Drawing upon Tom’s professional ties, Agnes sought the physician responsible for treating Mary. As Tom’s soon-to-be wife, Agnes was warmly welcomed.
“Tom and I have been close friends since our days studying abroad. After graduating, he pursued further studies while I returned home to work. We haven’t reunited after all these years, but we always connected, exchanging work-related matters. I was overjoyed to learn that he’s planning to settle here for the long term.”
Before the doctor could speak, Agnes interjected, “My visit today is not to discuss him or your friendship but rather your current situation.”
Witnessing the steely look and stern tone in Agnes’s eyes, the doctor sensed something amiss.
“What about my work?” he inquired defensively.
“I know your father’s critical condition and the considerable funds required for his treatment. I can help resolve that for you.”
“I may not grasp your intentions here. What exactly are you suggesting?”
“I have but one condition,” Agnes replied with a smirk.
The man paused, examining her intently. “And that is?”
Agnes grinned maliciously, “I don’t want your patient, Mary, to recover.”
Crash!
The doctor’s coffee mug tumbled, spilling its contents across the table. He was caught off guard.
“I took an oath to heal precisely what I wish to do. No one can impose conditions that violate my professional ethics and conscience. I can’t fathom why you’d suggest such a thing, especially given your relationship with my dear friend.”
“Stop wasting time worrying about your friend. It would be best if you were more concerned about your father and family. He might be lost to you forever without the funds for overseas treatment. Have you considered the heartbreak and despair your mother and family would experience? Ever heard the saying, ‘If you don’t look out for yourself, the heavens will crush, and the earth will consume you’?”
“It’s heartless of you to say such things. I don’t know what transpired between you and her, but your proposition sounds like a plot to commit murder. Don’t dream of using me as a pawn for your schemes.”
Agnes laughed audibly, seemingly unafraid and defiant. “Take advantage? No. When both parties benefit, it’s called collaboration. Oh, and by the way, your girlfriend is breathtakingly beautiful. Pity you found her after marriage. Fate surely has a peculiar sense of humor. Moreover, she suffers from a complicated illness. If there were any complications during surgery, who would know?”
The doctor’s face turned darker, angered by Agnes’s insinuations. He pointed at her, raising his voice in fury.
In the gloaming, shadows danced and whispered secrets.
“Who truly are you? Have you been shadowing me?”
Agnes pushed him away fiercely, replying sarcastically, “As I’ve mentioned, we are each other’s ‘trusted’ partners. I am someone you cannot simply dismiss. To deny me is to invite misfortune.”
“Your bill, sir.”
She left the scene triumphantly, her heart buoyed by the sensation of an almost certain victory. Having discovered his Achilles’ heel, she bore no hesitance in striking with might.
That evening, as the sky darkened and the stars emerged, Agnes was left to her own devices. A colleague for an emergency called Tom to support the perchance case. As she was about to savor a sip of her wine, the shrill ring of her phone interrupted.
“Father has gathered the sum you requested. Come to our usual rendezvous; he can’t transfer it.”
In haste, Agnes switched her attire and sped off. Their meeting point was a secluded alley on the city’s outskirts. Though a tad distant, it provided the ideal shroud of privacy.
Mr. Jonathan handed over the money bag, cautioning Agnes, “Always keep an eye on that doctor. Ensure he doesn’t betray us. If all goes smoothly, it’s akin to removing a thorn from our eye.”
“Rest assured, Father. She deserves no less than death. Those who harm us must pay dearly.”
“You have my tenacity and spirit. You truly are my flesh and blood.”
After securing the money, Agnes hastily retreated. Mr. Jonathan, watching the luxury vehicle disappear, spat contemptuously on the ground and muttered with disdain, “Daughter, you’re beneath me.”
In another twist, Andrew watched the love of his life wither away. Her pale face and feeble voice pierced his soul. Nights went by with no rest. He recalled how Mary tirelessly cared for him during his unconscious days.
His only wish was for the surgery to be scheduled promptly, clinging to the sliver of hope it represented. He dreaded that any delay would sap her remaining strength.
It was staggering that the vibrant woman who had laughed days ago was now on the brink of the abyss.
“Mary, promise me you’ll pull through. We vowed to grow old together. After all the hurdles we’ve faced, you can’t leave me alone in this vast emptiness.”
Gripping her frail, icy hands, he murmured, almost accusingly. Then, with tears threatening to spill, he whispered, “Had I known this day would come, I’d never have let you go. You’re my last kin, my world. I fear…”
The poignant silence spoke volumes.
Suddenly, Mary awoke, her eyes meeting Leon’s with a tender warmth, though weariness lurked in their depths.
“Why don’t you head home and rest? The hospital’s clamor can hardly be comforting.”
“If you’re here, how can I possibly leave? The coziest place for me is wherever the one I love resides.”
Andrew pinched her cheek, causing a bashful Mary to glance around, ensuring no one was watching. A slight relief painted her features.
“We’re in public, you know. People might talk if they see.”
“Ever the dramatic one, aren’t we?”
“What did the doctor say about my condition?”
Andrew’s previously light demeanor shifted, replaced by a brief silence. He smiled reassuringly, “The doctor mentioned you’ve been overworking, leading to your weakened state.
You must remain here for observation and treatment until you fully recover. It would help if you didn’t work for a while, but don’t fret. I’ve arranged everything. I’ll always be by your side, so there’s no need for concern.”
Mary took his hand, gazing deeply into his eyes. Their warm gaze met, reminiscent of the fiery glow of a setting sun.