Love Beyond yesterday

Chapter 4

Emily POV

For a moment I just stood there completely thrown off,”I part of the people who came to represent Gracefield hospital”,I said slowly,my eyes meeting his eyes “I didn't expect to see you either,I said”.What I didn't know was that trouble was near.I moved his hand slowly, without waiting for a reply ,I turned and walked away letting the click of my heels echo the hallway.

—

A few weeks later, rumors had it that I seduced the CEO of Blackwood Enterprise, showing pictures of us standing together at the company.I was disturbed,I couldn’t believe my ears. People whisper about me anytime I step into the hospital.I was getting tired of everything happening,I just wanted to clear my name,then my mind bopped into some I suspect,Ethan's ex-girlfriend. Of course. It had to be her. The jealousy, the need for attention She was trying to control the narrative, trying to rewrite our story in a way that suited her own bitterness.

The worst part? Ethan had been caught in the middle, confused and frustrated, unsure of what to believe. And I… I had been on the receiving end of her little game, absorbing the damage while she watched from the sidelines. I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping me.

“Did she think I wouldn’t figure it out?” I whispered to myself. “Did she really think she could manipulate everyone without consequences?”I just had to find evidence to give Ethan.

She was the one who took pictures of us that day and posted.My name was finally cleared.I could walk freely again.My best friend Clara stood by me all these days.

—--

*Gracefield hospital*

The moment I stepped out of the operating room, the weight of the last six hours settled on my shoulders like a heavy blanket.

I dragged myself down the hallway, my feet barely lifting off the ground. Every step reminded me how exhausted I really was. My back hurt, my eyes burned, and all I wanted was a few minutes—just a few minutes—to breathe.

When I finally reached the on-call room, I pushed the door open and let out a long, shaky sigh. The room was dim, quiet, peaceful… a complete opposite of the chaos I’d just walked away from. I didn’t even bother taking off my coat properly. I just collapsed onto the small bed, the mattress dipping under my weight.

For the first time in hours, I allowed myself to feel human again. The adrenaline that had kept me sharp during the operation faded quickly, leaving behind nothing but bone-deep fatigue. My eyelids felt heavy, as if gravity doubled its effort — I couldn’t fight it even if I wanted to.

I whispered to myself, barely audible, “Just five minutes… that’s all I need.”

And before I knew it, sleep pulled me under like a soft, warm tide.

MEANWHILE

Mr Nathaniel Blackwood , Mr Alexander Harris and Don Anthony the owner of Urbanrise Construction.The three of them walked into the largest bar in the city , settled into the leather chairs in the dimly lit lounge, the soft hum of the air-conditioner filling the quiet space.

This is where they come to talk about business and important stuff.They come here often so they are served what they usually order. Nathaniel moved forward his gray brows drawn together as he spoke

“He won't come around,I have done everything for him to forgive me,and am tired”, slipping from his wine.

“I told you,he will come around just chill.You did something he and your wife are not proud of and you expect them to forgive easily?” Alexander said, dropping his glass on the table

“They finally agreed to release the land, “But they want us to handle the development contract carefully. No mistakes this time.”Don Anthony interrupted them as if he was not concerned at what they were saying.

Alexander nodded slowly, fingers tapping his walking stick. He always preferred to listen before speaking, but the profit in this deal had kept him restless for weeks.

“What about the investors?” he asked. “Have they confirmed their share?”

Nathaniel looked up, adjusting on the chair, “Yes,” he replied. “They’re ready. All they want is assurance that the shopping plaza will be completed before the end of next year.”

Alexander grunted. “That’s tight.”

“But possible,” Don Anthony said. “We’ve handled bigger projects.”

Silence settled for a moment before Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Let’s be honest. This land development deal is our last big move. If we get it right, we secure our legacy… and our families.”

The other two men exchanged a glance, understanding passing between them. They were old, but not finished. The weight of years had not dimmed their hunger for one final success.

“Then it’s settled,” Alexander said at last. “We sign the agreement on Friday. And Ethan will take it from there.

Nathaniel suddenly faced Don Anthony,

“Your secret is safe with us, remember right”he said.

“And what has this conversation had to do with my secret?”Don spat.

“I enjoy watching your face when I bring it up,” Nathaniel smiled.

“That's enough,we have a contract to bang in front of us”, Alexander said, slipping from his wine.

Their voices fading back into the quiet room as the future they were planning took shape, piece by piece.

*Eclipse Threads*

Isabella walked straight to her mom's office ignoring those who were greeting her.She is rocking the Eclipse Threads collection,a black mini grown.She opened the door without a knock.

“What did I tell you about knocking?”Aurora said. “Why would I, unless you are hiding something”Isabella said sitting down on one of the couches.

“I came to talk to you about that girl,I hate seeing her around my man.I deeply want to punish her”, Isabella said in a malicious tone.

Aurora looked at her smiling

“I have a plan,”she said, laughing out loud.