บท 8: Must Weigh Things
"Good morning, Doc. Someone is waiting for you inside your office," Rona's secretary said when she arrived.
Rona frowned. She's wondering who it is. "Thank you," she replied before she opened her office.
"Who are you?" It was the first thing she stated when she saw a man sitting on the black couch.
The man then stood up and greeted her with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Santos," he said.
Rona arched her brow as she strode toward her desk. She wears the white coat that hangs on the rack and puts down her handbag.
"How may I help you? Consulting hours will start at 8:30, and it's still…" she paused when she looked at her wristwatch, "7:30, Mister."
The man walked closer to her place and put his hands inside his pocket. "I will not go around the bush. I am Kurt, Theodore Smith's friend—"
"How is he?" Rona asked and sat.
Kurt shook his head. "He's one of the reasons why I'm here."
Rona fixed her dress and her white coat as she gestured for Kurt to sit down. "You may take a seat."
"Thanks," Kurt said.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Theo needs treatment."
Rona's forehead knitted. "That's why he's in the hospital, right?" She doesn't want to sound sarcastic but it seems like her tone betrayed her.
"You're Cici's friend, right?"
"How do you know Cici?"
Kurt smiled and sighed. "Theodore told me. Can you please convince her to talk to Theo?"
Rona was puzzled. How could this man think that she would help him? "Look, Mister. I don't want anyone to destroy the life that my friend wants. She's living peacefully with her daughter—" she didn't finish her words when Kurt cut her off.
"It was Theo's daughter, too."
"What exactly do you want from Cici? And why don't you go straight to her than to me?"
Kurt crossed his legs and leaned on the chair. "Because I am aware of how stubborn your friend is."
Rona scoffed. "Ever since she met Theo, she can't be at ease. We all knew how dangerous Theo was, but what exactly did he want from my friend? They only met once—"
"He has an heir. And that's Cassie Morgan's daughter, Camila."
Rona clapped her hands exaggeratedly. "Bravo! See, you all know. So, what if he has an heir? How sure Theo was that Camila is his daughter?"
"Look, cutie girl—"
"Shut up!"
Kurt let out a soft chuckle, which made Rona feel irritated. The man had the looks, but she could feel his boastfulness.
"We all wanted the heartless to change. Theo must be evil—well, people are easily judged by just seeing the façade, and I can't blame them or you. However, Theo started to recognize the importance of a person when he met Cassie Morgan, and when he found out that they would be having a child, you can see in his eyes that there's happiness."
"Why are you telling me this? Are you trying to make Cici deal with the ruthless?"
"Yes. And Theo needs them right now. Theo has selective amnesia—"
"Then that will be great. No need for Cici to bother about—"
"No, you don't understand. We need Cici's help to let Theo change. You can name the price."
Rona arched her brow. "I'm not Cici. So, I can't talk about that. Fine, I get your point. But do you really think that Theo likes Cassie?"
Kurt smiled. "Theo has only a tiny percent of patience. He won't wait for more than two years. I am aware that he gate-crashed his daughter's birthday party. We tried to stop him, but it seemed like he couldn't take it anymore. He's been watching them from afar for a long time. Then suddenly, the accident happened."
Hearing the word: accident, Rona's curiosity was awakened. "Speaking off. How did that accident happen?"
Kurt shrugged his shoulders and stood up. "You're out of it, Doc. Anyway…" he grabbed his wallet from the back of his pocket and pulled a calling card. "Here, call me when you need anything and if you already talk to her."
Rona picked up the card and stared at it. "I can't promise that I can convince Cici. But I will try," she said and met Kurt's gaze.
The man nodded, and after that, he said goodbye and left.
Kurt pulled out his phone and dialed someone's number on his way through the parking lot. "I already talked to her. Yes. Let's see how this goes. Hopefully, your idea won't bring pain and chaos—f*ck!" he cursed when the other line has been cut off.
IT WAS late in the afternoon when Cassie received a call from Rona. The latter told her that she would visit them this weekend. When that moment came, Rona tried not to surprise Cassie about Kurt and his plans.
However, Rona already thinks of it, and Kurt has a point. Despite the rumors about Theo, Cassie is lucky to be with him. She also knew that Cici had tiny feelings toward the man. Although she keeps on denying it.
Cassie always remarked their connections were bizarre. But sometimes, love starts with that.
Rona shook her head which made Cassie frown. Ever since Rona came, she has felt unease.
"What's bothering you? Why are you shaking your head and keep on sighing?"
It was already late at night when the two decided to have a drink in the garden. Camila is already asleep and she's with Nana Sela, so Cassie and Rona could have some time to talk.
"Whatever that is, you have to voice it out," Cassie added.
Rona inhaled so deeply and exhaled it sharply. "Theo has amnesia."
Cassie frowned. As much as possible, she doesn't want to talk about the man's situation because she only feels a tint of guilt.
"Any injuries?"
Rona shrugged his shoulder. "I'm unsure. But his friend told me that he got selective amnesia, and they badly needed your help."
"M-My help? With what?"
"Theo has no parents, and no one will take care of him—"
"He has money. He can easily get a private nurse," Cici interrupted.
Before Rona visits Cassie, she calls Kurt to ask for more information about Theo, that's why she finds out that the man is only living by himself. He also distanced himself from his relatives, just like Cassie did.
"Theo needs a doctor, and he can pay for your service—"
"I will not attach myself to him."
Rona massages her temple. "Look, Camila is growing, and do you think your savings are enough? I am not pushing you to do this, but think of your daughter too. She also needs her father. What would you say to the young girl when she asked about her father? Are you gonna lie? Do you want her to get a living without a complete family?"
Cassie shook her head. "Even if Theodore has selective amnesia, it doesn't change the fact that he's dangerous. Look what had happened. What if the incident will happen to me and my daughter? If you look profoundly, his accident was caused by his enemy."
Rona laughed. "You're exaggerating things, Cici. It was an accident. And you can't prevent it no matter how aware you are."
"Still, it's a no."
"They are willing to pay you double. They knew your salary from your previous job, and they are willing to double it."
Cassie was surprised. "That will be a lot. What are the means?"
"You have to stay with him."
"What? No way!"
Rona let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, way. And besides, don't you think it's time for you to find the one?"
Cassie frowned. "I don't want any attachment with my client."
"So, you agree?" Rona asked and stood up in surprise.
"I will think deeply—"
"Oh, no worries. They have maids, and all you have to do is to monitor Theo's medicines and—"
"He needs a psychologist, not a surgeon—"
"Quit with the act, Cici. I know you also want this. Like I said, think about your daughter's future. You must give her a complete family. And there's no harm in trying. If I know, you also like Theo. You're just denying it."
"What? Hell, no! Why would I like—"
"Then you should have pushed him that night. But what did you do? You let him take you," Rona teased and even wiggled her brows.
Cassie glared at her. "Don't call that Kurt first. I will think of it a million times before I decide. I'll let you know when I'm ready."
Rona smiled widely. "Aye, aye, captain. Anyway, when you get there, to Theo's mansion, try to ask him about your company shares."
Cassie shook her head. "I don't mind with my father's company. I'm out of it, Ro. Mira and her mother can have it."
"Oh, you cold-hearted b*tch."
"I'm not. I just don't want any trouble. If I still go with the shares, what would Mira and her mother think? I am happy with where I am right now. Thinking about Theo's situation will be enough for now."
Rona nodded. "I understand. Alright, let's finish our drinks and get to bed," she said as she raised her glass, initiating a toss. "Hopefully, tomorrow, you already have an answer. Trust me, this will benefit you. Theo is so yummy—"
"Shut up, Ro."
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