Vivian POV
I stood still, rooted on the same spot for a few moments, silence stretched between us until he sighed in exhaustion.
“I told you. Didn’t I Vivi.?” He called me in short, that was the pet name my grandfather gave me ever since I was little.
“I’m sorry Grandpa. I should have listened to you.” I wailed silently, trying to muffle the sobs that escaped my lips. I looked across the road to where Max and Ruth was standing earlier but couldn’t find them again.
‘ They must have gone inside’ I churned inwardly with bitter pain, biting my lower lips as the scene of what happened earlier flashed in my memory.
“Come back Vivian. You know I’ll always be waiting for you in New York. I’m getting tired already” He replied, his voice lacing with affection and I smiled.
Except my mom, grandfather was the only man that loved me regardless of how stupid I was. Years back, I had placed a bet with him that my marriage with Max would work out and he had strictly warned me not to venture into it instead take over the family’s business.
Surprising right? But yes, my grandfather had refused handing over any of his assets to his son which was my father and I think that was one of the reasons, my father hated me. My name was used on every part of grandfather’s signature and wills which meant that only I could inherit his fortune.
” I will come back Grandpa but I want my mom also healthy before doing that. I can’t leave her here” I whined and he chuckled, making me crease my furrows my eyes in confusion.
“It’s alright dear. Gather yourself together, make up your mind and take care of yourself. When you’re ready, grandpa would always be here Vivi” He answered and I smiled, tightening my grip on the phone I held, suddenly developing the same nervousness that usually gnawed me each time “I love you grandpa.” I finally said and without waiting for his reply I hung up. I knew he was going to taunt me if a second was delayed between us.
With a resigned sigh, I slid back the phone into the suitcase locked up. I needed to be at the hospital and just immediately, a cab stopped in front of me and I got in without hesitation.
***
The ride was swift and the driver had stopped for me to drop off my luggage in my mom’s house before I took off to the hospital and few minutes later, I arrived at the hospital and dashed in, sprinting directly towards the ward where my mom was kept, but on arriving, I was surprised to see she wasn’t there any longer. I became restless of her disappearance, my mind reeling back to Mary’s threat.
Did she suceed in adopting my mom from the hospital? I became tense and quickly rushed after one of the nurses I could find.
“Excuse me Miss, I can’t find the patient here anymore. She’s my mom. Any idea of where she could be?” I asked with pensive tone and the nurse smiled, which felt utterly strange.
What exactly was funny?
“Ma’am, she has been moved in to the theatre for surgery. You don’t have to worry” She said and I became even more baffled.
“Moved into the theatre? How? When? How is that possible? I haven’t paid for the surgery and that’s what I came to do Miss?” I shot the questions at her and she flashed a smile at me again.
Okay, now it was totally strange!
” I’m not allowed to disclose the information ma’am as the person who made the payment asked not to reveal his identity. I’m sorry but you can ask the doctor in charge of her” She bowed and left, leaving me speechless.
Without wasting anymore minutes, I dashed out of the ward straight to the doctor’s office. Different thoughts flashed in my head.
It had to be Sofia that paid and told the doctor not to disclose her identity right? But then, the nurse said it was a male and Sofia wasn’t one so who could be the person. Was it grandfather? No, it can’t be grandfather, he only meddled when I ask him.
I quickened my pace as the curiosity gnawed rapidly in me and within minutes I arrived at the doctor’s office but upon arrival, he was on call with someone and immediately he sighted my presence, the call was disconnected which felt totally out of character!
“Mrs Vivian,” He called out, his shocked expression immediately replaced with a smile and instead of taking a seat, I remained standing, my hands on my waist akimbo. My stance was something that demanded answers to my curiosity and just as if he sensed my feelings, he cleared his throat and spoke out loud.
“Err– Err Mrs Vivian. Your Mother’s surgery would begin in an hour from now. The bills has been cleared by a good Samaritan” He stretched out the words, hoping it would make an encouraging impact on me but I shook my head.
“Who did. Tell me Doctor Tim. Who paid for my mother’s surgery?” I demanded harshly, my voice pitching to maximum as I shot him snappy glares. Truth be told, I somehow felt happy that someone had paid for the bills yet another part of me has refused to accept the gratitude;
“Like I said before Mrs Vivian. A good Samaritan did. Knowing who he is isn’t important. What’s important is the fact that your Mom would be getting alive again isn’t it?” Choosing his words carefully, he raised a brow at me. I was slightly pissed by his reply but I held my anger together. I sighed, seeing he was hellbent reluctant on disclosing the person. I turned and strode out of the office.
After all, it was a good thing my Mom would be getting her surgery and there was no need holding the fifty thousand dollars I took from Max.
Immediately. I took out my phone and dialled his number and just immediately he picked up.
“Running back already?” He asked with a jest and I clenched my fists.
Just who the hell does he think he is? Does he think I was that cheap? My anger bubbled beneath the surface ” I just sent back the fifty thousand dollars you gave me and my resignation letters will arrive in your office first thing tomorrow morning” I released the bombshell he wasn’t expecting.