I finished all the formalities at the hospital and discussed Tio's situation with the nurse once again as I had to be sure of everything only then I could relax.     My son is my only family and if anything else went wrong with him because of my carelessness I would never be able to forgive myself.   Mathias had gone off to find a hotel for himself and I am sure he must have found one too. My house was too small I couldn't accommodate him and plus he would be very uncomfortable there. I really needed to clear my head so I walked back toward my house. When I reached home, I found myself very disturbed but firstly I went to aunt Beth’s house to reassure her about Tio’s health as she had been calling me again and again. She hugged me tightly in her embrace trying to comfort me and I hugged her back as I need the warmth. She insisted I have some breakfast but I was not feeling like eating anything so I politely refused and when to my house and closed the door. I was trying desperately not to think about Tio’s reaction when he knows about his father. Would he blame me for keeping him away from his dad? I couldn't help but imagine all sorts of things. I went around the kitchen to make a cup of tea as I was preparing myself to call up Don and tell him that I have arrived home and a cup of tea was all I needed to relax. My hands were trembling when I finally dialed his number. The call went through and it was ringing, I had an urgent impulse to hang up but he picked it up after the fourth ring. “Carmen, darling have you reached?I am so sorry, I had to rush home. Did you meet Tio how is he now?” Don said lovingly and bombarded me with questions. “Tio is fine Don and I just reached home. So thought of calling you and letting you know. I met Tio in the morning as he was conscious.” I paused for some time and added. “Don I need to tell you something.” I hesitated again but said. “ I would have waited till I met you but I have to tell it you now. I can’t marry you, Don. You were right when you told me not to listen to Kate and go to Milan. I should have never gone there. I still love Marc and I am in a mess, please forgive me Don.” “I see, I somehow was expecting this.” He said coolly and asked. “ Have you told him about Tio?” “No, I haven’t told him yet, I have to do it as soon as Tio recovers. I will not go back to him but I can’t marry anyone, Don. As he has already told me that he won’t divorce me.” I could sense some satisfaction in his voice as he spoke. “ in that case, please don’t take hasty decisions, Carmen. Leave the natter as it is, we will think about it when Tio recovers.” “No, I almost shouted the word. “I can’t Don, it won’t work. If I had any hint I would have tried but I can’t take Marc out of m mind.” I said with tears rolling down my cheeks. “ I am sorry Don.” “Oh my god, you are hooked to your husband Isn’t it Carmen? Well, it is good to find it now than after the wedding. But don’t think I will accept it as it is as, when I meet your husband I will beat him pretty good and tell him what an arse he is to let you go.” Before I had the time to reply he hung up. I felt drained out of energy and sat on the sofa with shaky legs. I slept on the sofa as I was very tired and woke up sharply as the house doorbell rang rather very loudly. I looked at the watch on the wall and realized that it was noon but I wondered who was on the door and ringing it continuously. I went to the door and opened it, to find the person whom I least wanted to see standing in front of me. “Marc! What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. “Aren’t you going to invite me to Carmen? I think you better let me in if you don’t want an audience out here.” He said grimly. I could see from the expression on his face that he was very angry. He was trying to control his anger. My hands trembled as I pushed the door open to allow him in. Marc was used to elegant living rooms and mine was colorful but a little bit shabby and I wondered how the gracious lord will be able to stay here and for how long. “So this where you and my son live? He said it rather vaguely. “Yes,” I replied. “It's not very luxurious, but at least Tio will appreciate my legacy in Milan more keenly.” He looked at me with hatred. “You mean to say you will take him?” I shivered at that thought. “What did you expect Carmen? That I would leave him here with you again? He said flatly. “We are really very happy together Marc, you just can’t come one fine day and claim him and disrupt our lives.” I broke into tears as I turned away from his angry figure, trying to control my emotions. “Oh Carmen please stop shedding those crocodile tears,” he said harshly. “ you think I can feel sympathy for you after what I have just known? You are shameless and you even have the guts to argue with me on this matter.” “Did you go to the hospital Marc?” I whispered. “Yes.” He replied grimly. “ I asked them where can I find my wife they said you had left a few hours back and one of the nurses grabbed me and took me to visit my son. I had to tag along as they thought since I am your husband Tio is my son.” “well, they were right in observing that my husband is my son’s father don’t blame them, Marc,” I said bitterly turning once again to face him directly. They also thought that the father and son knew each other.” He said coldly. “Tio…….Oh, Lord! What did you tell him, Marc?” Is he okay, I hope it did not disturb him?” my imagination was going wild. I approached him and gripped his shoulders fiercely and shook him. I was worried about my son's reaction. “I have not done anything to Tio. But he has been told and took the news very calmly.” He added. “Are you sure he is fine Marc?” I questioned him and when he did not reply.” Okay leave it I will call the hospital myself.” and took out my phone to call the hospital. “Carmen, just believe me he is fine,” Marc interrupted my thoughts. “ they said they will call us if there is any change in his condition and we will go to the hospital anyway.” He said calmly. “What did Tio say to you?” I asked in a trembling voice.