Bedmates Soulmates

'But what? What's wrong?"

'Nothing's wrong. Do you remember I told you I got married?"

'Sure. I was so sad I couldn't be there for the wedding."

"There was no wedding ceremony, so you didn't miss anything. Anyway, I think, uh..."

Austyn was at a rare loss for words.

'Let me guess.' Charlotte's voice sounded playful. 'You're in love with her?"

'How'd you-Austyn paused, then he smiled. "You know me so well."

'Of course I do. Haven't you heard about thousands of miles apart.'

'As usual, nothing gets by you."

the telepathic link between mother and child? I know what you're thinking even if we're

"So, now that you've finally acknowledged her as your other half, when do I get to meet my daughter-in-law? I want to see what kind of girl could make my son fall head over heels."

'I'm not falling-Austyn paused. 'Anyway, she's not much to look at."

Charlotte sighed. 'My dear boy, no wonder you couldn't get married till you're in your thirties. Never say something like that about a woman. I hope you're not foolish enough to have said that to her face?1 "No."

'Good. At least you're not beyond hope."

Austyn smiled in spite of himself. 'It's just that she's stubborn and bad-tempered. I'm afraid she's going to make a fool of herself when she meets you.'

'So what? I don't care. She's spending the rest of her life with you, not me. I don't mind at all. Besides, I doubt she's as bad as you say." Charlotte perked up at the good news.

She was happy for her son

When I can get out of bed, I'll call you. Bring her to see me

me, okay?"

After a pause, she sighed.

'I hope I get the chance to meet her while I'm still alive. Who knows how long I have till this useless body of mine finally gives out?"

His Plaything

Austyn's smile vanished.

His heart felt heavy in his chest

'Mom, there's something I need to tell you.'

"What is it?' Charlotte sat up in bed. "You sound so serious all of a sudden.'

'My wife... Her father is Leland Hewitt."

"What?" Charlotte gripped the receiver. 'He's. he's the donor you picked."

"Yes

Charlotte's lips trembled.

She didn't know what to say.

Life was so unfair.

Why must this happen to them?

To her son?

She wasn't by his side seven years ago, but she knew how deeply Austyn was hurt by Deborah and Liam's betrayal

After so many years, he had finally moved on,

He was just learning how to love again, but of all people, why must it be Leland Hewitt's daughter?

Charlotte closed her eyes.

'Austyn, we should give up. I-*

'No!' Austyn couldn't bear to hear the rest of her sentence. 'I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to watch you die. Never."

Charlotte was about to say something when a knock came on the door.

Her doctor came into the ward.

'Mrs McCarthy, your five minutes are up. Please give me the phone." Charlotte sighed.

"Austyn, I have to go now. Think about what I said, will you?'

"Take care, Mom. Call me when you feel better.'

The call ended.

Austyn was about to fling his phone onto the desk, then he remembered the disapproving look on Kira's face every time he did that. He placed the phone on the desk, then he pinched his nose bridge.

He felt a headache coming on.