Chapter 4: An Old Friend

I wasn’t able to pick myself up easily even after half an hour they left. I was hyperventilating. I cried my heart out as I try to release the pain I had been trying to keep deep inside my chest. My eyes had turned red and sunken by the time my tears subsided so I still couldn’t go to the hospital. To kill time, I went to my art gallery, and read emails from my clients to review their offers.

“Are we going to push through with the auction to be held tomorrow night? I have received feedback from the announcement and invitations we sent, but we could delay it for a week. I’m sure they will understand if they hear your reason—”

I shook my head, and cut off Alicia. “They do not need to know about Elon’s condition, Alicia. I cannot disappoint my guests either. We will push through with the auction. Is everything ready?”

Alicia nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Alistair…”

Mrs. Alistair…

“I suggest you start calling me by my name and not by my husband’s…” I pushed back my body and looked at Alicia. “How is my father’s candidacy going?”

The auction that I will conduct was for a fundraiser to support my father’s charity organization. It was to assist my father in his candidacy, and to further strengthen his positive image and thus win over the hearts of people. He was running for Mayor, for the second time.

“There is no doubt that your father will win again, despite having solid competitors, Mrs— Ma’am Eleanor.”

“Just Eleanor, Alicia.” I corrected her. “You’ve been my secretary for five years now and we have grown closer to the point that you know my husband’s affair. You can drop the formality.”

Alicia’s brows met. Her lips curved, as if wanting to say more, but she suppressed herself. “Are you sure, Ma’am?”

I nodded, and then smiled, before I stood up. “Yes.”

Alicia then nod her head. “Both the benchmark poll and survey results shows that your father is certain to win, so rest assured. I’m sure your father’s secretary already know this as well.”

“That’s good to hear…” I responded, but my eyes couldn’t really vouch for my remark. “I’m going to the hospital now, so you can stay here to take over. You can call me when something happens.”

“I will…. Eleanor.”

I left the gallery. I headed to the hospital with my car and informed Damian beforehand. It wasn’t really because I wanted to update him, but I more likely wanted to know if my parents were still there. But as expected, I received no reply from Damian.

I could just hope they were no longer there.

On the elevator, I put out my foundation and mirror to retouch my make-up. My eyes looked better now but I was sure Damian and Elon could still notice it, so I added a layer around my eyes, and put a brighter lipstick to make it subtle. It was a good thing I finished before it opened.

“Eleanor?”

“Mike?”

Clad in a formal polo shirt, tie, and white coat, was a man I knew a few years back. A friend from college, along with his other co-doctors.

“Hey!” He greeted with a smile as they stepped inside. “Eleanor, you sure look a lot better. How are you?”

Mike was a close friend of mine. We were actually in a circle of friends. Me, Abby and Mike. But he flew for California after we graduated and I never really heard of him since then so I was kind of shock to see him here.

But seeing how he’s wearing a doctor’s uniform must have mean he’s working here. But how come I only get to see him now?

“Mike! I didn’t know you’re back…”

“I came back six months ago,” he responded, looking at me with awe. “I heard you’re married to Damian now. Guess first love worked out for you, huh.”

Not at all, Mike.

I gave him a smile as a response. “How about you? I lost contact with you after you flew to California. How are you doing?”

“I studied again after I flew and only get to work recently so I was quite busy. It was a shame, I would’ve pursued you if you were single.” He joked and chuckled. “Are you free now? How about a lunch? My treat.”

“I would love to, Mike. But I am only about to visit my son. So, maybe later?”

I left the hospital yesterday. By now, Elon must be starting to look for me.

“Your son? What happened to him?” Mike’s brows creased.

I figured it might not be the best setting to talk about it. Fortunately, the elevator stopped and open as it reached the floor I was going to.

“Let’s catch up later, I’ll meet you at the lobby.”

“Or I can come with you right now…” I heard him say as I stepped out.

When I looked over him, he was already behind me. The elevator also closed so I didn’t feel like I could still refuse him. Wherefore I let him go with me.

“Mommy!” Elon’s cheerful voice filled my ears when I opened the door. He was eating an apple with Damian by his side. I immediately fasten my steps to greet him with a kiss.

Thankfully, my parents were no longer there.

“I’m sorry I was late. Mommy had some things to do,” I smiled, before I looked back to his visitor. “Elon, this is my friend Mike. He wanted to see you so I brough him.”

“Hi there, buddy.” Mike waved his hand to Elon and smiled.

“You’re a doctor?”

Mike nodded. “Yup. I work around here.”

“Cool.” Elon commented. “Do you want apples?”

“You sure have a good son, Eleanor. He takes after you.” Mike whispered, before he winked at me. I just smiled, before my eyes went to Damian, whose face looked stoic.

“Are you not going to introduce me, Elle?”

I shifted my gaze to Mike. “Mike, it’s Damian. You know about him, right?”

I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce him. He wanted a divorce. But then again, introducing him that way didn’t seem like he was fine with it either, seeing as his eyes turned more… dark.