Cctv

Adrian, Joanne, and Gerald were anxiously awaiting the results of the surgery when Adrian's assistant suddenly approached them.

"Excuse me, Mr. Halle," he began, "could we talk for a moment? It's about the CCTV footage of Ms. Lara's accident."

Joanne lifted her head. "Speak your mind," she commanded, her voice cold.

Mark, the assistant, glanced at Adrian for a moment, as if seeking his approval.

"The surveillance footage from the road seems to have been deliberately tampered with," he continued, "likely, the perpetrator managed to cover their tracks and erase any existing evidence. However, the police are still investigating the matter thoroughly."

Adrian furrowed his brow. "Who could have done this?"

Gerald and Joanne completely ignored Adrian's question as the operating room door creaked open. The doctor who performed the surgery emerged, his expression strangely puzzling.

Adrian rose from his seat and approached the doctor, awaiting his verdict.

"The operation... was a success," the doctor said, his words barely audible. A wave of relief washed over them. But his next words brought a new wave of tension. "However," he continued, his voice now heavy with a grim note, "she might not regain consciousness for a few days."

Gerald scanned the doctor's nametag. "Dr. William..."

"Yes."

"Please, follow me for a moment."

The doctor looked confused, "Where?"

Ignoring the question, the old man led the way, William following dutifully. They arrived at the hospital’s terrace, the elder man taking a seat and crossing his long legs nonchalantly. "I wanted to express my gratitude for saving my granddaughter. I wanted to offer you a small token of my appreciation," Gerald said casually.

The old man's words were interrupted by Gerald’s sudden, cold tone. But his expression softened slightly as he slipped an envelope into William’s shirt pocket.

"Th-this..." William sputtered, taken aback. He was unsure of the proper response. "I-it’s my duty, sir, to treat my patients."

"Take it," Gerald insisted, "even if you don't want it." He then turned and left, leaving William standing there, staring at the envelope.

***

"So, Lara is Clara? Grandmother, how do you explain this?" Adrian was startled as he entered the ward, seeing his secretary, who was also his wife, lying in the bed. "This is impossible!"

Joanne glanced at her grandson, sighing. "How can you not recognize your wife? I knew it, there must be a misunderstanding between you two. You must apologize to Mr. Gerald before he takes any further action."

A cough from the doorway interrupted Joanne. She didn't expect the person they were talking about to enter the room.

Joanne composed herself before greeting the elderly man. "You're back, Mr. Gerald."

Gerald looked at the unconscious woman in the bed and drew in a deep breath. Then he turned to Adrian.

"I heard you've been wanting a divorce." Gerald placed a sheet of A4 paper in front of him. "That's the divorce agreement. I've prepared it, and you don't have to bother with any of the paperwork. Just sign it."

Across from him, both Adrian and Joanne looked shocked and confused.

"Excuse me, Mr. Gerald. What do you mean by divorce? I know my grandson has made a mistake, please let him explain." Joanne clasped her hands together and pleaded.

Remembering his grandson's complaints lately, Gerald sat down and leaned back in his chair with an indifferent expression. "Do you really think your relationship can be salvaged?"

Adrian lowered his head. "Forgive me, but I will try to fix it."

"Adrian, don't force it. If you really want a divorce, why are you now insistent on staying with Lara?" Gerald exhaled heavily. "After Lara wakes up, I will take her back overseas."

"Mr. Gerald..."

Gerald remained firm, ignoring Joanne's response. "I'll give you one day, once it's signed, tell me, and don't exceed the deadline."

Adrian knew that facing the reality that Clara was Lara, his wife, along with the threat of divorce presented by Gerald, was going to be a challenge. It wouldn’t be easy to make Gerald change his mind.

"You can make any demands, I'll fight to fulfill them for Lara."

Gerald took a deep breath, finding the young man stubborn. He tried to suppress his anger, saying, "The fact is, Lara has complained to me repeatedly. But you can talk to Lara, as long as you sign this agreement first.”

"Adrian, this situation is like this. You don't need to beat around the bush anymore." Joanne pushed the agreement towards her grandson, whispering, "Just listen first. We'll find a solution later, after Lara wakes up.”

"In my opinion, there's no need to discuss this further," Gerald was tired of talking in circles. He stood up and prepared to leave.

“Wait, sir!”

Just as Joanne was about to erupt, a stunningly beautiful woman pushed open the door and walked in.

This woman, with her flawless white skin, had a physique that was beyond compare. Coupled with her cool aura, she was like a goddess descending from heaven, utterly captivating!

"Clarissa? What are you doing here?" Adrian said in a displeased tone, looking at the beautiful woman in front of him.

However, Clarissa ignored him and remained indifferent. "Sorry, I had some business to attend to, so I could only come now.”

Seeing the woman, Joanne frowned and then noticed that the man called Gerald was gone. "Do you know what you're doing? Mr. Gerald must have misunderstood this whole thing. Besides, why did you invite this woman here, Jo?"

Knowing his grandmother was using his real name, Adrian knew that Joanne was fuming inside.

Adrian wanted to argue, but Joanne suddenly continued. "Never mind, there's no point discussing it. You can just handle your own business without my interference." Joanne's gaze became firm again, and then she left immediately.

"I heard your wife had an accident, so I came here. But I didn't expect that the lucky woman to get you would be her." After speaking, Clarissa placed a basket of fruit on the table.

"What do you want?" Adrian asked coldly.

"Me?" Clarissa walked towards the window, looked at the entire city, and answered firmly. "What do you think I'm here for? I'm concerned about your wife's condition, Adrian.”

Adrian laughed sarcastically. "Usually, you are always busy, why not just send someone here?"

Upon hearing his sarcasm, Clarissa couldn't help but frown. However, she didn't explain at all and immediately retorted, "Fine, I guess I don't need to beat around the bush anymore. Let's discuss the business contract that I proposed earlier. Consider it my fault yesterday, and my coming here today is an apology."

"It seems you are so stubborn. Let me ask, is money so important that you have to work so hard?"

"For me, it's very important." Clarissa took a breath. "Adrian, this is our difference, you won't understand what I want.”

"Right, how could I possibly know what you are thinking?" Adrian chuckled to himself, then continued, "But, your presence here is totally unwanted. And without that business contract, our company won't go bankrupt."

Clarissa still wanted to argue. But after thinking about it, she decided to nod and say, "Okay, if you think so, I wish you happiness. So, I'm leaving now.”

After the woman left, Adrian picked up the documents and signed the divorce agreement. He didn't feel any hesitation, only disappointment.

Ironically, today was their wedding anniversary. The wedding and the divorce happened on the same date and month, really ridiculous!

Ring ring ring ....

Just as Adrian was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang. A familiar voice sounded when he answered the call. "Mr. Adrian, I need your help now."

"Okay, I'll be there right away."