Chapter 3

Jessica got a terrible request from Gabriel Armstrong,who demands her hand in marriage in exchange for saving her critically ill grandfather joshua.

Despite her distain for Gabriel she is left with no choice than to agree to the proposal.

“Hand me the phone.” Jessica said weakly.

Cynthia handed the phone to her.

Jessica's hand trembled as she held the phone.She dialed his number.

"Gabriel Armstrong," his deep voice answered.

"I'll do it," Jessica said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll marry you."

Gabriel's paused for a while. "I knew you would make the right choice, see you in a bit.”

Jessica ended the call.

Her eye met with Liam's, her heart is filled with guilt

Jessica’s agreement to marrying two men at the same time felt like betrayal, but she had no other choice. 

She handed the phone back to Cynthia before they all went back to the ward.

Jessica went to her grandfather bedside, held his hand and whispered softly to him.

“Please don't leave me all by my myself.” A tear dropped from her eye.

Minutes ticked by, each one weighing her down.

 After 10 minutes 

The door swung open, and Gabriel strode in, followed by a tall, old figure with piercing eyes.

Jessica stood up swiftly.

"Master Christopher Stephens," Gabriel introduced.

“Jessica Matthews.” She said stretching her hand out.

“Nice to meet you miss Mathew.” Christopher replied shaking her hand.

Christopher's gaze swept the room, settling on Joshua's frail form.

"Let's begin," he said, his voice low and soothing. 

Jessica stepped aside, her eyes met Liam's who watched with an unreadable expression.

Master Christopher sat where Jessica stood up and began to examine Joshua.

Gabriel's smile lingered, triumphant. "This will save your grandfather, Jessica. And seal our agreement."

Gabriel's smug smile made her skin crawl.

 Gabriel keeps acting like he is obvilous to the fact that her grandfather is in critical condition.

“Not now Gabriel.” Jess replied.

Christopher began his preparation, his movements were calculating and precise.

Jessica's anxiety grew each second.

Suddenly, Liam stepped forward. "I can save Joseph's life," he said confidently.

Cynthia, Jessica's secretary, snorted. "That's ridiculous Mr miller, You're not a doctor."

Liam's expression remained determined."I've knowledge of the ancient healing techniques. I know what to do."

“What makes you think that you are qualified to diagnose or treat Mr Matthew.”she scoffed.

“And who are you?” Gabriel asked.

“My new assistant.” Jessica responded

“Liam miller.” Liam completed.

Cynthia rolled her eyes. "This is not fantasy novel, Mr miller. This is real life. We need medical experts, not amateur herbalists." Her tone is dismissive.

“Just stick to doing your job.” Gabriel said.

Jessica was not ready to take any risk. She ignored Liam.

Liam pulled Jessica to a side.”let me treat him, please.” 

“Under what qualifications? My grandfather is not going to be your training tool.”she responded harshly.

“Let me go!” She reacts angrily.

Liam released her hand.

Jessica felt bad for raising her voice.

“I am not ready to take any risk Liam.i can't lose him too.” She said softly while looking at this fragile body on the bed.

“I am sorry you can't.” She went back to meet others.

"Master Christopher, please proceed," Jessica. instructed.

Christopher's piercing gaze assessed Joshua's condition.

"The Nine Dry Needling technique will restore balance to his energy. It's his only hope."he said 

 "Will it work?"Jess said desperately.

Christopher's hands hovered above Joshua's body. "I've never failed."

As he begins to insert the needles into Joseph's body, his actions seem to work. 

Jessica watched as the needles hovered above Joshua's skin before gently sinking in. The room fell silent, mesmerized by Christopher's mystical control.

After inserting the second needle, Joseph's complexion improves, his cracked lips regain moisture, and his body shows signs of recovery.

Everyone marvels at Christopher’s abilities, believing that he is indeed saving Joseph.

His mystical control skills were passed down to him by master chin wu who is known for his Nine dry needling techniques.

Liam,still by Jessica's side, observed with keenly,a knowing glint flickered in his eyes but he remained silent.

The diagnosis and the treatment that are being administered are wrong.

He knows that once the fourth needle reaches a critical point known as "God's Place," it will trigger a false death. 

This would give Joseph only a small window for recovery, and if mishandled, Joseph will die for real. 

As expected, Liam watched as Christopher inserted the fourth needle, he raised an eyebrow. 

As predicted, Joseph suddenly sat upright, scaring everyone. 

“Pa!!..” Jessica tried to reach out him but was stopped by Christopher.

“Don't! You can't touch him now.” He said.

Master Christopher helped Joseph lay on his back and completed the treatment.

While the medical equipment showed his vitals stabilizing, Liam knew the danger wasn't over.

Christopher beamed with pride, convinced he'd successfully revived Joseph.

He removed the needles and started packing up.

“Thank you, thank you very much master Christopher." Jessica said.

“You should thank your grandfather for not giving up.” he responded 

“His strong will to live and see you again made the treatment work.”

Jessica smiled whole heartedly, She was grateful that he saved her grandfather.

Gabriel smirk mischievously.

He finally have the Matthew’s wealth in his hands.

He walks over to Jessica.

“We should seal our agreement.” He said without taking the smirk off his face 

Jessica wish she can wipe it off his annoying face but she is happy he helped save her grandfather.

She smile at him.

“I am sorry to interrupt you, but this calls for a celebration! Miss Mathew,Mr Armstrong.” Master Christopher said cutting off Jessica before she answered Gabriel.

“You should invite me as your matchmaker atyour upcoming wedding." Chris said.

He and Gabriel laughed wholeheartedly.

“I wish I can stay longer but I have to take my leave.” 

“We should see you off.” Jessica said 

Jessica and Gabriel decided to see him off. 

As they were about to leave, Liam stepped forward.

"Jessica, this recovery is temporary.”

“What??”Jessica exclaimed 

“His condition is going to about to take a deadly and fatal turn.” He said 

“he'll die within 30 seconds if not treated properly." He continued 

Jessica, still jubilating from Christopher's apparent success, got annoyed from his negative statement.

"That's baseless!”

“What exactly are you up to? You're just trying to ridicule Master Christopher's work."

“His vitals are stable. Quit acting like a doctor and do you job.” she answered angrily.

Just then, the medical monitors began beeping erratically. 

“Beep!!..beep!!!!....beeeeep!!!!!!!!!.” before flatlining. 

Joseph's vitals dropped to zero. The room fell silent.

Jessica's eyes widened, Andrew's jaw slackened, his eyes fixed on the monitors. Christopher's triumphant smile collapsed, replaced by stunned bewilderment.

Master Christopher's voice trembled, "No...this can't be."

Jessica stumbled forward, her voice barely audible,”pa…??”