Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)
Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Chapter 8 LILY TWO MONTHS LATER When the announcement ment came, declaring me e actingpresident, a few of the board members seemed rather discontent about the decision. Nonetheless. Iadhered closely to Georgina’s counsel: maintaining a dignified stance and ensuring that nobodytrampled over me. I convinced myself of the necessity to exert my utmost effort, driven by the beliefthat I needed to preserve the position for Georgina’s eventual return. Yet, deep down, a small voicewithin me whispered the truth: I was merely deluding myself. The medical prognosis for Georginawas grim, the doctors had given her a mere two months to live. Astonishingly, she has managed toexceed that timeframe, but her current condition remains critical within the confines of the hospitalwalls. It’s as thought my life has become intertwined with the hospital’s routine–I replace myselfsleeping and awakening within its sterile confines. Even my appointments with the obstetricianhappen within the same hospital premises, making things a bit easier for me. As the hands of theclock struck six in the evening, signaling the end of the workday, I shut down my laptop, swiftlyretrieved my purse and jacket. and briskly made my exit from the office building. Before heading tothe hospital, a familiar craving stirred within me, prompting a brief pit stop at my favorite dining spotto procure dinner. After pulling into a parking space, I confidently strode towards the building’sentrance, Upon reaching the elevator, I pressed the button and patiently awaited its arrival,Stepping inside, I selected the floor where Georgina was currently admitted, mentally preparingmyself for the emotional rollercoaster that awaited me. Upon arriving at her designated floor, myheart skipped a beat as I caught sight of two burly figures stationed outside Georgina’s room, theirpresence strikingly unusual with the usual hospital security. Surveying the scene, I couldn’t shakeoff the unsettling feeling gnawing at my insides. Gathering my courage, I approached the imposingfigures, my gaze fixed on the bald man who seemed to exude an aura of authority. “What’s going onhere? And who exactly are you!” A pregn

ant pause ensued as they met my inquiry with an unsettling silence, their eyes betraying so hint ofexplanation. Suppressing the rising tide of frustration, a surge of protective instinct washed over me,prompting me to exercise caution for the sake of my unborn child’s well–being. Frustration clenchedmy fist, but I remained composed, attempting to walk past them into the room. Yet, they obstructedmy path, extending their hands to block my entry I shot a disdainful glare at their obstructing hands,feeling my irritation surge. “What on earth is the meaning of this absolute nonsense?” Just as thedoor to Georgina’s ward swung open, out stepped an older woman accompanied by a youngerman. Her piercing gaze bore into me with a mix of disdain and contempt. “It means you are nolonger granted access to Georgina’s room,” she declared, her tone dripping with finality. VictoriaGeorgina had painstakingly drilled into me the names of her husband’s relatives, cautioning meabout potential threats. Clutching the strap of my purse with increasing intensity, I met Victoria’ssteely gaze with a mask of stoicism. “Your crazy behavior doesn’t come as a shock, but I neverimagined you’d bring it to a hospital environment. “What?” Victoria scoffed, her incredulity written onher face. “Did you just insult me?” Her son, standing protectively by her side, took a menacing stepforward. “Insult my mother again and you’ll soon regret it.” he spat, his voice dripping with malice.Shifting my attention from Victoria to her son, I addressed him with a calm yet firm demeanor. “Itappears you’ve taken a wrong turn, bringing your mother to this particular ward. If memory servesme right, the psychiatric floor is typically situated on the last floor,” I pointed out, my voice devoid ofany discernible emotion The young man took a step towards me but his m mother grabbed his arm,stopping him. “don’t hit a pregnant woman, I raised you better than that.” Feeling a headachegrowing, I sighed. “why exactly are you stopping me from entering Georgina’s ward?” I had a longday at the hospital and I do not have the strength to banter with anyone. “Georgina is in avulnerable state right now, and we do not want who isn’t family around her to avoid manipulating herinto doing things to my advantage I know what this is about. “Are you scared that she is going tohand the hospital over to and blood of Georgina and her husband. er to me?” I mean this isn’t eeven a family buuness, it is s, it is the arm certain that your name won’t even be on the list becauseyou are not family.” She stated with a sly smile. “The manner with which you behave now willdetermine if we will let you continue working in the hospital after her demise.” 11:29 AM Chapter &

Scalling. I wondered why people tend to be selfish. “You call yourself family yet none of you showedup all these months.” It was as if they were waiting for her to be on the brink of death beforeshowing up. “I don’t have time for this Victoria, step aside,” She chuckled. Just leave. Lily, you donot have any reason to be here.” She turned to the security men. “make sure she doesn’t make itpast this This is crazy. “what did you do with Georgina’s security?” She blinked slowly at me. “I firedthem.” My eyes widened with shock. “What did you just say?” I blurted out and she shrugged aloolly,“what gave you the right to fire them?” “My brother hired them and I love the right to fire them sincehe is no longer alive to do that” Glaring at me one last time, she grabbed her son’s hand and pulledhim towards the elevator. She halted abruptly, her back still facing me. “Start looking for a newplace. That house will be placed for sale after her funeral. “She is not even dead!” I yelled at her, “atleast have some respect for her you old haggard bitch!” Her shoulders shook as she laughed.“That’s it. As you are looking for a new place, equally look for a new job because I am going to havemy son kick you out of that hospital once he assumes his position” “Position of what?” does thisdude even know what it takes to run an establishment! “What do you think? He is going to be thenew president of course.” Throwing a sudden laughter again, she walked into the elevator with herson. Returning my attention to the bodyguards, I bounced my eyes from one to the other. “youaren’t going to really stop me from seeing her right?” They remained mute, ignoring me as though Iwasn’t even standing there. I tried to take another step but they blocked my path again. My fingerstingled as the urge to slap them coursed through my veins. I was ready to attempt going in againwhen the slight pain I had been feeling in my back became sharper. I bent out of reflex, my handgrabbing theirs for help. “Are you okay Ma’am?” one of them asked but I was still engrossed in thepain, waiting for the wave to pass before answering them, but it didn’t stop any time soon. “Shouldwe take you to the doctor?” As the pain subsided, I gradually stood erect and took a deep breath.“Just let me see her please.” “I am sorry ma’am, but we can’t do that. We are working under orderand we can’t go against it.” I was about to respond when another pain hit me. Wincing. I placed myhand on my waist. Maybe I should go my doctor. I was about to take a step forward when wet liquidrolled down my legs. I stared down at the wet puddle on the floor with wide eyes “My water justbroke.” I mumbled. Both men rushed to me and grabbed my arm. “Do you want to see the doctor

here or should we take you to your doctor?” “My doctor works here, I informed them. They helpedme into the elevator and to the second floor. The same night, I gave birth to my little boy, and thatwas the same night that I lost Georgina.