The cashier checked through Rita’s folder on her system and told Alfred that the bills had been settled by Julia Li.
Julia paid the hospital bills already? He wasn’t expecting him to do it nor know when his sister was to be discharged.
He thanked the cashier and went back to the ward. His mother and Rita were already waiting for him to return so they could leave.
“Julia has paid the hospital bills” Alfred announced as he went inside the ward. His mother squinted. He did?
Did he know when her daughter was to be discharged from the hospital? When did he pay for her bills?
“Well, that’s his choice. Let’s go” Rita declared and was already walking ahead of the others. If he chose to pay the bills, there’s no big deal about it.
He was the one who made her Pregnant. If he pays her bills for her, he hasn’t done anything so majestic.
If she crossed paths with him now, she wouldn’t say thank you. What would she be thanking him for?
Did he build her a skyscraper or took her to the moon that she would say thanks to him. A new phase of her life has begun and Julia is never surfacing in it.
She got into the car with her mother. Alfred took the steering and drove in the direction of their home. Things aren’t going to be the same again.
She has loved and had been trampled upon. She was married and was divorced. She was pregnant and she lost it.
She’s going to live her life now solely to please herself. She’s going to pick every lesson learnt from her experience so far and live by it.
Never will she allow herself to be victimized in love. Maybe someday, she would find another man that is worthy of her love. But until then, she will remain herself.
Rita laid her head on the back rest and thought of all that had befallen her these past few months. Through it all, she has learned to trust and believe in herself alone.
The loss of her baby was the greatest loss she had ever experienced in this life. She doesn’t want to experience it again nor wish such for any woman out there.
She closed her eyes and sighed audibly. She didn’t know her sighing was so audible and her mother and brother heard it.
Alfred looked at her from the rear view mirror and her mother glanced at her. But she didn’t know because her eyes were closed.
“Are you alright baby?” Monica asked. She knew things weren’t going to be the same again in Rita’s life.
Without opening her eyes, Rita replied “I am fine mum”. She’s fine even if she knows that might not be true. She had to say it and put up a smile to affirm it to her mother.
Monica shook her head. She knew her daughter was lying when she said she was fine. Someone who isn’t worried and is fine doesn’t sigh like she did.
She had gone into depression and lost her baby. She will have to spend time with her henceforth and not let the pain of losing her baby trouble her again.
She appears to be vibrant and lively. That’s because she’s in the company of her mother and brother. But what will happen if she’s alone?
Alone by herself in her room at night. When she’s gone out and Alfred has gone to work. When there’s no one to talk to and relate with, will she still be alright?
She is afraid of what might happen. She wished all these never happened. She wished it would just pass off like a midsummer’s night dream and when she opened her eyes, they would be forgotten.
But alas, if she closed her eyes and opened them, they would still be there. They have refused to vanish away.
She won’t be going to the office for a couple of weeks if her boss is considerate enough. If otherwise, she would apply for a leave.
She would stay by Rita’s side. Watch her grow back to who she used to be. Then when she’s nourished back to health, she will be fine again.
Someday she would meet the right guy that would appreciate and love her unconditionally. She looked forward to that day and wished it would come quickly.
In the Li’s Group, the zoom passcode was passed to everyone concerned and the meeting began.
Junxie Li was addressing the top employees about a new project the company was embarking on.
The company was going into production of textiles and fabrics and announced that one of the directors would be assigned to oversee the new project.
Ideas are welcome and expertise will be greatly appreciated. The company would employ new hands who are trained and versatile in the use of the various machines and equipment used in the production of the goods….
Junxie went on and on until he was forced to pause as there were applauds from the various participants.
He waited for the clapping to subside before he continued. Julia was happy. His brother is a genius.
The last journey he made, this was what he went for. Making alliances and partnering with those companies who would be supplying them with raw materials to make into finished products.
He got connected with bigger factories who would buy the goods in large quantities. They were sure of buyers and suppliers of raw materials.
All that is left is the employment of people who can do the job better. The equipment also has arrived overnight and is only waiting for it to be installed and then everything will be set.
None of them knows what he was up to. They knew he travelled for a business deal but the reason and what deal he went for, was not known by anyone.
It was during the family meeting the last time that he disclosed the news to everyone. His father applauded him and his uncle said he had always known that he would be exceptionally excellent in all he does.
Meanwhile, Junxie Li told them that the next day, the news would be out to the entire staff by morning and the public before evening. There by making rooms for people to submit their applications for jobs.
When the meeting ended, he was congratulated. It was a great time as everyone was happy with the President’s speech.
They feel elated despite it being a zoom meeting. Julia also congratulated his brother and the meeting came to an end.
Theresa Mo felt like she should run to Junxie’s office and kissed him. He is such an excellent entrepreneur and knows he would do greatly in time to come.