LOVE AND CHAOS

Chapter 3 -before the storm

Alice returned to work on a Monday morning.

She almost regretted it the moment she stepped out of the car.

The Ministry of Public Development looked exactly as she had left it, but somehow, after spending a few days in the hospital, the place felt different.

People were moving in every direction.

Phones were ringing. Someone was arguing with a colleague near the reception.

Two officers walked past her carrying a pile of files so high that Alice wondered how they could see where they were going. She smiled. It felt good to be back.

“Madam Alice!” She turned. A woman from her department hurried toward her. “You're back!”

Alice laughed. “Yes. Apparently, I survived.” “Don't joke with us. Your sister told me you had a serious fall.” “It wasn't that serious.” “Hospital for days is serious.” Alice shook her head.

“I'm fine now.” The woman looked down at Alice's ankle. “You're walking like an old woman.” Alice looked at her. “Thank you very much.” They both laughed. For the first time since the accident, Alice felt normal again. Almost. She walked toward her office slowly.

The pain in her ankle was still there, especially when she walked for too long. But she didn't want anyone making a fuss over her. She had already spent enough time being treated like she might break. She placed her handbag on her desk and sat down. There were files waiting for her. Too many files. Alice stared at them.

“So much for a peaceful return.” She picked up the first one. Before she could open it, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Unknown number. She answered. “Hello?”

There was silence.

“Hello?” Still nothing. Alice frowned. “Who is this?” The call ended. She stared at the phone. It was probably a wrong number. She put it down. Then she noticed something on her desk. A small white envelope. There was no name on it. Alice picked it up. She turned it over. Nothing. She hesitated before opening it. Inside was a single piece of paper. There were only four words written on it.

Be careful who you trust.

Alice's heart skipped.

She read it again. Then again. She looked around the office. People were working. Nobody appeared to be watching her. She folded the paper quickly and put it inside her handbag. Her hands were suddenly cold. The accident came back to her mind. The footsteps. The stairs. The strange feeling she had before she fell. She pushed the thought away. Maybe it was nothing. It had to be.

She took a deep breath and returned to her work. But she couldn't concentrate. Not completely. Around eleven, a message came from the minister's office. Mr. Marshall wants to see you. Alice stared at the message. She wasn't surprised. Anthony had visited her in the hospital. He had also called Evelyn several times to ask about her condition.

He had been doing that for a while.

At first, Alice thought it was simply a concern. Anthony was her boss. He had always treated her well professionally. He had helped her when she needed something at work. He had even recommended her for a project she had wanted to join.

But recently, something has changed.

It wasn't obvious. Anthony had never said anything directly. He hadn't asked her out. He hadn't told her he loved her. He hadn't crossed any clear line. Yet Alice knew. She could feel it. The way he looked at her had changed. The way he found reasons to call her into his office had changed. Even his voice seemed different whenever he spoke to her.

Alice didn't know how to deal with it. She stood and walked toward his office. She knocked. “Come in.” She opened the door. Anthony was behind his large desk. He was dressed in a dark suit, as usual.

Everything about him looked controlled.

The expensive watch on his wrist. The neat papers on his desk. The way he sat. Even the expression on his face. He looked up. “Alice.” “Sir.” He frowned slightly. “Sit down.” Alice sat. Anthony studied her ankle.

“You shouldn't have come back so soon.”

Alice smiled. “I'm fine.” “You're still injured.” “It's only my ankle.” “That doesn't mean you should ignore it.” Alice looked at him. “I didn't.” Anthony leaned back. “I heard you were discharged on Saturday.” “Yes.” “Who brought you home?” “My sister.” He nodded. “Good.”

There was a short silence. Anthony looked at a file in front of him. “I wanted to discuss your project.” Alice relaxed slightly. “Okay.” He pushed the file toward her. “You're going to be part of the committee reviewing the new development proposal.”

Alice picked it up. “Really?” “Yes.” She smiled. “Thank you.” “You earned it.” She opened the file. There were several documents inside. Anthony watched her. After a few seconds, he said, “You look better.” Alice looked up. “Thank you.” “I mean it.” “I know.”Anthony smiled.

“You're different when you're not in pain.”

Alice laughed softly. “I don't think anybody looks good in a hospital.” “I didn't say you looked bad.” Alice looked at him. Anthony realized what he had said.

He cleared his throat. “Anyway…” Alice smiled. She understood. She wasn't offended. But she wasn't blind either. She could see what was happening. Anthony liked her. Perhaps more than he was willing to admit. And perhaps more than she wanted him to.

The meeting lasted almost an hour. Anthony remained professional throughout. He explained the project. He asked for Alice's opinion. He listened when she disagreed with something.

That surprised her.

Anthony was known for being difficult when challenged. Proud was probably the better word. He liked people who respected his position. He didn't enjoy being told he was wrong. But when Alice disagreed with him, he didn't become angry. He simply stared at her for a few seconds. Then said,

“Explain.”

She did. He listened. Finally, he nodded. “Make the change.” Alice looked at him. “You're accepting my suggestion?” “Don't look so surprised.” She smiled. “I am.” Anthony smiled too. “Perhaps I'm learning.” Alice closed the file. “I'll have the revised document ready tomorrow.” “I know you will.” She stood. “Thank you, sir.” Anthony watched her walk toward the door.

“Alice.”

She turned. “Yes?” He seemed about to say something. Then he stopped. “Nothing.” She nodded. “Okay.” She left. Anthony remained in his chair. His jaw tightened. He had almost said it. He almost told her how he felt. But he wasn't ready. Not yet.

Anthony Marshall was used to getting what he wanted. Money had never been a problem. Influence had never been a problem. People listened when he spoke. Doors opened when he arrived. He had never been forced to chase anything for long.

But Alice was different. She didn't seem impressed by his position. That bothered him. And, strangely, it attracted him even more. He wanted her. But he wanted her to choose him. At least, that's what he told himself.

Alice returned to her office.

She sat down and opened the file. But her mind wasn't on the project. She thought about Anthony. He had been careful. Very careful. If she didn't know him, she might have missed it. But she had worked under him long enough. She knew his habits. She knew the way he spoke when he wanted something. And she knew the way he looked at her.

Alice sighed. “This is going to be complicated.” Her phone rang. She picked it up. This time, she recognized the number. Miller Heights Hospital. Her heart gave a strange little jump.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Alice.” She smiled before she could stop herself. “Gerald?” “Yes.” She leaned back in her chair. “How did you get my number?” “Your patient file.” “That sounds suspicious.” “I promise I didn't break into anything.” She laughed. “Good.”

There was a brief silence.

Then Gerald asked, “How are you?” “I'm fine.” “Really?” “Yes.” “Your ankle?” “It still hurts.” “Are you taking the medication?” “Yes.” “Properly?” Alice smiled. “You sound like my mother.”

Gerald laughed. “I'll take that as a compliment.” “It wasn't.” “I'll still take it.” Alice looked around her office. Nobody was paying attention. She lowered her voice slightly.

“Why are you calling?” There was a pause. “I wanted to check on you.” Alice smiled. “You're a doctor. Isn't that what you do?” “Usually.” “And this call?” “Also usually.”

She laughed. “You're not very good at lying.” Gerald went quiet. Alice smiled. “I knew it.” “What?” “You're hiding something.” “Maybe I just wanted to know if you're okay.” She didn't answer immediately. Something warm moved through her chest. “I am.” “Good.”

Another silence. Neither seemed eager to end the call. Finally Gerald said, “You went back to work?” “Yes.” “Already?” “I'm not staying at home forever.” “You should rest.” “I rested enough.” “That's what every stubborn patient says.” Alice smiled.

“Do you call all your patients like this?”

Gerald paused. “No.” The answer came too quickly. Alice's smile disappeared for a second. Then slowly returned. “Oh.” Gerald seemed to realize what he had said.

“I mean…”

“You don't have to explain.” “I wasn't…” “Gerald.” “Yes?” “Thank you for calling.” His voice softened.

“You're welcome.” Alice looked down at her desk. “I should get back to work.” “Of course.” “Goodbye.” “Goodbye, Alice.” She ended the call.

Then she sat there for several seconds, staring at the phone. She didn't know why that conversation had made her feel so happy. It had been nothing. Just a phone call. Just two people talking. Yet somehow, it didn't feel like nothing.

That evening, Alice left work later than usual. The project had taken longer than expected. She walked toward the parking lot with her handbag over her shoulder. Her ankle was beginning to hurt again. She stopped near her car. For a moment, she looked around. The parking lot was almost empty. She remembered the note. Be careful who you trust. She looked behind her. Nobody. She opened her car. Before getting in, her phone rang.

Evelyn.

“Hello?”“You're still at work?” “I'm leaving now.” “Are you sure you're okay?” “Yes.” “Did you eat?” Alice smiled. “You sound like a mother too.” “Answer me.” “Yes, I ate.” “Good. Come home.” “I will.” Alice ended the call.

She got into the car..Before starting the engine, she looked toward the ministry building..Several windows were still lit. One of them belonged to Anthony's office..She stared at it for a moment. Then she looked away. She didn't know what she felt about Anthony. He had never been cruel to her. He had never forced himself on her. He had never openly asked for anything. But she knew there was something beneath his calm behavior. Something waiting. And she wasn't sure she wanted to discover what it was.

Anthony was still in his office.

The building was nearly empty. He stood by the window with a glass of water in his hand. His phone was on the desk behind him. A message had just arrived. He turned and picked it up.

He read it. His expression changed. The message was short.

She is getting close to the doctor.

Anthony stared at the screen. His grip tightened around the phone. For several seconds, he said nothing. Then he deleted the message. He looked out through the window. Far below, Alice's car was leaving the ministry parking lot. Anthony watched until it disappeared. His face remained calm. But his eyes had changed.

Gerald sat alone in his office that night. The hospital had become quieter. He had finished most of his work. His phone was beside him. He looked at Alice's name in his recent calls. He smiled. Then he shook his head.

What am I doing?” He leaned back. He had spent years building his career. He had always been careful about mixing personal feelings with work. But Alice was slowly becoming difficult to ignore. He didn't know where this was going. He wasn't even sure what he wanted. He only knew that when she smiled, something inside him changed. And that scared him more than he cared to admit.

His phone suddenly rang.

Unknown number. Gerald stared at it.

He answered. “Hello?” Nothing. “Hello?” The line went dead. Gerald frowned. He placed the phone on the desk. Then his eyes moved toward the hospital window. Outside, the city lights flickered beneath the dark sky. Somewhere out there, Alice was going home.

Somewhere else, Anthony Marshall was thinking about her. And none of them knew that three very different lives were slowly moving toward the same point. For now, there was no war.

No fight. No open rivalry.

Just feelings that had not yet been spoken.

Secrets that had not yet been uncovered.

And a woman who had no idea that one day, she would be forced to decide which of two men was worth her heart.