We arrived at the hospital, and I was led to the doctor's office,where we both met Mr Dean, conversing with the doctor.
On my arrival, she left the room, leaving just me and Mr Dean, who had a stern look. I looked behind me and Ken was also nowhere to be found
What's happening? Was I called here to be checked up on or interrogated?
"You must be wondering why I brought you under my roof and paid so much for you, knowing how much I despise wasting resources, right?" He spoke not sparing me a glance
These are the same questions I've been asking myself, but why is he suddenly posing them to me now?
Am I about to be set free? Or am I about to face a new prison, one with stricter walls?
Come on, Carmela. You're a writer—don't let your imagination run wild. In books, the female lead is usually hit with endless rules and restrictions when faced with these kinds of questions.
Is that my fate, too?
"First and foremost," he began, his voice smooth but laced with an edge, "I'll admit I brought you here for selfish reasons. But I don't want my motives to be an obstacle in your life."
He stepped closer, his gray eyes locking onto mine like magnets pulling me into a dark abyss.
"I'll give you one hour. Run as far as you can, and I won't chase after you."
His words froze me in place, but my body betrayed me, refusing to step back as he approached. His hand slid around my waist, lifting my face to meet his smoldering gaze.
"Stay," he murmured, his voice a melody that sent shivers through me, "..and you will be mine. Forever. I don't let go of what's mine."
As suddenly as he drew me in, he released me, leaving the room without a second glance. Yet the rush of emotions he stirred refused to settle.
A minute ago his PA asked me to stick to him and now he's asking me to leave if I want to
But what do I do? Why do I suddenly hesitate to leave when I originally planned on leaving at first.
I squatted, running my hand through my hair.
Should I or should I not? I find my self in a conflicting struggle.
He did mention that he brought me in for personal reasons, but what could they be?
..
'Will she or will she not?' I couldn't help but wonder; the look in her eyes when I made her the offer of leaving reflected the echoes of the whispered confidences that surrounded her. Strands of her hair, once neatly arranged, were cascaded in disarray, mirroring the gentle chaos that whispered words unleashed upon her composure.
There was a palpable tension in the air, an unseen force that seemed to heighten her awareness. As I whispered into her ear, her body responded with subtle nuances – a softened posture, a fleeting glimpse of uncertainty in her eyes. It was as if the whispers had the power to untangle the threads of her composed exterior, revealing the raw emotions beneath.
"Aren't you going to attend the board members meeting?" Ken asked interrupting my taughts and I sighed in frustration looking at my watch
"Do I have to be present for the meeting to be held?"
"Yes because you're the CEO and shouldn't be wasting your time by sitting in a doctor's office all day when you're not sick but waiting for the response of a girl which you care less for"
I hate to admit it but he's right. Just like when the devil gives you different options to choose from when facing a crisis, I've done the same, and now it's up to her to make her decision
"Any news from her?" I questioned twirling my pen
"She was spotted in the city. I bet she'll be back home in a few days.
Like, come on, I just don't get it. Why is your family like this?" He took a seat closer to me
"Meaning?"
"You know I've seen kids have traumatic lives seeing someone get killed in their presence but your daughter is the opposite, actually she derives joy from seeing people in pain
How about I get a psychiatrist too?"
"And how about you get yourself a grave in advance because I'm sure you're going to die after telling her about her appointment.." I scoffed playfully "..And why does everyone keep calling her my daughter she's my sister for goodness sake" I sighed
"You never argued or kicked against anyone calling her your daughter for the past five years because you used her as an excuse to escape from your blind date, so why do you suddenly have a problem with the way we call her?" He raised an eyebrow not scared of my reaction
"Since you've become so good at understanding people Mr. Ken how about you quit being my PA and go work in a canceling office or something" I rolled my eyes
"Well, I'd love to, but I'm afraid you won't find anyone as good as me to take over my position, and I'm the only one who can sometimes speak some sense into you." he smiled, and I so much wanted to get rid of it.
I should never have hired him as my assistant from the start but too bad he's just too good at what he does.
"Have you ever thought of becoming a Ceo?" I questioned wanting to see his reaction and just as I expected he never paints a bigger picture for himself
"Why are you suddenly asking me that question? Are you planning to quit your company?" I chuckled listening to him
"I can never quit my company; after all, I've been true to make sure it gets to where it is today.
I'm just thinking of becoming a chairman so I can sit back and watch from behind"
"So that means you are planning on quitting your company and going after your family's firm"
"Well if you put it that way then you're right" I saod standing to my feet
"Let's go" I opened the door just to be met by a panting Carmela.
She was wearing a patient gown, and one of her hand placed on her kneel as she tried to control her breath
"Who is chasing after you?" I raised an eyebrow placing both my hands in my pocket
"I..I have a question" She stood straight placing both her hands on her waist
"Which is?"
"I want to know what your reason for bringing me into your life is" she spoke fluently and I took a step backward to take a proper look at her and tried estimating what she was up to
"Isn't it obvious? You're a bright artist, and with proper investment and coaching, you'll be able to make a name for yourself and also make lots of money, which would be of great profit to me, "I simply stated, and she nodded as if agreeing to what I was saying. I looked at her as she continuously sighed and a thought came to my mind
"Did you decide to stay?"
"And what makes you think so? You gave me an hour and I still have at least ten minutes'' she retroted with a stern look
"Then excuse me, I have an important meeting to attend to and you're blocking my path as we currently speak, "I said not breaking eye contact with her I could see her take a few steps backward as she suddenly diverted her eyes
"I…I decided to stay, you can take your leave now I have to go for my checkup" she said bowing slightly before leaving
"Is it me or did Carmela just speak without fumbling?" Ken whispered from behind and I turned to give him a stern look
"Don't we have a meeting to attend?" I spoke and took the lead.
He was indeed right about her, and although it was the second time I'd heard her speak, I suddenly felt proud of myself for making her feel safe. With my research on her health condition, I discovered that selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where individuals, have difficulty speaking in certain social situations, but In some cases, they may be able to speak when they feel comfortable or choose to just like she just did
"Ken, make sure the best therapist in town attends to Carmela, I want her to be able to speak properly in the next six months" A smirk emerged on my face
"Why this all of a sudden?"
"The quicker she can speak freely and associate in various social situations, the quicker I get my money" I winked at him leaving him with the confused expression he had on