*Bianca's POV*
My mind buzzed with my grandfather's plea as I continued to work through the rest of the day.
"Doctor Bianca… Doctor BIANCA?" I snapped out of my thoughts, and told her about the report, as I tried hard to focus on my work.
Guilt gnawed at my conscience, tugging at my heartstrings. How could I refuse to help someone in need, especially after all that my grandfather had done for me? I can't believe, I am being so selfish, shameless, and heartless, after all this. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the compassion and kindness he had shown me over the years.
I heaved a sigh. I couldn't let something personal hold me back from fulfilling my duty as a doctor. After all, what were the chances of running into Damon in such a vast city like Los Angeles? It was a bustling metropolis, teeming with countless faces and stories. It would only be one in a million chances! Surely, the universe wouldn't conspire to bring him into my path again! With a newfound determination, I reluctantly made up my mind to assist my grandfather's friend as his attending doctor.
I called my grandfather to let him know about my decision, "Grandfather, I have decided. I will go. Please arrange the flight for next week."
"Thank you, Bianca. I knew you weren't just going to watch… I know it must be hard for you to decide this…" his voice exuded relief and gratitude, yet his voice was filled with worry for me.
"Don't worry, I am okay. I have to go there one day, anyway. I can't always avoid it." I said, reassuring him.
"Thank you again, Bianca." He exclaimed, and continued, "What about Dion? Is he coming with you?"
"Dion… I haven't thought about him yet." I didn't know what to do with my son. He was my only concern. Bringing him along was a risk I wasn't sure I was willing to take. The possibility of him encountering his father, the man who had abandoned us, sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't bear the thought of Dion being exposed to the pain and disappointment that Damon had brought into our lives. I can't let him get hurt. I alone am enough for this.
He had always wanted a father after he started speaking. If he found out about Damon, I don't know how much he would hurt, after knowing that his father never wanted him. He was just a mistake, from our one-night fling.
Yet, the idea of leaving my son behind, even temporarily, felt equally unbearable. I couldn't bear to be separated from him, not when he was the source of my strength and the light in my darkest moments. His health hasn't been good either. How could I leave him with his babysitter, when I am not even aware how many weeks or months it would take for the treatment to be finished? The only thing I knew was that it was going to take a long time for the treatment to be finished. I can't leave him alone for such a long time. Reluctantly, I decided to bring Dion with me, along with his babysitter.
"Please book Dion and Mia's tickets, and arrange my transfer to the Serenity Hospital in the Los Angeles branch."
"Oh, I will handle them. But, are you bringing Mia with you?"
"Yes. I guess I will be busy upon reaching there. Taking Mia would be the best option. After all, Dion needs someone with him every moment."
"Yes…" grandfather said worriedly, as he sighed.
After work, I packed my bags as I broke the news to Mia and Dion. It was going to be Dion's first long trip. So, he was excited. I was happy yet worries shook me over thinking about the littlest possibility. Thankfully, with other's help, I finished all the leftover work, before I finally left for Los Angeles.
Upon reaching the vibrant city, I felt a mixture of trepidation and determination. The Serenity Hospital branch in Los Angeles awaited me, and it was time to face my fears head-on.
"Mia, there will be a driver. Please take Dion to the apartment first. I will go there after I check up on the patient." I entrusted Dion to the care of his babysitter, as he was sleeping, watching them disappear into the bustling streets before I took another cab, and reached the Serenity Hospital.
As I made my way to the patient's room, I braced myself to meet my grandfather's friend. He got many friends, but he seemed especially worried and caring toward him. I wanted to meet who this stranger was. But as I pushed open the door, my breath hitched in my throat. There, lying in the hospital bed, was none other than Mr. Derek, my ex-father-in-law.
Shock coursed through my veins, freezing me in place. I couldn't believe the twist of fate that had brought me face-to-face with the man who had once been a part of my life.
Mr. Derek's weary eyes met mine, surprise flickering across his face. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence that hung heavily in the room. "Bianca," he rasped, his voice laced with both astonishment and vulnerability.
I took a moment to steady myself, to process the emotions surging within me. Gathering my composure, I approached Mr. Derek's bedside with a professional smile, burying the past beneath layers of professionalism. "Good afternoon, Mr. Derek," I greeted him, my voice steady and composed. "I'm Dr. Bianca, and I'll be overseeing your treatment from today here at Serenity Hospital. Let's focus on getting you back to good health, shall we?"
I gave off the impression that I was relaxed, but anxiety was rapidly increasing in my chest. Being his doctor meant that there was a chance that I would have to meet and interact with Damon, the same person I had been trying to avoid and escape from. Nevertheless, I can't go back on my words again. In the end, he was not only a friend of my grandfather's, but he was also the only person in this city who was good to me, this place which only gave me pain.
“Father.” The next voice I heard frightened me as a bolt of shock coursed through my spine. My hands trembled, as I desperately felt the urge to hide from him. This voice was too familiar to me, yet it was the same person’s voice that I desperately wanted to avoid. I wanted to run away now. I knew that seeing Mr. Derek meant I was going to meet Damon too, but why today of all days? What should I do now? Run or Stayed?
Bianca's POV Why? Just why did I have to run into him now? I just arrived here. Shouldn't I be given a moment to breathe admist all of this? I knew I was going to run into him no matter how I tried not to. However, I did not expect that it would be so soon. Should I just run away. The fact that Mr Derek is staring at me intently and his son is right behind me gives me chills. I am not prepared for this. I thought I would be, but this is a lie. It is like fear is surging through me. “Are you my father's doctor?“ I heard him ask, after noticing the silence. I did not plan to turn around immediately. At this juncture, that is unavoidable. I slowly turned, trying to compose myself. I will do a great job not falling to my knees when I look at him. Why am I like this? “Yes.“ I answered, slowly turning around. My eyes met with his the moment I swerved around, my breath itched in my throat. His eyes depicts shock on seeing me. I saw the same familiar look I have seen before in the
Bianca's POV I am back from the mall. I can't believe what I had to see just when I got there. He is dating Aileen now? They used to call themselves best friends. Who would have thought they had something going on? Even so, that shouldn't bother me much. It's none of my business. I should only maintain a businesslike relationship with him. I entered the apartment and dropped the things I bought. Then my baby rushed outside from his room with a wide smile on his face. Dion is the joy of my life, he's everything to me after all that I've been through to have him. “Mommy!“ He ran into my arms, I crouched down to hug him. He is such a joy to watch. “Dion! You shouldn't run around the house like that… Oh, you're here miss.“ Mia came running out of the room. She stopped on seeing me. “I told you to stop calling me that countless times. I didn't say anything yesterday because I was tired. We are of the same age, just call me by my name.“ I complained to her. She nodded with a smi
Bianca's POV What does she want from me? As far as I am concerned, she bumped into me on purpose yet I apologized like a sensible person would do. She is chewing makeup like a crazy person and giving me death glares. I should be the one doing that and not the other way around. "It's you?" Aileen said trying to show disgust. In reality, I am the one who should be disgusted with seeing her face. How do people deal with someone like her to the extent of not blowing up? "I don't think I have anything to say to you. Then, I'll excuse myself now." I said to avoid her. But this bitch doesn't want to stay out of my way. She stopped me from moving just to annoy me. I am not in the mood to fight, and this is a hospital. It's not proper for me to fight even if I am being bothered. "What do you want from me? I don't have time for this. I have a patient to check on." I asked, knowing she was out for trouble and I didn't have time for that. "Why would I wa
Damon's POV Watching Bianca fight with Aileen is infuriating. Do I have to settle whatever those two have between them? Why is it always Bianca? It's not enough that she suddenly appeared out of nowhere after a long time. Why is she making things hard for me? I thought I would just be getting the best doctor to treat my father and I was wondering who this could be. An oncologist who is the best? That person is Bianca? The same Bianca I married years ago and left. Would she actually be able to take care of my father like a real doctor would? Without taking out her anger towards my father? "You've really got the nerves to talk back at me Bianca. I don't know if I should smile at you or not?" I stated bluntly, clearly I was talking without thinking. Seeing her gives me a little bit of anxiety. I didn't hear from her for a long time. She has really changed a lot. She is no longer the submissive girl she used to be. "I don't need your smile. You should know how to act professionally
Damon's POVWhy did she have to come back? She's just making things worse than it already is for me. Did dad ask her to come back on purpose? It couldn't have been my father who made her come back right? I just don't like seeing her around at all. "Not again. Are you stalking us? Don't you think you should give up at this point?" Aileen blurted out. Instead of reacting, she just ignored us and walked away. This made Aileen mad, she stopped in front of my father's room. "Did you just ignore us?" Aileen asked pained. "You both need to understand that I don't live for you. I have a life and a job you know." She said to the both of us and entered my father's ward. Aileen wanted to say something. I stopped her. I dragged her out of the hospital and made her get into the car. These days, I don't even know how to deal with her. "How dare she talk to us that way? Just because she became a doctor, she thinks she is all that great!" Aileen lamented as I started the car. She did not stop
Bianca's POVI am finally going to register my baby in a school here. He can't stay at home all day when he is a social person. Also, why does he keep demanding that I take him to the hospital every time these days like he has something there I don't know about. He is making me suspicious somehow. "I wonder what he saw in the hospital or he just wants to learn because he wants to be a doctor like me." She thought inwardly. It took some minutes but it wasn't a stressful procedure. My son is a smart boy and it was easy for me to register him. The teacher and principal already like him. I said goodbye to him with the promise to get him myself when he closes. I went to check on my patients when I got to the hospital. I wanted to check on Mr Derek first but I stopped when I saw Damon already there. I watched him from the door and saw how he was catering to his father. This gave me some memories I don't want to remember. Memories of how caring he used to be before he suddenly changed. I
Bianca's POV"Mom... Why are you not saying anything? I know dad lives in this city. Why haven't we seen him yet?" Dion demanded. I don't know what else to say. I am more than confused right now. Why is he suddenly asking me this when I have asked not to talk about it? My son cannot know a man like Damon as his father. Damon never wanted my children, he wanted them to die. "Are you crying mom?" He asked looking worried. "I am sorry mommy. I won't ask about him again!" I didn't know tears are already falling off my face. I shook my head and faced him with a smile. I don't want him to worry about me. "No, I am not crying. You don't need to apologize. It is not your fault. I'll be right back." I told him and walked out of the office. Once I got outside, I faced the walk trying to hide my tears. Now is not the time for me to cry. I have been living without him for a long time now. Why did he have to remind me of the past? Damon is the only one to be blamed for this. I went to Mr Der
Bianca's POVAileen glared at me like a devil. Of course she acts like one. I didn't give a response and attended to my patient instead, which in turn flustered her. "You have no right to ask me to get out! At least it shouldn't be coming from your mouth when you are the unwanted person around here!" She yelled at me when she finally managed to talk. "This is a hospital and a patient's ward to be precise. Learn proper behaviour and stop embarrassing yourself." I warned her sternly. She pushed me, "I mean, who the hell are you to tell me that? You are just a mere doctor! Stop acting like you are all that!" At this point, Damon came inside. I am more worried that she is disturbing Mr Derek's rest than having the both of them here right now. "What is going on here?" Damon asked, checking on his father worriedly. I shrugged, maintaining eye contact with Aileen. "I don't care who you are to the patient. If you are going to keep being a nuisance, I am going to have security throw you