**

Some scenes may be harsh to read in this chapter.

I stepped out of the house and onto the flat concrete below. After locking the front door, I began walking to the bus stop.

The fresh and freezing morning breeze was conditioning the air as I strutted forward. Although it was morning, the night sky still hadn't faded away and instead it turned into a dark navy color.

The street lights stood tall on either sides of the footpath which was covered in thick and white snow. A yellow blare of light from the streetlights spread on the cobble path.

It snowed yesterday night and I watched as it snowed outside from the window in my room.

I sipped on my mug that contained hot and warm coffee. It was so cold that when I breathed out, fog appeared. To say the mug wasn't really helping me fight this frosty weather would be a lie. It was almost Christmas with 4 days left.

I turned around at the corner of an empty lot where huge dustbins and trash bags were thrown out and onto the ground of a building's side. I pulled off my hat that covered my ears, and continued to walk in the direction of the bus stop. But before I could take another step forward, I heard a noise coming from behind me.

A cry, a small cry had me turn around and stare curiously at the lot of trash and bins. The weird thing was that there wasn't a single person walking around at this time.

Was something in there?

I took slow steps towards the trash as the sounds got louder. Sounds of wailing and cries. They sounded like a small, injured kitten shouting for it's life.

I peered down at the trash bags that lay in front on me. It smelt horrible, like rotten food. I could spot some bugs and rodents here and there in the trash. Another cry was heard and since I was closer I could hear it better. The sounds seemed to be originating from between the bags.

I threw my mug away in the trash and 1 by 1, lifted the trash bags up then settled them away from where the sound was originating from. The cries became less muffled as I removed the trash bags off.

When I had finished with all the trash bags, I had expected to see maybe an injured and lost animal. But what I saw was far from my expectations. In 3 words, it shocked me.

A hand flew up to my mouth as I sunk to my knees. The trash was all around me, but at this moment I could only focus on 1 thing, and it was in front of me.

A baby.

The baby was crying hysterically. A thin towel was wrapped around the baby. I couldn't tell what gender the baby was, but I could tell that she or he was bloody and abandoned here.

With shaking hands, reached down to the baby and gently picked his or her small frame in my arms. The baby had it's eyes closed shut and tiny fists in the air, attacking it. I couldn't help but stare at the baby with tears of my own rolling down my cheeks.

Who did this?

Who so cruel should leave a baby out here in the dumpster like this?

How long has the baby been here from?

Was the baby okay?

The baby scrunched up it face and wailed. My heart clenched. The baby didn't deserve this.

"Shh... it's okay." My voice croaked out since I haven't spoken in a while to others. I observed the baby's features. Toffee colored hair and skin color was pale. The baby was trembling and crying from the cold and freezing temperatures.

I pulled the baby to my shoulder and laid it's head in the crock of my neck. I quickly wrapped my hat around it's small head to spread warmth. Searching through my bag, I grabbed my phone with 1 hand while the other 1 was cradling the baby, and called the emergency dial.

I sighed in relief when the call was answered after a few seconds. "What's your emergency?" The male operator asked. I looked over at the baby to hear it's cries dying down. Almost as if it were giving up, giving up on life.

I gulped in fear as the baby stopped shaking.

"Excuse me? Anyone there?" The operator called out over the phone.

"Y-yes." I whispered without thinking. This was an emergency and I couldn't let my fears stop me from seeking help and saving this baby. "What is your emergency ma'am?" The operator asked me again.

"I found a-a baby. In the d-dumpster." I stammered and glanced again over the baby. My blood ran cold.

"And the b-baby's not moving."

———

I leaned my head on Darcy's shoulder as my mind clouded with questions. Silent tears rolled down my cheeks as I would once in a while wipe them off.

After I called the emergency dial, a few minutes passed and the ambulance and authorities arrived to where I was situated in. I told the officers about how I had ended up in this situation, though I never spoke a word, I just frantically motioned at them.

The baby and I were immediately taken to the nearest hospital by an ambulance. The nurses on board of the ambulance stuck in some needles into the baby as I held it's tiny hand in mine.

Once we had arrived at the hospital the baby was wheeled into the OR room and had to be operated on as fast as possible since it's pulse rate was faint. The doctors and surgeons got to work but also told me it was a life or death situation for the baby.

My heart clenched as the thought of a life, a baby that wasn't even old enough to understand what life was, would have a chance of dying.

I sniffled as I looked over to Darcy, who was fast asleep on the creaky hospital chair beside me.

Darcy was confused about why I wasn't at work and texted me, making sure I was okay. I texted Darcy that I was at the hospital cause there was an emergency. Soon later Darcy was at my side, hugging me as I made gestures on what was going on. I couldn't help the pain growing in my heart for this innocent baby.

We waited for the operation to finish, which had already taken almost more than 4 hours.

My phone vibrated in my bag and I took it out. I glanced at Darcy before walking away from him and to another wall in the corridor that held a weak light bulb.

I switched my phone on and I realized that I had got several messages from mom, stepdad and an unknown caller. I frowned as I swiped through the messages that I received. Mom and stepdad were asking me where I was at and that I had to be home in another half an hour.

Why did they care?

I quickly texted them that where I was at, or else I would get into trouble if I didn't answer them. I then scrolled through the unknown number, who made several missed calls and messaged me where I was at.

I shook my head thinking that it was a wrong number and switched my phone off. I walked back to my seat an let my body lean back. I stared at the wall opposite for god knows how long, until I had heard a loud slam of a door. Darcy who was asleep beside me, jolted up frantically looking around before settling his eyes on me.

"Violet... what happened?" He asked rubbing his eyes tiredly with his hands. I shook my head and just hugged his right arm trying hard not to cry. I shrugged as I heard footsteps approaching us. Darcy frowned and kissed my forehead. "It'll be alright, don't worry."

Soon a shadow loomed over both of us and I looked up to see a man, wearing a white coat. He had long strawberry blond hair that was brushed back and had green eyes which were framed by his round glasses. He smiled at us as wrinkles decorated his face. Darcy and I stood up. The man glanced at his clipboard that he held and turned to us.

"You are... Violet Cherie? And Darcy Steve? Am I correct?" The man spoke to us and we both nodded our heads in response. "I am Dr Simon, pleased to meet you. I would like you both to follow me for the operation on the baby. This way please." Dr Simon motioned is to follow him with his hands as Darcy and I obliged him.

"Why, is there any problem? How was the operation? Is the baby okay?" Darcy asked the doctor my unasked questions as I mentally thanked him. After a few more seconds of walking down the corridor, the doctor stopped at a white door that had OR written on the glass window part of the door. "I will tell you once you step inside." Dr Simon said while holding the door open for us.

Darcy looked at me and took a deep breath, then stepped into the room. I was feeling nervous about the baby's situation and also followed in after Darcy, not before giving the doctor a small smile.

The room was painted in a light blue colour. There were multiple monitors, beds and people pacing up and down the room. "The baby is right over here." Dr Simon pointed to a small bed that was situated opposite to the door that we entered from.

I ran over to the bed as I looked at the baby that lay unconscious with pipes connected into it's small body, looking fragile.

My heart clenched as I held onto the supporting bars of the bed and caressed the baby's head gently. He or she was wrapped in a delicate white cloth. "Is everything alright?" I heard Darcy say whilst my eyes were glued to the baby. The doctor sighed and spoke cheerfully. "I'm glad to say that the operation was a success."

A wide smile broke out on my face as I looked at the doctor. I haven't been this happy about something in ages. Darcy grinned at me and looked over to the baby before returning his attention to the doctor. "That's amazing news." The doctor smiled and gazed at his clipboard.

"The baby is a healthy girl, when you had found her, she was suffering from hypothermia due to the dangerously low temperatures that her blood wasn't circulating properly and she stopped breathing. For now she is in a stable condition but it was a miracle that she was brought to safety before it was too... late." Dr Simon paused for a moment before he began speaking again.

"But we have no identity of this baby. The authorities have searched but, no information was obtained on who this baby is or her parents. We don't know who abandoned her... but for now, Ms Cherie and Mr Steve I will discuss the payments with you at the reception." He finished talking as we followed him to the reception. I smiled at the baby while passing through the people rushing throughout the room.

Once we arrived at the reception, the doctor scurried behind the counter and pulled out drawers from the cabinets under, to search for something. He found what he was searching for and placed it on the counter, it was a file. He grabbed a pen and flicked through the file while Darcy and I silently watched him.

"I see here that you have filled out all the information about the baby and have taken up the responsibility of the payments, Ms Cherie?" Dr Simon stated and I nodded my head. Darcy snapped his head to mine and frowned.

I filled out a few forms for the baby before Darcy came to the hospital. I took the responsibility for the payments of this baby cause she would've been given an unstable housing, between the hospital and an orphanage since no one payed for her.

However, I also did it cause I wanted this baby in safe arms and a safe home.

"Well that's good. All the calculations added up for the baby's operation, ambulance, and health care which totals to... $60,000. Please sign here." Dr Simon said and pointed at a blank space in the paper as my head spun at his words.

$60,000? How was I to get $60,000? I barely had any money in my savings to pay for this.

My earnings would be around $1,500 per month deducting the taxes and several other deductions. But in my savings, I had about $9,000 which I tried to save all through these tough years. Even though I live in my parents house, I have to pay for my own bill. Which includes the electricity used in my room, food and rent that is owed to my parents every month. I would eventually have about $500 left over in my earnings.

I nodded my head in approval as I felt tears soak my cheeks. I took the pen from his hand and signed the paper. After I finished, I glimpsed Darcy as he shook his head. "Count me in the payments too, I'll pay for the costs as well."

The doctor shrugged and sighed. "It still needs to be payed soon. You both can bring in the money for later but in a certain amount of time only." He moved from behind the counter and collected his clipboard.

"Have a look at the file. Goodbye." The doctor smiled at us and walked away into the silent corridors. Darcy grabbed the file as I placed my hand on his forearm, he looked down at me.

I shook my head, declining his involvement. I couldn't let him spend money on something he wasn't involved in. Darcy lifted his hands and caressed my cheeks. "Vivi... I'll pay. Please let me, you can't pay all of that debt on your own."

It was true, even though I couldn't afford this debt, I still couldn't let Darcy pay this debt off, as well knowing he probably has his own problems to attend to. I shook my head again as tears fell. "Listen Vivi. I'm paying as well and that is it. No more disapprovals. I'll ask Ms Anally for help so there's no need to worry."

I never knew what I did for having such a friend, a sibling. I eloped him in a hug while I sobbed. "Calm down, it's okay..." He whispered in my ear.

I retreated from the hug and kissed his cheek. "We're in this together. I won't let you take all the payments and pay them off on your own. I'm not an idiot to let you do this on your own." He said in a fake angry tone that made me laugh.

We both had decided that it was time to leave since it was getting dark outside. I walked alongside Darcy on the pavement in silence. The sky was turning dark blue but there was a tranquil sunset slicing the sky horizontally. However, it was cold, very cold. I quivered at the evening breeze.

I thought about the baby. I had the support from Darcy that could help me pay off this debt. However, I couldn't help think about the only question that was on my mind.

Why would anyone do this to a baby?

Darcy suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Do you have a ride home?" He asked as he broke the comfortable silence between us. I turned around to face him and was about to shake my head no, cause there were no nearby bus stops.

But that was until I spotted a car behind Darcy's head. A black car that had its headlights on, was situated a few meters away from us in the car park. What I found weird about the car was that it was kind of watching Darcy and me.

Even though I was getting bad vibes from the car, I assumed that maybe I was overthinking it.

It was just someone's car right?

I looked back at Darcy and shook my head. He sighed and smiled. "Well, then I'll drop you off at your house if you like?" I nodded my head realizing that I needed a ride anyway.

We continued to walk to his car which was located far away in the car park. I stopped walking when the same black car rolled in front of us, blocking our way.

I glanced at Darcy for a split second to see him furrowing his eyebrows in confusion before I turned back to completely shock myself.

The driver's seat door opened. It was none other than the devil himself. Adrian.

He hopped out of the car and leaned on it, while crossing his arms across his chest with an annoyed and furious look on his face. He wore his casual clothes which consisted of black jeans and a red flannel shirt.

His hair was brushed back neatly. His sapphire blue eyes glared through mine as I took a step back and clutched onto Darcy's coat in fear. I huddled behind Darcy.

Why was he here? What did he want from me?

I felt like crying but I held back the tears and I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that the monster would somehow disappear. "Excuse me, but who are you?" I heard Darcy ask Adrian.

"I've been sent to pick her up." Adrian responded calmly, too calm for his posture.

Darcy gazed at me from over his shoulder briefly before turning back. "Sorry, but she has a ride home anyway. And it's obvious that you're a stranger." He said, seemingly cross at Adrian. I mentally thanked Darcy again.

I heard Adrian scoff at Darcy. My anger rose, he had no right to treat my friend like that. I snapped my eyes open when I felt Adrian place a hand on my shoulder and whisper in my ear.

"My parents and yours told me to pick you up and talk to you about the marriage. Now, if you don't want your boyfriend to get hurt, I suggest you come with me." His icy breath tickled my ear and I trembled.

I didn't even realise that he had pulled me so that I was cowered by him and distanced from Darcy. I looked up at Adrian as his eyes dared me to deny. I knew the results if I defied my parents, and I knew that Adrian wasn't kidding when he said that he'd hurt Darcy.

He had a strong body, packed with muscles that appeared through the fabric of his shirt.

Adrian had done it to me before, so why should I risk Darcy's life?

I looked over at Darcy and nodded my head helplessly that I needed to go with Adrian. Darcy took the note and sighed heavily, looking very concerned. "Are you sure?" I once again nodded and smiled at him reassuring that I would be safe, well not entirely.

"Okay then... um, bye bye Vivi." He hugged me swiftly and spoke again. "I'll see you tomorrow at work. Call me if you need me." He sideway glanced at Adrian curiously as Adrian glared at him with disrelish sprawled all over his face.

I smiled softly and before I knew it, Darcy was walking away from me. I so badly wanted to run after him but the devil was stopping me.

I felt Adrian grab my arm and drag me towards the car, probably his car. I felt disgusted at his touch. He was a monster. There was no saying as to what he would do to me now cause I was under his control.

I didn't trust him. He lost his trust the day he ruined me.

And I'll never forgive him for that.