“SOMETHING IN YOUR EYES"

"Am I pregnant?" was the incredulous question that escaped my lips when the man who introduced himself as Marius released me. I didn't know and couldn't pinpoint what had come over me. As I gazed into Marius's eyes, a feeling seemed to accelerate the beating of my heart. His eyes were incredibly beautiful, his dark eyes. And as those eyes were fixed on me, I couldn't deny the magnetic energy that seemed to drain all my strength.

"Yes, and the baby is mine," he said without hesitation.

I couldn't believe what I had just heard, and I couldn't control the tone of my speech or the words that escaped my lips.

"What did you say? Why, who are you in my life?" I asked in rapid succession.

The pain quickly registered in Marius's eyes because of what I had said. I thought and had to admit that I was genuinely concerned. I was worried that I might have hurt him with what I said. He might get angry and leave me or never show up again. I didn't like that idea. So, I quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry. I hope I didn't offend you," I said.

A compassionate and kind smile formed on Marius's lips. Then he spoke in his calm voice.

"It's okay," he replied. "As for your question, I'm your boyfriend. Actually, I'm your first boyfriend," he answered.

I was immediately stunned by what Marius said. I remember that when I was in London, I had many suitors, all of them handsome. However, I couldn't recall having had a boyfriend. If what this man was saying was true, I might deeply love him. Perhaps he made me happy and made me laugh, which is why we had reached the point where he claimed to be the father of the child I was carrying.

"Sam," he squeezed my hand. "Would you like to come with me? The doctor said it might be beneficial for you to be exposed to things that could help you regain your memories. And I think—"

Marius didn't finish what he wanted to say as my brother spoke from the room's doorway. There was a beautiful woman by his side, holding onto his arm.

"And who gave you the right to make decisions for my sister?" Andrew's tone was filled with anger.

Confusion clouded my mind, so I quickly furrowed my brow. "B-Brother, who is the woman with you?" I asked instead.

I saw my brother and the woman exchange glances. Then Andrew turned to face me and began to explain.

"My wife," he replied briefly.

Suddenly, a sense of déjà vu seemed to creep into my memory, and I closed my eyes as a mild headache struck.

"Are you okay?" Marius asked with immediate concern, his face and tone reflecting worry.

I smiled and nodded in succession. "Yes," I replied.

A few moments of silence passed between us before Marius' lips quivered once more to speak. This time, his attention was focused on Andrew.

"We don't need to argue about this, Andrew," he added.

I knew what Marius was referring to. It was about his offer for me to join him in his province, an idea that my brother clearly disagreed with. Why? I didn't know. But from the way Andrew had spoken earlier, it was evident that there was some disagreement between them, and I wanted to find out more.

"After everything you've done?" Andrew asked sarcastically, leaving me even more bewildered.

So, I quickly asked, "Done? What has he done?"

"I don't think Sam needs to know about that," the beautiful woman by my brother's side replied.

I couldn't help but smile. I liked this woman, and I was happy that she was the one my brother had married.

"What is your name?" I asked her, unable to resist.

"Lana," she replied with a constant smile.

I just nodded. There was a strong chance that I got along with Lana because, even though I couldn't remember, I could feel it in my heart.

"I'm sorry," Andrew said after a while, then kissed his wife on the head.

"Sam, you can be moved to a private room. The doctor said you need to stay here for a week, and then you can go home," Lana added.

I didn't respond to what my sister-in-law said this time; instead, I just nodded, as I did earlier.

"Let's talk about the things Sam shouldn't hear later," Lana said again.

I heard my brother release a soft sigh, and then he approached me and kissed me on the forehead.

"Do Mama and Papa already know about this?" I thought to ask.

"Not yet," Andrew replied. "But they need to know as soon as possible," he added, casting a sharp glance at Marius.

My confusion deepened even further because of that. I knew my brother well. Andrew loved me very much, and we grew up close to each other. That's why I had a strong hunch that Marius had done something significant to hurt me, which was why my brother was treating him that way.

*****

I had been transferred to a beautiful and private room, and Marius didn't leave my side. He took care of me and attended to all my needs, despite the strained relationship he had with Andrew.

As the days went by, I gradually understood how I had fallen for Marius. Even if I didn't admit it, it was happening all over again. I was falling for him, or perhaps it was more accurate to say that I was falling in love with him.

"Where did we first meet?" I asked Marius one morning as he prepared my breakfast.

It wasn't the first time I had asked him that question, but instead of getting annoyed, his dark eyes sparkled, accompanied by a sweet smile on his lips.

"At the mall, with Andrea," he replied briefly.

Andrea, my niece, who, according to Lana, was my spitting image. Well, I hadn't met her personally since the accident happened. I had only seen her in a picture, and I understood the reasons why they kept us apart.

Marius had told me that I was indeed very close in appearance to my niece. And when she found out about my condition, she would be deeply hurt, something they were trying to prevent.

"Yeah?" I asked.

I knew that Marius would catch the message in my tone, and he didn't disappoint me.

"That was the first day I was completely captivated by your beauty, Sam," he said, gazing deeply into my eyes.

I blushed quickly and chose to avert my gaze from Marius, all while trying not to mind the pounding of my heart.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I lowered my head. I had found that this was one way to try to avoid the unusual energy that surged through me every time our eyes met.

"Look at me, Sam," I heard Marius say.

His voice was gentle but carried authority. It was that that pushed me to comply with his request, as if I were drawn to do what he wanted, even if I felt like I was losing myself in the process.

Our gazes locked once more, and I saw the corner of his lips curl upward as his eyes lingered on my face.

"I miss those lips," Marius whispered while his gaze danced between my eyes and my lips.

I swallowed hard, trying to control my breathing. I was well aware that Marius had done much more than just kiss me. That's why I was pregnant now, and he was the father. But perhaps, due to my condition, his words had a profound impact on me. It was as if I had gone back to the beginning, to that feeling of being kissed by him.

"Samantha?" Marius almost whispered my name.

"Yeah?" I replied, my voice trembling.

"Would you be angry with me if I kissed you?" he asked, his tone unchanged. His question sent shivers down my spine, and I quickly caught my breath.

I noticed his face slowly approaching mine, and at that point, I couldn't help but shudder repeatedly. Then, he closed the small gap between our lips and claimed mine for a passionate kiss.