CHAPTER EIGHT: DON'T THANK ME YET

Flashback 

6 months ago…

Augustus sat in his study, reviewing some documents behind his massive oak desk. He was used to the familiar smell of his books as this was his natural habitat, but his heart had been racing uncontrollably and as he reached for his pen, he felt dizzy. His chest tightened painfully, and before he could grasp the edge of the desk for support, everything went black.

The sound of a crashing papers and a loud thud sent the housekeeper running into the room. Her heart jumped when she saw her boss, Augustus lifeless on the floor.

“Sir! Sir!” she screamed, her voice shaking as she dropped the cleaning supplies and rushed to his side. She fumbled for his phone and dialed the first number she could find.

His longtime personal adviser, Jonathan rushed in within minutes. He maintained a calm demeanour though his face showed concern. He knelt beside the older man and, with the help of the housekeeper, gently raised him up.

“Get the driver! We're going to the hospital,” Jonathan commanded.

The drive to the hospital was tense as Augustus was barely breathing and his breath was shallow.

At the hospital, their family doctor, Dr Phillip, attended to him immediately.  

He carried out a series of physical examinations on him, and monitored his breathing condition. 

After an hour of waiting, Jonathan sat with Augustus in the doctors office. The doctors expression looked grim as he checked something off his note.

“The test results have come back” Dr Phillip began, glancing between Augustus and Jonathan, “you're suffering from dyspnea, Mr Augustus, caused by your heart failure.”

Augustus expression changed, the weight of the news sank in. “Heart failure?” He repeated slowly.

The doctor nodded. “The illness is mild and with proper treatment it can be managed.”

“What can be done doctor?”

“I recommend starting oxygen therapy immediately and will prescribe some medications to strengthen your heart, he gently added, “be rest assured, Sir, that you're not in a critical stage and the illness can be controlled to ensure that you live longer.”

The room became silent.

“Tell me everything I need to know about this illness,” Augustus said, his voice firm but laced with exhaustion.

While the doctor explained, Jonathan stood quietly by the door, absorbing every word. Medication, oxygen therapy—words that seemed new to his boss. 

In the car, on their way back home, Augustus sat deep in thoughts of his grandson. Even though it was his life that was threatened, it was evident that he cared about the future of his grandson more. 

He turned to speak to Jonathan, “you will oversee my health now. No one, especially Sterling, should find out about this.”

“Of course, sir. I will handle everything.” He gave a nod of understanding.

“Employ someone—i will leave that to your discretion —to help you with my meals and medications. I want this to be done in private.”

Jonathan nodded, “I will take care of it.”

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Augustus POV

The present day.

My grandsons future was at stake. I planned long for this moment—a formal gathering with Sterling and his future wife. I was very clear on my expectations but as Jonathan gave me updates on the preparations, I'm finding out that's it been called off?

“Who called it off, Jonathan?” I asked. My grandsons engagement had been the focus for months. There were no valid reasons for delays. Unless of course, Sterling had found a way to weasel out of it.

Jonathan hesitated, he knew how critical I was about keeping everything on track. “Sterling called it off, sir.”

I tried to remain calm so i could think of my next action. I wasn't going to let him get out of this one—not again. Not after all my efforts to arrange this.

Before I could vent my frustration, the door of my study opened and Sterling stepped inside, looking calm as ever.

“Grandfather,” he greeted me with a bow, and gave a slight nod to Jonathan.

“Why did you call of the event?” I asked him, cutting straight to the point.

“It's what we both agreed on grandfather. I and Evie. We met yesterday and talked about it.” He then went on to tell me everything. 

“Is this another one of your schemes to avoid your responsibility, Sterling?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He didn't flinch. “No grandfather. Its the honest truth. Why are you even so comfortable with your only grandson marrying a stranger?”

“Marriage is not all about romance, its about fulfilling your responsibility to this family and duty as the sole heir to everything I own! Do you want all my hardwork to go down the drain? Is that what you want?”

Before I could finish drilling the rascal, Jonathan cleared his throat, “please calm down sir,” he interrupted, his voice calm, “perhaps it is better this way. It would be wise to give them time to know each other. Besides, the marriage is set in stone, postponing the engagement will not stop it from happening. I'm sure he did it in your best interests.”

I knew there was some sense in what Jonathan said. He was right. But I doubted if Sterling had me in mind when he made that decision!

Still the thought of postponing the engagement didn't sit well with me but I trusted Jonathan's judgement.

“Very well,” I finally said. “I'll give you the time you need. But make no mistake—this marriage is happening.”

Sterling breathed a sigh of relief. “Thankyou grandfather.”

“Don't thank me yet,” I murmured under my breath. As he left, I wondered if I was making the right decision.