Chapter 3: Shattered Illusions.

Willow Inc. HQ.

Matilda’s POV.

With a surge of will, I manage to pull myself up and grab my phone. My hands tremble as I dial the emergency line but quickly end the call. There are too many rumours swirling around for an ambulance to arrive without drawing unwanted attention.

Instead, I decided to call Liam, Chairman Willow's personal assistant. If anyone knows what to do, it’s him. He picks up on the first ring, and I silently thank God for that.

“Liam… Please help. I—I don’t know what to do.” I sob, my words tumbling out in a frantic rush. “The C-chairman h-he…”

“Miss Matilda? Slow down so I can understand you. What’s wrong?” His baritone voice is steady, almost devoid of emotion.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to steady my racing heart. A breakdown right now won’t help the Chairman. “It’s Chairman Willow. He was about to leave the meeting room but lost consciousness,” I managed to explain, forcing clarity into my shaky voice.

“Stay right there. Don’t call anyone else. I’ll be right there.” He hangs up.

“Please be alright, sir,” I beg, my gaze fixed on his still body. The slow rise and fall of his chest is the only thing anchoring my hope. It’s hard to reconcile that just moments ago, he was full of life, and now he lies as pale as a ghost.

The doors burst open as Liam rushes in, a whirlwind of determination. He glances between me and the Chairman, catching his breath. “Did you run all the way here?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

His chestnut hair is tousled, beads of sweat glistening on his square jaw. “I did.” He straightens by the door, his stunning chocolate-brown eyes locked onto the Chairman. “How long has it been since he lost consciousness?”

“Ten minutes,” I reply, anxiety tightening my chest. “Why are you just standing there?” He hasn’t moved an inch since entering.

“It’s a very busy hallway, Miss Matilda. I should stay here in case I need to turn people away,” he replies, his gaze still fixed on the Chairman.

“You’re guarding the door?” I exclaim, disbelief flooding my voice. “Shouldn’t we be getting help for Chairman Willow?!”

“There’s no need. I’m here. He doesn’t need anyone else. Just keep an eye on him while I do my part by the door.”

I glance away, anxiety gnawing at me. I trust Liam, but the idea of sitting idly by while Chairman Willow lies there, unmoving, makes my stomach churn.

“Hmm…” the Chairman groans, stirring slightly as he begins to regain consciousness.

I rush to his side, heart pounding. “Chairman Willow!” My voice quivers with concern. “Are you alright, sir?”

His eyes are sunken, unfocused, and he breathes heavily. “I am fine, Miss Matilda.”

He is anything but fine.

“Let’s have your doctor take a look at you, sir.” I pull out my phone.

“No!” The emphatic chorus of Liam and the Chairman makes me jump.

“Don’t call anyone,” Liam warns, his tone sharp.

“He needs help!” I snap, frustration boiling over. “Can you not see how bad he looks right now?!”

Chairman Willow grasps my hand gently. “I said I’m okay, Miss Matilda. It’s just stress, but I promise you, I am fine.”

I desperately want to believe him, but the pallor of his face tells a different story. “It looks like it’s beyond stress, sir,” I reply softly, my heart heavy.

I turn to Liam, but he avoids my gaze. It makes no sense that he, who cares for the Chairman more than anyone, is so adamant about not seeking help.

Something is terribly wrong.

“I understand rumours are flying around, so you’re being careful, but your health matters more than what the media thinks, sir.” I plead, desperation creeping into my voice.

After hearing so much about the rumours of him being terminally ill, my anxiety reaches a breaking point. Witnessing him faint only deepens my discomfort, and his refusal to seek treatment is infuriating.

“Miss Matilda, trust me, I am fine.” But how can I trust him when his smile is so pitiful?

“No, sir, you aren’t.” I turn to Liam. “You may not show it, but I know you’re just as worried as I am. I know how deeply you care for Chairman Willow.” I try to reason with him.

He sighs and steps closer, his guarded demeanour faltering. “You don’t get it, do you?” His eyes soften as he glances from me to the Chairman, who is hunched over in pain, breathing slow and laboured. “It’s too risky to take him to a doctor.” He looks away, anguish etched on his face.

“Then have the doctor meet him—”

“Where?” he cuts me off. “Where would he meet him, Miss Matilda? Not his house, not a hotel, not the hospital, or any other forsaken public building! He’s not ordinary like us. His presence will not go unnoticed.” His voice is strained, the frustration noticeable.

Liam has earned the nickname "the Chairman's loyal dog" due to the extraordinary lengths he goes to for Chairman Willow. Whispers around the office suggest that he was raised by the Chairman himself. His late father, a devoted live-in driver for the Willow family, tragically passed away, leaving a void that Liam felt compelled to fill. He didn’t step into that role out of obligation; rather, it stemmed from a profound sense of loyalty and debt. After all, it was the Chairman who saved him, a gesture that transformed Liam's life in ways he could never fully articulate.

“I can book an appointment and cancel your prior engagements for the day right this moment if you give me the command, sir,” I beg. I have never cared about rumours or believed them, but my gut twists with dread.

“Your request is illogical. Do you not see how unreasonable this is?!” Liam snaps, his frustration boiling over. “The news of him visiting a hospital would spread like wildfire!”

“I’ll fix it!” I glare at him. “Just give me the order, sir.” 

Please, say you’ll go.

He looks away, a deep sigh escaping his lips. “Miss Matilda…”

“Are the rumours true?” I ask weakly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Deny it. Deny it. Deny it.

“Are the rumours true, sir?” I press, locking eyes with him, my heart racing in my chest.

Tears threaten to spill as I wait for his answer. I swallow hard, my right hand clenched into a fist. I feel nauseous, the reality of the moment hitting me like a freight train. The loud ticking of the clock on the wall grows deafening in the silence as I await his response.

“They are.” He exhales sharply, the weight of his admission heavy. “I am terminally ill, Miss Matilda.” The words hang in the air, a dagger to my heart.

My legs buckle beneath me, and I sink to the floor. This man, who has loved me like a parent, taught me like a teacher, cared for me like a friend, and trained me as a boss—he is my anchor. The thought of losing him is unbearable.

“What is it?” I whisper, my voice trembling.

“Glioblastoma,” he replies softly. “It’s an aggressive brain tumour, an incurable one.”

“I see.” I nod slowly, my world tilting on its axis.

I can no longer process the words around me. A fog envelops my mind, and all I know is that I need to escape. My body trembles with suppressed emotion, and if I don’t get out of that room, I will crumble into a thousand pieces.

“I… I just need a moment. I’ll be back…” I announce absent-mindedly, walking past him and Liam. “I’ll be right back.” I push through the door, resting my back against it for support. 

He is going to die, I think bitterly, inhaling deeply to steady my racing heart.

Footsteps catch my attention, and in my haze, I realise Liam has strayed from his guard post. I push off the door, hastily wiping my eyes.

“Is anyone there?” I call out, my voice shaking.

Bang!

“Who’s there?” I demand my pulse quickening.

The hurried sound of heels scurrying away is alarming. They could pose a threat to the Chairman. I chase after the figure, heart pounding as they sprint away. “Damn it,” I hissed, frustration boiling within me.

They are fast, and at this rate, I am going to lose them. I curse myself for not acting sooner. “Stupid, stupid,” I mutter under my breath, pushing harder for footing but crashing into an unsuspecting group of people.

“Are you alright, Miss Matilda?” William, the Marketing Manager, asks, steadying me with a concerned grip.

“I am, thank you. Did you happen to see anyone suspicious running past?” I scan their faces, hope waning.

He shakes his head. “I don’t recall seeing anyone suspicious.” He turns to his team. “Did you guys notice anyone out of the ordinary?”

“No,” they chorus, disappointment settling in my stomach.

I crane my neck, searching for any sign of the figure, but it is futile. I have lost them.

“It’s the Chairman!” They break into excited chatter, rushing to greet him. Chairman Willow smiles briefly, but it doesn’t reach his eyes as he continues with Liam. I follow but keep my mouth shut about the issue.

“Are you retiring for the day, sir?” I ask, my voice laced with concern.

“No, I have a date with an important investor. Wouldn’t it be weird if I took a break?” He replies as we come to a stop in front of the elevator.

“You’re the chairman; no one would dare think it’s weird. You can do whatever you want.” I respond, trying to instil a sense of ease.

“And what about my investor? What if they believe the rumours because of my absence?” He raises an eyebrow, his expression serious.

I frown as we step into the elevator. “You’ve never missed a meeting with an investor?” I ask, uncertainty creeping into my voice.

“Never,” he answers firmly. “And I won’t start now. Try not to worry too much, Miss Matilda. I’ll be just fine.” He turns to me, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. “I’d also appreciate it if you treat me as you always have.”

“O-of course, sir.” I stutter, my heart heavy. “Enjoy the rest of your day, sir.”

“Take the rest of the day off; you need it more than I do,” he laughs heartily as he steps out of the elevator, his laughter echoing in the quiet space. 

I stand there for a moment, watching the doors slide shut, a sense of foreboding settling in my chest.