0028

Lisa exited the conference room, her mind buzzing with the ideas that had been discussed during the meeting with her executives. As she exit the entrance of the conference room, she saw a familiar figure standing outside with his both hands buried in his pants pockets, his back to her. She was surprised to see Andy there, as she knew he had a surgery scheduled at the hospital.

"Andy?" Lisa called out in surprise, approaching him. "Is that you?"

Startled, Andy turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of Lisa. "Hey, Lisa!" He uttered, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Do I look fake? Ever come across my doppelganger before?"

Lisa scoffs, already used to his nonstop teasing. "Maybe your doppelganger would make a better person than you." She enunciated, barely smiling at him. "I can't wait to meet him."

Andy held his chest dramatically, feigning a hurtful expression. "Ouch, that hurts a little, Lisa!" He frowned with a slight groan but Lisa only shrugged in reply. "How was your meeting?"

"Uh, the meeting was good. The executives seems more cooperative than when I just resume, things are going just as I've imagined it to." She replied, a proud expression on her face. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the theatre room by now? Did you ditch your patient?"

"That's a ridiculous phrase coming from you, Lisa. Who ditch patients? It doesn't even sound sane to the ears." Andy chuckled softly as he gestured down at his clothes. "I came to steal you away from work for the day. My colleague took over my surgery, and I had a lot of free time."

Lisa frowned, lines visible on her forehead. "But I can't just leave work whenever I want to, that's uncalled for." She protested, trying to turn Andy down. "There's a lot that needs to be done at The Dela Cruz Group and you know this."

"I know, right..." Andy said, his voice gentle and calm. "But you've been working so hard for the past two months, Lisa and it seems as though you've completely sold yourself to work. I hate seeing you stress yourself out like this, this isn't the Lisa I know. Let me take you away, even if just for a few hours."

Lisa hesitated. She knew that The Dela Cruz Group was in a precarious position even though it has exalted miraculously in just two months, and that she had to work hard to keep it from collapsing again. But at the same time, Andy had a point. She knew was exhausted, physically and mentally but she just couldn't help it.

"I don't know, Andy." Lisa said finally in a careful tone. "I really need to focus on work today, I don't have time for breaks or slagging off."

But Andy was not deterred. "Come on, Lisa." He pleaded, determined to change her mind. "Just for today. We can do something together, have some fun. I promise it'll be worth it."

Lisa sighed, knowing that Andy was right. As much as she wanted to stay at work, she also knew that she needed a break —even if it's for a short while. "Fine..." she said finally. "But just for a few hours."

Andy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes!" he exclaimed, taking her hand and leading her away from the building. "You won't regret this, Lisa. I promise."

As they walked away from the building, Lisa couldn't help but feel grateful for Andy's concern and love. It was rare for her to take a break after she had become the chairwoman, but maybe this was exactly what she needed.

***

An hour later, the cousins found themselves standing outside a luxury eatery that the locals gushed about with starry eyed excitement. The building itself, exceed an air of elegance, crisp with the white tablecloth gleaming chandeliers, and and array of painting gracing its wall.

The eatery was barely bustling with people, but the few people in it were all indulging themselves with mouthwatering delicacies bought forth by smiling waiters in impeccable dress. The aroma of spices and freshly cooked food filled the air, accompanied by the sound of laughter and soft music.

Feeling a bit out of place, Lisa glanced nervously at Andy —it's been months since she find herself in the midst of people, she always prefer restaurants with VIP space for customers and mostly home delivery.

Andy, accustomed to that serene, gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze of reassurance and then urge her to take her seat, a smile on his face.

They checked the menu, both engrossed in the delectable choice available for them. After almost ten minutes of debate and consulting each other on their preference, they place their order and awaits their treat.

As they sat opposite each other, the conversation begin to flow seamlessly as they reminisce over the good old days. Lisa realized complying with Andy and stepping out for a while with him was really worth it as he had promised; seeing him like this made her wish he was a brother she never had or better still a partner —maybe husband?

"I can still lucidly remember the other night when you got tricked by that artificial scorpion I place in your room." Andy enunciated, snickering at his own words. "Why would I ever forget such night of all night? The look on your face was inevitable."

"That's embarrassing, slightly..." Lisa uttered as she laughed heartily, recalling the night and at other particular amusing childhood tale, her eyes brimming with mirth.

She had missed these moment of carefree joy and cousins bonding, and a feeling of deep contentment washed over her as they continue to delve deeper into their stories. They did not even paused in their stories and tales as the waitress serve them their meals. Instinctively, their cutleries were picked as they started to eat, still indulge in their talks.

However, midway through their meal and unstoppable laughter, Lisa abruptly felt silent. She felt an all encompassing of dizziness wash over her, followed by a nauseating urge to vomit.

Clasping her hand to her mouth, she excused herself from the table into a breathless gasp. Panic flow through her as the dizziness intensified, the entire restaurant blurring before her eyes.

Andy's face paled with worry, his brow furrowing with concern as he observed Lisa hastily making her way towards the restroom. The jovial atmosphere that has surround them seems to evaporate instantly, replace instead by an unsettling sense of unease.

He was tempted to go with her with the thought that she has suddenly grow an allergy but with a second thought and realizing it used to be her favourite since her childhood, he hold himself and waited on her arrival.

As soon as she emerged from the restroom, he quickly blurt out. "Are you o—" He trailed off abruptly as he stared at her in agape with an unsettling feeling.

Lisa's complexion has ashed and drained within the few minutes she had left, Andy knew that they needed to get her help. He swiftly paid the bills, help her into the car, and they drove to the nearest hospital, hoping that whatever might have been wrong with her isn't severe....