MANIPULATIVELY TURNED AS OUR STORY
CHAPTER 32

Randolph changed Aaron’s surname to his surname. Now that my baby is called ‘Aaron Anderson’, my protest didn’t work; his reason was that his surname had more value than mine, which was true, but still, what the hell, Aaron, my baby, should carry my surname?

These days, Aaron was following Randolph too much; when Randolph was on a business trip, Aaron would be a lost puppy. What the hell, with this attachment? No matter how busy Randolph was, he would always make time for Aaron, which was only pissing me off. Can’t they at least fake for my sake? Not always, but occasionally—don’t I deserve that much?

It was the due date, and Ana was in the hospital, shouting at the top of her lungs whether I should be inside the labor ward or out. I was not getting it; she was cursing even at this time. I knew it was my intentional, sweet mistake; nothing can be undone now; can’t she just accept it for our baby’s sake?

We were in the ward, and her pain was unbearable. I didn’t know anything about giving birth, but I was feeling a pang in my heart after seeing Ana. I was trying my best to console her; I couldn’t take her pain. The only thing I could do was take her scoldings with a smile, which I had been doing for the past nine months. “I hate you for bastard all this because of you. I am not able to bear this pain. Why won’t your face do any good things for me?” “A few more minutes, everything will be ok, Ana.” “This pain is unbearable. Do something, oh God.” What the hell can I do other than massage her belly and wipe out her tears?

She gave birth to a baby boy, and her last sentence before getting unconscious was,” I don’t want to get pregnant again.” I could only respond with a mute chuckle. I didn’t want her to wake, at least for a few minutes. I fucking need to enjoy my moments with my newborn and the way things are going. No time soon, her wish was not going to come true.

I was holding my baby in my arms, which felt like magic. My baby, which I fell in love with in that instant, my tiny one. My parents and sister were quarreling for their chance to hold my baby, and with a heavy heart, I passed it to my mom like it was a precious jewel. In return, I earned a glare from her, for which I didn’t care. I was his dad; it was my baby, and I will care for and protect my baby at any cost.

After 30 minutes, Ana was awake, and I gave her the baby. She was very cautious in holding more than me; this care will come once we turn into parents, I guess, and she started crying. I felt the same when I was holding my child for the first time. I couldn’t help but hug both of them and kiss her forehead. This was strange. I was feeling bloody happy and like the luckiest person, which I didn’t feel like ever. I did not get words to describe what was happening to me or how to express what I was feeling, nor did Ana. For the first time, she was not speaking, but she was happy, and I felt content with everything.

“Congratulations, Anastasia Merlyn; you are ‘Mother’, and thank you for promoting me as a ‘Father’. At least agree now that this was the best decision for both of us, baby.” “Will you shut up? Have you thought of any names?” “Yes, it’s Aarav if you are okay, or else we can google it?” “Hmmm, Aaron and Aarav, no, no, it’s perfect.” “Ok, then Aarav it is.” “Hmmm.” By saying that, she again fell asleep.

The next day, Ana was discharged, and after reaching home, Aaron ran towards us. When he saw the baby, there was a huge smile on his face. He was giving his best puppy eyes to hold the newborn, and with a pout, we both protested, but we had to melt down by seeing those pleading eyes. I helped him hold the baby, and his giggle was adorable. My two boys’ God, I love both of them.

It’s been 2 months since the delivery, and there were obvious changes in me, like my body structure, but there were more changes in Randolph, and I am talking about his behavior. When I got pregnant, I started to notice a few changes, but after our baby was born, there were so many changes.

He was coming home as soon as his work was finished. It was obviously a noticeable change when he arrived in the evening at 4 or 5. No matter how late he was, he would always give a visit to both Aaron and Aarav. His care towards me was even more, which was only freaking me out.

He started spending most of his time at home; if it was important and his presence required it, then only he was going on a business trip, or else he would cancel or send someone else. Randolph’s parents were visiting frequently, and the occasional visit from his sister always left my mind in chaos. Her riddle talks no matter what; I couldn’t get what she was trying to convey, and she was not clarifying anything, which was unsolved till now.

Spending more days with Randolph and his family was becoming unbearable, and strange thoughts started taking place. I was feeling happy and content with everything; this was the life that I had dreamt of finally coming true, in a totally different way.

This world, which has been built, may fall over anytime. I can’t get used to this, not with Randolph; he was good at destroying every fucking thing to get what he wanted. He had cleared his perception regarding me, and every fucking thing was true. If I could change my faith, why the hell would I end up this way? I don’t want to get hurt anymore before my small world collapses. I need to move from here, as I was feeding. I can take both of my babies. I need to discuss this with Randolph, and it should be soon.

We were at the dining table and having our dinner just like a normal family before. I did not mind this, but this also started scaring me, making me think about tomorrow. Aaron was updating his day to Randolph, and in return, Randolph was patiently listening to every fucking thing and serving food on his plate, plus feeding in between.

I took courage; I needed to do this. No one can get addicted to this, not my Aaron; he was so attached already, and staying for more days would be harder on everyone. “I need to speak with you,” “Ok, it could wait right,” “Yes, yes after having dinner,” “Ok, I am free; no calls to take,” “Ok.” I was forcefully having my meal, and every item was good, but thinking about how Randolph may react was frightening me. I can’t lose my chance on Aarav too; I should deal with him carefully; he has money and power. I can’t risk opening my big mouth, nope, not today.