Paths; why our paths crossed

I don't think I can make it

Leo gently laid Diana on the hospital bed, and the nurses swiftly prepared the necessary equipment. Diana's voice was barely audible, her words faltering. "Le...o... I don't think I'll make it"

Leo's tears-stained eyes met hers, his hand caressing her hair. "Don't say that, please. Hold on for our baby, please," he whispered, his voice trembling.

As he turned to leave, Diana grasped his hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry..." Her eyes closed, and her body went still.

Leo's world shattered. He checked her pulse, but his worst fears were confirmed. Diana, his love, was gone.

"No, no, no! Diana, love, you can't do this to me!" Leo begged, his body shaking with sobs as he leaned over her, willing her to wake up.

The nurses stood frozen, their faces etched with shock and sorrow, tears welling up in their eyes.

The hospital room fell silent, except for Leo's anguished cries, as he mourned the loss of his beloved Diana.

*

*

Next day, Bryan stood at the balcony, sipping his drink as he gazed out into the distance. He heard footsteps approaching and called out, "Sweetie."

Sweetie arched an eyebrow and joined him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "How did you know it was me?" she teased, her voice husky.

Bryan turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers.

"It could have been anyone, but you chose me." she blushed, her cheeks flushing with delight. "Is there something on your mind for me?" she teased , her gaze intense.

Bryan shrugged, taking a sip from his glass. "No, nothing."

Sweetie pouted, feigning disappointment. "You're not romantic at all."

Bryan remained silent, his eyes drifting back to the horizon.

Sweetie pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered him one. "Want one?"

Bryan accepted, and Sweetie lit it for him, her fingers brushing against his.

As they stood there, smoking in comfortable silence, Sweetie turned to Bryan, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she caught him glaring. "What?"

Bryan's gaze had been fixed on her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've got some audacity."

Sweetie's confusion was genuine. "What did I do this time, Bryan dear?"

"You know mom hates me smoking, and you have the audacity to bring it into my mansion?" he said.

Sweetie bit her lower lip, "Forget about that, Bryan dear... Mom won't find out, and lie to me, you're not enjoying it."

Bryan chuckled, looking away.

"I'll be leaving soon" Sweetie announced her departure after awhile, and Bryan expressed surprise,

"Thought you were going to live with me."

Sweetie explained, "I have an apartment here in Dubai, and don't worry, I'll visit frequently."

Bryan nodded, and Sweetie teased him, pulling his cheek. He shrieked, "Stop that! You know I don't like that."

Sweetie knew Bryan's weakness - his vanity. As the head of a powerful Italian mafia clan, Bryan was ruthless and calculating, with a reputation for mercilessly eliminating threats. But Sweetie, once one of his loyal associates, had become his closest friend, treated like a wife.

She blushed recalling her place in his life but was struck on the neck by Bryan.

She winced in agony. "Are you alright, Bryan? Why did you do that? Do you want to get me killed?"

Bryan showed no remorse, "You're the one who's lost it. I've been trying to talk to you, but you seemed lost in your thought."

Sweetie glared, rubbing her sore neck. "You could have alighted me not hit me" she frowned looking so hurt.

"I am sorry" Bryan said sincerely not sparing her a glance.

"Is your apology genuine? is it coming from your heart?"

Bryan shrugged, "No, it's coming from my lungs."

Sweetie laughed "Stupid proud guy," but wisely kept her thoughts hidden, knowing the risks of provoking Bryan's wrath.

Her aughter turned hysterical, and she struggled to contain it. Bryan raised an eyebrow, sipping his drink, and gazed back into space. "I'm sorry about how I treated you last night, Sweet," he said, his voice low.

"For not letting you know about Ariel," he added, and Sweetie's laughter faltered, replaced by a nervous smile.

"Apology accepted. I forgive you... And make sure to be a good boyfriend to Ariel," she teased, winking.

Bryan shook his head, "Okay... I'm going to take a nap," he said, walking away.

Sweetie grinned, excitedly. "Now this is my real Bryan dear."

Bryan was back to his usual self. Sweetie's eyes sparkled with amusement, knowing that beneath his tough exterior, Bryan had a soft spot for her.

*

*

Nadia sat vigilantly beside her daughter Nessa, who lay motionless, fast asleep. Though her gaze seemed fixed on Nessa, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The events of the previous day still felt like a dream - the loss of Diana, the shock, the grief.

Leo, Diana's love, had locked himself away in his office, refusing to see anyone since her passing. The pain was palpable, and Nadia couldn't help but wonder how he would cope with the loss.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bethel, Diana and Dickson's mother, had been hospitalized since the news of her only daughter's sudden death. What many didn't know was that Mrs. Bethel and her late husband had waited 36 long years for Diana's arrival, after Dickson's birth. The struggle to conceive again had been a challenging journey, making Diana's loss even more devastating.

Nadia sat there, lost in thought, the weight of their collective grief hung heavy in the air.

sudden she felt a movement on the bed and realized Nessa was awake. she was trying to sit up on the bed.

"Nessa love" she stopped her, commanding her to wait for her to get a nurse before rushing out of the room.

After awhile, she came in with a plump nurse and she had a reassuring smile after examining Nessa. "She's fine now and will be discharged later today. Please make sure to feed her something. I'll be right back with her medication."

As the nurse left, Nadia offered, "I'll go get you something to eat."

Nessa took a deep breath, wondering, "How long have I been in the hospital?"

Minutes later, Nadia returned with food and began feeding Nessa. "Bigger Head has been calling since yesterday," Nadia mentioned, glancing at her phone.

Nessa smiled, recognizing the nickname. "That's my roommate Valerie, the awesome soul I told you about."

Nadia nodded, understanding. "Did you answer the call?" Nessa asked.

"Yeah, I told her you're with your dad and will return her calls when you get back," Nadia replied.

"Okay, thanks, Mom, for not telling her the truth... I'll call her later," Nessa said, relieved. She knew Valerie would be a basket case if she found out about her condition.

But Nessa's smile vanished when her mom dropped a bombshell: "Your aunt is no more."