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Chapter Sixteen

Author: Deborah A. Olaleye
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-02 19:17:02
Aiden

The sound of glasses clinking and cutlery scraping against dishes fills the air, accompanied by conversation between our parents.

Mild humor is shared across the table, and laughter peals through the air.

My eyes dart from Hermione's mom to my stepmom as they exchange compliments. But it's clear that their exchange is only superficial; neither woman genuinely cares about the other, except for the arrangements between our families and the benefits this alliance will bring.

"Are you sure Aiden is who you want, Ezra?" Beatrice asks, leaning closer to Hermione's mom so that Dad won't hear her.

She's still trying to promote Lachlan, disregarding the fact that I'm just a seat away. Beatrice had initially offered Ezra Lachlan's seat when they were introduced, addressing Ezra as Director Pierce. However, Ezra promptly corrected her, saying Ezra was fine, since they would soon be in-laws. Now, the two are on a first-name basis and chatting away into the night.

While I'm glad Hermione
Deborah A. Olaleye

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  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty Five

    Hermione Chairman Mendes arrived at the hospital in the wee hours of the morning. By then, Aiden had been transferred to the ICU, his surgery having lasted six hours. My eyes are bloodshot and chilled with unshed tears as I swivel my head toward the doorway upon his entry. He looks at Aiden's supine form on the bed first; his expression darkens before he focuses his attention on me. "How did this happen?" His voice shakes, reflecting the severity of Aiden's injury. Aiden's head is wrapped in bandages securing a dressing for his craniotomy, and his femur is immobilized in a stabilizing device to allow for proper healing of the fracture. Various monitors and tubes surround him, a stark reminder of the severity of his condition. He looks fragile on the bed, and despite the assurance from the operating surgeons that his surgery was successful, the sight of him is a blow to my heart.My mouth parts wordlessly. I'm unsure where to begin. One moment, we were making plans for the night

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty Four

    Hermione The moment the ambulance van reaches the hospital, the doors are flung open. I called Dr. May during transport to have an operating room ready and to page the doctors on duty. I suspect that neurosurgery and orthopedic departments will be needed, given the bleeding from Aiden's head and the fractures he sustained during the collision. A full diagnosis will be confirmed upon arrival, and I have made prior arrangements to ensure the necessary doctors are available. A cervical spine injury is probable, but that will be determined after the scan. Dr. May, along with a nurse and resident, assists the paramedic in lowering Aiden's wheeler from the van and transporting him to the trauma bay. Our footsteps are hurried, the wheeler's tires screeching over the marble surface in a cacophony with the sound of our footsteps. "One, two, three," the paramedic team calls out, transferring Aiden's body from the emergency wheeler to the gurney in one swift motion.I issue orders immedia

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty Three

    Hermione "That was a rendition I performed in middle school," I say. "You mean it's been ages since you've practiced? I felt like I was watching a performance from a professional." "I haven't performed publicly since middle school," I clarify. "I continued practicing privately after I became a doctor." "You looked passionate. You would have thrived if you had pursued ballet. You're good at everything." I snort. "Says the man who has a network of businesses." He rolls his eyes, smiling.We are still locked in each other's embrace, dancing slowly to a slow melody that fills the air. I cup Aiden's shoulder, resting my head on his chest as we both sway gently to the rhythm. "It was my dream to be a ballerina," I say, opening up to Aiden about my desires, Mom's discouragement, and Dad's unproductive support. The first and last time I had performed ballet, Dad had attended to support me. Mom, well, I didn't expect anything from her. The audience had been hugely impressed with my per

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty Two

    Hermione I rub my arm as I walk towards Aiden, having managed to calm down during the drive while taking in the scenery. We both get into Aiden's car, and he begins to drive away from the woods."Are you calm now?" Aiden asks, his eyes fixed on the road. I nod, briefly sucking in my upper lip before exhaling. Aiden glances at me. "What happened?" He had examined my face earlier in the woods, clearly relieved to see that I'm unharmed. I sense that he's trying to determine if my mother had struck me again, prompting my reaction.I pinch the bridge of my nose. "I may be officially jobless soon," I say nonchalantly. The pay cut is set to take effect in two days, and it's possible this could escalate to termination of my employment."Did she explicitly mention laying you off?" Aiden asks, looking astonished. While she didn't say it outright, I suspect my mother wouldn't let my earlier behavior go without consequences.I shrug. "I don't know. I just bailed on work today. I feel off-ba

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty One

    Aiden I stand amidst the vacant space, having scoured every nook and cranny of the house in search of clues, albeit to no avail. My investigation began in my grandparents' room, where I had seen Mom shedding tears in my dream, but my efforts yielded nothing. I traversed every part of the house, methodically searching for any hint of what I sought. Eventually, I conceded to myself that my quest was futile. The traces I was searching for likely were eradicated during the period the other family resided here. While I restored most of the house's appearance to its original state to the best of my recollection, I couldn't have captured every detail. I relinquish my search, feeling disheartened, and head out to my car. Mrs. Alan peeks through her window, parting her drapes aside, as I unlock my car door. I offer a courteous nod in farewell before entering my vehicle and driving off. Perhaps I'm attributing undue significance to my dream; it may not have held any relevance to reality.

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Sixty

    Hermione"Your mother has a valid justification for her actions..." I mutter under my breath, interrupting Dad's attempt to rationalize Mom's decisions. Mom's countenance darkens, her displeasure palpable as she sits upright in her chair. "She demoted me because I refused to participate in a surgery that would likely sully my professional reputation!" I exclaim, brandishing the letter with agitation. The two sit on separate chairs in the living room, while I stand in the midst, passionately arguing my case. "Calm down, Hermione, dear—" Both Mom and I interrupt Dad in unison. "Not now," I tell Dad, concurrent with Mom's stern interjection, "That's enough, Jackson." Mom crosses her arms over her chest, her posture exuding an air of authority. My voice had risen to a high pitch as I apprised Dad of the purpose behind my visit. Mom had remained seated, her facial expression a mask of detachment. "I would have terminated your employment forthwith if you were a regular employee,"

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