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Chapter 1: The Weight of Legacy
The towering glass walls of the Organic Chemist Company headquarters reflected the warm hues of a Spanish sunrise. Hedro Galván adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he prepared for yet another high-stakes board meeting. The weight of his father's expectations hung heavy on his shoulders, just as it had since the moment he graduated from business school.
"Mr. Galván, the board is waiting," his assistant, Clara, said softly, peeking into his office.
Hedro nodded, grabbing the leather-bound presentation folder from his desk. He had spent weeks perfecting this pitch for the company's expansion into North America. Yet, despite his meticulous preparation, a knot of doubt twisted in his stomach.
As the meeting began, Hedro spoke with precision and confidence, but his mind wandered. He couldn't help but wonder if this was all his life would ever be—a cycle of deals, reports, and polite applause. After the meeting ended with nods of approval from the board, his father, Javier Galván, clapped him on the back.
"Well done, hijo. You're one step closer to taking over."
Hedro forced a smile. "Gracias, Papá."
But as he returned to his office, he felt a pang of longing for something he couldn't name. Was this legacy worth sacrificing his own dreams?
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Chapter 2: The Weight of Care
The sound of monitors beeping and hurried footsteps filled the air at Hopkins Hospital. Aliana Reid stood in the break room, scanning her patient charts over a lukewarm cup of coffee. Her day had started before dawn, and it was far from over.
"Aliana, room 312 needs a consult," a nurse called out.
She sighed and grabbed her notepad. The patient was a middle-aged man recovering from a heart attack, and his family was desperate for guidance on how to change their lifestyle. Aliana delivered the information with practiced empathy, though inside, she felt a familiar ache of exhaustion.
By the time her shift ended, the city was alive with its usual chaos. Aliana stepped outside and let the cold New York air sting her face. She loved her work, but lately, it felt like her life was shrinking—work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Her phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Tara:
Dinner tomorrow? Don't cancel this time!
Aliana smiled faintly and typed back:
Promise I'll be there.
As she walked home through the crowded streets, she glanced up at the towering skyline. She couldn't shake the feeling that, despite her love for this city, something—or someone—was missing.
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