It was almost dusk already and Ciara had almost finished with her patient for the day. This time, she was not really as exhausted as she used to be —in fact, she seems to prefer him better than her last few patients.
He is responsive and easy to communicate with, his state was not that better due to the much injury he sustained —but still, he acted like he was much okay.
At first, Ciara had wanted to declined being his private nurse, but after much persuasion from the doctor, she finally agreed. Well, not because she wanted to.
Finding out about the cause of the accident, Ciara felt she could relate to it —she had a familiar incident but not with her, it was her parents. There is only but one difference in it.
Ryan was lucky enough to have survived, but her parents did not, they died in the scene. Looking into it several times, she believed it wasn't just an ordinary or a random accident, something fishy was related to it.
—this made her grow interest in becoming Ryan's private nurse. ‘Maybe I might find some clue from him…’ That was her thought before accepting.
Today was her first day with him, she only focused on making friends with him just for him to feel comfortable when she's around, this way, she might get closer enough to him to get some clues.
With a small smile on her face, Ciara jotted down some few things on her pad. “Aside your lower abdomen, did you feel strange pain anywhere again?” She asked him as she tucked behind her left ear, the few strands of hair that fell on her face due to how she tilted her head.
He shook his head in a negative response. “Not at all…" He stated simply. “—and if I do feel one, it's endurable compared to my lower abdomen.”
Her smile was reassuring. “The injection may have worn off, but the drugs would last long enough to help reduce those pains in no time.” She uttered in a professional tone.
“Yeah. I know, right?” That was his simple response, before laying back on his bed. “If you don't mind —I'll love to get some rest and will need not to be disturbed.”
She felt slightly offended by his words but shrugged the thought of her mind, he might not mean it as she has thought and besides, she was also planning to leave.
She had wanted to help him but just with his palm raised, she understood the message which made her retreated her steps back —he'll be fine on his own.
“Ah —yeah.” She muttered in reply as she watched him lay back on the bed. “I was just about leaving. I'll be…"
The soft few taps on the door cut her off abruptly. She craned her neck, snapping it towards the door's direction. A lady was standing outside the door and maybe waiting on her approval to enter —it was the hospital's janitor.
“Come in, Ms…" She beckoned to her, giving her the permission she needed. Without wasting another second, she entered and bowed slightly to Ciara in greeting.
She reciprocated, smiling in reply. “Is it time to clean his ward yet?” Ciara asked the janitor, who shook her head negatively in reply.
“No —the doctor seeks your presence when you are done for the day.” The janitor explained in reply. “He said you should make sure everything is going on fine before closing your duty.”
“Sure, I will. Thanks for the message…" Ciara uttered airily. With this, the janitor excused Ciara, exiting the room.
She packed the left over of her tools on the tray and prepared to leave. “I'll get going now, Mr. If you need anything, just…"
He cut her off abruptly, giving her no chance to complete her words. “Quit talking and just go already…" He told her, his voice seemed like it was rising. “I'll be fine on my own, I need no help from anyone.”
Ciara shrugged her shoulders lightly, turned to leave. “Fine, you should have a goodnight rest then…"
He did not bother to respond to her, seeing this, Ciara exited the room and left him alone to himself —just as he wanted…
******
“You can have your seat.” Ryan's mother offered her, her facial expression was blank as it gives no hint on whatever she might have in mind.
Ciara did not know the cause of it, but she feels tensed, and her heart was almost racing fast in her chest, the look on the older woman's face was nowhere near soothing.
‘Why would she want me here in the first place?’ She could not help but ask herself as she tries hard to avoid a direct gaze with the older woman.
Pushing her thoughts aside, she reluctantly took her seat as offered, breathing in slowly. “The doctor informed me that you want to see me before today runs out completely.” She expertly stated, her expression was calm and inviting —unlike the older lady.
Slightly, nodding her head a few times for a couple of seconds, before opening her mouth to speak. “Yeah, I did tell him.” She cited simply, earning a mouthed ‘oh’ from Ciara. “I have come to learn that you are Ryan's assigned personal nurse, am I right?”
“Ahh —yeah, true.” Ciara responded almost immediately, nodding her head curtly. The resemblance was there when she first set her eyes on the older woman —and also, the doctor had told her about it beforehand.
“Earlier today, I saw how he was doing well around you…" Ryan's mother began, drawling her tone. “—well, I must commend your skills because it's really rare to see Ryan laughing with someone he doesn't even know.”
It wouldn't have been nice if Ryan's mother decided to be straight with her —that was her thought. She can't possibly tell her he never laughs or smiles except if it's his girlfriend in the picture.
Ryan's mother had never for once, liked her, not even a bit, and she did not want her for his son, but Ryan was never ready to listen to her, he insisted on being with her.
Over the few years, she had tried fixing him up with other ladies, setting him up for a blind date on numerous occasions, however, none of it turned out as she had sought —her son is one hell of a stubborn guy.
Now, seeing him getting along freely with Ciara, she felt as if she has seen the right lady for him —and without hesitation, she's ready to set them up together like she's been doing with other ladies…
Over the few years, she had tried all she can, to fix him up with other ladies, arranging him up for a numerous blind dates on different occasions, however, none of them turned well as she had pictured them to be —her only son is really obstinate.Now, seeing him getting real well with Ciara, she felt as if she has seen the dextral lady she's been on the lookout for him —and without hesitation, she's ready to set them up together like she's been doing with other ladies.This time, she simply wants to be believing she is not wrong this time else, she will be left with no other option but to accept Anne as her son has desired. No, the thought of it make her skin crawl.“Earlier today, I saw how he was doing well around you…" Ryan's mother began, drawling her tone. “—well, I must commend your skills because it's really rare to see Ryan getting acquainted with someone he doesn't even know.”How does she explain what the older woman is trying to nail at? Should she explain her words as jus
Reminiscing over how they met and her motives for accepting the marriage contract, Ciara felt she had been wrong from the beginning —in every manner and everything.He used to be a pleasing guy —so, she thought of him. However, all of a sudden, he started changing his mindset towards her. At first, she did not examine much into his change of conduct, but soon, she was compelled to get used to it.As the contract stated, it is a one-year lasting settlement and each party ought to preserve it. Aside from the penalty for breaching the contract, Ciara in no way liked going back on her words, she always kept on with it to the cease.Ciara's preliminary purpose from the start was to get a few clues from Ryan, however in return, she ended up falling for him —she fell for the guy, who is nevertheless obsessed with his ex and barely treats her like she exists.She sighed heavily, with just one thought on her mind —sign the divorce papers earlier than he returns.Just as he had left it, the pap
“Ciara is nowhere to be found.” He stated with a small sigh afterward. “Well, I suppose she left.”“What do you imply with the aid of using ‘she left’? Just like that and for no cause whatsoever?” The voice thundered and Ryan was compelled to take the phone off his ear, the voice was loud sufficient to harm his ear drum. It was his mother, who was on the phone.Ryan sighed heavily when he realized her voice trailed off before placing the phone to his ear again. “I do not know why she left, but I got back home from work as regular and found out she's gone.” He informed his mother plainly, sounding more like it was a day by day habitual between himself and Ciara. “I tried reaching her, but it seems like she did not only go away but blocked me from gaining access to her.”Ryan's mother was angered on the opposite line, she understood something was fishy. This, she's certain of. Ciara may not just determine to leave on her own without any reason. Clearly, there must be something Ryan is a
Ryan sighed for the umpteen times and constantly rubbed his temple. His head was crammed up —packed with different jumbled thoughts of a wide variety, and they seem too tough for him to sort out.Everything was and used to head on very easy and fine, his great relationship with his mother was intact even though she used to be strict then too. All of a sudden, it seems like everything started colliding with one another —that was after he introduced Anne to her.For the reason best regarded to her alone, she vigorously kicked in opposition to his relationship with Anne without giving him any good purpose behind her rash action.At first, he had thought she was only trying to tug his legs, maybe to see how he would react towards it, but instead of things getting better —it could only keep getting sore as time went on.Against his consent, she commenced placing him up on different blind dates, even when none turned out as she desired. However, despite everything of these, she did not stop
“Are you certain she's the same person as shown in the photograph?” Ryan's mother speaks in the phone, her eyes diluting with an untold emotion.Ryan, on the other hand, was confused as he stared at her with his brows creased. He wondered who on earth his mother was speaking with, and what photograph was she referring to, is she hiding something he was not aware of? “Okay, I get it…" That was her undeniable reply before putting the phone away from her ear. As quietly as she had brought her phone out from her bag, she returned it in the same way, too.For seconds and without batting her eyelids, her intense gaze was on Ryan, who finds her stare uncomfortable.“What now, mom?” He muttered, suddenly looking elsewhere just to avoid his gaze being locked on hers. No matter how much he tries, he can't win against her —staring without breaking is one of the things she's in most cases good at her.He sighed heavily in defeat. “I know you are still staring at me, mom.” He informed her in a ca
Ryan is perplexed right now, he did not even know what to do or say. He saw there was with a little or no hope of ever seeing Ciara. He is aware that the task of ever finding Ciara is a huge one that he won't be able to fulfill. The States is too huge, and he can't be searching for one single soul all over the state, it's like looking for a pin in a well. It is impossible for him to do so —and who does that anyway? His phone began to ring, at first, he hesitates to pick the call but on seeing who the caller was, he had no choice than to pick it up. He couldn't ignore her even in a tight situation, and this won't be exceptional —it was Anne. “Hey, there Ryan…" She called from the other end as soon as he put the phone on his ear. Ryan could stare at his mother without saying anything to the caller. In return, his mother, who had returned because she forgot her keys, gave him a deadly stare. “You don't stare at me in such a foolish manner.” His mother said. Ryan quickly composed hi
“Let's elope…" Anne suggested with a glint in her eyes. “We can go somewhere far away and start a new life together, away from all the drama and stress.”Ryan was taken aback by the idea, but couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over him. This could be their chance to start fresh and truly be happy together. He looked at Anne, her eyes were filled with hope and sincerity. It was if she had planned this for a while now.Ryan felt a smile growing on his lips and without hesitation, he took her hand and was tempted to say, “Let's do it. Let's abandon this present life and go very faraway…” But instead he stopped himself and simply smiled warmly.He can't leave his mother, though she nags a lot, but she's always worried about him. Additionally, there are still many things he can't let go off —mostly the companies.Where would he start from if he elopes? A once CEO turns out to be working under a new manager or worst still, a supervisor —that sounded like a good headlines news,
The early morning sun peeped from the horizon, casting its warm yellow shades over the quiet courthouse in downtown States.The lovely couple, Ryan and Anne, could sense the butterflies in their stomachs unwinding as they slowly paced closer to the entrance, hand in hand.Ryan could hardly comprise his exhilaration as today marked a momentous occasion in his life. Having fallen in love with Anne during their university years, he was eager to begin a new chapter with her as husband and wife.The icing on the cake was that they had decided to hold a secret marriage ceremony in a quaint courthouse, adding a touch of mystique to their amorous journey.The air felt electric, surging with the anticipation that enveloped the couple. As Ryan gazed into Anne's eyes that flickered a wondrous azure blue, he was reminded of the endless intensity of their love.Anne's eyes shone just as bright, reflecting the incredible happiness that filled her to the brim.As they exchanged a warm and knowing gl
"There she is..." Jamel whispered but audible enough to Alex's hearing, who only nodded with out a reply as he strode towards Ms. Carter. They both exchanged pleasantries before he had his seat opposite her."It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Carter." Alex said as he sat down. Ms. Carter looked at him with an inscrutable expression, her green eyes glittering."The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Alex." she replied, her voice smooth and calm. "I understand you're the CEO of The Williams cooperation. It's quite an impressive company, I've heard lots about it."Alex smiled slightly but it was enough to brighten the atmosphere. "Thank you, but I'm hardly the only one responsible for its success. I'm lucky to have a great team." He uttered, still maintaining his slight smile. "A great team, and a great leader." Ms. Carter vocalized with a few head nod. With out much further ado, she cleared her throat, deciding to go straight to the point. "I supposed you are yet to find a shareholder yet, or ha
The long ride was slow and as well as a quiet one too. Alex sighed for the umpteenth times, unable to fathom the reason behind his sigh that seems not to be coming to an end — of course, he has many reasons for his continuous sigh, but he could not pinpoint which one of it was gnawing at him.Though his mind and thoughts seems to be in fuzzy, he managed to forced his focus on the wheels —he can't repeat the same mistakes twice and this time, he might not be lucky enough and might lose his life. Alex did not want that to happen to me once again, he dreaded the thought of it. He had almost seen death once —he won't face it this time.He's currently facing a lot but losing his life shouldn't be the thought on his mind. His mother —he had stressed her enough with his continuous and never seems to end escapades lately, should he add more to it? No, right? And his daughter too, what would happen to her if she's left behind? Times like this, Alex wished he could turn the hand of time and go
When Lisa walked into her office, she was surprised to find that Judas was not there. On a normal day, Judas would be the first one to greet her upon her arrival. But today, he was nowhere to be found. Lisa was confused and concerned, so she decided to call him to find out what was going on.When she pulled out her phone, she quickly dialed Judas's number. The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer after two try. She had wanted to dial the number for the third time but shrug it off, and decided to keep her phone.Just when she was about to do as thought, the phone rang, vibrating softly in her grip. She checked the caller — it was Judas. With a deep frown settling on her face, she reluctantly picked the call. "Hey..." Judas hailed dryly from the other end. "Sorry, I screened your call. I was about parking when you called so I couldn't answer the phone." "Where are you?" Lisa questioned instead, ignoring his excuses. "I just entered my office and find it empty — you aren't her
"I know what I'm saying is true, Lisa." Andy insisted, seeing the doubt in Lisa's eyes. "Since you left for Los Angeles and made me the acting chairman, my father has been pressuring me to take over the company." Andy went as far as explaining every little detail to Lisa not leaving one out of it. He went as far as telling her how Xavier left home since he refuse to dance to his tunes and even him going to apologize to his father thinking maybe he had change. Lisa was dumbfounded after listening to all what Andy had said, even though she had expected those cunning men not to back away easily. The one she mostly find hard to believe was Xavier cutting ties with his son over his petty greed but since it's coming out from Andy's mouth, she has no other choice than to believe it. "— I shouldn't be saying this, but I can't let them hurt you. I've watched you grown up and I see how kind and considerate you've been..." Andy muttered slowly in conclusion. "I won't possibly be at peace if I
As Andy stood there, staring at his father, he knew that their relationship was irreparably broken. No matter what he said or did, he would never be able to repair the damage that had been done.The man standing in front of him was not the father he had once known and loved. He was a stranger, a man consumed by greed and ambition. He was lost to him forever.Slowly, he turned and began to walk away. He didn't look back, didn't say another word. He simply left, and never looked back.Andy couldn't help but wondered how his father had turned this way — at this stage, he's beyond repair and no matter the amount of words said could bring back his old self which seems to be lost forever.‘Am I really doing the right thing?’ He asked himself, giving his actions a second thought. ‘Leaving him and walking out of his life the moment he's alone and needed someone by his side, is it really okay to desert him like this?’He's not alone, he has his brother who are always supporting him, no matter
"Whether it's sinful or not doesn't matter to me." Xavier cut his son off, matching his angry tone. "Did you think I wish to remain hidden while that bitch enjoy all the luxury to herself and her illegitimate kids?"Andy would have calmed down a bit but his father was only adding more fuel to his anger. "How dare you, father..." He uttered repulsively, trying to defend Lisa. "Why would you speak such ill words of her and her kids who had done nothing wrong against you?""Nothing wrong, eh?" Xavier muttered with a scoff. "Her existence alone has wronged me greatly. Now that I'm into it already, I won't back down until I see her got ruined completely."Andy shook his head sideways, the look of disgust that was on his his face deepen. "You aren't worth living with, Mr. Xavier. It's a good thing you left me on your own." He said with scoff. "I see why mom left you two decades, taking Stephanie along with her.""You..." Xavier yelled with anger written all over him, pointing his index fing
Ever since Andy could remember, he has never been anxious as he is at the moment. He wasn't even sure of the best words to say to his father when he see him. It was at that moment it all dawned on him that he has not planned all of these well enough which made him let out a low but tiring sigh.The moment Andy stepped in and as though his father had been expecting him to come, Andy was welcomed by his father's blazing gaze — if only looks were capable of ending one's life, Andy was sure to have dropped death on spot."What is this ungrateful brat doing here?" Xavier's thundered in anger, his voice laced with hatred and he did not hesitate to give his son that same look as well —hatred, anger, frustration and fury! He turned towards his brother's direction. "Fred, why did you allow this boy in?""I think he has something to say to you." Fred muttered, though audibly to Xavier's hearing with a slight shoulder shrug, collapsing on the nearest couch. "Let's listen to what he has to say. H
It was barely past noon when Andy had returned home from work that afternoon, he couldn't come back home the previous day because it was already late in the night when he finished from the theatre room so he took his rest at the hospital instead. Andy sat on his favorite couch with a heavy sigh of relief but his relief did not last more than a few moment, because his relief was swallowed with his gnawing feeling of emptiness. Everything seems empty to him — and he felt as though he's alone in the whole big world. He knew something was amiss somewhere and tried figuring it out. Alas! He figured out that it was the absence of his father. He had missed his father's presence in the house, his nagging and miss seeing his scowling face as well —all of these had made the past five years bearable for him but for the past one week, he has no one else to do all of these to him. Andy couldn't help but blamed himself for the emptiness he was feeling, he was the one who had sent his own biolog
Once they were gone, Lisa let out a sigh of relief. She was glad to have a moment to herself, and she was looking forward to the peace and quiet. Although she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty about sending the kids away but she had things to discuss about with Judas.Judas moved closer and sat down on the seat opposite Lisa's desk. Lisa, as well, sat down in her usual position, her eyes fixed on the man before her. His facial expression says it all, of course he has a lot o say to Lisa and could not wait to be permitted so he could relay his words. "It seems you have something to say, Judas." Lisa finally voiced out after observing Judas for a while. She's not too blind not to have noticed —she knows Judas too well. "What have you come up with this time around?" "Uh, yeah." He nodded his head in agreement, adjusting slightly on his seat. "You can guess..." his voice was drawling and far from usual.Lisa raised her left brow slightly. "Beats me. What are you up to this time, Jude