Episode 4
1176 Words
Diane’s Pov
“You have to relocate back to the city to take care of the new boss. You'll be his personal assistant. He has been sick for quite some time so he came back to the city to recuperate.” My Boss, Mr Dennis said.
One year ago, I started working in the hospital after training to be a doctor for six years. It took me quite some time to get used to the job but years past, I had become an important personnel at the hospital. Gregory died last year and Elias left the house. I haven't heard from him ever since then.
“A new boss?” I repeated, confused, “Wait, a new boss coming is none of my business. Before I came to work here, I said that I didn't want to be relocated and you gave me your word. Why is that changing now?” I crossed my arms, anger on my face.
Mr Dennis shrugged, “I did promise you that and I tried my best to keep you here but you have garnered attention from the higher ups because of your dedication. They were the ones who asked for you to be transferred.”
I sighed, pressing my aching forehead, “So where am I being transferred to? And who is the new boss?”
Mr. Dennis adjusted his glasses, his expression apologetic yet firm, “You’re being transferred to New York City. The new boss is one of the hospital’s top investors, and he specifically requested our best. That’s you, Diane. This is a rare opportunity, both for your career and for the hospital.”
New York. Just hearing the name made my stomach churn. It wasn’t just a city for me, it was a graveyard of bad memories, pain, and betrayal.
“I don’t want to go back there.” I said quietly, but there was an edge to my voice.
Mr. Dennis gave me a sympathetic look, “I know it’s not ideal, Diane, but you can’t keep hiding forever. You’ve built an incredible reputation here, people look up to you. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Besides, this isn’t just about you. It’s about your kids too, isn’t it?”
My jaw tightened at the mention of my children. He was right, of course. Everything I did was for them, I made the decision to have my kids and I've been taking care of them since. I couldn’t keep running, not if it meant holding them back from a better life.
“When do I leave?” I asked, my voice resigned.
Mr. Dennis smiled softly, sensing my surrender, “Next week. I’ll make sure all the arrangements are taken care of. You won’t regret this, Diane.”
I nodded, though my heart was heavy. New York had always brought me bad luck, but maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
A week after the discussion, I stood near the departure gate, glancing at my watch. My children, Amelia and Ethan, were running toward me, their laughter echoing through the terminal. Seeing their bright, smiling faces lightened the weight in my chest, even if just for a moment.
“Mommy!” Amelia squealed as she launched herself into my arms. Ethan followed close behind, his little arms wrapping around my waist tightly.
“We’re ready, Mommy!” Ethan said excitedly, “Are we going to see Daddy now?”
The question hit me, though I should have seen it coming. Amelia and Ethan had been asking about their father more frequently as they grew older.
However, how could I tell them when I don't even know who their father is. I crouched to their level, forcing a smile despite the knot tightening in my chest, “Not yet, sweethearts.” I said gently, “This trip is about starting something new for us. But I promise, someday soon, you’ll get all the answers you’re looking for.”
Amelia frowned, her little brows furrowed, “But Mommy, why can’t we see him now? Don’t you know where he is?”
“I know it’s confusing, my love.” I said, cupping her cheek, “But trust Mommy, okay? When the time is right, everything will make sense.”
Ethan tugged on my sleeve, “Promise?” He asked, his wide eyes filled with hope.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat, “I promise. Now, let's go in, it's almost time for us to leave.” I said to the children who nodded, both of them holding each other as we made our way to where we would board the plane. A few hours later, we were in New York, the place where it all began.
It didn't take a long time for us to get settled in and days after, it was time for me to visit my new boss at the hospital. I took a taxi to the hospital, they escorted me to him, my new boss I mean.
He was Edward Hart, the elder of the Hart Family. I didn't know why that surname sounded so familiar to me, but I couldn't place my finger on it. I composed myself as I stepped into Edward Hart's private hospital room. Edward lay in the bed, his face pale, yet his piercing blue eyes followed my every move with keen interest. He looked to be in his late sixties, with a proud yet weathered demeanor.
“Dr. Diane.” He greeted in a raspy but firm voice, “They say you’re the best. I hope that’s true.”
“I’ll do my best to live up to that reputation.” I replied with a professional smile, setting down the clipboard and preparing to examine him. As I adjusted the stethoscope around my neck, the door creaked open behind me. I turned, expecting a nurse or assistant, but instead, a man stepped into the room, pushing himself in with a wheelchair.
He was tall, with dark, neatly combed hair and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. His tailored suit hinted at wealth, but it was his face that froze me in place. There was something achingly familiar about him, his smell, his height, though I couldn’t place where I’d seen him before.
His sharp eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, he seemed as stunned as I felt. His mouth opened slightly, and he murmured, almost to himself, “It’s you?”
I blinked, my professional mask faltering, “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
Before he could respond, the door opened wider, and more people entered, a woman in her mid-thirties, elegantly dressed, followed by a younger man in casual attire. The woman raised her head to stare at me, her eyes widening when she saw me.
I could see recognition flash in her eyes as she muttered, “Diane… You… But you were dead.”
I smirked, crossing my arms, putting the issue of recognising the man later, “Hi Diana. Long time no see.”
- Writer
