Robin wakes with a start, her eyes fluttering open to a slightly familiar room. Sunlight streams through the large windows, casting a warm glow over her large bed.
She sits up slowly, wincing as a dull ache throbs in her head.
"W- what happened?" she murmurs, her voice husky. Memories of the accident come flooding back - the screeching tyres, the blinding pain, the darkness that consumed her.
Just then, the bedroom door opens, and a tall, broad-shouldered man strides in.
His piercing green eyes sweep over her with concern and curiosity.
'Ramsey', some part of her bedraggled mind whispers.
"You're awake," he says, his smooth voice laced with relief. "How are you feeling?"
Robin blinks, suddenly self-conscious under his intense gaze. "I-I'm alright, I think. What happened to me?"
The man moves closer, pulling up a chair beside the bed. "You were hit by a car a few days ago. I was with you and called for medical assistance right away. My family's doctor took care of you in my apartment - I wanted to make sure you were well taken care of while you recovered."
Robin's eyes widen as the pieces fall into place. "You... you saved me? But how did you get there so fast?" I ask incredulously.
Ramsey's smile turns sheepish, his ears flushing with embarrassment, "Ah, well, I- I was worried about you. And what with the weather being as terrible as it was, I decided to follow you, to keep an eye on you,"
Robin's brow furrows as she tries to make sense of the situation. "So, You... you were following me?" she asks, a hint of apprehension in her voice.
Ramsey chuckles softly. "I'm afraid so. It's no excuse, but I was apprehensive about you, Robin. When I saw you get hit, I knew I had to act quickly." He pauses, his expression turning serious. "I'm just glad I was there to help."
His confession takes Robin aback, but the warmth in his gaze puts her at ease. "Thank you," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there..."
Ramsey raises a hand, silencing her. "There's no need for thanks. I'm just relieved you're alright." His gaze softens as he studies her face. "Now, is there anything I can do for you? Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
Robin's stomach rumbles in response, and she flushes with embarrassment. "A little food would be wonderful." She pauses, biting her lip. "And... do you have any recommendations for jobs I could do? I want to earn my keep, if possible."
Ramsey chuckles, the deep sound resonating in the room. "Work, you say? Well, that's good, then. Cause I have a proposition for you." He leans back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How would you like to work at the store? I can get you a job there."
Robin's eyes widen in surprise. "The store? But I thought you were just a clerk at the store."
Ramsey chuckles, shaking his head. "No, no, Robin. I'm the owner of that store." He leans forward, his expression sincere. "I've seen your talent for painting, and I think you'd be the perfect person to handle the day-to-day operations. What do you say?"
Robin is stunned, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and excitement. "I... I don't know what to say. I'd be honoured to work for you, but I'm not sure I'm qualified."
Ramsey waves a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. I've seen your work, and I know you have what it takes. Plus, it'll be a good opportunity to get back on your feet." He gives her a warm smile. "What do you say?"
Robin's face lights up with joy. " Oh, that would be amazing! I can paint, clean - whatever you need. I promise I'll work hard!."
"I do not doubt that," Ramsey says, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "The job is yours if you want it."
"Thank you, thank you so much!" Robin exclaims, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything."
Ramsey waves a dismissive hand. "Consider it a fresh start. Now, let me get you something to eat. You must be famished."
As he turns to leave, Robin's gaze lingers on his retreating figure, a newfound sense of hope blossoming within her.
She won't waste this opportunity.
**************
Three days later, Robin is bustling around Ramsey's Art supply store, her nimble fingers expertly arranging the paint supplies and greeting customers with a warm smile.
The store's regular cleaner, an older woman named Mrs. Seaford, watches her with a mixture of surprise and approval.
"My, my, you certainly have a knack for this, don't you, dear?" Mrs. Seaford says, her voice tinged with a hint of awe.
Robin pauses, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Oh, I'm just trying my best. I want to do a good job, that's all."
Mrs. Seaford chuckles, her wrinkled face creasing into a warm smile. "Well, you're certainly succeeding. Ramsey's a lucky man to have you working for him."
Embarrassingly, Robin's heart flutters at the mention of Ramsey's name. "He's been so kind to me. I'm grateful for the opportunity." She says quietly, her face burning.
The older woman nods sagely. "Yes, Ramsey's a good man. He has a big heart, that one. But he doesn't deserve all the credit. You work so hard, my dear," the cleaner says, her eyes crinkling with a soft look.
Robin lets her hands drop, fingers coming to rub at her covered stomach, "Well…. It's all for my baby, really," she smiles gently at her flat belly.
The old woman laughs, "Every mother wants to do everything they can for their children,"
Robin's expression suddenly grows sombre, and she nods slowly. " Yes, I want to give my child the best life possible." She pauses, her gaze distant. "Before, I was blinded by love, but now... now, all I want is to provide for my little one."
The cleaner's smile fades, and she squeezes Robin's hand. "I see," she murmurs, her tone thoughtful.
"Well, keep up the good work, my dear. I'm sure Mr Ramsey will be pleased."
As the cleaner leaves, Robin notices a small flower pin lying innocuously on the ground.
Mrs Seaford must have dropped it.
"Oh, Mrs. Seaford, you've forgotten your pin!" She says, but the woman must be outside already. Picking it up in her hands, Robin heads towards the door, intent on returning it.
But as she approaches, she hears the cleaner's voice, low and urgent, speaking to her colleagues.
"When do you think Ramsey will tell her?" one of the women whispers.
"I don't know," Mrs. Seaford replies, her voice laced with concern. "The poor thing has been through enough. I can't imagine how she'll take the news."
"But he can't just hide the loss of her child forever?!"
Robin's heart stops, her breath catching in her throat.
She steps out from the doorway, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "What did you say?" she asks, her voice trembling.
The cleaner's eyes widen, and she glances nervously at her colleagues. "I... I didn't..." she stammers, but Robin cuts her off.
"Please, tell me what you know," Robin pleads, her hands gripping the pin