Chapter 8

Clara POV

I wasn’t just an ordinary Doctor and my life never ended around the hospital white wall. Aside building a power name around my career- the most flawless surgeon records. I’d also been able to build a legacy of a businesswoman owning multiple estate properties, expanding my portfolio around real estate development.

I didn’t just stop at saving life alone, I made sure I created legacies, signed million dollar deals and then watched myself soar high in a room I was once scared of.

One promise I made to myself was, Never again.

Never again would I allow disrespect. Never again would I be seen as weak or disposable. I have been there before- Scared, timid, unsure but not anymore.

I took a deep breath and gently straightened my black sleek dress.

“Are you okay?” Dylan, who stood next to me, asked, looking worried.

Yeah, I understand his worries but believe me I’d prepared for this a long time ago. Since the moment Dylan told me about the deal, I’d been looking forward to it and there was no way I was going to mess that up.

“Nothing I can’t handle” I flashed him a smile and gently pushed the door of the boardroom. My heel clicked against the marble floor as I walked toward the long rectangular table where the most powerful investors in New York sat. Their eyes briefly turned in my direction. The air was thick with wealth and influence, but I didn’t shrink.

I owned my space, every step, every breath, every word I was about to say.

“Good morning Ladies and gentle” I began with the opening of my speech, confidence worn all over me. Exactly what I needed to continue. Two hours and I was still in the center of discussion- back and forth, trying to make them see the vision I had set before them and just when the deal was about to finalize, my phone buzzed. A flashing red light, the one I never ignored.

My heart skipped. It was from the orphanage home.“Emergency Alert” kept buzzing at the top of my phone.

Another thing I have learned being a doctor, was to stay alert. No matter what, you don’t want to lose any life. It might not be medical attention, as long as it is an emergency, it should be looked into with immediate effect.

I stood up immediately “ Ladies and Gentlemen, I apologize but you have to excuse me”

“What? Just when we are about to close the deal?” One of the investors who was seated across stated.

“Dr Clara we are talking millions here” one of the older men asked, furrowing his brow.

“I know but right now I have to leave” I cut in but firmly.

Dylan who has been staring at me all day, from the moment the presentation started, got up. “ Is everything okay?” He whispered in my ear.

“The orphanage needs me as we speak” I responded, glancing at the phone. The red light was still buzzing at the top of the screen. And without any more questions, Dylan grabbed his tablet, sliding it inside his brief case.

“Once again, ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry but we have to finish this some other days” I said again.

“This is bulshit!” One of the women flared up immediately. “ You think we are jobless people? Do you think we have all the time in the world? If not now then I am out of the deal!” She added, her eyes briefly turning at others, waiting for them to support her motion.

“Okay. You can back out if you want!” I responded firmly. “Anyone else, can join her”

murmuring filled the whole room.

“She would rather lose a million dollars deal than lose a child in the orphanage” Dylan said in a very calm voice. “ That place isn’t just charity, it is her heart. If you will excuse us”

I gave a slight node before turning and walking out of the hall.

As we got in the Elevator, silence crashed between us before Dylan finally spoke, his tone calm and quiet.

“You know, I am very proud of you. Very proud of the woman you have become. Every decision you take, I want you to know that I will always support you”

I glanced at him, smiling.” I know. And thank you for everything”

Every opportunity I find, I’d always say thank you to Dylan. My biggest supporter. Even when I tend to doubt myself, he always sees the big picture before me.

“ I am glad the children have you by their side- someone reliable that cares deeply for them”

“Yeah” I nodded “they are little children who didn’t ask to be born but in a way they were born and brought into this cruel word so they all deserve to be cared for, support and love-

“Just like Nellie!”

At the mention of her name, I felt something in me, something that ran too deeply inside of me and immediately word got cut in my throat.

“ That child needs you, just like every other child in the orphanage” he continued. “Yes, I get it. Bruno is a scum, a demon, a betraying bastard and everything But Nellie? She has done nothing. That little Angel is fighting to live, praying and wishing someone could take away all her pains”

And I felt every one of his words.