Chapter 4 ~ Sirena’s Mother’s Condition

"What is my mother's condition, Doctor?" Sirena asked anxiously as the doctor exited her mother’s room.

The doctor explained her mother’s diagnosis.

"With a heavy heart, I must inform you of your mother’s health condition. She is currently suffering from advanced-stage colon cancer, which has put her in critical condition. Our medical team has done everything possible to provide the best care, but the challenges are considerable. We understand how difficult this is for you and your family. The support of loved ones is crucial during this trying time. We will continue to monitor her condition and keep you updated on her care,” the doctor explained somberly.

Sirena stood in shock, her body frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.

She looked at the doctor with a glimmer of hope and desperation. "Is there any chance my mother can be cured?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The doctor responded cautiously, "I can’t make any promises," he said, "But, as her illness is in its final stage, surgery is no longer an option. However, if she and the family agree, we can consider chemotherapy as a way to extend her quality of life. We will continue to monitor her condition regularly to determine the next steps."

The doctor's explanation gave some clarity amidst the turmoil Sirena and her family were facing.

"Please, do what’s best for my mother, Doctor," Sirena said, looking at him with pleading eyes.

"I’ll do my best," the doctor assured her before leaving.

Sirena felt her legs give way, and she nearly collapsed, if not for Ramon holding her up.

"Stay strong, Sirena," Ramon whispered, trying to comfort her.

"Ramon, why has my life become such a mess?" Sirena broke down in her cousin’s arms, clutching his shirt tightly. "After losing Dad, I don’t want to lose Mom. I can't bear another loss, Ramon."

In that emotional moment, Sirena poured out her fear and anxiety in her cousin’s comforting embrace. Through her sobs, she confessed the deep-rooted anguish that had consumed her since her father’s passing and her terror of losing her mother.

Ramon, patient and empathetic, soothed Sirena, gently patting her back, showing unwavering support in her time of sorrow.

Meanwhile, Vaul approached James, who was working in his office.

"So, how did it go?" James asked.

"Leslie has given updates, along with some photos of Miss Sirena at the hospital," Vaul replied, showing his phone with pictures of Sirena in a heartfelt embrace with a man.

"Tsk, leave her alone; and she’s already with another guy," James grumbled in displeasure. "Who is this guy?" he asked.

"According to Leslie's report, he’s Miss Sirena's cousin, the son of Carl Reverie," Vaul said.

"I didn’t know they were this close," James muttered, looking at the phone screen with a sharp gaze. "And what’s her mother’s condition?"

"The doctor’s assessment showed that Mrs. Brianna has advanced-stage colon cancer. Due to her critical state, the doctor recommended chemotherapy, as surgery is not advisable," Vaul explained.

"Alright. That’s enough," James said. "And if there’s any news on the Reverie family business developments, let me know."

"Yes, Mr. James."

James sat in thought for a moment, his eyes gazing far out the window while his mind drifted back to last night’s intense moments. He tried to refocus on his work, but images of Sirena with her alluring smile and captivating gaze kept invading his thoughts. Her seductive and shapely body, curvaceous in all the right places, was incredibly tempting—just touching her was enough to make James feel a tightening sensation where his desire was centered.

That night felt so exhilarating; every second seemed to slow as they both found themselves ensnared in a burning intimacy. Sirena wasn’t just an attractive woman; she was someone who could capture anyone’s attention with her undeniable charm. James felt lucky to have shared that special moment with her. Each time he remembered those fiery moments they spent together, his heart beat faster, and his desire for her only deepened. He knew that the longer he got to know Sirena, the harder it would be to let her go, and one thing was certain: he didn’t want this to end so easily.

“We’ll meet again soon, Siren,” James murmured with a smirk.

“Why do I feel shivers?” Sirena muttered to herself. “Is someone targeting me?”

Sirena let out a deep breath, feeling a heavy weight on her shoulders. She was sitting in her mother’s hospital room, surrounded by the steady hum of medical machines. Her heart felt somewhat at ease, knowing she had managed to pay a significant portion of the hospital bills and cover the treatments that had been administered to Brianna.

Every so often, she glanced over at her mother, lying weakly, and a feeling of worry filled her. Amidst all the uncertainty, she felt the need to stay calm and manage everything related to their company. With her laptop on her lap, she opened her father’s email account, which was packed with unread messages.

She found countless emails about debts, pleas from anxious investors, and messages from shareholders impatient to sell their stocks in the midst of the crisis. It seemed like everyone was looking for assurance, while Sirena felt trapped in a never-ending wave of problems. After much consideration, she finally decided to call an impromptu meeting with the shareholders the next morning. She wanted to explain the current situation and seek the best possible solutions to resolve the issues, hoping this decision would bring some peace of mind to everyone involved.

“Yes, I have to be prepared starting tomorrow,” she whispered, trying to motivate herself.

To be honest, she didn’t have any direct experience handling company matters before this, as her primary focus had been on completing her studies. However, the situation now required her to take bold steps, and she knew she had to dive in headfirst and take responsibility for solving all the issues affecting the company’s performance. Although these challenges were significant, she was committed to learning and adapting quickly to ensure the company’s smooth operations and continuity. With high spirits and a desire to improve, she hoped to overcome each obstacle and lead the company toward meaningful improvement.

“I hope everything goes well, and they agree with my idea,” she sighed, feeling genuinely worried.