Chapter 3-A Disaster
1416 Words
Serena's P.O.V.
“Thank you so much, Alessandro. If not for you, I don't think my family would have survived till today. I thank the Lord for letting me meet you,” I said with all the gratitude I could muster, my voice thick with emotion.
Alessandro tilted his head and gave me a mock frown. “Silly girl, you're talking to me as if we just met yesterday. We are good friends! What are friends for?” His eyes softened, and a playful smirk danced on his lips.
I let out a chuckle despite the heaviness in my heart. “Thank you so much, really. I'm super grateful. You're like an angel God sent upon us,” I insisted, clasping my hands together like I was praying.
“And this angel sent by God is saying you should stop thanking him, okay? It's starting to sound weird,” he teased, but the warmth in his voice betrayed his words.
“Okay,” I smiled shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Good. Now go back and take care of them. I'm leaving,” he said, stepping back as if to make a point.
I glanced at the faint light of dawn breaking through the clouds. “Don’t you think you should wait a little bit? The day hasn’t brightened up yet,” I suggested, concern lacing my tone.
He shook his head with a slight grin. “You know my mum, don’t you? I have to be back home before she comes visiting, or else...” He left the threat hanging, tying his hair into a small ponytail with a black rubber band.
I nodded reluctantly. “Okay, goodbye. I think I should go now.”
Before I could follow him out, he turned back, his voice firm but kind. “Don’t follow me, Serena. Go back and rest, okay?”
I stayed rooted in place, smiling as I watched his back fade into the distance. Alessandro had done so much for us—too much, honestly. From covering Mum’s medical expenses to bringing us food and even buying me a new pair of flip-flops, he’d been nothing short of a miracle in our lives.
I glanced down at the pink flip-flops on my feet. They were so cute and comfortable, a stark contrast to the worn-out slippers I’d been wearing before.
With a deep sigh, I turned and headed back to the ward where my mum and sister were resting.
“Has he left?” Isabella, my younger sister, asked the moment I walked in. Her voice sounded small, still heavy with sleep.
“Yes, he has left,” I replied softly, walking over to Mum’s bed. She looked pale and restless, her hands clutching the thin hospital blanket tightly.
“Mum, are you okay? Are you feeling uncomfortable?” I asked, my heart sinking at the sight of her labored breathing. I reached out to feel her forehead, but her temperature seemed normal.
She opened her mouth to reply, but a violent fit of coughing overtook her instead.
“Cough... cough... cough...”
I froze as bright red blood splattered onto the hospital pillow.
“Mum! Mum! Take it easy. I've told you not to hold it in. Why do you keep doing that?” My voice trembled as I grabbed the pain relief medicine from the bedside table, my hands shaking.
“Cough... cough... cough...” The coughing grew worse, her face contorting in pain.
I quickly administered the medicine and offered her water, gently helping her take small sips. Gradually, her coughing subsided, leaving her weak and gasping for air.
“Please, Mum,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Stop doing that. I feel pain too, you know.” I reached for a mop to clean up the blood-stained pillow, fighting back tears.
She looked at me with sorrowful eyes, her voice barely a whisper. “I don’t like seeing you worried about me, Serena.”
“You make me more worried when you hold it in,” I retorted, my frown deepening.
“She always does that,” Isabella chimed in, sitting cross-legged on her bed. “I’ve told her many times too.”
“Why are both of you scolding me?” Mum pouted like a child caught stealing candy.
“When you do bad things, you get scolded!” I scolded, shaking my head in frustration.
“Okay, okay, okay. Stop scolding. I won’t hold it in anymore,” she said, raising her hands in mock surrender.
“I don’t trust you!” Isabella said, crossing her arms dramatically.
“Me neither,” I added, narrowing my eyes at her.
“Okay, fine. I promise,” Mum said, breaking into a weak smile.
“Mum, please don’t do that again,” I pleaded, pulling her into a gentle hug.
“Don’t cry, Serena. I won’t. I’ve already promised,” she said, stroking my hair like she used to when I was little.
“You’ll be fine, we’ll all be fine,” Isabella said, climbing out of bed and joining the hug. For a moment, the three of us held on to each other, finding comfort in the shared warmth.
---
Nevan's P.O.V.
A sleek black Rolls Royce glided through the towering gates of the Marcellus estate. The gates themselves were a masterpiece, adorned with intricate golden designs that gleamed under the morning sun. The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion—a sprawling, white palace-like structure that stood proud and imposing against the clear blue sky.
A uniformed butler rushed forward, bowing deeply as he opened the car door.
“Welcome, young master,” he said, his voice laced with respect.
Nevan stepped out of the car, his polished black shoes clicking against the marble driveway. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze sweeping over the pristine surroundings.
“Where’s my mother?” he asked, his tone cold and measured.
“Old madam is inside. She just arrived,” the butler answered, still bowing.
Without another word, Nevan strode into the mansion, his personal assistant, Li Zhe, trailing behind like a shadow.
The moment he stepped inside, a familiar voice echoed through the grand halls.
“Nevan! You’re finally back!”
Nevan paused mid-step, his eyes narrowing slightly. He adjusted his path, heading toward the living room.
“Come here quickly!” the voice urged.
Entering the living room, he found his mother seated on a luxurious black and gold sofa, her demeanor exuding authority. Nevan sat down across from her, his posture relaxed but commanding.
“A disaster is about to happen. Sit, sit quickly. Let me tell you now,” she said, her tone a mix of urgency and frustration.
Nevan remained composed, leaning back slightly. “Go on.”
“My son, you have to act very fast, I mean super fast. You know how the traditions of this family are, don’t you?”
He sighed, rubbing his temple. “Ma, I know. Please go straight to the point. I have somewhere to be.”
She straightened, her voice rising. “Your father’s brother’s son, Joshua, just got married. Do you know what that means?!”
“I do,” Nevan replied coolly.
“Then why do you look so calm?” she snapped, her eyes narrowing.
“What does his marriage have to do with me?” he countered, his gaze unwavering.
“A lot! My son, your birthright might be taken away from you!” she exclaimed, her hands clutching the armrests of the sofa.
“My birthright is going nowhere,” he said firmly.
“Good! Do something! Call Olivia and—”
“No, I won’t call Olivia. I know what to do. You don’t have to worry,” he interrupted, standing abruptly.
“That’s my son. I can rest assured now,” she said, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.
Nevan left the room without another glance, ascending the grand staircase with Li Zhe close behind.
“Go prepare the car. We’ll be out soon,” Nevan ordered, his voice echoing down the hallway.
“Yes, master,” Li Zhe replied, bowing before heading off.
Nevan freshened up and changed into a crisp black suit. Minutes later, he was seated in the Rolls Royce again, his gaze fixed ahead.
“Master, where are we going?” Li Zhe asked, his voice cautious.
“To Sujan Hospital,” Nevan answered, his tone clipped.
- Writer
