Williams was shocked to hear the void of empathy from Robert. "I am talking about Lyra sir. She has only 3 days to live. She has a heart failure," he said, with much emphasis to bring gravity into the conversation.Dante replied in the most shocking manner. "I know it's Lyra . I don't care even if she has one day left in this life," he said, laughing.Williams's anger exploded. "Do you take human life as a joke to you?" he asked, his voice rising.Dante's laughter stopped. In a cold, calculated tone, he said, "Williams, don't get emotional. This is business. The life of Lyra is just a small part of that."Appalled, Williams said, "Sir, how can you say that? Lyra is a human being, not just some business capital."What do you mean by that, Williams? You talk to me like that?," Dante yelled at the top of his lungs over the phone."I am very sorry sir," Williams said in a soft and cooled tone. "Sir, Lyra is dying; she needs to undergo a surgery, that's why I called you.""What kind of
The lifeless body of the girl is lying on the bed, and you are here talking about money she lost. How could you be so heartless?" he continued loudly and in high disgust. He had forgotten he was talking to his boss, known for rudeness and strictness.The moment he realized his mistake, he was keen to see whether Dante was still on the line. He was scared, knowing what would happen in such a situation. Fortunately for him, Dante had already ended the call.Williams breathed a sigh of relief, but his mind was still reeling from anger and disappointment. He could not believe how Dante would respond to Lyra 's situation. He knew that Dante was ruthless in business, but he had never seen him so callous about human life.An uncomfortable feeling surged in Williams as he made his way to the hospital room where Lyra lay lifeless. He couldn't shake off the guilt of having failed to do more to save her, nor quell the what-ifs that tumbled in his mind, such as what would have happened had Dante
Louis and Williams had been inseparable since high school, and through those many years, a bond had formed which was able to stand tests of time and distance. Attending different colleges and subsequently choosing different career paths did not disrupt their communication; they shared everything that happened in their lives. A friendship based on trust, lots of laughter, and mutual support was what Louis and Williams had.Their trio, once complete with Stanley, had been inseparable; however, fate had other plans, and Stanley's untimely death left a void in their lives. The loss brought Louis and Williams closer, cementing their brotherly relationship even further.From all-nighters to spontaneous road trips, the memories were countless. A friendship which had seen time and distance and even adversity finally bloomed into being a rock to Louis and Williams for support and encouragement in life's ebbs and flows.As they grew through their adult years, the bond remained strong. They wou
Williams stormed out of the doctor's office, his frustration and despair palpable. Night wore a darkened cloak, it would have seemed, to relate to the mood of him. He couldn't wait for morning to come to meet Louis and find a solution.Williams approached Lyra 's ward, her pale figure a grim reminder of the need for urgency. He clasped her hands in his and allowed tears to well up in his eyes. He wiped them off and composed himself.Williams boarded a taxi outside the hospital, heading for home. The silence in the ride allowed his thoughts to wander, and his mind was a battlefield of worries.He went through the motions, showering and throwing himself onto the bed when he got home. Eventually, sleep overcame him, but it was a fitful one.THE NEXT MORNING ********The next morning, the phone shattered the air, jolting Williams awake."Good morning, who am I speaking with?" Williams asked, his voice dull from sleep."Good morning, man! This is Louis. I'm about to take my bath. Let's me
Mr. Jude's face softened, but his will remained strong. "Louis, I understand that you must be desperate, but I simply can't invest my 250 million dollars in a company that is not qualified. I am sorry, Louis. I really am."Louis' body shook with sobs, begging, his hands clasped together in supplication. "Just this once, Uncle. Please. Lyra will die if you don't help."Mr. Jude's eyes clouded with pity, while his voice stood firmly unmoved. "I know this is serious, Louis, but I have investors and a business reputation. I have to make no compromises on standards."With only the muffled sobs of Louis breaking the stillness, the silence in the room spoke of the battle going on inside Mr. Jude-empathy versus business acumen.In an instant, Mr. Jude's face brightened. "But I can offer an alternative," he said with a ring of new hope in his voice.Louis's head jerked up, his eyes filled with anticipation."What is it, Uncle?" Louis inquired with despair and hope in his tone.Mr. Jude leaned
Dantebegan to pace around the room as his mind was filled with thoughts. "Mr. Jude wants to hear Lyra 's voice first before signing the contract? Any???! he said, grumbling to himself with a frustrated tone depicted on his face.Who could have given him such an idea? Or does he know Lyra 's not fine? Dante 's eyes narrowed. "I think Williams is behind this, " he said, with suspicion in his voice.He wasted little time dismissing that thought. "Is Williams behind this? I don't know. With whom does he associate? People just like him-low-life scum?" Dantelaughed mockingly. "Ha., yeah, right."His face turned to ice, cold and calculating. "I don't want to spend money on Lyra . After all, she's worthless." His voice was full of contempt. "And at the same time, I need this contract to elevate my company."Self-interest was dancing in Dante 's eyes as he shrugged indifferently, "Why invest in Lyra 's health if she is no longer useful to me?"But Mr. Jude's condition had come to throw a wrenc
"Take me to the doctor's office," Dantesaid to Williams, his voice firm and resolved. Williams nodded and led Danteto the doctor's office-the tension between them was great. They knocked on the door, and a soft voice invited them in. "Good morning," Dantegreeted Mr. Fredrick, the doctor."Good morning, Mr. Dante ," the doctor replied, getting up to shake Dante 's hand. His smile was professional and affable."You can have a seat," said the doctor and pointed to the comfy chairs facing his desk. Danteand Williams sat down."I'm here to pay Lyra 's bills," Danteannounced with no trace of emotion in his voice. "She can undergo the surgery."Dr. Fredrick's eyes slightly went wide, showing surprise on his face. "That's wonderful news, Mr. Dante . Lyra 's condition is critical, and timely surgery is her best chance.""Given the circumstances, getting her bills paid is the way to go," added Williams, his steely eyes fixed on Dante .Dantenodded, unreadable from his expression. "Yes, that's
"What do you mean by that, doctor?" Dantepressed, urgent in his tone. He couldn't afford to lose the contract, not now."Calm down, Mr. Dante ," insisted the doctor. "I'm afraid she isn't responding.""What do you mean, doctor?" Dante asked, his voice escalating."It means she's dead," Doctor Frederick said bluntly."Dead.?" Dante repeated, in a heap of shock. "Did you say Lyra is dead?"It was as if a ton of bricks fell on him as the impact of the news really hit Dante . His business, his contract-all depended on Lyra 's recovery.It was as if a tornado had swept through Dante 's mind; he mechanically reached for his phone. "I have to call her friend Sharon," he muttered.He dialed Sharon's number, his hands shaking slightly. After a couple of tries, Sharon finally picked up."Hello, Sharon," Dante with a tone of solemnity."Hey, Dante ! What's up?" Sharon responded, fully unaware of the disastrous news."I'm so sorry, Sharon, but your friend Lyra just. kicked the bucket," he said
"I have to get going," Mr. Jude said, glancing at his watch. "This has been quite the long day."The others all nodded in a yes manner as they all hailed their goodbyes to Lyra , who had just been dismissed that day.Williams and Sharon gave Lyra a smiling encounter and left for their destination.Lyra walked with Danteto his car, and the air was just thick with tension between them.He drove home and remained silent, looking at the road.Lyra tried to break the silence. "Dante , thanks for."But the grimace on Dante 's face silenced her.They reached home, and Dantestepped out of the car, still not saying a word.Lyra followed behind him, feeling uneasy.The steps up to the living room were sounded out in the stark silence.Lyra hovered around, not knowing what to do.Dantesank into the couch, his gaze set blankly ahead.The silence between them just grew, and grew heavier.She moved closer, setting herself down beside him."Dante , what's wrong?" she asked softly.Dantedid not
"and Mr. Stanley was so palpable it seemed to shrink the hospital corridor.Lyra didn't blink once from Mr. Stanley's face as her eyes clouded with gratitude and determination.Behind, Williams couldn't hold from twisting a smile. "Serves you right," he muttered to himself, wagging his head.Mr. Jude now turned to Lyra with a reassuring and soft look."Lyra , my dear, I am not judging you," he said, "since everybody has somewhat of an ugly past. Never feel low about that.”Mr. Jude's voice sent tears welling up in Lyra 's eyes as he continued."Your presentation was good, and I want you to keep it up, okay?"Teary-eyed, Lyra nodded. "Okay, sir," she whispered.Lyra became overcome with emotion and latched onto Mr. Jude, hugging him tightly.Dante 's face turned dark as his plans unraveled before his eyes."Can I offer you employment in my company?" Mr. Jude asked with the most genuine of tones.What he meant was, "You can be my personal assistant."Lyra 's eyes widened in surprise
The message was from Mr. Jude, and Dante 's hearts jumped with joy. He sprang into immediate action to ensure everything was set for the meeting."Mr. Jude immediately went inside, instructing his workers to ensure that the conference room was spotless," Dante thought as he dialed his cleaner's number."Theophilus, the conference room must be clean. Today, Mr. Jude is coming to sign the contract."Theophilus nodded and immediately got down to work.Dante retired to his office, where he drafted the documents he needed for signing. He collected the papers and went to the printer to photocopy each document.While the printer did its work, his mind drifted away, getting the contract to what it would entail: his business scaling to greater heights.After collecting all the documents, he was told that Mr. Jude had arrived and was in the conference room.He took a deep breath and composed himself before walking into the conference room with confidence."Afternoon, investors," Dante to the p
After a few hours, Dr. Fredrick came out of the operating theater, a warm smile on his face."What is it, doctor?" Williams uttered in anticipation as he jostled his way to the doctor's side."She made it," Dr. Fredrick said, triumphing in his eyes.Williams' face brightened up with his joy: "Thank God!" he exclaimed, trembling his voice."You can now go and see her," Dr. Fredrick told him, nodding.Williams didn't waste a second. He burst into the recovery room, his heart racing at a very high speed.As he went in, he found Lyra lying on the bed, her eyes open, with a trace of a smile on her lips.Williams couldn't control his emotions. He hugged Lyra tightly, with tears running down his face."I'm so glad you're okay," he said, almost inaudibly, in a choked voice.At this moment, Sharon also burst into the room, wet with Joy. "Lyra !" she exclaimed.She then ran to the bed, hugging Lyra and Williams at once.The three friends held one another, basking in the warmth of Lyra 's rec
"What do you mean by that, doctor?" Dantepressed, urgent in his tone. He couldn't afford to lose the contract, not now."Calm down, Mr. Dante ," insisted the doctor. "I'm afraid she isn't responding.""What do you mean, doctor?" Dante asked, his voice escalating."It means she's dead," Doctor Frederick said bluntly."Dead.?" Dante repeated, in a heap of shock. "Did you say Lyra is dead?"It was as if a ton of bricks fell on him as the impact of the news really hit Dante . His business, his contract-all depended on Lyra 's recovery.It was as if a tornado had swept through Dante 's mind; he mechanically reached for his phone. "I have to call her friend Sharon," he muttered.He dialed Sharon's number, his hands shaking slightly. After a couple of tries, Sharon finally picked up."Hello, Sharon," Dante with a tone of solemnity."Hey, Dante ! What's up?" Sharon responded, fully unaware of the disastrous news."I'm so sorry, Sharon, but your friend Lyra just. kicked the bucket," he said
"Take me to the doctor's office," Dantesaid to Williams, his voice firm and resolved. Williams nodded and led Danteto the doctor's office-the tension between them was great. They knocked on the door, and a soft voice invited them in. "Good morning," Dantegreeted Mr. Fredrick, the doctor."Good morning, Mr. Dante ," the doctor replied, getting up to shake Dante 's hand. His smile was professional and affable."You can have a seat," said the doctor and pointed to the comfy chairs facing his desk. Danteand Williams sat down."I'm here to pay Lyra 's bills," Danteannounced with no trace of emotion in his voice. "She can undergo the surgery."Dr. Fredrick's eyes slightly went wide, showing surprise on his face. "That's wonderful news, Mr. Dante . Lyra 's condition is critical, and timely surgery is her best chance.""Given the circumstances, getting her bills paid is the way to go," added Williams, his steely eyes fixed on Dante .Dantenodded, unreadable from his expression. "Yes, that's
Dantebegan to pace around the room as his mind was filled with thoughts. "Mr. Jude wants to hear Lyra 's voice first before signing the contract? Any???! he said, grumbling to himself with a frustrated tone depicted on his face.Who could have given him such an idea? Or does he know Lyra 's not fine? Dante 's eyes narrowed. "I think Williams is behind this, " he said, with suspicion in his voice.He wasted little time dismissing that thought. "Is Williams behind this? I don't know. With whom does he associate? People just like him-low-life scum?" Dantelaughed mockingly. "Ha., yeah, right."His face turned to ice, cold and calculating. "I don't want to spend money on Lyra . After all, she's worthless." His voice was full of contempt. "And at the same time, I need this contract to elevate my company."Self-interest was dancing in Dante 's eyes as he shrugged indifferently, "Why invest in Lyra 's health if she is no longer useful to me?"But Mr. Jude's condition had come to throw a wrenc
Mr. Jude's face softened, but his will remained strong. "Louis, I understand that you must be desperate, but I simply can't invest my 250 million dollars in a company that is not qualified. I am sorry, Louis. I really am."Louis' body shook with sobs, begging, his hands clasped together in supplication. "Just this once, Uncle. Please. Lyra will die if you don't help."Mr. Jude's eyes clouded with pity, while his voice stood firmly unmoved. "I know this is serious, Louis, but I have investors and a business reputation. I have to make no compromises on standards."With only the muffled sobs of Louis breaking the stillness, the silence in the room spoke of the battle going on inside Mr. Jude-empathy versus business acumen.In an instant, Mr. Jude's face brightened. "But I can offer an alternative," he said with a ring of new hope in his voice.Louis's head jerked up, his eyes filled with anticipation."What is it, Uncle?" Louis inquired with despair and hope in his tone.Mr. Jude leaned
Williams stormed out of the doctor's office, his frustration and despair palpable. Night wore a darkened cloak, it would have seemed, to relate to the mood of him. He couldn't wait for morning to come to meet Louis and find a solution.Williams approached Lyra 's ward, her pale figure a grim reminder of the need for urgency. He clasped her hands in his and allowed tears to well up in his eyes. He wiped them off and composed himself.Williams boarded a taxi outside the hospital, heading for home. The silence in the ride allowed his thoughts to wander, and his mind was a battlefield of worries.He went through the motions, showering and throwing himself onto the bed when he got home. Eventually, sleep overcame him, but it was a fitful one.THE NEXT MORNING ********The next morning, the phone shattered the air, jolting Williams awake."Good morning, who am I speaking with?" Williams asked, his voice dull from sleep."Good morning, man! This is Louis. I'm about to take my bath. Let's me