara.

I saw my mum speaking to Madam Tess, both of them looking increasingly worried. I excused myself from a conversation and approached them.

“What's going on?” I asked, my voice tensed.

“Zara's missing,” Madam Tess said, her face pale. “We've checked the entire house. She's nowhere to be found.”

A cold knot formed in my stomach. “When was the last time anyone saw her?”

“Just before the party started,” My mum replied. “She excused herself to use the restroom, but no one’s seen her since.”

“We need to find her. Check the security footage and see if she left the building. I said, getting the hint of what was happening.

Ethan, who had beyond listening nearby, nodded. “I'll be on it.”

I paced the floor, my mind racing with the possibility of Zara, running away with my unborn child.

Ethan returned with a grim expression. “She left through the back gate. She got into a car with some guy, and they drove off.”

“Who was that? Did you recognise him?” I asked, my heart already filled with rage.

Ethan shook his head. “ No. There wasn't any license plate on the car, so there's no way of tracking it down.”

I clenched my fist, feeling a mix of anger and desperation. ‘How dare Zara run away with my child. Who was the guy that helped her,’ I said in my thoughts as my blood boiled with anger.

“We need to find her,” I said, my voice hard. “Whatever it takes, we need to bring her back.”

Ethan nodded. “We'll find her, Kai. I'll make sure of it.

At this time, Zara's father and were already standing with us. Her sister tried to call her but her phone was off.

The guest continued to celebrate, unaware of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. I couldn't control the anger in me as I thought of what I would do when I finally found Zara and the guy who helped her escape.