“Alex, are you okay?” Alex’s grandmother’s weak voice came on.
Alex didn’t take his eyes off their hands. He had taken her hand into his from the moment he stepped in and pulled the chair opposite her sick bed.
He stole a glance at her and quickly looked away.
Alex had plenty of medical knowledge, but he could not save his beloved grandmother now.
Because she had no disease, the only problem is she’s running out of her age.
Alex could not change the rule of nature.
“Do you always look this sad before your patients?” she mumbled.
“Not when they are my grandmother.” He sniffled. Tears were already welling up in his eyes but he had vowed not to cry. Not before her. She had thought him to be brave all his life after all.
Alex slowly lifted his head and then their eyes met. He wanted to turn away so badly from the eye lock he had been averting. He could feel the weariness in her forest-green eyes.
“I wish I could save you!”
She flashed a weak smile.
“You’ve done enough Alex.” She managed to voice out after heaving a frustrated sigh.
He swung his head from left to right in filial objection. “I don’t feel so.”
“If only doctors had the power to make people young again.” He muttered under his breath.
She heard it and when she opened her mouth to respond, a giggle escaped.
Alex blinked lovingly at her.
“So...where’s Elisa?”
Alex fell back on the chair while still holding tightly to his grandma like she was his lifeline.
“I left her at home. I guess she’s currently in her private studio, rehearsing one of the songs she wrote.” Alex replied.
Grandmother smiled, but obviously she was kind of disappointed. “It’s OK, Alex, I feel happy for her, she loves her career...but...”
Alex held grandmother’s hand, looked at her.
She said with a hoarse voice, “But I really want to see her, I...don’t know for how long I could live...”
Alex choked with sobs, “You’ll be fine, grandma...”
“It might be the last time.” She blurted, interrupting Alex.
Alex was rendered speechless yet he forced a smile. He slowly released the woman’s fragile hand and stood up. He swept his phone from the table, moved to a corner, and began to dial Elisa’s number.
A few moments later, he heaved a frustrated sigh. When he turned around, he caught his grandmother’s gaze fixated in his direction, eager to find out whether he had gotten across to Elisa.
He tried calling Elisa one more time but she wasn’t responding. He walked up to his grandmother and leaned toward her with a reassuring smile.
“Seems like Elisa is engrossed in her recording session. I couldn’t get her on the phone.”
His grandmother placed her lean hands on her tummy and began to caress it. “Nevermind, Alex. Could you send me some soup? I felt hungry now.”
Alex chuckled and looked down at her. “I’ll go home and make it for you.”
But just when Alex arrived his apartment, he saw a familiar figure.
His wife, Elisa, was there with another man.
Obviously she just cried, her eyes were bloodshot, while that man’s arms surrounded her, slapped her slightly.
Alex recognized that man, it was Elisa’s ex boyfriend, Mark Milton.
3 years ago he dumped her and went abroad. She was hurt badly by him, but now?
Mark explained with a slight voice, “I’m sorry Elisa, I was just...sick, I had to leave. I don’t want you to worry me. But god blessed, I’m recovered...”
Elisa hugged him tightly too, she cried, “I knew it, I knew you would never ditch me...”
Mark touched her hair, “I would never leave you alone, Eli. Divorce that guy and marry me...”
Elisa raised her head happily, but that’s how she saw Alex was there, looking at them coldly.
“Alex...” Elisa’s voice was kind of guilty, “I...it’s not what you saw...”
She tried to explain, but Alex didn’t care what she said.
Mark sneered, for him Alex was just a total loser. If he wanted Elisa, he could get her at any time.
“You’re that lucky guy who married my girl? Tell me, what conditions would you need if I asked you to divorce her?” Mark said arrogantly.
Alex ignored him, he looked at Elisa coldly. “This is how you practice your new song?”
Mark was angry, he couldn’t believe Alex would ignore him, he raised his arms and tried to push Alex.
“I’m talking to you, you...”
But before he could touch Alex, he felt a harsh pain on his belly. Alex kicked heavily on him.
Elisa screamed, “Alex! What are you doing! Mark just recovered!” She ran to Mark and helped him to stand up.
Alex held his fist tightly, “Elisa, grandmother wants to see you.”
Elisa ignored Alex, she held Mark on his car.
“Leave us alone, you rude barbarian! You’d better make a wish that Mark is fine, otherwise...” Elisa said with an evil voice. Alex never heard her speak like that.
Alex’s voice was hoarse, “Elisa, I’m begging you, grandmother is not well, she...might die soon.”
But Elisa didn’t hear it, she closed the window of the car, left without any hesitation.
Alex shut his eyes and exhaled sharply. Was he dreaming or was Elisa playing a prank on him?
The buzzing of his phone crashed into his thoughts.
His eyes widened when he glanced at the phone screen. It was the nurse assigned to his grandmother’s private ward.
The grandma didn’t make it. In 3 days, Alex organized her funeral, buried her in her hometown. Standing in front of her tomb, Alex sighed and adjusted the dark spectacles shielding his eyes. It instantly dawned on him that his grandmother sent him away to make some soup probably because she didn’t want him to see her take her last breath. He wondered whether it was a good judgment. He had wanted to be by her side till she took her last breathe but till then, he wasn’t sure if he could withstand the moment. “I hope you are at peace, Grandma.” He mumbled and turned around. He had said only a few things since she passed away. He had little conversations with the people at the funeral home and only muttered a thank you to the priest who officiated the burial rite. Alex was about to take a step toward his black spot car which was parked on the driveway opposite the cemetery when he felt his phone vibrating in his breast pocket. He pulled out the device and after glancing at the p
Standing in front of the apartment of Elisa, Alex was calm. He was going to finish everything today.However, before he enter the building, his phone began to ring.“My condolences, boss.” A very humble voice came from the phone.“Thank you.” He responded and wished the statement never came. It reminded him that he was grieving and he knew that he’d drown in such statements when he eventually resumed work soon.“I may have to inform you that someone from Milton Group called this morning.” The caller proceeded.“They are almost bankrupt and are kind of desperate. The owner, he begged us to invest...we could use their company to carry out our plan.”Alex asked calmly while running his hand through his hair, “What’s their total worth?”“10 million dollars.”“10 million dollars?” Alex frowned, “You know what William, it’s not a good idea bothering me with such small deals.”“I’m very sorry boss.” William's voice was cautious, he continued, “But they do own a good land, which they thought
Mrs. Sanders looked at Alex with suspecting eyes, “Well, this was quite unexpected, it seems now you can recognize what’s happening. Mark is the one who really deserve Elisa. You cannot change anything.”Elisa snatched the document from her mother, ripping it out of its file. The empty file ended up landing on the floor. She quickly read through the papers and then looked up at Alex.He wasn’t lying. The documents were legal divorce papers and he wasn’t requesting for a dime despite the injustice she had served him in the past few days. Even though Elisa had grown to know him in the past three years not to be a cheap man, she wasn’t expecting such composure from him after everything that went down.She could see him getting settled on one of the couches. Elisa couldn’t help but wonder.Who shows up at his wife’s, looking prim and proper with divorce papers acting so cool after he caught her cheating. She was expecting him to throw insults at her, remind her of the act with Mark, and s
Alex left with his ironical smile, while Mark was holding his fist tightly.Mrs. Sanders noticed that Mark was angry, she comforted him, “Don’t mad at this silly bastard, Alex is just a uneducated loser, treating your kindness as shit, how ungrateful!”Mark took a deep breath, he tried to pretend to be a gentle man, forced a smile and said, “It’s OK Mrs. Sanders.”Elisa collapsed on the couch and took her head into her hands. At that point, reality began to dawn on her. If she signed those papers, her three-year marriage with Alex would automatically come to an end and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for that move because as far as she was concerned, she wasn’t done using him.She darted her gaze to the papers on the table and shook her head in filial objection. She had been completely taken off guard.Wasn’t that what you wanted Elisa? She asked herself.She had always dreamt of the moment she’d be with Mark, out of Alex’s life for good and now that her dreams were coming true, she
Alex sighed and wondered how he could have forgotten. That night, he had returned home and met Elisa weeping on the couch. On the floor below her feet was an empty bottle of whisky and when he rushed to her, he noticed that she was drunk. Her eyes were red and swollen, marred by tears and when he confronted her, she revealed to him that she was devastated because she had a passion for music but was unknown. That night, Alex discovered that her quest for popularity was greater than mere utterance. The next day, he asked his sibling to purchase an entertainment company named White Moon Company. With this company, he contacted the mysterious composer, asked they to write a song for Elisa. Today there will be a party to announce the official statement to all the artists and staff. Alex frowned. “I see, so she is one of the White Moon Company too? What happened to her?” “Yes, sir. Her name is Dianna Lampton, the only daughter of the Lampton's family. She is also the best singer of Wh
Mrs. Lampton flipped her straight hair and darted her gaze toward Alex. She studied him and turned back to William. “Is this the man who is going to look after my daughter?”“Yes of course.” William replied.Mrs. Lampton looked at Alex with suspecting eyes. He is too young, without white coat nor stethscope around his neck. This is the doctor Mr. Turner brought?Mrs. Turner didn’t want Alex to see her daughter, but she offended Mr. Turner just now, how could she let him lose face again?With Mr. Turner’s power, their family would be done.Mr. Lampton had to say cautiously with a flattery smile, “I’m sorry Mr. Turner, but honestly we’ve found a good doctor, now he is examining my daughter, so...maybe it’s not convenient for Alex to enter...”Alex frowned, if that doctor could cure Dianna, he was OK with that. Anyway he was here to visit this girl, not to show his medical skill.William tried to say something, but Alex stopped him and said, “It’s OK Mrs. Lampton, I wish your daughter c
Dr. O’Donnell was infuriated by Mr. Lampton’s reaction. As more sweat continued to team up on his forehead, he wanted to demand why Mr. Lampton struck him but then he made a quick analysis of the situation at hand. He realized that he was standing before the Almighty William Turner and only a fool would disagree with such a man so the doctor simply sighed and looked away with his bowels heating up with rage. Mr. Lampton then cleaned his forehead with the edge of his palm and turned toward William after heaving a sigh. His lips parted and just when he was about to mumble an apology, William stopped him short with a half-smile. “That’s okay,” William said and waved his hand down, motioning to Mr. Lampton to ignore the doctor. Meanwhile, Dr. O’Donnell was still holding onto the conviction that fried Cicada was not an option because as far as he was concerned, the cicada Alex was proposing was in no way related to the ailment at hand but he chose to stay quiet or might get hit again.
“I’m not sure if I can make it tonight,” Dianna said, her voice ringing hesitation. She moved to the edge of the bed and sat with a defeated sigh. “What’s the matter? You still feel sick?” William demanded after walking up to her.She swung her head from left to right. “I feel great but it’s just that I’m not sure about tonight’s event. I know it’s going to be a luxurious gathering but after this experience, I’m not sure.“You don’t have to worry about any form of sabotage.” William cut Dianna short after noticing her fear. “As the owner of White Moon Company, I assure you that your safety is guaranteed.”Dianna was struck by the statement. She knew that Whitemoon was a new money in the city but she didn’t know that William was the boss of it.“You own the company?”William blinked at her.“Then I better start getting ready.” She professed with a bright smile. After realizing that his services were no longer needed, Dr. O’Donnell stepped out of the room after mumbling that he was le
Alex stepped forward, his eyes locked on Williams'. "Please, Williams, don't involve the police. Elisa's already lost everything."Williams' expression remained stern, but a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes. "You're defending her after what she did?"Alex nodded. "I know she made a mistake, but she's still part of your company. Think of the scandal, the damage to your reputation."Williams' gaze lingered on Elisa's crumbling form before returning to Alex. "You're right. But she can't go unpunished.""I agree," Alex said. "But let's handle this internally. You could take away her privileges or something."Williams' brow furrowed, weighing the options. "Very well. I'll revoke my decision to help Mark contact the Gladiator group."Mark's eyes widened in surprise. "That's severe."Williams' voice turned cold. "Be lucky I didn't do worse. And as for you Mark, you've been blinded by his your ambition. You needs to learn wealth isn't just about power."Williams' gaze hardened. "You're
Mark's face twisted in disdain."Diana, I'm shocked. Truly disappointed."Diana's eyes narrowed.Mark's voice dripped with condescension."Your association with...that... Alex."He gestured towards Alex."A lowlife, a degenerate, a bottom-feeder."Alex's face burned with humiliation.Mark continued, his words cutting deep."Someone as affluent as you, Diana, shouldn't be seen with trash like him."Diana's anger flared but she remained silent.But Mark wouldn't relent."Look at him, Diana. A loser, a failure, a waste of space."Alex's eyes flashed with anger.Mark's insults poured forth like venom."He's a parasite, a leech, a scavenger."Mark sneered."You're defending this...this...rabble?"Alex's face reddened.Mark's words cut deeper."A nobody, a zero, a worthless excuse for a human being. He's a liability, a burden, a millstone around your neck."Elisa chimed in."Diana, don't be blind. Mark's right."Diana's gaze turned icy.Mark's expression turned ugly."You're tarnishing your
Mark's men closed in on Alex, their hands reaching for his pockets."Time to search you, Alex," Mark said, his voice cold.Elisa's eyes gleamed with triumph."Finally, we'll find the proof we need."But just as the search was about to begin, Williams strode into the room."Halt!" he commanded, his authoritative voice echoing off the walls.Mark's men paused, unsure.Williams' gaze swept the room, his expression stern."What's going on here?"Mark stepped forward."We're searching Alex for the stolen ring."Williams' eyes narrowed."On whose authority?"Elisa spoke up."Mine. I'm the victim."Williams turned to her."Elisa, you're not the law. We can't just search someone without evidence."Mark intervened."We have reason to believe Alex is involved."Williams' skepticism was palpable."Reason to believe? That's not enough."Alex spoke up."I didn't take the ring. I swear."Williams' gaze lingered on Alex before returning to Mark."I won't let you railroad an innocent man."Elisa's fa
Diana and Alex walked back into the office, laughing and chatting, until they were confronted with chaos."What's going on?" Diana asked, eyes wide with surprise.A colleague rushed past them."Elisa's ring is missing. She's frantic."Alex's brow furrowed."Ring? What ring?"Before they could ask more questions, Elisa's wails pierced the air."My ring! My precious ring!"She rushed toward them, tears streaming down her face."Oh, Diana! Alex! It's gone! Mark's gift to me!"I have to call him. He'll be devastated!"Elisa's phone was already in her hand, dialing.Diana's concern softened."Elisa, I'm so sorry. We'll help find it."Elisa's gaze locked onto Alex."You! You were here around lunchtime!"Did you see anything?"Alex's eyes narrowed."Of course, I didn't take your ring."Elisa's voice rose."I'm not accusing you... yet."The tension was palpable.Diana intervened."Let's stay calm. We'll figure this out."Elisa's phone connected."Mark! My ring's gone!"Her voice cracked."I n
Elisa breezed into the office, a bright smile plastered on her face. She made a beeline for Diana's desk."Good morning, Diana! You look lovely today," Elisa cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness.Diana's eyes narrowed slightly, wary of Elisa's sudden change in behavior. "Thanks, Elisa. You're...looking well yourself."Elisa's smile never wavered. "I'm feeling fabulous, thanks for asking. Can I grab you for a coffee break later?"Diana hesitated, unsure what to make of Elisa's sudden friendliness. "Uh, sure. That sounds nice."Elisa beamed. "Wonderful! I'll come by your office at 11."As Elisa walked away, Diana's gaze lingered, suspicion simmering beneath her polite facade.What was Elisa up to?Diana couldn't shake the feeling that Elisa was plotting something.Throughout the morning, Elisa continued her charm offensive.She offered to help Diana with tasks, complimented her on her work, and even brought her favorite coffee.Diana played along, intrigued by Elisa's sudden change.
Mark's mind wandered back to the humiliating encounter with William, his stomach churning with resentment."Apologize to Alex?" Mark thought, replaying the conversation in his head. "For what? For him showing up where he wasn't wanted?"The memory of Alex's smug expression and condescending tone still grated on Mark's nerves."Why did I let him push me around like that?" Mark wondered, feeling a surge of anger.He recalled Alex's smirk, the kid's knowing glint that said, "I've got the upper hand." Mark's frustration boiled over."What did I do to deserve this?" Mark asked himself, feeling victimized.The apology still lingered in his mind, a bitter taste he couldn't shake."I shouldn't have done it," Mark thought, regret gnawing at him. "I should have stood my ground."Mark's thoughts swirled with "what ifs" and "maybes," but one thing was certain: he wouldn't let William or Alex walk all over him again.The pain of that apology still lingered, but Mark vowed to transform it into fuel
James's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Mark, Mark, Mark... You're so dumb. Storming out like that? What were you thinking?"Mark's face reddened, defensive. "They questioned my integrity, Dad. Called me a scammer."Mr sanders shook his head, disgust etched on his face. "That's exactly what I mean. You let your emotions control you. A business owner has to take risks, absorb insults, and keep moving forward."Mark's anger resurfaced. "You don't understand, Dad. They were disrespecting me."James's voice rose. "Disrespect? Ha! You think that's disrespect? Wait till you're really tested. Wait till someone tries to sabotage your business or steal your ideas."Mark's eyes widened, taken aback by his father's ferocity.Mr Sanders continued, "You need to toughen up, Mark. Develop a backbone. No one owes you success. You have to fight for it."Mark's defensiveness began to fade, replaced by a hint of understanding.James's expression hardened. "Look, son. I know you're passionate.
Mark stormed out of his house, still fuming from his encounter with Alex. He couldn't believe he'd apologized to that...that...slum kid.As he walked to William's house, his anger simmered.William answered the door, a look of concern etched on his face. "Mark, what's wrong?"Mark brushed past him. "You said you knew someone who could help me with the Gladiators Group. When are you going to give me their contact?"William ushered Mark into the living room. "Let me check on that."Mark paced around the room, his impatience growing.William excused himself, disappearing into his study.Behind the closed door, William dialed a number, a sly grin spreading across his face."Hey, Sam," he said, using a fake name. "I need a favor."The person on the other end, actually William's old friend, Tom, played along. "What's up, Will?"William explained the situation. "Theres someone who's been pestering me about getting in touch with the Gladiators Group. Can you pretend to be someone connected to
The next day, Dianna walked into the recording studio, feeling energized after a productive morning. She finished laying down the vocals for her new song and was packing up her things when Alex approached her."Hey, Dianna," Alex said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "You sounded amazing in there."Dianna smiled, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "Thanks, Alex."Alex hesitated for a moment before asking, "Would you like to grab dinner with me after work? Maybe I can show you a different side of town."Dianna's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Alex to ask her out."Sure," she said, trying to sound casual.Alex grinned. "Great. I'll pick you up at 5."As the day drew to a close, Dianna found herself counting down the minutes until their dinner date.At 5 sharp, Alex arrived at her doorstep, looking handsome in a simple white shirt and jeans."Ready?" he asked, opening the car door for her.Dianna nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement.As they drove through the city, the