When they walked into Linford’s private ward, he called someone on his phone. He hung up the phone the minute he saw Cristelle.
Drew sat on the couch, holding Candace on his lap, “You’re not working right now, are you? Haven’t you heard what the doctor told you? You can’t exhaust yourself, or it would only get worse.”
Linford put his phone on the nightstand, “I only called Alfred to do something for me.”
Cristelle poured him a glass of water, “Can you listen to the doctor and leave the business in your company behind first?”
Linford’s attitude shifted swiftly, “No problem. Anything for you, my lady.”
Cody acted like he was gonna throw up.
Candace smiled. Dad was so romantic.
“Uncle Drew will buy you guys a big meal today. Meanwhile, Linford will stay in the hospital and eat his crappy hospital food,” Drew smiled at the kids.
“Mommy, did you hear that? Come with us,” Cody was smiling while urging Cristelle.
Cristelle cleared her throat, going blushed a bit, “I’m not going, honey. I’ll stay here and take care of your dad.”
Linford gently smiled.
Cody rolled his eyes and left with Drew.
“Lily made some nutritious food for you, and she said she would send it to the hospital. You wait here. I need to call her first.” Cristelle said as she pulled her hand away from Linford’s.
“Okay,” Linford quickly released her.
The big smile on his face was still there after Cristelle walked out of the room.
Someone walked into Linford’s private ward right after Cristelle’s departure. Linford thought Cristelle had forgotten something and came back. He sat up, smiling like a teenager. But when his eyes fixed on the person getting in, the smile just disappeared.
“Lana?” Linford’s voice was cold, “What are you doing here?”
Lana seemed angry. “Why did you fire me, Linford?”
Linford frowned, “Because you’re not suitable for that job.”
“What kind of excuse is that?” Lana argued, “I did well! You can’t just fire me like this.”
Linford frowned as he tried to lean backward. The pain made him gasp shortly. Lana came forward to help. Linford, however, smacked her hand away. “Thanks. But I can do it.”
Lana withdrew her hands, her fingers laced together awkwardly.
It took Linford a couple of seconds to sit properly in his bed.
“Lana,” He cleared his throat, his tone serious, “I’m only treating you as a friend.”
Things were different when those words left his mouth. He exposed Lana’s intention downright.
Lana blushed, “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re just a friend to me, and I’ve already found the love of my life. Her name is Cristelle,” Linford said coldly.
Lana’s body started to tremble despite trying to appear calm.
Now that Linford had exposed her, there was no need to hide anything anymore.
Lana tried to contain the emotion in her voice, “Linford… You do know I love you, don’t you?”
Linford nodded, “Yeah. And that is why I’m telling you the truth. I feel nothing for you. And things will never work out between us.”
“Do you have to say this to me?” Lana’s eyes went red, “Do you have to be so dismissive and cruel?”
Linford arched an eyebrow, “Is there even a nicer way to tell the truth? Being indecisive could only make things worse. I don’t want to waste your time as much as I don’t want to waste mine. This is probably the most effective way to handle this situation. I hope you can understand. And I hope you can find true love as well.”
“But you’re my true love. I can’t be happy again if I have to live without you.”
“Well… If you can’t be happy for the rest of your life without me, then the only thing I can send to you is my deepest condolences.” Linford shrugged, “You’re free to leave now, Lana. And you don’t need to go back to my company again.”
“You’re scared of me that much, Linford?” Lana glared at the handsome man before her, “Am I a disease to you?”
Linford shook his head, “No, you’re my friend, and I only wish the best for you. Shattering your delusion and smothering all the possibilities, you think you have the best thing I could ever do. Go, Lana. One day, when you think back on this, you will be grateful that I asked you to leave.”
Lana’s tears streamed down, “Linford, I dare you to say that you have never felt.”
“I have never felt anything for you, Lana. And I don’t think I ever will in the coming days,” Linford said flatly.
Lana couldn’t take this anymore. She turned around and ran out of the private ward.
Cristelle was hiding behind the wall outside the whole time as the conversation continued. She didn’t walk in until she made sure that Lana had left the hospital… that she was totally out of the range of running back and clawing her eyeballs out.
Linford’s words were vicious when he talked to Lana. She had never witnessed this side of him. She thought she would see Linford pulling a face when she walked in. However, when she looked at the bed, Linford welcomed her with that childish smile again, “You’re back, Cristelle.”
His beautiful features were curiously boyish in the sunlight despite being the most powerful billionaire in the city.
Cristelle couldn’t help smiling back, “I’m back.”
****
Drew took the babies to the best seafood restaurant nearby. The babies were allowed to watch the television when they had their food, which was a luxury.
Candace was so happy as she ate her crab and watched her cartoons, “Doctor Drew, you’re the best?”
“Yep. And you will understand the fact better as the day goes on. More sauce?” Drew was peeling shrimp for Cody and Candace.
Candace had completely thrown her diet plan behind her back.
Cody shrugged and grabbed the remote control, switching the channel to the news.
“Breaking news. The real estate tycoon, Johnson’s first son, was found dead on his latest business trip.”
Cody’s hand faltered. Drew grabbed the remote control and switched it back to the cartoons instantly, “Eat, Cody. Don’t watch things like that.”
Cody lost all his appetite. Candace also put her fork down. She felt so sad as she realized the fact that she would never be able to see Jasper again.