ILNESS
“So, Mr. Yamamoto, when did you start investing in our company?” Edward asked one of their clients in this afternoon’s meeting.
The client seemed to ponder. He kept rubbing his chin several times. His forehead even creased as if he was deep in thought.
“Mr. Nicholas, I want to invest a significant amount in your company. But can you build a shopping center in the Central Park area?” The client threw out a question.From NôvelDrama.Org.
Edward’s eyes widened.
“But that’s a risky area. How can we take the risk of building-”
“Yes,” Nicholas cut in. “We are ready to build it there. Mr. Edward will consider all possibilities. We will provide reports on various possibilities.”
Nicholas spoke with such confidence. Meanwhile, Edward looked at him in disbelief.
“Ah, I like doing business with you, Mr. Nicholas. You’re so optimistic. Not like your colleague next to you,” Yamamoto intentionally taunted Edward.
Nicholas smiled broadly. “Don’t worry; we will make it happen as long as the investment you provide matches.”
Yamamoto nodded and then extended his right hand for a handshake. “Deal. I’ll sign it right now.”
Nicholas smiled satisfactorily because this meeting had yielded results. Although it was a bit challenging to convince the client initially, in the end, the client gave in and agreed to collaborate.
“You’re truly insane, Nick!” Edward commented when Yamamoto had left, leaving the two of them still sitting and sipping caramel macchiatos at the restaurant table.
“Why is that crazy? Shouldn’t you be grateful that the Japanese guy is investing his wealth?”
Edward grumbled in frustration.
“Yes, but that means you’re making me work overtime on this. Besides, Central Park is a disputed area. How are we going to build a mall in a problematic place like that?”
Nicholas shrugged nonchalantly. “That’s your problem. I’m sure you can handle it. What’s the point of being smart if you can’t handle tasks like this?”
He then resumed sipping his drink. As they enjoyed their beverages, suddenly, a familiar person passed by and greeted them. Someone Nicholas knew quite well.
“Mr. Nicholas…” the man greeted.
Nicholas raised his face. “Doctor…” he then stood up and reciprocated the greeting from the man who had been his personal doctor for a long time.
“Having lunch outside?”
Nicholas nodded. “Yes, I just finished a meeting and decided to have lunch outside.”
“How is Miss Kimberly?” the doctor suddenly brought up Kimberly.
Nicholas smiled awkwardly. “Kimberly is fine, doc.”
This time, the doctor nodded in understanding. “Thank goodness. Has Miss Kimberly made an appointment with the oncologist, as I suggested yesterday?”
Nicholas looked puzzled. “What do you mean, doctor?”
“Yes, I recommended your fiancée to have surgery immediately. For that, she needs to make an appointment with the oncologist soon. Remember, she must undergo the operation quickly.”
Nicholas was taken aback. He was confused by the doctor’s words.
Surgery?
Oncologist?
What was Kimberly’s illness?
“If I may ask, what kind of surgery is Kimberly going to have?” Nicholas asked, slightly bewildered.
“Didn’t your fiancée tell you?” the doctor inquired.
Nicholas could only shake his head faintly. He was feeling uneasy now.
“Your fiancée needs to undergo surgery to address the ovarian cancer she has,” the doctor stated.
Nicholas was startled and even doubted what the doctor had just said. Kimberly had cancer? And she hadn’t told him a word about it.
Oh God, Kimberly.
You’re making me feel even more sinful.
Am I not significant enough to you that you hide all of this from me?
“Can Kimberly’s illness be cured?” Nicholas asked hesitantly.
The doctor nodded. “Yes, Miss Kimberly’s disease is still in its very early stages. That’s why she needs to undergo surgery immediately to prevent the cancer cells from spreading to other vital organs. I hope you remind Miss Kimberly to schedule the surgery before it’s too late, considering that all risks may occur.”
After explaining at length, the doctor excused himself and left Nicholas frozen in thought, contemplating all the mistakes he had made.