Charles turned around and with a frown, bumping his head into the forehead of Augustine.
"Ouch!" Augustine winched in pain, gently rubbing his forehead. "Do you plan on killing me?" He probed with an arched brow.
Charles smiled, winking his eyes at Augustine. "What if I plan on doing that?" He inquired with a teasing voice while smiling. "Anyway, let's get out of here. I need to be at the company before you even step into your office," Charles added, his tone firm but his expression unreadable."
Augustine's lips formed a circle as he mumbled the word 'O'
"I'd recommend taking a day off, but I need to inform the cleaning staff and other employees about some changes within the Gyapm Corporation."
Charles arched his brows in questioning. "Did something happen? And what announcement are you going to make?" Charles curiously questioned Augustine.
Augustine smirked, sliding his hands into his trouser pockets as his gaze locked onto Charles, intense and unblinking. "You'll know when I make the announcement at the company," he revealed, his voice oozing with a hint of intrigue.
"But I-"
*KNOCK!*
The sound of someone gently knocking on the door was suddenly heard, prompting Charles's words to trail off.
Both Augustine and Charles averted their gaze over to the door. "Come in," Augustine mumbled, his words prompted a male doctor to step inside the room with a warm smile on his lips.
"Good morning, CEO Augustine," the doctor greeted, offering a respectful nod to Augustine before turning his attention to Charles. "And how are you feeling today mister Charles?" he inquired, his eyes betraying genuine concern.
The doctor knew the name of Charles because the previous night, a nurse had asked Charles about his name.
Charles nods his head briefly. "I am doing alright." He politely replied. "Also, do you mind if I get discharged today? I mean right now."
The doctor stepped further into the room, heading straight for the medical drip.
After examining it briefly, he turned around, his sharp eyes shifting to Charles, studying him intently even from a distance.
"Charles, it would be best if you stayed here for the day," the doctor advised. "There are a few more tests we need to run for your safety and recovery."
Quickly, Charles shook his head sideways, refusing to the proposal of the doctor. "I can come back later for a medical test, but for now, I need to be discharged," Charles stated firmly, his tone leaving little room for argument."
"Pookie," Augustine began, the term of endearment slipping out before he could stop himself, "the doctor says you should undergo a full medical check-up. I've approved some leave for you, so don't worry about the company." He smiled reassuringly, wanting to put Charles's mind at ease.
Augustine's concern for Charles's well-being was evident in his insistence on a thorough check-up.
He had made Charles's life to be in danger before, and he wouldn't rest until he was sure Charles was out of harm's way.
"I want to leave here right now,"
"You're not leaving until you've had a thorough checkup," Augustine interjected, his voice firm but laced with concern. "I need to be certain you're not in any danger."
Charles frowned. "I already told you that I want to leave so why are you forcing me to stay here!" Charles snapped at the top of his voice. "I don't need any checkups so stop forcing me into doing things that I don't like." He added with seethed teeth, his rage palpable.
Augustine scoffed, taking a step back in surprise. "Why are you so worked up all of a sudden?" Augustine asked calmly, reaching out to grab Charles's hand, intending to offer a reassuring caress.
But before his fingers could make contact, Charles shoved him aside with surprising force, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're the reason I ended up in this hospital," he spat coldly, his voice as frigid as winter. "So pay for the bills."
And with that, he stormed out of the room, leaving Augustine and the doctor behind.
Sigh!
Augustine sighed, placing his hands on his chin as he awkwardly caressed it. "Did you get into a fight with him?" The doctor curiously inquired of Augustine who shook his head sideways in response.
"We didn't." He mumbled, withdrawing his hand from his chin as he dived it deep into his trouser pocket. "Also, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
The doctor smiled warmly. "I don't mind at all Mister Augustine."
Once more Augustine sighed loudly as he summoned himself to speak up. "Umm… don't you think the behaviour of Charles seems a bit strange?"
"I don't understand what you are trying to get on about-"
Before the doctor could complete his statement, Augustine immediately chipped in. "I am asking as a friend and not as your superior." He uttered with a warm voice. "Don't you think Charles's behaviour was a bit strange?" Augustine probed, repeating his previous question.
"Well, I don't personally know Mr. Charles, so I don't know how he usually behaves," the doctor replied thoughtfully. "However, I'd advise you to try speaking with him and sorting things out. Besides, from the treatment we provided, I noticed his body seems quite weak. That's why I suggested a checkup—to be certain he's truly alright."
Augustine nodded warmly, a polite smile on his face. "Thank you, doctor. I'll have my secretary come by tomorrow to deliver the documents you requested from me two weeks ago."
After the statement of Augustine, he stepped out of the hospital room, his footsteps steady as he made his way down to the lobby, his eyes scanning the area in search of Charles.
Augustine scanned his entire surroundings but Charles was nowhere to be found.
With growing concern, he headed outside the hospital building, only to spot Charles hunched over by the roadside, arms wrapped tightly around his stomach.
Slowly, Augustine approached Charles and leaned over his shoulder, his presence impossible to ignore. "Hey, Pookie," he purred, his warm breath grazing Charles's skin. "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone soft and full of concern.
Charles inhaled deeply as he nodded his head, slowly turning around over to Augustine.
Charles unwrapped his hands from around his stomach, and to Augustine's surprise, Charles stretched out his feet and extended his arms, wrapping them around Augustine's shoulders.
Without warning, Charles leaned in closer, his face just inches away, a warm smile playing on his lips.
"What are you trying to do?" Augustine curiously questioned.
Charles gave Augustine a coy wink before pulling him into a tender kiss, their lips melting into each other in a moment of intimate connection.
Unknown to them, a young man lingered at a distance end of the road, a camera pressed to his eye, capturing the stolen moment on film.