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Chapter 15 - On the sick bed

With shaky breaths, Soraya stepped into the dimly lit corridors of the hospital, her heart heavy with anxiety. She wasn't just any visitor; she was a wife desperately searching for her husband, who had always favored this hospital above all others. As she navigated through the shadows of the halls, a sturdy stick gripped tightly in her right hand became her only source of comfort. Her eyes were laser-focused on the reception desk ahead, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.

After a tense exchange with the security officers, she was finally granted permission to continue her search. The burden of worry weighed her down, and it felt as though the world was on her shoulders. Just days into her marriage, the joy she once imagined seemed to slip further away, leaving her with an unrecognizable version of happiness.

Determined and resolute, Soraya pushed past her fear. As the anger and despair began to bubble inside her, she instinctively began to hum a traditional song—a melody that carried a hint of hope. The soft notes filled the air, capturing the attention of those around her. While some caught the deeper meaning of her lament, others simply swayed to the beautiful rhythm, united in a moment of shared empathy for this troubled woman.

Eventually, Soraya found herself seated in the reception area, the early morning haze settling over the hospital as staff hurried to prepare for the day ahead. Suddenly, a figure approached her—a middle-aged man with a thick beard and a crisp white lab coat. His presence commanded attention, and while his demeanor was gentle, Soraya felt her heart quicken in response.

"Good morning, young lady," he said in a deep, resonant voice that echoed softly in the quiet space. Soraya startled at his sudden appearance but quickly composed herself. "Good morning, sir," she managed to stammer, avoiding his penetrating gaze that seemed to reach deep into her soul.

The bearded man softened his tone. "How may I assist you today? Are you in need of medical attention?" He paused, noticing the weight of sorrow clinging to her like a shroud. It was clear that she carried a burden far beyond the physical, and he felt compelled to ease her distress. "Please, speak up. I'm here to help," he encouraged gently, hoping she would open up about the troubles that had brought her to this daunting place.

Soraya's expression spoke volumes. A deep frown marred her features, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, as vibrant as fresh blood. It was clear that something profound and sorrowful weighed heavily on her heart, leaving it racing at a breakneck pace. What could possibly burden someone so young with such anguish? To seek the help she so desperately needed, she had to reveal her pain, yet the weight of her sorrow kept her trapped in silence. But when pressed further, the dam broke—sobs wracked her small frame as she cried, the walls around her heart beginning to crumble.

The bearded man—unfamiliar yet oddly comforting—moved closer, attempting to console her in that moment of profound vulnerability. His embrace was meant to soothe her, but as Soraya became acutely aware of his touch, a surge of fury ignited within her. Wrath surged to the surface as she stood her ground. "How dare you!" she confronted him. With shaky resolve, she pushed away, leaving him behind, grappling with guilt for his inappropriate behavior.

Making her way to the reception area, she was greeted warmly by a receptionist who was also a young woman. Feeling a flicker of hope, Soraya's resolve to talk ignited. "Excuse me," she began, a hint of desperation in her voice, "Is there any patient named John Mark admitted here?" The receptionist, after a brief inquiry, learned that Soraya was searching for her husband. However, only one case was listed as anonymous. After poring over the records, the receptionist found no trace of him. The only option left for Soraya was to confront the anonymous patient directly.

The receptionist guided her to the doctor on duty. Soraya's heart sank as she realized with a jolt that it was the very bearded man she had just called out. "How could I approach him after our altercation?" she thought, her stomach churning with apprehension. Taking a deep breath, she summoned the courage to approach him. "Sir, I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice trembling. Surprisingly, the doctor showed no sign of resentment. He listened attentively, his demeanor open and compassionate. After hearing her story, he led her to the ward with reassurance.

There, on the hospital bed, the young billionaire John lay in turmoil, uncertain if he would see another day. The cold reality of his situation pressed on him; he had already prepared a will, tucked safely in a bank. Still, a flicker of connection spurred him to communicate, ensuring that his family would know how to claim whatever legacy he had left behind.

Yet, guilt gnawed at him as he reflected on Sasha, his second wife, omitted from the will. Despite their tumultuous relationship and the child they shared, he knew he needed to make a change. He pulled out a pen and notebook, ready to revise his final wishes, fervently including her.

The doctor entered just then, noticing John scribbling frantically. Upon realizing it was a will, he felt a stab of sorrow for the man before him, knowing that despair had clouded John's spirit. But the doctor was determined to inject some hope into the somber atmosphere. "You're not as bad off as you think," he told John, his voice steady. "Your injuries are minor, and you're going to heal."

For John, who had been coddled by royal privilege, the experience was jarring. The weight of his family's expectations pressed down on him. He had dismissed his bodyguards after his father's death, but he now feared returning to a world that might harbor grudges against him, shaped by his father's controversial legacy. 

In a moment of clarity, he recognized the need for change—not just in his security, but among his circle of friends. The realization hit him hard: those who had claimed to be his allies might very well be his greatest threats. An unsettling thought enveloped him as he pondered his future, envisioning a life that sought privacy, a shield against the treacherous waters he had navigated so far. 

With determination brewing inside him, John began to contemplate a new life—one filled with genuine connections and confidence in the face of uncertainty. 

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