Hearing the boy's request, I exchanged glances with my assistant.“You don't have to go if you don't want to,” He went on. “But you don't look like someone who would like to sleep on these streets.”“Dave, stop it!” The Nanny exclaimed, rushing forward to grab the boy's hand. “Mister, I'm so sorry. Please ignore him!”She apologized profusely. Yet, my attention wasn't on the Nanny.It was on the boy whose presence put me at ease somehow.Is it because I find his features familiar? “Where is your home?” I rose to my feet, wiping the snowflakes off my pants.The boy pointed to a tall apartment building miles away. “It's in that building. It's not very far, Mister.”“Mm. Let's go.”A little boy couldn't possibly do me any harm. The Nanny looked hesitant and hopeless as well. She kept on signaling the boy with her eyes who wasn't looking at her.“Mr. Wellington…” The assistant looked as if he also wanted to protest,But a single glance from me had him shutting his mouth.I followed the
“Oh, goodness!” The Nanny looked frustrated. “Things don't work like that. Besides, how do you know he's from Los Angeles?”The boy grabbed an apple from the basket on the counter and munched on it. He appeared unconcerned as he said, “I heard the other guy mention it. Lucky coincidence, right?”“No!” The Nanny disagreed. “You can't take advantage of strangers. I thought you were helping them from the bottom of your heart.”“Tsk. It's called a fair exchange.” What seemed like a cunning smile appeared on the boy's lips. “We give them shelter, they take me to L.A.”I think I've heard enough.Fortunately, my instincts never failed me. The boy surely was up to something.With this kind of approach, though, should I call him smart or tricky?I turned, heading back to the living room, dazed for a moment by what I'd just witnessed.Such a little boy could be so bold and smart… who are his parents?Should I be worried that I've underestimated this little guy?“Hehe, Mr. Wellington, you're ba
…Los Angeles Olivia's POV No one expected Grandpa Victor's condition to suddenly worsen.Thank goodness we arrived on time. The diagnostic tests were already prepared by the hospital in advance, and the results of coronary angiography, echocardiography, and stress test had been ready before we arrived.While preparing the patient for surgery, I had time to fully analyze his condition through the diagnostic test results.This is undeniably one of the most complicated surgeries I've ever performed.Apart from involving the delicate organ, the heart, CABG required the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, which took over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure.Without careful monitoring and adjusting of the device, any slight mistake could end the patient's life by stopping the heart completely.The delicate blood vessels, including the pulmonary arteries were prone to damage especially during harvesting of the grafts.Considering the old man's age and other health issues,
…Geneva, Switzerland Theo's POV “Theo Wellington!” I woke up to the pounding sound inside my head, followed by small rapid taps on my arm. My muscles were sore as if I'd just run a marathon.I took a moment to open my eyes, adjusting them to the blinding lights flashing on my face.“Wake up, you're late.”Late for what?Opening my eyes, I found the little boy standing in front of me.The disproving scowl on his face made me wonder what I did wrong.No. I should be the angry one.Ever since I've lived, I've never slept on the couch before. The experience was agonizing. I wish never to go through it again. “You slept too much. You didn't wake up for breakfast. Now you'll have to prepare your own food,” the boy added.How come?I couldn't even get proper sleep as I kept tossing on this couch throughout the night.I shouldn't have slept much.Glancing at the wall clock, I realized it was 7:30 AM already.That's strange.Maybe I was jet lagged from the flight yesterday.Breakfast?I
Theo's POV A few minutes later.I was still mulling over the loss of my phone, recounting the important information I had inside it.From the looks of it, the device is irreparable. The washing machine had crushed it beyond recognition. It'll be impossible even for a professional to put it back into good shape.Now I'll have to buy a new phone and contact the company back in L.A. to download the data in it. Fortunately, I always made sure to back up those important data.When my assistant returned, I could finally sigh in relief.I can't wait to get out of this place and continue looking for that doctor. More importantly, I need his phone to communicate with the nurse and the company.“Hello, Boss. Here are your orders.” He came in with a cheerful smile.My lips twitched in annoyance, seeing him refer to the little boy as Boss.“Hurry. Theo Wellington refused to make his own breakfast. He's been whining all morning about his destroyed phone.” The boy clicked his tongue, staring at m
I was still bottling in my anger when a taxi stopped in front of us. “Going somewhere, Gentlemen?”“Do we have to go in a taxi?” I complained.Is this how the kid goes to school every day?“My Nanny isn't here. She would have used my Mommy's car. But I can't let you guys touch it because my Mommy's very concerned about hygiene.”Is this boy directly insulting us, calling us dirty?I frowned, staring at him. The boy met my gaze, daring me with his eyes to talk back.Even adults never dare to stare me straight in the eyes. What kind of devil has possessed this boy who only has a sharp tongue?“Haha! The taxi is here. Shall we?” Jake doused the tension once more, and he quickly held the taxi’s door open.He sat in the passenger seat while I had to sit in the backseat with the boy who wouldn't stop glaring at me.It's as if I'd done something wrong. Something I'm not aware of.“What's your destination?” The taxi driver asked.“Little Elites Academy. The best school in town. The only kind
Cleaning the car is impossible!I've never done such a menial task before; talk more of doing it in public. Damnit!How did I end up like this? Luckily, Jake is here to do the humiliating job in my stead.I would have rejected it. However, the taxi driver's loud voice was already dragging the attention of the passersby.While I stood in a corner watching, Jake cleaned the taxi driver's car to the point that there wasn't a single daint on it. And before the taxi driver left, he looked at me and advised, “If you keep doing this, Mister, your son will forever live in the disappointment of you. With your good looks, you can easily get a job at any nightclub in this city. Those frivolous women can spend anything on you-”“Scram!” I was about to lose it, having had enough of the taxi driver's insults. However, the guy did himself good by leaving immediately.“I say we should deal with him, Mr. Wellington.” Jake wiped off his sweat, looking exhausted. “Even you never asked me to clean yo
…Los Angeles Olivia's POV Is it normal that I cannot even breathe properly anymore after hearing that Theo was looking for me?No. He had searched for me five years ago. Probably not anymore.But the feeling still lingered as if monsters were chasing me, lurking in the hospital walls.My mind was restless, and my heart beat with unease, wondering why he had looked for me.If Theo had searched for me five years ago, chances are things won't go well if we meet again. Right now, the last person I ever want to see is him.I've tried my best to avoid Grandpa Victor's relatives, but what if we accidentally bump into each other?What if Theo had sent out search parties to look for me, and someone accidentally saw me in Los Angeles?They would report to him instantly and my cover would be blown.“Olivia, calm down. You don't need to be in a rush. Don't you care about the old man’s health and that's why you're here? Besides, you have to follow the hospital’s protocol.”As much as Ethan trie
…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