5. Twist of Fate

  PROLOGUE    

 Government Hospital – Morning    

The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air as Valerie stepped into Dr. Summer’s office.

“Good morning, Dr. Summer,” she greeted the Medical Director, her voice barely above a whisper.  

The doctor did not look up from his papers. Instead, his tone was dismissive and almost mocking.  

“Have you raised the funds for your mother's treatment, Young lady?” he asked her without interest.

Valerie’s fingers tightened around the strap of her worn-out bag.  

“Not yet, Doctor. I wish you could assist me further, please,” she pleaded with a melancholic tone.  

 “No," the word was final. No sympathy, no hesitation. The doctor had heard her pleas too many times.  

Not only that, he had exceeded the limit of help he could render and was bored with her incessant plea. Therefore, he ignored her. 

After waiting for his response and getting none, she walked dejectedly to her mother's ward to check on her. 

As she trudged to her mother’s ward. The sight was the same as the day she was admitted to the hospital five months ago. Her eyes blinked as she fought her tears when she saw her mother, frail and lifeless, tethered to machines that beeped in cruel rhythm. 

She left the hospital in a daze, the weight of despair numbing her senses. Oblivious of her environment, she journeyed on foot back to her house. She only realized that she walked a distance of three kilometers under the scorching sun. When her step-sister, Jane's sharp voice cut through the fog and got her attention.

Paschal Miller Family House 

 “What? You look deranged, Valerie. Where are you coming from?” Jane’s voice dripped with false concern.  

Valerie barely glanced at her. With a worn-out voice, she responded, “The hospital, of course.”   

 “On foot? This is crazy. Did you journey from the hospital to the house on foot?” Jane’s eyes widened in exaggerated shock.  

“You’re losing it, Valerie,” she added.

Exhausted, Valerie slumped onto the balcony railing and answered her absent-mindedly, "Whatever.”   

Jane smirked, circling her like a predator, and inquired, “How’s your mother? Still clinging to life?”   

A flicker of anger sparked in Valerie’s chest, but desperation smothered it.  

“I wish I could say she is good but she is the same, ” she responded in despair.   

Jane sighed theatrically. “Such a pity. But if you permit me, I might have a way to help.”   

Valerie’s head snapped up and she asked her expectantly, “Really?”   

“Of course," she admitted cheerfully but her smile did not reach her eyes.  

“Only if you’re willing to do what’s necessary," she stated and captured Valarie's interest.

She did not hesitate and accepted, “I will do anything. Just tell me.”   

Jane studied her, satisfaction curling her lips.  

“A friend needs a cook and pays well. Are you interested?”   

Valerie’s voice was too eager, too hopeful. Instantly, she responded, “Yes. I am interested.

Jane’s grin turned sly and she instructed her, “Good. Clean yourself up. He won’t hire a mess.”   

Valerie frowned and inquired, “Oh! Are you talking of a 'he'?"  

Jane’s countenance changed and her tone sharpened. She furrowed her brow and answered her, “Yes, of course. Do you have an issue with that?”   

 “No. No problem," Valerie forced a smile before hurrying off.  

The moment she was gone, Jane’s mask slipped.  

“Stupid girl,” she muttered.  

“Let’s see how Father will still regard you as his precious angel after you stop taking care of him," she stated and left for her room to dress up as well. 

Afterward, she returned to the balcony. Valerie joined her after a while and met her on a call. 

Instantly, she summarized the call, “Okay, Brian. We will be with you shortly.” 

Thereafter, she looked critically at the dressed-up Valerie and praised her, “You look good but need some fragrance.”

Valerie gave her a puzzled look and asked her, “Do you mean cookery book or fragrance?”

“Oh, Pardon my forgetfulness," she smiled broadly and apologized

“It is all right.”

"Let's go,” she requested and took a step.

“I hope we won't be long. Father will need my attention soon.”

Jane and her mother, Magdalene hated their father. She frowned when she heard 'Father' and answered her according to her belief, “Of course.” 

“That is good to hear,” she desperately accepted and followed her without more questions.

A Few Days Earlier – Brian Garfield’s House    

The twenty-two-year-old Brian Garfield, the future President of a leading cosmetics company and the only child of his parents was heartbroken. He just discovered that Jane, his girlfriend whom he fancied no doubt but it was unrequited love had not reserved herself for him as he had done for her. 

A bitter laugh escaped him.  

“So, she had been sleeping with other men? While I was saving myself for her," He thought bitterly and wiped away his tears.

To avoid more sorrow for himself, he decided to quietly call off their friendship. Meanwhile, Mr. David Cameron, his thirty years old cook just got married and needed time to be with his wife. To alternate his workdays, he decided to employ another chef. Howbeit, his father preferred a female.

"David is on leave. Find a replacement immediately preferably a female," he instructed him.

"I got it, Dad."

When Jane learned about it, she felt threatened. Based on their bickering over her unfaithfulness, she concluded that he wished to get a girlfriend for himself in disguise as a chef.

“You are overreacting, Brian. It was nothing. I thought we were through with this after my apologies. Why are you alluding to it again?” She pointed out.

“Alluding to what? What has my employing a chef got to do with our discussions?” Brian asked her.

“Why do you suddenly wish to employ a chef and why a female? Do you want to replace me?”

To Brian, discussing his family matter with her by informing her that it was his father's decision was not the best but he maintained his ground.

“That is my choice,” he responded dismissively.

“Then, I insist on getting her by myself. You can't refute that if you don't have any ulterior motive,” she proposed.

Brian laughed and accepted, “Please yourself.”