Second Chance to my Beloved

Chapter 4: Danger Lurks

Alexia sat in the back of the cab, her heart heavy with betrayal. She couldn't believe that Ethan, her husband of four years, had lied to her about going on a business trip while he was actually at St. Mary's hospital in the company of Selene. As the cab weaved through the traffic, she wiped away the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks.

She arrived at her father's elegant townhouse, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. Mr. Thompson Briggs, her father, opened the door and his expression darkened at the sight of his daughter in tears. "Alexia, what's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Between sobs, Alexia managed to tell her father about Ethan's betrayal. Mr. Thompson Briggs listened in shock as she poured out her heart, revealing the depths of Ethan's deceit.

"And that's not all," she said, her voice trembling. "He's seeing another woman, and he donated a kidney to her without even telling me."

Mr. Thompson Briggs's face darkened with anger. He immediately picked up the phone and dialed Mrs. Richards, Ethan's mother. "Mrs. Richards, We need to talk," he said, his voice steely.

He reminded her of the agreement they had made years ago, when Mr. Richards, Ethan's late father, had come to him begging for help to save his failing company. The condition for his assistance was that Ethan marry Alexia, Mr. Thompson Briggs's only daughter. As the largest shareholder in Richards and Sons company, Alexia held significant sway over the business.

It was also agreed that Ethan would not get involved with another woman while married to Alexia. If he did, he would lose his position as CEO to her in the event of a divorce. Mr. Thompson Briggs made it clear to Mrs. Richards that Ethan had broken that agreement.

Shocked and contrite, Mrs. Richards promised to speak to her son. Mr. Thompson Briggs agreed, but he made it clear that Alexia would not return to Ethan until he came to apologize for his actions. If he did not, divorce proceedings would begin in a week.

"Ethan, I'm concerned about your recent actions," Mrs. Richards began, as soon as Ethan sat across from her in the living; her tone firm but filled with concern. She had invited him over for a talk after Mr. Thompson Briggs' call.

Ethan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding his mother's piercing gaze. "What do you mean, Mom?"

Mrs. Richards looked at him intently. "I’m talking about Selene. Why did you reconnect with her, Ethan? Do you not realize the consequences of your actions?"

Ethan shrugged, trying to brush off the seriousness of the situation. "It's just a friendship, Mom. Nothing more."

Mrs. Richards shook her head. "But you know it's more than that, Ethan. You've jeopardized your marriage and the family business by getting involved with her."

Ethan's expression darkened. "I don't care about the business, Mom. I just want to be happy."

Mrs. Richards felt a sense of unease creeping over her. She knew she had to be firm with Ethan. "Your father built this business from the ground up. He sacrificed so much for it. You can't just throw it all away."

Ethan's eyes flashed with anger. "Dad never gave me a choice, Mom. He made me marry Alexia when I loved Selene. Why should I sacrifice my happiness for the company?"

Mrs. Richards sighed heavily. "Alexia is your wife, Ethan. You made a commitment to her."

Ethan scoffed. "A commitment forced upon me, Mom. Alexia's father manipulated Dad into arranging our marriage. She can have the company for all I care."

Mrs. Richards was taken aback by Ethan's callous words. "That's not fair, Ethan. Alexia may have her flaws, but she doesn't deserve this."

Ethan stood up abruptly, his eyes cold and distant. "I don't need your lecture, Mom. I know what I want, and it's not Alexia."

Mrs. Richards felt tears welling up in her eyes as she pleaded with her son. "Ethan, please think about what you're doing. Don't destroy everything your father worked so hard for."

But Ethan was resolute. "I don't regret my choice, Mom. I won't apologize for loving Selene."

As Ethan stormed out of the house, Mrs. Richards shouted after him, "You cannot let that girl ruin everything we have worked so hard for, Ethan! She will destroy the family business!"

Ethan turned around and replied, "She is not going to destroy anything, mother. Selene is not the cause of our problems. I love her, and no amount of money or power can change that."

Mrs. Richards shook her head in disbelief. "You are being foolish, Ethan. You are throwing everything away for a girl who will never be a part of this family."

Ethan clenched his fists in frustration. "I am not throwing anything away, mother. I'm fighting for what I believe in. Selene means everything to me, and I will not let anyone come between us anymore."

Mrs. Richards scoffed. "You are making a huge mistake, Ethan. Mark my words, this will end in disaster."

Ignoring his mother's warning, Ethan walked out of the house, determined to prove her wrong.

Mrs. Richards paced back and forth in her living room, trying to come up with a plan to get rid of Selene once and for all. She picked up her phone and dialed Doctor Marco's number, her voice filled with determination as she spoke, "Hello, Doctor Marco. I need your help with something very important. Can we meet to discuss a confidential matter?"

Doctor Marco, who was busy going through patient files, sighed and replied, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Richards, but I am on duty right now. Can this wait until later?"

Mrs. Richards's voice turned desperate as she pleaded, "No, Doctor Marco, this cannot wait. It's a matter of life and death. I need your help to eliminate someone; a patient at St. Mary's who is causing harm to my family."

Doctor Marco's eyes widened in shock at her words. He left his seat and entered the toilet, shutting the door behind, to prevent possible eavesdrop on his call.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Richards, but I cannot be a part of anything illegal or unethical. I took an oath as a doctor to do no harm."

Mrs. Richards sighed in frustration. "Please, Doctor Marco, I will make it worth your while. I will pay you handsomely for your assistance. Just name your price."

Doctor Marco hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Richards, but my answer remains the same. I cannot help you with this."

"But why not? You're a doctor, you can make it look like an accident. No one will suspect a thing," Mrs. Richards replied, frustration clear in her voice.

"I cannot be a part of something so heinous," Doctor Marco replied, standing his ground.

"You will regret this, Doctor. You have no idea what you're messing with," Mrs. Richards threatened before ending the call.

Doctor Marco's mind raced. He knew he had to act fast to protect Selene. He quickly checked her file and found Mr. Lucas' contact information. He wasted no time in calling him to come to the hospital.

When Mr. Lucas arrived, Doctor Marco explained the situation to him. "Selene's life is in danger. Mrs. Richards may try to harm her again. We need to get her out of here as soon as possible," Doctor Marco urged.

Mr. Lucas nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "I will take her back to Rome immediately. Thank you for informing me, Doctor," he said gratefully.

Selene, upon hearing the news, requested to see Ethan one last time before leaving. Doctor Marco hesitated but then advised against it. "Selene, you need to trust no one at the moment, especially anyone related to the Richards family. It's not safe," he warned.

Mr. Lucas drove Selene to the Venice Marco Polo Airport, where she boarded the next available flight back to Rome.

As Selene settled in her seat on the plane, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She knew she was not out of danger yet. She looked out the window, watching the city of Venice disappear beneath the clouds.