Goodbye Aemee

After a long and tired flight, me and Autumn and her baby landed safely back in Singapore.
Ben came to pick us up and soon we were back at the manor. Things were very smooth and calm for the first 2 weeks. I was busy preparing for the Christmas special while taking care of Aemee.

Suddenly, Autumn panicked and came into the room and told me about Allen.
That name sent shivers down my spine. Instincts kicked in and I quickly sent in a bodyguard for her and it turns out they both knew each other! That's even better! That was my initial thinking.
Something told me that it wasn't enough. I made another call to get another team of bodyguards to protect her in the dark before I put my heart at ease.

Oh God, please watch over Qiu. My heart held a prayer.
On Wednesday morning, after several minutes of pestering me, I finally said 'ok' to her going out to get her baby items.
Why can't she just do some online shopping or just sent a team out to get the selection for her to choose at home??? But in the end, I thought, she still needs to get out for some fresh air, I reluctantly agreed.

I had to attend a private court session in the afternoon, I couldn't be around her all the time. I made a call to confirm she was well protected.

Judge Soh and a panel or judges with attorneys on both sides and Aemee's mother came into the private court to discuss about Aemee. Apparently, the mum has made an appeal to court to claim back her daughter in hopes to build up a  relationship earlier with her daughter. After a week of discussion, Judge Soh had called me in.

"We think she is ready to take care of Aemee." He told me in his meeting room. I nodded.
"I have no questions, Your Honour. I just want the best for the child. And if you think the mother is ready, I trust she is ready to take care of Aemee. However, my offer to her after the completion of her sentence still stand." I replied. He nodded.

The informal session in the meeting room begin with the appeal proceedings and the mother entered the room.
I was seated with my attorney and Aemee was asleep in my arms. I could see the yearning of the mother and in my heart, I could see myself in the mother's eyes when I thought back about that time when I thought I was pregnant.

Then came to me passing Aemee back to the mother. She was still asleep.
"Thank you." She said in gratitude, as she held Aemee in her arms. I smiled.
"I will ask the officers to pass all the baby items that Aemee has been using to you. Please take good care of her." I said as I stroke Aemee's forehead.
"I will." She replied, and gave me a slight bow. I shook my head and stroke Aemee's forehead again and kiss her on her forehead one last time.
"Grow up well, my baby." I said softly, then the officer led the mother and child out.

As soon I stepped out of the courtroom, my mobile rang. It's from the bodyguards. I quickly picked up the call and my face fell and my body almost collapsed but Roland, our lawyer, managed to hold me up.
"What happened?" He asked. I was in a state of shock.
"The bodyguards just called me. Qiu has been attacked."
"We have to move fast." Roland replied. I nodded.
"The guards have captured Allen and Qiu is rushed to the hospital. They reported blood. This is very bad." I said as he helped me towards the car. Ben was at the car and rushed over to help me.
"Ben!"  I cried.
"Qiu, qiuu has been attacked!" I said, tears streaming down. I was terrified.
"Calm down, Missy." He said, in his usual calm tone.
"We need to get to the hospital asap." He said to the driver, as the limo sped out from the underground carpark.

"Miss, it's time to call Duke Blackburn and tell him the bad news."  Ben turned to me and said.
I stared at Ben for awhile in shock and shook my head. He gave me a firm expression and nodded.
Still shaking, I took out my mobile and dial Gareth's number.