✿☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆✿
"Sure, Mother, I will," Abigail forced out a smile, though her voice trembled. "You both don't need to worry," she added softly.
Wilford's phone began to ring. He picked it up and frowned when he saw the caller's name flashing on the screen. Without a word, he stood.
"I'll take this call," he muttered, stepping outside.
Elsa gently led her daughter to a chair and sat her down. She took a deep breath, her hands trembling as they rested on Abigail's.
"I know you must be wondering how we came to borrow a loan from Morpheus," she said, her voice heavy with shame and regret. The words instantly captured Abigail's attention.
"When your father and I got married, we lived for many years without a child. People whispered, mocked, some even told me to give up hope. But after so long, God blessed us with you—our miracle." Elsa smiled faintly, though her eyes glistened with tears. "But when it was time for you to be born, the doctor said you weighed 4.5kg. I couldn't push you out. To save us both, I had to undergo surgery."
She paused, her voice softening. "Your father couldn't afford the surgery. We had no money. The little I had was left by my parents before they died, and he couldn't work much because of his condition." Abigail's heart melted at the words.
"We were desperate," Elsa continued, "and at that moment, we had only one person in mind."
"Morpheus?" Abigail whispered.
Elsa nodded. "Yes. He was your father's classmate in high school. They used to be close, but after he graduated and traveled abroad, he changed. When he returned, he was no longer the same. We discussed the loan with him—he agreed, but only on the condition that we repay within a year, with interest. We promised we would, but we failed. A year gradually became decades. We tried to pay for two months, but when things grew worse, your father stopped. We simply couldn't anymore."
Elsa lowered her head, her voice breaking as she sobbed. "When Morpheus didn't come for the money after months, your father and I foolishly thought he had forgotten. But Morpheus never forgets. It is our fault, Abigail. We should never have dragged you into this. His money is like a chain, and now it has caught hold of you. Forgive us, my child."
Abigail's heart ached at her mother's words. Tears slid down her cheeks as she whispered, "So it was because of me… because of me you borrowed the loan." She paused, then gripped her mother's hands firmly. "If you risked everything just to bring me into this world, then I will risk everything to protect you now. You and Father gave me life—now it's my turn to give back."
Elsa wiped the tears from her daughter's face, kissed her forehead, and smiled faintly through her sorrow. "We love you, Abigail. Always. No matter what happens."
Just then, Wilford walked back into the room, his face pale and troubled, his phone still clutched in his hand. His voice shook as he spoke.
"He… he wants to see us. Morpheus. Tonight."
The room fell silent. Abigail and her mother exchanged a fearful glance, their hearts pounding as the weight of the name settled over them like a dark shadow.
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DE ROYAL'S SUITS HOTEL
Morpheus' office
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Morpheus' office spoke of power. The walls were lined with dark shelves filled with books, files, and strange ornaments—each hinting at his taste for wealth and control.
Behind the wide mahogany desk sat Morpheus himself—tall, broad-shouldered, casually dressed in a navy-blue suit. Beside him stood two bodyguards, their presence cold and intimidating, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.
Morpheus's eyes sparkled as Wilford and his family entered.
"Look what we have here!" His voice rang out with true excitement.
Abigail walked between her parents, her steps unsteady. She felt his gaze lock on her immediately. She lowered her eyes, her hands curling into fists at her sides.
"My longtime friend—or should I say debtors?" He burst into laughter, rising from his chair to welcome them.
"Wilford, my old friend." He spread his arms for an embrace. Wilford, unfazed, refused to return it.
"Hello, Elsa," he greeted as he pulled away from Wilford.
"Hello Mr Morpheus," Elsa forced a smile, trying hard to remain calm.
"And this beautiful young lady here… must be your daughter," he said with a wide smile that made Abigail's heart pound against her ribs. "Such a beauty," he commented.
"G-- greetings sir," Abi greeted politely, trying so hard to maintain her posture.
The door opened, and Aurora, Morpheus's wife, entered. "Hello, my able guests," she greeted with a sweet smile. She wore a simple but expensive red gown that showed off her cleavage and slender waist, her brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. Though in her sixties, her beauty still commanded attention. Elsa found herself unconsciously admiring her.
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📖 ✨ Author's note
Hey lovely readers! 💕
Thanks for checking out this book—I hope you enjoyed chapter! Don't forget to drop your thoughts, guesses, or favorite parts in the comments. Your feedback keeps me inspired and motivated to write more for you. 🥰
See you in the next chapter!
—[Divine twinkle