Under the dim lighting, Jacob found himself casting a skeptical glance at Dr. Melvin, who seemed completely oblivious to Jacob's frustration. Despite the growing tension, Dr. Melvin maintained his usual easygoing demeanor, something that had always both fascinated and infuriated Jacob. Sensing that Jacob was on edge, Dr. Melvin quickly sought to diffuse the situation.
"Hey, I didn't mean to upset you. I was just teasing, you know?" Dr. Melvin said, his voice softening as he tried to sound genuine.
"Dr. Melvin, can't you ever be serious?" Jacob replied, his tone exasperated as he checked the time on his wristwatch. "I need some answers right now. Stop playing games with me." He shot a worried look at Helix, who lay peacefully on the clinic bed, oblivious to the conversation swirling around her.
Noticing Jacob's repeated glances at his watch, Dr. Melvin decided that perhaps now wasn't the time to delve too deeply into the matter. "Look, I understand you're concerned, but I've done everything I can. I gave her a sedative so she could rest comfortably, and I administered glucose through an IV to maintain her energy since she had barely eaten. Trust me, she's in good hands," he assured him.
Jacob sighed, standing up from the couch, clearly restless. "I know you've done what you can, but I can't help worrying. This girl has been with me for hours, and I don't know a thing about her—where she's from, who her family is. But she's... she's someone I feel strangely drawn to," he faltered, his voice trailing off.
Dr. Melvin's eyebrows lifted slightly. He had rarely seen Jacob this vulnerable, and he could tell there was more to his friend's concern than just a sense of responsibility. Jacob had kept his emotions locked away for years, and Melvin knew it had taken this mysterious woman, Helix, to stir something in him he hadn't felt in a long time.
As he spoke, Jacob suddenly realized how candid he was being with Dr. Melvin, and his words caught in his throat. A subtle flush crept onto his face as he recognized that he was on the verge of confessing the depths of his feelings for Helix to someone he saw as more than just his doctor.
And in that moment, a word slipped out that hadn't passed his lips in over a decade. "Brother..." he muttered, just loud enough for Dr. Melvin to hear. He looked away, momentarily embarrassed, but the weight of the moment was undeniable.
Dr. Melvin's eyes softened, glistening with unshed tears. It had been twelve years since Jacob had called him "brother." When Jacob's mother had passed, the two had drifted into a strictly professional relationship despite their shared past, with Dr. Melvin respecting the distance Jacob had built around himself. But here and now, Jacob's emotional walls had cracked, allowing a glimmer of the brotherly bond they once shared to shine through.
Dr. Melvin felt a lump in his throat as he struggled to find the right words. However, before he could respond, they were interrupted by a knock on the door—it was Jacob's cook, here to announce that dinner was ready. The unexpected arrival broke the somber silence in the room, and with a quiet nod, Dr. Melvin acknowledged that the moment had passed, though its significance lingered in his heart.
Meanwhile, somewhere far from this scene, an airplane was descending towards the city lights of London. The intercom crackled, and the pilot's voice echoed through the cabin, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land in London. Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened. We hope you enjoyed your flight."
Seated among the passengers were Robert and his assistant Maria, both securing their seatbelts as instructed. Robert's face was a mixture of exhaustion and excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he whispered a single name: "Helix." Maria, who had been observing her boss closely, couldn't help but smile at his uncharacteristic sentimentality.
"Just a little longer, Boss, and she'll be right in front of you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Robert gave her a mild, chiding look, "Maria, watch your words. You're becoming too comfortable lately." But there was no sting in his words; instead, they held a light-heartedness she hadn't heard from him in years.
Looking out of the airplane window, Robert placed a hand on his chest, his fingers grazing his heart. With a low murmur, he muttered, "Looks like I might be announcing to the world soon that my heart beats only for her." His words were meant more for himself than for anyone else, but Maria caught them and felt a warmth spread through her own heart, touched by his transformation. The Robert she had come to know was a work-obsessed, stoic figure, rarely letting emotion slip through his carefully maintained exterior. But today, he seemed like a man discovering joy again.
Maria's happiness was almost palpable as she gathered her thoughts. She had always wished to see her boss become more alive, to see him savor life beyond the demands of his position. Today, she could feel that change—he was opening up to life's unpredictabilities, embracing love, and letting his heart dictate his actions for a change.
When the plane finally touched down, Robert looked over at her. "Come on, Maria. Let's get going. We've got work to do."
"Right away, Boss." Maria grabbed her bag, ready to follow him off the plane. They moved together through the busy terminal, navigating the lines with the usual formalities, finally emerging into the bright lights of the London airport's arrival area.
Standing at the gate to meet them was a man in his late thirties, surrounded by four impeccably dressed bodyguards. As soon as he caught sight of Robert and Maria, he strode towards them with open arms.
"President Brown, a pleasure as always!" he greeted Robert warmly, extending a hand for a firm handshake.
Robert returned the gesture with a polite nod, "Mr. Deck, always good to see you."
Deck's face broke into a broad grin as he turned to Maria. "Ah, my dear Maria! It's wonderful to see you here!" He pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Good to see you too, Uncle Deck," Maria replied, her smile mirroring his warmth. They shared a close family resemblance, both with deep blue eyes and striking features, though Deck's hair had grayed while Maria's remained a sleek black. Deck was not only Maria's uncle but a prominent businessman in London and a childhood friend of Robert's father, so his connection to Robert and Maria ran deep.
After the greetings, Deck gestured to the waiting vehicles, "Let's get you both settled. I've arranged for everything as per your requirements."
As the entourage moved towards the waiting cars, Maria felt a sense of calm and excitement. Being back in London and witnessing her boss's renewed spirit felt like a fresh chapter, not just for Robert but for all of them. The city lights sparkled in the distance, and Maria couldn't help but feel that this trip would change their lives in unexpected, meaningful ways.