Chapter 5
1181 Words
Emily POV
*Gracefield hospital*
I was in the middle of my afternoon nap when my phone suddenly started buzzing nonstop. I frowned, reached for it lazily, and blinked when I saw my homeboy’s name on the screen. It felt strange seeing his call pop up,after all, he was my childhood friend and was the first friend I had before I met Clara.His whole family had relocated to Canada, and he had gone along to start his Master’s.
Still half-asleep, I answered.
“Why are you calling at this time?” I mumbled.
He laughed on the other end, sounding more excited than usual. Then he dropped the news, “I am coming back home”.
At that moment, sleep disappeared from my eyes. I sat up fully, suddenly awake, trying to process it. After all this time, he was actually returning.I suddenly remembered when we were together.
FLASHBACK – Emily POV
I remember that afternoon so clearly, it almost feels like if I close my eyes, I’ll be right back there. The sun was warm on my skin, the breeze smelled like dry grass, and Daniel was laughing at me—again.
“Emily, it’s just an orange, not a math problem,” he teased as I struggled to peel it.
We were sitting on our old bench near the school field.He peeled the orange himself and handed it to me with that smile of his, the one that always made me roll my eyes even though I secretly liked it.
Then his voice dropped a little.
“I’m really going to miss this,” he said.
I froze. “Miss what?” I asked, pretending not to understand even though my heart already knew.
He nudged my shoulder gently.
“You. This. Us.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I looked away, pretending I was focused on the field. But the truth is, my chest tightened, because I knew he was leaving soon… and I wasn’t ready to let go.
*Present*
The door creaked open.
At first, I ignored it… until I heard footsteps.
It was Lena,She peeked in, saw me, and smiled. “Ah, Emily, you’re here. I just wanted to rest my head for one minute.”Me too ",I said smiling at her.
She laughed quietly and sat on the opposite couch, scrolling through her phone. For a moment, the room was calm again… until the door opened again.
This time it was mason
He stopped at the doorway, surprised. “I've been looking for you guys”I rolled my eyes playfully, knowing fully well that he didn't mean the word."What are you doing here?”Lena asked.
He chuckled and slipped inside, closing the door gently. “I just want to hide from Adrian for five minutes. He’s looking for someone to send a message."."I knew it”,Lena said playfully.
Before I could give my own reply, the door opened again—slowly, like someone was scared to come in.
Adrian stepped in, froze when he saw all three of us, then sighed dramatically. “What are the three of you doing here ", he asked surprisely.
We all burst out laughing.
“I swear I came here first,” I said, raising my hands, “the rest are invaders.”Adrian sat on a couch, stretching his legs. “Invaders or not, I’m staying. That office is too noisy.”
For a minute, nobody said anything. We were all just breathing in the cool air, enjoying the quiet.
Then Lana whispered, “If our Dr Theodore enters now, he will think we are holding a secret meeting.”
Mason laughed softly. “Please, nobody breathes too loudly. Let them think we are meditating.”
I smiled, sinking deeper into the cushion.
Even though they came in one after the other, disturbing my peace…
I didn’t mind.
Their presence made the silence feel warmer.
MEANWHILE
*Blackwood Enterprise*
Ethan leaned back in my office chair, rubbing the tension out of my neck. “Man, this business is draining me,” I said. “Every client wants a miracle, and half of them don’t even know what they want.”
His PA, Logan, laughed as he closed his laptop. “That’s because you spoil them, sir. You deliver every time. They expect perfection.”
“I know,” I said with a sigh. “But sometimes it feels like I’m carrying the whole world on my shoulders.”
Logan glanced at me. “Is this about work… or Mrs Victoria…, Ethan gave him a look. “Did I say anything about mum”
“You didn’t have to,” he said, smirking. “Every time you get quiet like this, it’s either a deal stressing you out or thinking about her.I know you are worried about her.
Ethan let out a low laugh. “You’re not wrong. It’s just… she doesn't take her health seriously . She thinks she is getting old, and her health doesn't matter to her.
Logan nodded. “Yeah, but you don't have to worry too much because Mrs bella is always with her.
Ethan stared at the city skyline through the glass windows.
Logan folded his arms. “Well, with all due respect, sir… you need to rest and stop worrying Ethan cracked a small smile. “When did you become my therapist?”
He shrugged. “Hey, I’m your PA. Advice comes free with the job.”, Logan said.
They both laughed, and for a moment the stress eased.
“Alright,” Ethan said finally. “Enough about my disaster of a love life. How’s your relationship going?”
Logan scoffed. “Nonexistent. I broke up with her three days ago.”
“Oh yeah,” Ethan said. “How’s single life treating you?”
“Quiet,” he said. “But honestly? I like it. Gives me space to focus on myself. And this job,”Logan replied.
Ethan nodded. “Sometimes being alone is better than being with the wrong person.
*Days After*
It was a beautiful morning. I came early to work today.I was slipping the coffee I bought earlier this morning when a knock interrupted me.It was a nurse,”your attention is needed by Dr Theodore”she said calmly.I nodded”thanks”,I said.
I was wondering why Dr Theodore was asking for me,so I dropped my coffee on the table heading to his office.
Knocked and entered,”Good day sir”,I greeted him.”Have your sit”he said.I sat down waiting to hear what he had to say.
“There’s been a huge mistake with Mrs. Blackwood’s surgery,” he said, his tone sharp.
I froze, a mistake? . I hadn't done anything wrong. Everything had gone perfectly.
“I… I don’t understand,” I whispered, my heart pounding. “I followed the procedure exactly.”
“Details don’t matter right now,” he said. “Suspension is effective immediately. We’ll discuss it later.”
“What, suspension?”I said,my voice shaking .
- Writer
