Chapter 5

When the elevator finally stopped, Aurora maintained her gaze straight ahead, determined not to see anything that would tear her heart once more. She kept her eyes forward, but the regular section's sweet, mixed voices of laughter drew her attention. She couldn't help but glance over, only to be surprised when she didn’t see Caspian with the strange woman.

“Where the hell have they gone?” she wondered, halting her step as her eyes scanned the area. She wanted to know where they headed. “Probably, he has taken her to a hotel,” she thought, trying to steady her gaze.

“Is everything alright, Aurora?” Seraphine's question brought her back to the present. “Why do I even care so much about someone who disregards me? To hell with both of them,” she thought and forced a smile.

“Oh! I’m sorry, Mum! I was just admiring the beautiful scenes of couples in the regular section,” Aurora said, walking up to Seraphine and holding her hands firmly.

“It’s fine. It’s part of what you control now! You can always come here as much as you want or, better still, come with your husband someday. I would love to see you both here together,” Seraphine suggested. Aurora wanted to scream that her husband didn't see her as a wife, that she was nothing to him, and that would be the last thing that would happen.

“Yes, sure, we will, Mum,” Aurora eventually said amusedly. They walked to the expensive car parked nearby. “Jerry can take you wherever you want! You can always call on him anytime,” Seraphine said, embracing Aurora warmly. Seraphine felt overjoyed to have a daughter of her own finally.

*******

Aurora checked her phone for the address Harrison sent: Willowbrook Medical Centre. It was one of the best hospitals in Montana. She immediately informed Jerry of the hospital's name, and within minutes, they approached the entrance.

“Oh! That's the signpost of the hospital. I think you can drop me here. I'll find my way inside,” Aurora told Jerry, waving her right hand to signal him to stop. “Oh! Ma’am, I can drive you inside. You don’t need to stress yourself,” Jerry suggested, unaware of Aurora’s reasons.

“Yes, I know, but I have my reasons,” Aurora explained, her eyes appreciative. Jerry stopped the car and stepped out to open her door. Aurora initially wondered why he had gotten out until she saw him opening her door.

“Oh! You don’t have to do this next time, but thank you,” Aurora said, stepping out and adjusting her long black chiffon gown. “I’ll call you whenever I need you. You can go,” she added. She began walking towards the hospital, admiring its grandeur.

Just at the entrance, she marveled at how massive the edifice was. “The owner of this hospital must be stinking rich!” she thought, quickly remembering the golden card Seraphine gave her. Oh! I can find out who the owner is in just a second,” she thought, bringing out the card. She typed in the hospital's name, and immediately, it displayed Seraphine as the director.

“Wow! My new mum is nothing but a wealthy woman. This is unbelievable! I need to test my power for the first time here. What should I do?” Aurora pondered for a moment, contemplating how to assert her new identity. She decided to call Seraphine. “Hi, Mum! Sorry to bother you, just a quick one. How do I inform people about my new identity, especially those who work directly in your company? How will they know I am the new director?” Aurora asked boldly.

“Oh! It's simple, just present the card given to you to them, it's simple; once they get to see it and scan it, it automatically displays your face as the new director; it's nothing to worry about!” Seraphine responded. “Oh! Thank you, Mum!” Aurora said and immediately ended the call. Just immediately after she ended the call, Harrison's call came through.

“Hey! Aurora, I have been here waiting; where are you?” Harrison's deep voice echoed through her ears. “Oh! I am sorry, I am in the hospital now; how can I locate you?” She asked if her voice sounded alive. “Great!  Find the way to Doctor Edward's office,” Harrison's voice commanded and ended the call.

In minutes, Aurora located the reception and met two ladies, fully dressed in a blue top, pants, and a scrub. “Hello, good day, please; how do I locate Dr. Edward's office,” Aurora immediately inquired from one of the two receptionists, who seemed nonchalant and acted dumb to Aurora's questions. “Please, I don’t have time for irrelevant questions this morning!” The receptionist snapped, peering at Aurora disdainfully, her slim hand, perfectly matching her slim frame, focused deeply on the paper she was writing on.

“What exactly do you want? Why are you here?” she demanded aggressively. Aurora felt angry, unable to believe that a receptionist in such a reputed hospital could be so rude. “Please, Helen, this person doesn’t know what she wants. Attend to her,” the nurse said dismissively, pointing at Aurora with her slim hand.

“Hi, madam, good day. May I confirm how I may assist you?” Helen greeted, her demeanor more welcoming. Still in disbelief, Aurora moved towards Helen, who had a warm smile, her chubby cheeks accentuating her brown, slightly imperfect teeth.

“Hi, I’m sorry, I need to locate Dr. Edward's office,” Aurora said, returning Helen’s smile. “Fine, just hold on a moment. Let me confirm if he’s expecting a visitor. May I have your name, please?” Helen asked. “Simply say Aurora, please,” Aurora responded. She watched as Helen dialed Dr Edward’s landline and placed a call. Moments later, the call ended.

“He said you can come in, madam. Please take the second turn on your left, room number 1. His name is fully inscribed on his door,” Helen directed. “Thank you, Helen, right?” Aurora asked, thinking she might reward Helen for her kindness. “Yes, ma'am, you are welcome!” Helen responded.

As Aurora left, she overheard Helen reprimanding her colleague. “Jane, your attitude towards that lady was very wrong. I have warned you many times to stop looking down and judging people based on their dress!”

“How is that your business? How can a low-life, dressed person ask for the head doctor in this hospital? It’s really cra…” Aurora couldn't hear them anymore as she continued towards Dr. Edward's office.

“Jane! This will be your last day as a worker in this hospital! I will show you who is a low-life between us,” Aurora muttered under her breath. The name made her think of her friend Janet, who was always kind, unlike the despicable Jane. Different thoughts battled in her mind as she finally found her way to Dr. Edward's door.