Chapter 17
Ever since I spent the night with Alex, we've grown closer. We even had sex in his office, which made me a little uncomfortable—it is our workplace, after all.
But who can resist that man's charm? I sigh. Dr. Jullian notices and comments:
“What's with that lovesick look?”
“Just because I sighed?”
“Not just that, but that little half-smile too.”
“I'm not in love, just enjoying a good moment amid all the chaos.”
“Fair enough. Well, let's talk about Ele's case now.”
“I want to know everything—when the tests start, what the procedure involves…”
“I've already scheduled the blood tests and compatibility screening for today. You'll have your blood drawn and wait a few days for the results. After that, we'll focus on your health and Elena's to make sure you're both ready for the donation, assuming you're compatible.”
“I'm already managing her diet and keeping her isolated at home. She's lost a lot of weight, so I'm preparing healthy, balanced meals to help her recover. I'm also limiting her contact with other people to avoid any risk of infection.”
“She's at a delicate stage, and yes, you're doing the right thing. Now, starting today, I need you to avoid anything containing alcohol. We need a completely healthy liver for the transplant, and staying away from alcohol is essential for the procedure's success.”
“I only drink socially—at company events or the occasional cocktail party. But I can give that up. I was never much of a drinker anyway. You know how it is at meetings—it's almost a social obligation.”
“I know exactly what you mean. The nurse will come get you for the tests, and as soon as the results are in, we'll let you know.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jullian, for everything you're doing for my little sister. I don't know what I'd do without her.”
“I understand. I've never dealt with a case involving family like this, and I can imagine how hard it must be for you. I don't want to seem forward, but where is her father?”
A shiver ran through me and my face went blank. He notices but doesn't say anything.
“In some forgotten hole in Russia, where I hope he rots.”
“Sorry for bringing that up.”
“No problem. After all, we've never talked about him before.”
Just then, the nurse arrives and I follow her to the lab. I have my blood drawn and leave right after, anxiously waiting for the call with the results.
I had to tell Alex about Elena's condition because I'd had to leave work early several times to take her to chemotherapy. Plus, if I'm a compatible donor, I'll probably need to take time off.
He understood and gave me his full support. At work, things have been going really well—more investors are showing interest and the bank is growing rapidly. However, he had to take a short trip, about a week, to sign some important contracts.
Since Ele went back to chemotherapy, I've been able to spend more time taking care of her. Although my workload has increased, my schedule has become more flexible, which has been a huge help.
Almost a year has passed since everything began—my sister's illness, my job at the financial company, and my “thing” with Alex. Everything has been going really well: Elena is responding well to treatment, my tests came back good, and things with my boss keep getting better.
He gets back today from his trip, and I came into the office to organize some documents. I'm focused on my work when I hear the elevator and the click of high heels heading my way.
A tall woman with pronounced curves, wearing designer clothes and sky-high heels, stopped in front of my desk. I looked up from my computer and studied her, surprised by her presence.
“Can I help you with something?”
“Yes, tell Alex his fiancée is here.”
I went pale, and all the optimism I'd been feeling shattered. Nothing was perfect anymore; everything seemed to be falling apart.
“Mr. Alexander isn't in.”
“Where did he go?”
“He's on a business trip. He should be back today.”
“I'll come back later. Tell him I stopped by and write down my number so he can call me.”
Wait—if they're engaged, how do they not have each other's numbers? Something doesn't add up, but I'll find out as soon as he gets here.
“Come on, girl! I don't have all day. Write it down already.”
“But if he's your fiancé, how come you don't have his number?”
Me and my big mouth! Her expression shifts dramatically, as if I've uncovered something.
“You're awfully bold, you know that? I think Alex needs a new assistant.”
“Assistant!! Reception is downstairs. And honestly, I'm curious how you got up here without anyone notifying me.”
Visibly annoyed by my attitude, she opens her purse and pulls out a small case filled with business cards. She quickly removes one and hands it to me, her gaze firm and commanding.
“Well, that wasn’t so hard!” I say, looking at her with a sarcastic smile. She turns on her heel without a word and walks away, her high heels echoing down the hallway.
I pick up the phone and dial the extension for the girls, who are also my friends.
“Sarah, please don’t let that woman up again. Mr. Alexander is arriving today, and if he’d seen her here unannounced, it wouldn’t have been pretty.”
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry! Lethicia told me she was his fiancée, but she started getting loud and insisted on coming up. Since I knew he wasn’t here, I let her... It was my mistake, and I promise it won’t happen again.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure she pulled something down there to cause trouble. But I handled the situation up here. I’ll let Mr. Alexander know and see what we can do to prevent this from happening again.”
“He just passed by here—he’s coming up.”
“Okay, talk later, bye.”
As soon as I hang up, I hear the elevator. I know his footsteps well, and I can tell he’s heading straight for my desk. He grabs my arm and starts pulling me along... Has he lost his mind?!