“Yes, I want the transition to be gradual,” Christian said over the phone in an authoritative tone. “We can’t afford to disrupt operations too much, but the shift to New York is necessary. The market there is stronger, and our resources will be better utilized.” "Moving the company to the U.S.? That’s a huge shift. How will you handle logistics?” Christain's partner responded over the phone.Christian ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve already spoken to key stakeholders. Some are on board, but others will need convincing. The goal is to relocate the headquarters within the next few years. We’ll start by moving a few major departments, see how it works, and then expand from there.” “The board won’t like this. Some will definitely resist,” the other voice said, expressing his concerns.“That’s expected,” Christian replied. “I’ll handle them. If they can’t see the bigger picture, they’ll be left behind.” After a few more exchanges, Christian ended the call and set his phone down.
Emma sat at her desk, completely immersed in some paperworks. The hospital had been unusually busy that morning, and she barely had a moment to glance at the clock. When she finally did, she was surprised to see how much time had passed. A soft knock on her office door broke her focus. She looked up to see Dr. Hannah, one of her colleagues and a friend she had made at the hospital. Hannah leaned against the doorframe, smiling. “Hey, Emma, how is work going? I’m heading out for lunch. Want to join me?” Emma hesitated, her eyes flickering toward her phone. Christian had been picking her up for lunch almost every day lately, and she wasn’t sure if he would show up today. “I should probably check with someone first,” Emma said, pulling out her phone. Hannah raised a brow but nodded. “Sure, I’ll wait.” Emma quickly dialed Christian’s number. He picked up after a few rings. “Hey,” his familiar voice greeted her. “Hey,” Emma replied. “Are you coming to pick me up for lunch to
“So, Christian isn’t really your boyfriend?” Emma’s entire body tensed. She hadn’t even noticed David’s presence behind her until he spoke. Now, standing just a few steps away with Allison by his side, he was staring at her with an expression she couldn’t quite place. His voice was calm, but there was something else underneath it—something intense. Allison, on the other hand, looked furious, her eyes practically shooting daggers at Emma. Emma swallowed, quickly composing herself. She wasn’t going to let David catch her off guard. David repeated his question, his voice lower but more insistent. “Is that true?” The tension at the table was thick…very thick as David continued to stare at Emma.Dr. Hannah, sensing the shift in atmosphere, pushed her chair back slightly. “Um… maybe I should—” Emma cut her off. “There’s no need for you to leave, Hannah.” Her voice was firm, and her gaze didn’t waver from David’s. Hannah hesitated before nodding and sitting back down. But de
Henry sat on the hospital bed, his legs swinging excitedly as his face beamed with happiness. "I'm finally going home!" he cheered, his voice echoing in the hospital room. His parents, standing beside him, shared his excitement, smiling warmly as they packed up the last of his belongings. David smiled and patted his son's shoulder. "Excited?" Henry beamed. "Of course! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again!" David chuckled. "And what about all the extra snacks you got here? Think you’ll miss those?" Henry thought for a moment before grinning. "Maybe a little… but home is better!”As Emma gently checked Henry’s vitals, Dr. Allen stood beside the bed, watching the little boy with a warm smile. He had been Henry’s doctor since the beginning of his treatment before Dr. Morgan came to New York, and over time, the two had developed a friendly bond. "So, Henry," Dr. Allen began, crossing his arms playfully. "You're finally leaving us, huh? I bet you’ll miss me the most." Henry
"Great Grandpa!" Henry called out excitedly, his voice ringing through the house as he ran forward. "Henry, don’t run around too much," David cautioned, his voice firm yet gentle. As Henry continued toward Grandfather with excitement, David’s gaze shifted, and that was when he saw her—Emma. For a moment, surprise flickered across his face. He hadn’t expected to see her here.His first instinct was to go to her, to ask why she was here. He hadn't had the chance and time to speak with her alone but then he caught himself. Not here. Not in front of Grandfather. Taking a quiet breath, he forced himself to remain composed, pushing back the irrational urge to question her immediately.Henry was already in Grandfather’s embrace, hugging him tightly. Grandfather chuckled, rubbing the boy’s head affectionately. "You seem stronger already," he said. Henry grinned up at him. "I am! I got discharged today. But Grandpa, are you okay? I heard you weren't feeling too well, and that’s why
Allison leaned back in her chair, a slow, satisfied smile spreading across her lips as she observed David’s growing frustration. The way his jaw tightened, his fingers clenching slightly around his fork, made her realize just how much Emma’s words had gotten under his skin. Perfect. It was just perfect!And since she was already enjoying the show, why not fan the flames a little more? "Wouldn’t it be so nice if Emma and her boyfriend got married soon?" Allison said in an overly sweet tone, casting a sly glance at David before shifting her gaze back to Emma. "I mean, you’ve finally moved on. Isn’t that wonderful?" Emma barely had time to open her mouth before a loud bang echoed through the room. David had slammed his hand onto the table. The dining room went silent. Every pair of eyes turned to him, and David himself looked stunned, as if realizing only now what he had done. His fingers flexed, and he quickly withdrew his hand, clearing his throat to mask his embarrassment.
Christian sat in his office, eyes fixed on his laptop screen as he scrolled through pages of reports. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—work, meetings, strategy sessions—everything demanded his attention, leaving him with little time to breathe. He barely noticed the days slipping away, blending into one another like a never-ending loop. Just as he was reviewing another proposal, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen—his friends were calling. "Hey, man, what’s up?" Christian answered, rubbing his temples. "Busy, as always," his friend, Mark, said with a knowing tone. "Come on, Christian, you need a break. We're hitting the club tonight, and you're coming with us." Christian sighed. "I don't know, guys. I’ve got a ton of work—" "Work will still be there tomorrow," another friend, Jake, interrupted. "Come out, have a few drinks, relax. You need it." Christian hesitated for a moment. They were right. He had been drowning himself in work for too long. Maybe a little b
Christian’s breath hitched for a second. His body stiffened as his mind registered the woman in his arms. Allison.He wanted to say her name, wanted to ask what she was doing there, but he stopped himself. His throat tightened as confusion settled in. “What was my late brother’s widow doing in my arms?” he thought to himself.He had been making investigations about her, digging up one of two information and strategically planning on how to meet and confront her. He just didn't expect that the would officially meet like this…in a place like this.He glanced around, wondering if she'd come to the bar with David, but he saw no sign of him anywhere. His grip loosened slightly, and Allison took the chance to steady herself, stepping back just enough to look up at him. She caught the way his expression shifted, filled with shock, disbelief, maybe even something else—and inwardly, she smirked. To Christian, it was a moment of confusion, but to Allison, it was a victory. She assumed he m
Dr. Allen adjusted his glasses as he removed the stethoscope from David’s chest. A small, satisfied smile curled his lips as he read the vitals on the monitor beside the bed.“Well, I must say,” he began, scribbling something on his clipboard, “you’ve responded remarkably well to treatment, David. Much better than expected.”David, still seated upright in his hospital bed, gave a faint smile. “That means I’m finally getting out of here?”Dr. Allen chuckled. “That’s exactly what it means. I’m officially discharging you today.”David sighed in relief. It had been weeks of pain, rehabilitation, and heavy silence. The idea of leaving those sterile hospital walls felt like finally breathing after being underwater.“However,” Dr. Allen added, his tone firm, “there are some things you must avoid for now if you want to make a full recovery. No carrying anything heavy, no sudden strenuous movement, no driving yet, and definitely no alcohol.”David raised both hands in surrender. “Got it. No he
"I'm just tired, Sophie," Emma admitted, leaning her head back against the wall. "I don't even know what I'm doing anymore. Everything feels like it's spinning, and I can't catch my breath."Emma sat on the edge of her bed, her phone pressed tightly to her ear. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, though she tried to keep it steady.Sophie, on the other end of the line, responded gently. "Emma, calm down, okay? Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine."Emma let out a hollow laugh. "You always say that. But things aren’t the same as before, Sophie. Ever since you moved overseas, everything changed. I feel like I lost one of the few people who actually understood me."Sophie sighed. "I know. I miss you too, Em. But you have to stay strong. For Claire, at least. She needs you more than anyone. You have to find a way to completely move on. Let go of him."Emma's voice grew quieter. "I have, Sophie, I have. I just….I honestly wasn’t thinking straight when I sent those messages to
David stood motionless in the middle of the hospital parking lot, watching the tail lights of Christian's car disappear into the distance, taking Emma with them. His heart felt like it had been ripped apart and left open in the cold. The wind picked up again, fluttering his shirt, but he didn’t feel it. Not really. Not when the weight of those messages he had once thought were filled with hope had now become a cruel reminder of what he had lost.Slowly, he turned away, each step heavier than the last. He didn’t know where he was going, didn’t even care. His body just moved, his feet dragging him forward, down streets he didn't recognize, past people he didn't see. All the while, his mind played the memory of Emma's voice again and again."I thought I was texting Christian."Those words. That mistake. That accidental plea for help that had revived the hope in his heart only to crush it completely.By the time David became aware of his surroundings, he had already left the hospital gro
David froze when he saw that several text notifications had suddenly appeared at the top of the screen.And they were all from Emma.One by one, he opened them.Emma: Where are you?Emma: Please...Emma: Can you come?Emma: I'm really scared right now.Emma: Please...Emma: I don’t know who else to call.Emma: Are you coming?Emma: Please answer me...Emma: Are you there?Emma: I need you.He stared. Stared like the wind had been knocked out of him. The silence of the hospital room suddenly felt deafening.Ten messages.All from Emma.His fingers trembled as he held the phone. His breathing became shallow. Every part of him froze, as though struck by lightning. He blinked, but the messages remained on the screen.What happened to Emma?!His mind was full of questions he couldn’t answer. But then something hit him…Emma had texted him.When she was afraid.When she didn't know who else to call.She had thought of him first.A wave of emotion surged through him—disbelief, hope, relief,
David walked slowly into his hospital room, his eyes dull, his steps heavy. His two closest friends, Max and Felix, stood up from the chairs near his bed the moment they saw him."There you are!" Max said, walking toward him. "We were just about to go look for you. Where the hell did you go? Why did you leave your room in your condition?""Yeah, man, we came in and didn’t find anyone here. Not even Allison," Felix added. "The guards outside said you left without telling them where you went. We’ve been really worried."David didn’t answer. He didn’t even acknowledge their presence. He just walked slowly toward his bed and sat down, staring blankly ahead.The two friends exchanged glances."David," Max said carefully, bending down a bit so he could meet David’s eyes. "What’s going on with you? You okay? Did something happen?"Still no reply.Felix pulled a chair closer and sat beside the bed. "Talk to us, man. We’re not just here to visit. We’re your friends. You can tell us anything."
"Are you going to pretend you didn’t see me?”Emma froze. Her fingers tightly clutched the clipboard as she closed her eyes.“Stay away from him, Emma,” She said to herself. “Stop caring. Draw the line.”Yet just as she opened her eyes, hardened her resolve not to meddle into David's affairs anymore, and turned to leave again, she heard it—a low, painful groan.Emma turned around sharply.David had slumped down to the floor, holding his side, his face twisted in pain."David!" she called, rushing toward him without thinking. Her heart thudded in her chest as she knelt beside him. Her hands trembled as she touched his arm.He shouldn’t have been out of his room. His body was still weak, still healing. He had no business walking around the hospital like this."You shouldn’t be here," she whispered, trying to steady her voice.David groaned again.Emma glanced around. It was obvious he wouldn’t be able to return to his ward in that condition. Emma didn’t have a choice. She had to take hi
Dr. Allen had seen enough patients to know when someone was pushing themselves too far. And David, seated upright on the bed with a restless expression and an IV line still in his arm, was doing just that."I just need a walk, Dr. Allen," David muttered. "I’ve been in this room for too long. I feel fine now."Dr. Allen arched a brow, folding his arms. “You feel fine? David, you were brought in barely breathing a week ago. Your body’s still recovering. Walking around unsupervised is not just reckless—it’s dangerous."David exhaled, his eyes fixed on the window. His once sharp features were now pale and hollow, his frame thinner than usual. The last seven days had taken a toll, though he would never admit it aloud.“I hear you,” David said after a pause. “I do.”Dr. Allen studied him for a long moment. There was something else behind that tired gaze—impatience, yes, but also pain. Emotional, not physical. But he had done his duty.“Good,” Dr. Allen finally said. “Get some rest. I’ll che
(Flashback continues…)Early the next morning, Dr. Allen came to the ward to check up on David.“All signs show he’s on the road to recovery,” he said, glancing at the readings. “He should regain consciousness soon… probably in a few hours’ time.”Allison, seated by David’s bedside, clasped her hands together tightly. Her eyes glistened with relief. “Thank goodness… Thank you, Doctor Allen,” she said in a sincere tone.“You're welcome, Mrs. Lawson. Dr. Morgan should be given all the accolades for Mr. David's fast recovery. She'll soon be here to check up on him.”Allison's smile faltered when she heard Emma's name, but said nothing.Dr. Allen excused himself after making sure everything was in order, and the ward returned to a quiet stillness.About an hour later, the door creaked open gently. Emma stepped inside, a clipboard in one hand.She noticed that Allison was not in the room, and her eyes automatically sought David’s face. Seeing his resting form—the soft rise and fall of his
David’s low groans of pain pierced the hospital room like sharp needles, each sound tugging at Allison’s nerves. She stood at the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she watched him writhe in discomfort. His body tensed, his fingers curling tightly around the hospital blanket. Sweat dotted his forehead, his breathing ragged.Doctor Allen had warned her earlier that such episodes were expected. Post-operative pain, especially after major abdominal surgery, often came in waves. David had undergone multiple incisions, internal stitching, and extensive suturing. Nerve endings disrupted by the trauma often sent confused pain signals as the body tried to heal. This was a normal part of the recovery phase—unpleasant, but manageable.Still, seeing him like this unsettled her."Nurse!" Allison shouted, pressing the emergency bell frantically as David let out another cry, clutching his side.Within seconds, Nurse Gina appeared at the door. She was calm and experienced, a woman in her late t