She’s mine

A sudden departure

Alessia's phone buzzed in her purse, shrill in the silence. She apologized to Dominic as she rummaged through her bag to silence it.

But as she glanced at the screen, her heart skipped a beat. It was her mother's nurse, Mrs. Jenkins.

Alessia's instincts went on high alert. "I'm so sorry, Dominic, but I have to take this," she said, already turning away.

Dominic's eyes narrowed, but he nodded curtly. "Go."

Alessia rushed away from the bar, answering the call as she walked. "Mrs. Jenkins? What's wrong?"

Mrs. Jenkins' voice was tight with worry. "Alessia, it's your mother. She's had an accident."

Alessia's heart plummeted. "What happened?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Mrs. Jenkins replied. "But the paramedics are on their way. You need to get here, Alessia."

Alessia didn't hesitate. She turned and rushed back to Dominic, her eyes locking onto his. "I'm so sorry, but I have to go," she said, already backing away.

Dominic's expression turned concerned. "Alessia, what's wrong?"

But Alessia was already gone, rushing out of the rooftop bar and into the night.

Alessia rushed into the hospital, her heart racing with worry. She had always been close to her mother, despite their differences.

As she burst into the emergency room, she saw Mrs. Jenkins pacing anxiously. "Alessia, thank goodness you're here," Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed.

Alessia's eyes scanned the room, searching for her mother. And then she saw her, lying pale and still on the hospital bed.

Alessia's heart skipped a beat. "What happened?" she demanded.

Mrs. Jenkins hesitated. "I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. "But I think it might have something to do with...your family's business."

Alessia's eyes narrowed. What did Mrs. Jenkins mean?

Just then, a tall, imposing figure appeared in the doorway. "Alessia," he said, his voice low and gravelly.

Alessia's eyes locked onto his. "Uncle Marcus," she said, her voice wary.

Marcus Berry, her mother's brother, strode into the room. "Alessia, I'm so sorry about your mother," he said, his eyes gleaming with sincerity.

But Alessia wasn't fooled. She knew her uncle was hiding something.

As Uncle Marcus began to explain the situation to Alessia, a commotion at the nurse's station caught their attention. A tall, dark-haired man in a crisp white coat strode into the room, his eyes locked onto Alessia's mother.

"Dr. Lee," Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed, relief written across her face. "Thank goodness you're here."

Dr. Lee's eyes flicked to Alessia, his gaze piercing. "I understand we have a situation here," he said, his voice calm and authoritative.

Alessia felt a shiver run down her spine as Dr. Lee began to examine her mother. There was something about him that seemed...off.

As Dr. Lee worked, Alessia couldn't help but steal glances at him. Who was this mysterious stranger, and why did he seem so...familiar?

Uncle Marcus seemed to sense her unease. "Alessia, don't worry," he said, his voice low. "Dr. Lee is one of the best in the city."

But Alessia's instincts were screaming at her to be cautious. There was something about Dr. Lee that didn't add up