Chapter Nine

[Aurora's POV]

After everything, I finally opened the door to their boss, I guessed.

He was actually dressed casually, unlike the others who were wearing suits. I couldn't help but shake my head as I thought about it. He looked completely different from the men who had come to my house earlier. But he did have an intimidating aura but of course it can't work on me.

He let himself into my home, and honestly, I didn't even have the strength to fight with him anymore. I was already tired from everything that had happened this morning. Besides my holiday has been canceled so I just decided to hear him out and see what he actually wanted.

He narrated to me the story behind his son's trauma, and honestly, I felt really emotional. Someone I knew had gone through almost the same situation, but unfortunately, died without ever getting any cure.

The memory suddenly came back to me while he was talking, and I quickly had to get a hold of myself before I started crying again.

I stood up and went to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water.

Should I give him some? I thought, glancing back at him.

I wasn't even sure he'd take it. He did look like a god, I'd say. The kind of person who probably didn't accept anything from just anyone.

I poured some water into a glass for myself and took a sip first. After calming myself down a little, I decided to give this client a try.

But before that…

“Why that look? So now I'm weird for crying?” I asked as I walked out of the kitchen approaching the living room while cleaning up my teary face. He looked at me like it was a problem or abomination to do such. Weird guy.

“So where is he?” I asked after noticing that I still hadn't seen his son. Maybe he was waiting in the car with the others.

“Not here.” I looked at him, confused.

"Not here then how........" I paused as realization dawned on me. “Hope it's not what I'm thinking?”

“I'd want him to be treated at my house.” I looked at him, completely bewildered and dropped my class of water. Is he crazy?

“Leave my house,” I said, pointing towards the door.

He stood there, his expression still the same like he expected my outburst. They why did he suggest such?

“I said leave my house,” I told him again when he made no move to leave.

“You've got guts, you know?”

By now, Malcolm, that's what he called himself, was already by the door, his mouth agape at my boldness.

Who cares?

His so-called boss, whose name I didn't even know, couldn't just come into my house like he owned the world. I still kept my hand pointed towards the door as he finally stood up.

“You'll regret this,” he said as he stood up and began walking out.

“No, you'll regret it if you do not leave my house right now,” I said, my face showing no trace that I had cried just seconds ago.

Trying to blackmail me? Making me leave my hometown for the city? His so isn't the sick one, he is

I shut the door as he exited my house.

I walked back into my room with Poppy trailing behind me. I wondered where he was always going, leaving and coming back whenever he wanted. Sometimes, I honestly wondered if he had a secret life I didn't know about.

I shook my head at the thought and started packing my clothes. I might as well just go on this vacation, with or without Ella. Maybe getting away for a while would actually help me clear my head and forget about everything that had happened today.

I couldn't believe I had even cried for a stranger.

His son's story was really touching, and I couldn't deny that it had gotten to me. Anyone with a heart would feel bad hearing something like that. But I had my own life to live too.

I had already spent almost all my years caring for patients, listening to their problems, trying to understand them, and helping them get better. I had given so much of my time to other people that sometimes I barely had time for myself.

And now he wanted me to leave my town? The place where I grew up, the place where almost every corner held a memory I'd never forget?

Not worth it.

No matter how much money was involved.

I pulled out another piece of clothing and stuffed it into my luggage, sighing as I looked around my room. I was still trying to process everything that had happened. Just this morning, I had been thinking about going on a vacation with Ella, and now some strange man had appeared in my house and practically expected me to leave my entire life behind.

I shook my head again.

Maybe I really did need a vacation. Just not the kind he was trying to force me into.

I continued packing until I was finally satisfied with what I had put inside my luggage. I zipped it up and turned towards Poppy.

He was standing there quietly, watching me as if he had been following everything I was doing. His eyes were fixed on me, and I couldn't help but smile at him.

I squatted down to his level and reached out to pet him.

“So, Poppy, we're going on a vacation, okay?” I said to him, imagining he could understand me.

He tilted his head slightly, as if he was actually listening to me.

“You'll love it. I promise.”

I ruffled his hair and gave him a peck before standing up again.

“Now, let's get you ready too.”

I chuckled to myself before heading to the kitchen to prepare our dinner.

An hour later, dinner was ready. I went to the bathroom to take a shower, and by the time I was done, it was already six in the evening.

I changed into something comfortable and looked around the house. Everything was quiet again, almost as if nothing had happened earlier.

But my mind was still busy.

I didn't feel like staying inside anymore. My head was still filled with everything that had happened earlier, and I needed some fresh air. Maybe taking a walk would help me calm down and stop thinking about that strange man and his son for a while.

So, I decided to take a walk to calm my head. I stepped outside, with Poppy trailing behind me as usual.

I walked around town for a few minutes until it started getting dark, then I headed towards my house.I was already getting closer when I suddenly felt like someone was behind me. I turned slightly and noticed a shadow, but before I could react, I felt a sharp pain on my neck.

My vision started to fade. I heard Poppy barking at the person behind me, but he was also restricted and injected.

I tried to see who it was, but everything was becoming blurry. I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. Just before I lost consciousness, I felt someone hold me before I fell to the ground.