“Oh, Theo, that was a joke!”“I know, right?”“But you're still gonna take me there!”The couple were chatting and laughing with Jessica holding Theo’s arm. His tall frame, paired with her slim and slender one, truly looked like a match made in heaven. Jessica's radiant smile illuminated her face and the subtle smile on Theo’s lips and his light expression showed that whatever they were talking about was funny. I stood rooted in the same spot, staring at them, unable to move.Just then, they noticed me. The couple stilled. The bright smile on Jessica's face disappeared instantly, replaced by a frown. While Theo’s expression dropped. His pupils constricted, his eyes raking over my body, making me starkly aware of myself. When his gaze returned to my face, he parted his lips as if he wanted to say something. His face was strangely pale. “The owners are here.” The sales lady's words snapped me out of my reverie. “Ma'am, please take this dress off before Mr. Wellington gets mad.”
…Olivia's POV The weekend passed by in a flash. Having Bonnie around cheering me uplifted my spirits a lot. After the event at the mall, strangely, Bonnie didn't bring up Theo’s topic again which I'm grateful for. It's another sunny day. I woke up early and headed to the hospital. Arriving at my office, I sorted out the patient and surgery files and prepared for a busy day ahead.I have two more surgeries to perform today. Fortunately, they’re not too complicated and will not consume too much physical energy.Recently, my body gets tired easily. I feel more fatigued than I usually would, and can no longer bear the intensity of previous hard work.As I left my office door, suddenly, a bunch of red roses appeared in front of me. “Dr. Olivia, surprise! Good morning!" Mike jumped out of nowhere, flashing his perfect white set of teeth.I almost yelped in shock before I quickly composed myself. “What are you doing now?” Crossing my arms, I stared at the guy, frowning.Ever since he
…Olivia's POV The hospital’s disinfectant is as pungent and familiar as ever. Living each day well is the most real and important thing. Things are unpredictable and I just want to seize every day and live it to the fullest. The surgeries I performed recently were all very good with no single mistake, so I planned to organize them into files and make them a research topic. And there will be a Symposium that will be held later. “Olivia!” Hearing that familiar voice calling out my name, I looked up to find a face I hadn't seen in many years. Dr. Joanna Lawton. Professor Lawton was my mentor at medical college. I was among the closest students to her. Sadly, we've lost touch for the past few years.“Prof. Lawton! Long time no see!” I stepped forward and gave her a big hug. Time surely flies. The middle-aged woman was now aging with fine lines of wrinkles outlining her face. “Olivia, my favorite student.” The woman chuckled, touching the side of my face. “I can see you have bec
…Olivia's POV Yesterday had been about good news and happiness, and today is one of those sad days full of hesitations.I didn't go to the hospital but headed to the countryside after getting my stuff ready. Saying goodbye is hard especially when this is my first time, after three years, meeting my family again. I hesitated for a few minutes outside my parents’ home as my nervousness kicked in. It has been a long time since I've been home. I'm not sure how my Mom will react to the news about my divorce. It will surely break her heart, but-Sighing deeply, I summoned up courage and entered my mother's flower garden. The various fragrances combined touched my heart, awakening a sense of euphoria and a feeling I'd long forgotten. Those days when I was still little if I wasn't here playing with the butterflies, I'd be at the Wellington’s mansion back in the city visiting with my grandfather. I'll have to admit that my life had been much simpler and carefree while I was still young.
…Theo's POV I always have a bad feeling.I’ve had this ominous feeling lately. Like a heavy stone hanging over my heart. These past few days, I’ve been uneasy.Ever since she sent me that screenshot, I've always wanted to have a good chat with her, to clarify things. And seeing her last night only made things worse.She has blocked all my contacts from her phone. It is unlike her.Olivia had always been gentle and warm and would never have the heart to do so. Was it because she was angry with me? Last time in the hospital, I saw her talent and ability. She is so outstanding in her field, and I actually feel a little proud. However, I also witnessed how other men coveted her. Surely, Olivia's charm is irresistible, but seeing another man openly confess to her incited feelings of hate and abandonment in me. Why did I feel jealous?To this day, my mind kept on playing that scene.Maybe it's because we've been married for long and I've become used to her being my wife. My possessiv
…Geneva, Switzerland. Olivia's POV. Without a doubt, leaving the U.S. five years ago was the best decision I've ever made.I thought I would never survive the heartbreak or the impending doom awaiting me five years ago. Plagued with a deadly illness, I was also pregnant. Coupled with that was the reality that my love would never be reciprocated.I can't help but appreciate myself for seizing the chance to start anew. Now I realize that no matter how deep the wound is, time will surely heal it.“Good morning, Dr. Olivia…” A nurse came into my office, her appearance bringing me back to the present. She placed the documents she was holding on my desk and said, “This is the latest data from the PTE Experiment. The patient who had the last Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy Operation has woken up and his vital signs are stable. Once again, you have successfully carried out one of the most complicated cardiac surgeries. Congratulations!”I sighed in relief.Funny how I'm used to doing tha
I'm not even surprised.One of his favorite hobbies is keeping tabs on me.Sometimes, I wonder if he's the adult while I'm the kid who needs to be watched over always.I wonder where he got this overprotective habit from.“So are you coming home now?” He went on in a sullen voice. “Mom, I'll be waiting.”But I can't go home yet.My schedule is clear for the day, however, an emergency can occur at any moment. I never leave the hospital premises until the day is over. “Come on, Dave. People's lives are important. If Mommy isn't there to save them, wouldn't that be bad?”From the other end, I could hear his soft sighs. “So you're not gonna come home, Mommy?”“Of course, I'll be home!” I smiled. “And I promise to make you the best dinner ever!”“Oh, alright.” The boy didn't sound enthusiastic though.He went silent.I was about to check if the call had disconnected then his voice sounded again. “Uncle Ethan promised to take me skiing next weekend. Tell him not to forget.”“I will, Baby.
…Olivia's POV When I returned home that night, the lights were still on.I frowned in confusion, glancing at my wristwatch.Dave should be asleep by now. Maybe the Nanny forgot to turn his room's light off as it shone through the window on the second floor.I entered the building and made my way upstairs, the guilt inside me increasing as I remembered my promise.“Mommy doesn't like me, does she?”I came to a halt in the hallway just outside his room, listening to his conversation with the Nanny. “Dave, that's not true. Your Mom works hard to buy you fancy toys and enroll you in the best school.”“But she broke her promise,” Dave grumbled in his little voice.I bet he wasn't crying.He rarely cried-But, what if-“Your Mom would have returned to cook you dinner as she promised, Dave. Maybe an emergency came up at the hospital,” The Nanny explained.Her words weren't a lie.A while ago, I was ready to leave the hospital when a patient was brought to the emergency room.He'd been att
…Jessica's POV.Great!Very good!That little brat is messing with the wrong person.I couldn't get him through that dumb servant who failed in her mission of making him fall off the stairs. I couldn't get him through those cupcakes too, otherwise, he might have already bid this world goodbye forever. For the first time, Theo shouted at me!Because of that annoying brat, he didn't hesitate to chase me away.Why should I believe Theo when he said Dave has his own parents?If he surely did, where are they?Where is that bitch Theo got pregnant five or six years ago? I don't need to wait for the lab results. I hated that boy at first sight and my instincts never lie! He's Theo's son indeed even without the DNA results. Damn! He resembled Theo so much, I was such a fool that I failed to notice it earlier.On our way to the hospital, I clung to the man, burying my head in his chest and crying as hard as I could.Theo was too quiet and impassive. He didn't even pat my back to calm me d
Jessica was just desperate for a child, that's all. Many times, she'd brought up the topic of having our own child even though I kept postponing the wedding. Her desperation was born from my mother's constant nagging who had been longing for a grandchild for many years now. “That's enough, Dave… Return that bag. Besides, I haven't found your parents yet.”Which will be my priority from now on. Thomas Sinclair had been apprehended.The doctor had already agreed to go to the Island,Most of my worries had decreased, and the only important task ahead was finding his parents. Otherwise,It's not only Jessica’s craziness I'm wary of. My mother could do something as crazy too.“I'm not staying in this place until Jessica leaves. And promise that she never comes back,” Dave grumbled, pursing his lips. It's not like I like Jessica's company. She must have left already in fact. So it's not something to worry about. Noticing the boy holding his stomach, I frowned a bit. “Hungry?”Dave re
Ridiculous!Is Jessica desperate for us to have a child that she'd even harass this kid? What's wrong with her? Strolling upstairs, I wiped my face, hoping my frustration would go away.I've had enough drama for the day, and all I wanted was a long rest-No, I still have some documents to sign. I have to attend a video meeting later, and then, I'd have to look over the new company's infrastructure my assistant emailed me since last week.I never get rest even during weekends. Damn, if only I could take a long vacation. But the company is unstable now. The higher-ups are constantly butting heads. Just like finding Olivia, a vacation is a far-fetched dream. I paused in the middle of the stairs and brought out my phone which just rang.Seeing the hospital director’s name flashing on the screen, I answered the call and resumed walking.Hopefully, I'll hear good news this time. At least, one load should be lifted off my shoulders already. “Mr. Wellington, I have good news and bad ne
Jessica froze. She stood up straight and dropped the cupcake. Turning around, she plastered on a sweet smile. “Oh, Theo… you came back early. Dave and I wanted to surprise you-”“What the hell were you doing?” I interrupted her, wondering if something was wrong with her head.If I hadn't come in and witnessed it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it. “Uhmm, w-what?” Jessica stammered, putting on a confused look. “What do you mean, Honey?”“Witch! Didn't you try to poison me just now!?” Dave grabbed a tissue and wiped off the smudges of cupcake on his lips. He jumped down from the dining chair and ran to my side. “This wicked witch has been harassing me since morning. What took you so long, Theo?”I wanted to reassure him that I was here and would end Jessica's craziness.First, it was posting the boy's photos on the internet, and now this!But Jessica's stance wavered. She staggered and grabbed the chair's handle, staring at us in disbelief. “What's this, Theo? Dave is just bein
…Theo's POV Finally!I could breathe normally and get those murderous thoughts out of my head.Mike's father, Mr. Kensington, arrived much sooner than I'd expected.Knowing that spending a few more hours there would mean losing my patience and dealing with that blabbermouth, Mike, I'm happy to leave. Honestly, I dislike hearing him constantly call out Olivia's name.I shouldn't be jealous.I didn't care about Olivia even when we were still married.I shouldn't be so provoked by seeing another man obsessed with her!I slammed the steering wheel, honking the car loud as it suddenly got stuck in the traffic.Apart from my mounting frustration, I also felt kind of annoyed this morning.Olivia…I didn't only just dream about her, but also had to hear another man mention her name again and again. Sometimes, I get worried that she might be dead.I get mad sometimes that she left without telling me of her illness,While sometimes, I just feel hopeless.The traffic didn't disperse until th
“Now now, Cora. We wouldn't want you to accompany the old man and constantly get distracted by Theo’s presence, right? Thank you for not hiding your real intentions. You're disqualified.”“But, Uncle Davison-”“Call me Dr. Davison when we're at work!”Moments later, a young lady stormed out of the office, looking frustrated and sad.She almost bumped into me, making my mask slip off momentarily.Thankfully, she didn't recognize me. She appeared to be new and wasn't present while I was still working here five years ago.I couldn't help but shake my head in pity, seeing how all the ladies were gushing over Theo. A rose looks beautiful and inviting on the outside, but it's filled with thorns. I put my face mask back in place and entered Dr. Davison’s office.The middle-aged man was sitting across his desk, ticking off some names on a list. When he saw me, he stood up. “Oh, Dr. Olivia, you're here.”“Yeah,” I replied cautiously. “Why do you wanna see me, Dr. Davison?”“It's for a very
…Olivia's POV Hopefully, this is not a trap. We've already concluded the topic with Dr. Davison and I know he would respect my wish,However,People can be unpredictable, right?What if he's actually summoning me to continue that topic?What if he already has a way he could use to get me to agree?I should stop being paranoid.I have to focus. “You sure you can handle it alone?” Ethan asked as he dropped me off at the hospital.I nodded, forcing a smile.Honestly, I would have loved for him to accompany me. I have a feeling that I won't be able to handle Dr. Davison alone,But Ethan has a family emergency and has to fly to Delawares immediately.I waved him goodbye as he drove off, hoping none of his parents had fallen sick.Then I turned and stared at the huge building standing in front of me.Returning to this place is risky.I might bump into Theo again like last time. But Dr. Davison made it sound so urgent that I couldn't turn him down… Hopefully, I'm not gonna regret this!
I arrived at the City's First Hospital. The same VIP Ward Mike had been admitted into five years ago. A nostalgic feeling hit me, bringing back a lot of memories.These hospital walls echoed with so many memories. Jessica's accident. Mike's accident. Those memories were all tied to one person… Olivia.Will I never escape from constantly thinking about her? When will I stop getting exposed to situations that always lead me to think about her? “Ahhhh! Let go of me! Don't touch me!”The commotion inside the ward brought me back to the present.Mike was surrounded by several nurses who tried to pin him down,But the guy overpowered all of them, pushing anyone that tried to touch him away.“If you don't leave me alone, I'll make sure this hospital goes down!” He yelled. “Just bring me my precious angel.”“Mr. Kensington, please calm down.”“You're bleeding too much.”“We need to clean your wounds before they get infected.”The nurses looked exhausted and some of them had even collap
After Dave left, I reached out for the bottle of whiskey anyway. Discussing the matter with him didn't help. I'd look forward to the boy offering me words of comfort, but then he blatantly expressed his disappointment.Well, who wouldn't be disappointed in me in such a situation?I divorced young. I didn't consider anyone’s feelings. But Grandpa's control over me was suffocating at that time. I needed to stand on my own feet. I needed to make my own choices. A while later as the dark sky outside began clearing up, I headed back to my bedroom upstairs. Finding my phone's screen on, I wondered what notification just came in.I grabbed the phone from the bedside table and stared at the several missed calls from one person. Mr. Kensington. Why did he call many times? Seemed like it had been over an hour now since he started calling me.Strange.Although Mr. Kensington and I are now solid business partners and have built a good relationship over the past few years, we barely commun