One Magical Midnight
-•-•-
Yes
The round white moon,
glistens over her head
joined by a million stars
Above her, they shine
Hoping their light
can help her guide herself back
to where he is

"Trust me," he whispers again, and this time I feel his warm breath on my mouth, "Okay?"

I shudder, my fingers clutching the materials of my clothes. I feel a blush rush through my cheeks when I feel his fingers unclench my fingers and slowly hook our fingers together.

I feel like I'm dreaming. Standing here, out in the night, smelling the clean night air — my eyes closed — I can almost convince myself I'm dreaming. Yes, I'm probably dreaming. I've never even allowed myself to dream of this happening.

I've never let myself have even an ounce of hope. An ounce of expectation. And now... here I am. Under the moonlight, with his slender fingers between mine.

"Okay," I breath, feeling myself shivering but not from the night breeze.

"Don't...move," William's soft mumble echoes in the air around me and I nod, not trusting myself to say anything right now.

It feels like forever as we continue to stand here, just standing here with our hands intertwined. A bubble of happiness floats into my chest and I smile without giving it much a thought. We're holding hands because we want to. Not because we have someone to show. We're holding hands because we want to.

Suddenly, his soft lips pressed against mine and I find my entire world illuminate in silver and gold.

The night suddenly seems nicer, the moon a little brighter, my skin feels like it's buzzing with electricity everywhere, and I find myself falling against him, suddenly possessing jelly feet.

I feel as he smiles against my lips. He doesn't move his lips. He just keeps it there, the pressure of his lips against mine a sweet reassurance and affection instead of sensual need. My reaction clearly amuses him, and as if he was expecting my reaction, one of his hand immediately braces my face and the other finds itself around my waist.

I'm pulled against his chest and I welcome the closeness. I am putty in his arms when he slowly breaks the kiss and then softly presses his lips against my cheek. This time I can't help but smile. I'm happy. I'm so happy. He likes me. William likes me. Now I can like him too. I can openly like him too.

I haven't felt this sort of happiness in a while. This sort of peace hasn't visited me in years. The feeling of reassurance. The tiny voice in my head screaming 'You didn't make a mistake that evening' happily. I am so happy.

I open my eyes, my brown pools glazed over with mirth and joy, and immediately I'm looking into his deep brown eyes smiling down at me.

"William," I breathe, not knowing what else to say as we stand there looking into each other's eyes.

"It's just you," he replies. His eyes suddenly serious. He wants me to see he means it. I do.

"Really?" I ask, cringing when I realise I'm saying it out loud instead of inside my head.

Still, he replies, "Really."

Then he smiles, "Let's go inside, okay?"

My heart warms.

This time, I kiss him instead.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

If one day I am told that the only way I can be with him is if I am a flower. I will be a flower for him. I will wilt and bloom, and wilt and bloom, every day just to be near him.

If one day I am told that the only way I can be with him is if I am the water. I will be the rain for him. I will fall, and fall, and fall, every day. Just to be able to touch him.

If one day someone tells me that the only way I can be with him is if I am the sun. I will be the some for him. I will shine and shine and shine. In the day, I will shine on him as the sun. At night, I will lend my light to the moon and the stars. Every day, just to be able to be of use to him. Just to be by his side.

It scares me. Feeling this way. In the darkness of the vehicle, I steal a glance at the man seated beside me right now, driving the Tesla home, and bite my lip.

The date had gone nicely. Although I was as shy as ever after kissing him myself, William seemed to never stop grinning afterward.

What surprises me was how easily we managed to begin and hold various sorts of conversations with each other. The ease with which we have molded each other into the other's life surprises me.

And that scares me. I'm getting used to Isaac and William. Over be past few months, I have fallen in love with little Isaac. And now the realisation that I've fallen for his quiet father too — scares me. It terrifies me.

When the time will come for me to say goodbye, I'll hurt. Badly. Leaving will shatter my heart. Goodbye will be really hard now. Really hard. I steal another glance at William and immediately smile when his free hand suddenly covers mine.

"Feeling okay?"

"Yeah," I reply assuringly. Although I don't know who I'm trying to assure. William or myself.

"I was thinking we should take something back home for Isaac," I voice out softly, very cautious because I know how William feels about junk food and Isaac.

"Like McDonald's?"

"Anything delicious. It's a once in a while thing after all. He'll be really happy seeing takeout for breakfast tomorrow. Trust me!"

William stays silent for a minute and I start thinking that he won't agree.

"Let's go to KFC's drive-thru then."

It's almost ten thirty at night when we finally step into the house. I immediately find my way towards the kitchen and begin storing the food inside the refrigerator when Mary enters the kitchen, an excited look in her eyes.

"So? How did it go? Did he show you his romantic side?!"

I feel my face heat at her bluntness and quickly turn back to doing anything but looking at Mary.

"It was nice," I blushed, turning away as I try to hide my face from the woman.

"Nice?" Mary scoffs, "Your face says it was more than nice!"

Suddenly I find myself grimacing. Guilt and sadness washes over me for the elderly woman standing before me and I find myself stopping in my act and turning towards the woman.

Her smile drops at the sight of my expression, and I reach out and slowly grasp her hands in mine.

"I'm sorry," I let my head drop, "I'm in love with your grandson and son-in-law. I'm sorry."

"What are you talking about, dear?" Mary's voice suddenly sounds heavy and I know she knows exactly what I'm talking about. She knows what I'm guilty about.

Still, I say it, "I don't want to replace her. I just... I'm sorry. Being with you all makes me happy. You have treated me so well. I just don't want you to hate me."

"Oh, child!" Mary finally cracks and pulls me into her arms, tears freely falling down her cheeks now. "I won't ever hate you. I won't ever hate you, my child. You're just like a daughter to me. I won't ever hate you," the older woman clutches to me, her palms patting my back lovingly and I find myself clutching onto her too. Crying with her.

It feels like a while as we stand there holding each other and mumbling words of comfort until Mary feels sleepy enough and I make my way to Isaac's bathroom to shower, like I always do now out of familiarity and habit, before finally walking out of the closet and into Isaac's bedroom.

The bedroom lights are dim in the child's room, but I can still make out where he is laying down fast asleep. William seems to be missing and I can only guess that he's in the house somewhere right now. Or maybe he'll sleep in his own room for a change tonight.

Honestly, I don't mind that. The man needs to utilise his own sleeping space. That, and I feel awkward. It has been months since he's slept with Isaac and I.

At the thought of Isaac, I eye the sleeping child again and quickly begin making my way towards my side of the bed. Isaac must have gone to bed upset because I was not here. Thank God William and I got him KFC for the morning.

As I reach the bed and begin sliding underneath the covers, realisation hits me right in my face and I almost let out a loud 'Ah!'

Isaac doesn't have school tomorrow. Instantly I begin pursing my lips in thought. Should I stay at home with him tomorrow? I sigh, I shouldn't. I should go to work like I am supposed to. Then come back early and spend the entire night trying to cheer up Isaac until he falls asleep.

"Yes," I agree with myself, "I'll treat him on Saturday."

Mind made, I smile as I turn and curl around Isaac. Putting my arm around the child, I lean forward and press a kiss on his forehead.

"I missed you so much today kiddo."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The first rays of sun peaks into the room through the cracks between the curtains. The slowly increasing light bounces around the pristine white room and onto my skin and I crack an eye open and peer around the still slightly dark room.

A glance to my right has me smiling when Isaac groans and snuggles himself closer to me. The absence of his other on the other hand is quite apparent. I smile. It's about time he sensed some shame and used his own bedroom for once.

A glance in my iPhone's direction has me reaching for the phone and tapping on the notifications I had not gone through last night. I smile when I see that the first message on the list is from Saara. My smile fades though when I see the two names below her. Sean, and Tully.

Ignoring Sean and Tully, I open Saara's message instead. There is no way I'm going to ruin my morning by reading a message by Tully. Not a chance.

Pressing on send, I can't help but frown as I think about Saara's text. Come to think of it, she has been complaining about her CEO for the past few weeks. Something about him always bullying her. This makes me feel even more guilty. How could I have forgotten? How could I have not paid her issues any attention so far? I am a trash cousin.

Quickly I begin typing back another text.

Pressing send, this time I find myself swiftly sliding out of bed and marching my towards the bathroom. Another day has begun and I need to start my day too. Lazying around won't get me anyway after all.

Today, although I'm not in much of a dress up mood, I find myself applying makeup, and wearing a white chiffon top and dark green skirt anyway. Pulling my hair up into a simple pony tail like always, I let out a soft breath as I analyse myself in front of the mirror for the final time and quickly make my way out of the bedroom and down towards the kitchen.

"Good morning!" I smile at everyone in the kitchen brightly.

As if my voice is a signal, suddenly silence settles around the entire household and everyone stops what they are doing and turns towards me sharply, taking me by surprise.

"W-what? Is everything okay?" I ask Mary, hesitantly looking over Ren who is seated on the dining table with a bowl of noodles in his hand, to everyone else trying to seem uninterested but failing.

"They want to know who kissed who first. Just answer that and they'll be back to normal," Ren grins at me before Mary can even answer.

I feel the blush rising from the pits of my embarrassment, my cheeks quickly becoming inflamed with the splotchy red colour I am sure is there right now.

"I— I don't know what—I," I continue to blush, much to my horror as I try to look around the kitchen now. Anyone but into these people's faces. I never knew that the housekeepers were so curious.

"I did,"

Sharp gasps echo around the entire kitchen and in an instant, all the audience I've had around me since walking into the kitchen is gone — save Mary and Olly. Both of who I dare not look at right now.

Actually, I dare not even move right now too. Hearing William's voice freezes the soles of my feet to the floor and I find myself absolutely rooted to the spot as I feel him walk into the kitchen and stand behind me.

"Good morning," he mumbles as he leans against my back until his lips are only centimeters away from my ear.

"Good morning," I breathe back like an idiot, instantly feeling the blush rise to a new level when I hear him smile under his breath and continue to make his way around me towards the table.

When he begins to sit down on the table, I find myself twirling around towards Mary instead — trying to hide the embarrassing blotch of red I probably have all around my face right now.

"What are we making today?"

"Don't worry about food today, dear. The duck soup is already ready and I saw you two got KFC for Isaac. He'll be happy when he wakes up today."

Mary smiles at me just as Ren finishes washing his bowl and puts it in the drainer. Then, surprising me, she turns towards the tall boy, "Let's go, Ren. It's almost time for that show Scarlet Heart to go on the television!"

In the next second the kitchen finds the two scurrying their way out of the kitchen, leaving only William and me behind.

The newly found silence sends a shiver down me and I wince when I realise I'm becoming shy in front of William.

Granted, I have always been sort of shy in front of him. But this speech rendering shyness is leaving me feeling a bit scared.

I've slept with him in the same bed for months for God's sake. Worse come to worse, he's probably seen me drool all over my pillow! Maybe he's been heard me snore during nights I've been really tired. Who knows!? Why do I have to feel like a stupid high schooler having her first crush?! Ugh, this is aggravating!

"Gemma?"

I almost choke on my own saliva.

It feels like I'm dragging my feet but they're bound by chains as I slowly make my way towards the table where William is silently having his noodle soup. Carefully, I take the seat one chair away from him.

My heart is acting like it's running in a marathon, my chest is refusing to cooperate, it almost feels like I'm going to have a cardiac arrest or something. I clench my palms against my shirt underneath the dinning table, gritting my teeth as I try to calm myself down. What the hell is happening to me?!

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I can't breathe," I blurt out before I can even think it through. Instantly I feel William shoot up and move to me — one hand immediately finds my wrist and the other checking my breathing.

Feeling lame for worrying him, I continue, "My heart feels like it's running a marathon, my palms are sweating like crazy, and I'm beginning to turn into a fifteen-year-old having her love. Fix me..."

By the end of my panicked rant, my voice is barely a mumble and I'm trying to grasp onto even an ounce of shame for being so blunt. In front of me, on the other hand, William seems to have stilled in his seat.

I don't know what to say anymore. I'm still feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack or a panic attack or something so I decide to focus instead on my wrist, where he's still touching me like he's taking my pulse. Slowly, I watch as the pads of his fingers smoothen around my wrist until his hand is holding me in a comforting grip.

"I like you the way you are. Just the way you are, you are enough for me."

His quiet confession rattles me to my bones, my breath hitches in my throat and my wide gaze snaps up to his.

"I like you, Gemma. So take responsibility of me."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Good morning, Gemma,"

"Good morning, sir. Thank you," I smile at Nathan gratefully as I step into the elevator while he holds the doors open for me.

"I'd like to warn you. You were a big topic of discussion amongst the staff at last night's office dinner. You might be getting a lot of questions and teasing today,"

I cringe at the thought of what's to come once the elevator doors will open at our level.

"I knew this was coming," I admit, shuffling on my feet with nervousness.

"Ah, so you are dating then," Nathan nods, grinning at me when I shoot him a wide-eyed glance, my cheeks already beginning to blush.

"Yes, sir. I am committed," I nod my head, awkwardly looking at the elevator's door and dreading what's lying on the other side. Especially, Tully.

"Shame,"

I blink, my head snapping towards my senior, "I'm sorry?"

"For the buyer of your portraits," Nathan smiles at me sadly and I find myself frowning.

"Who bought those portraits, by the way?"

"Were here! Oh and call me Nathan, please. Good luck!" Nathan's smile brightens when the elevator's doors pings open just as I finish asking my question and he breezes past me without a second glance my way. My question was forgotten. Or discarded.

"Start spilling!" Sean whispers scandalously as soon as I settle myself on my seat.

"Yeah! Tell us everything! We saw that Tesla, you can't deny it! How did you meet?!"

"Leave her alone. She must be tired,"

"Tireddddd," Wendina squeals.

"Ohhhhhh," Sean mirrors her, "Someone didn't sleep all night," He teases, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

I, on the other hand, want to disappear. Maybe I can just go back home and finish the rest of my ten days of desk job later in the month?

"No, actually I had a good night's sleep," I find myself replying when I spot Tully coming over. I really just want her to turn around and walk away.

"Sure you did," she smiles at me and my eyes widen when I notice the humour in them. What is she even finding funny?

"Stay away from William, please," I looked up at the woman, straight in her eyes, my lips pressed into a thin smile.

"His name is William!?" Sean asks excitedly.

"That's so hot," Wendina grins, almost vibrating in her chair now.

"Dr. William Noo. A Neurosurgeon resident at City Hospital. The son of one of the major shareholders of the hospital. His father also owns many hospitals around Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Basically, he's a billionaire's son. Nice catch, Gemma," Tully smiles at me brightly and I feel everyone around me stiffen.

He's a billionaire heir...

"Don't you dare, Tully." Jennie snaps at the beautiful seductress of a woman who is looking at me triumphantly.

"I'll cut you for real this time," Sean hisses, looking completely serious now.

A billionaire heir... an evil mother...

"Wait, how do you know so much about him?" Wendina frowns and I find myself trying to remember what William told me last night.

"Then trust me" "Trust me"

"I trust him," I look her in her eyes.

We stay that or for a second. Her smiling at me sarcastically and I looking up at her with determination in my eyes.

She breaks the eye connection first. Her smile still splatted over her mouth, she turns towards Wendina instead.

"My older sister's husband shoved her down the stairs again a few months ago and she was taken to the hospital. Gemma's boyfriend was her main surgeon. She's been staying at the hospital ever since and I have been visiting her a lot,"

"I hope your sister is doing better, but... so?" Sean makes a confused face at Tully and I sigh. Sean really needs to show a little bit more empathy sometimes.

"I saw him around a lot. He's kind and genuinely cares for his patients. I... I liked him... so I asked him out."

"What?!" All three of us blurt out the same thing at the same time. All three of our mouths remain open as we stare at Tully. Do such coincidences even happen in real life?

"He came for his final round for the day one night and I chased after him when he was leaving." Tully shrugs,

"What did he say?" Jennie demands, suddenly seeming the most curious out of all of us. I secretly don't want to know anymore. I'm scared.

Tully shrugs again but I can see it had hurt her. William was a high-class heartbreaker. Literally... billionaire heir...

"He thanked me for liking him, and apologised because he didn't reciprocate the feelings."

"That's it?" Sean gapes at Tully, disbelief clear on his face.

Tully sighs, "He said he admired my courage to express myself, said it must have taken guts to approach him. He said he hoped he would find enough courage to express himself to the woman he loves too. He laughed that even though she is already the mother of his child he has still not told her how he feels yet and that after seeing my courage, he was going to do it soon too."

I don't know what to say, so instead, I blink back the tears that are suddenly threatening to pour out of my eyes and eternally embarrass me in front of my friends.

"I asked him the name of the woman he loves. I wanted to know the name of the woman I had begun to hate in a matter of mere minutes... He said it was Gemma," Tully scoffs, barely concealing the bitterness in her voice, "What are the fucking odds, right?"

"Wait," Sean turns towards me, and I can almost see him loading his gun, "You two have a kid together!!?" He fires.

Jennie sighs from beside me, "Yes, they do. Now can we get back to topic?"

She turns towards Tully, "So the bottom line is that you're not going to ruin her relationship, yes or no?"

"Yes, I am not going to attempt to expose her boyfriend because he's passed already." Tully rolls her eyes

"Is your brother-in-law in jail? Because he should be," I ask, trying to change the topic. I can't bare seeing her talking about William anymore. Life is so ironic. Tully has always spent her years seducing men her friends were interested in just to show how disgusting men are. She never really cared for them. It was just a game. And then she finds William... someone she genuinely likes... but ... life is so ironic.

"Yeah, he got sentenced for attempted murder. She's gotten a restraining order and they are finally get divorced," Tully nods, sending me a small smile. It doesn't meet her eyes, I don't blame her. I wouldn't be able to like me if I were here as well.

"Wait Wait Wait... what's the name?" Wendina asks, her excited but curious expression is telling me that whatever she's gotten to know so far will be all around the whole office by the time work ends today. Wendina is no cheater, but if she feels like there is no threat in spreading information.... everyone knows about it. Everyone.

"Of my brother-in-law?" Tully frowns a look of slight disgust on her face.

"No, Gem's kid's!"

"Oh!" Tully exclaims and I cringe.

"Isaac," I answer her.

Since she knows so much already, telling her Isaac's name won't make a single difference.

Just then, my cell phone suddenly begins ringing and I find myself reaching for my phone and accepting the call without a single glance at who is calling.

"Hello?"

"Gemma, okay don't panic, okay? It's Saara. She's— she's gotten run over by a psycho. She's in the operation theatre right now. Can you come over?"

Shot... Saara... right now...

I blink. August's laboured breath leaves no room for me to wonder if I'm being pranked like all the other times. My heart falls in my chest and I find myself losing complete knowledge of whatever is going on around my phone and I. Saara is all the family I have right now. She's all I have. And I'm all she has too.

I find myself shooting to my feet, ignoring the questions I'm suddenly being asked. Shoving everything into my bag, I tut towards Nathan's office. I don't have time for anything else except going to Nathan's office. I need to get to the hospital. Hospital. Which one is she even in?

"Which hospital?" I ask, already knowing at Nathan's door.

"Hospital!?" I hear Jennie echo behind me, but I have no time. No time.

"City hospital," August answers immediately.

"I'm coming," I cut the line, already focusing on the man that was still to acknowledge me. I knock again.

"Come in!"

I have the door open and am inside even before he finishes his sentence.

"Sorry to disturb you, but I just got a call that my cousin has gotten into an accident. I'm the only family she has in this city. I need to go to the hospital right now, please!"

"Yes, yes of course! Will you manage getting there?" I can drop you," Nathan asks, beginning to grab the jacket that is draped on his chair.

I shake my head insistently, "It's fine, I can get there. Thank you for offering, Nathan."

"Okay, you know my number, right? Text me and let me know how everything is, okay?"

"Yes, sir!" I nod a bit crazily before rushing out of the office and towards the office door.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Jason yells as I brush past him, I don't even spare him a second glance but manage to yell back, "I'm sorry, I have to go!"

The elevator ride to the ground floor seems like a drag, and by the end of it, I'm almost vibrating with nerves. When the doors slide open and I see the building's main entrance, I find myself breaking into a run.

"City hospital!" I almost yell as I slide into the seat of the first taxi I am able to hail. I ignore the awkward glance the taxi driver passes me and instead grasp onto my iPhone tighter. All sorts of ominous thoughts begin to seep into my brain and I find myself praying in a moving cab, on the way to the hospital.

"Thank you so much!" I thank the driver before hurriedly handing him the fair and leaping out of the taxi. I notice that the paparazzi have already begun to loiter around the outside of the hospital.

Rushing towards the receptionist, I find myself panting with nerves instead of tiredness.

"Saara Malik. She was brought in a bit ago for an accident case."

"I'm sorry but is there anyone who can verify that you personally know the patient. Unfortunately, as you can see outside a lot of people are claiming to be her family right now."

I sigh, then quickly unlock my phone and dial August's number.

"Hey, are you here?"

"I'm downstairs, can you come and get me from the reception? They need genuine validation,"

"Sure, I'll be right down!"

"Thanks,"

Disconnecting the phone, I turn towards the nurses at the reception area, "Her manager is coming to get me. Is that okay?"

"Yes, ma'am. If you could please write in your name, your relation, and sign here. Sorry, we are extremely strict about our celebrity patients."

I nod, already pulling the paper towards me, "I understand."

"Gemma!"

I turn around just as August's arm find their way around my shoulder and he begins leading us towards the elevator.

"What happened? What the hell happened?!"

"Khristian was teasing her again when one of his psycho exes decided to kill the jerk! Saara pushed him aside and got hit instead,"

"What?! She pushed him aside just to get run over herself?!"

"The asshole looks like he's in shock,"

"He's up there?!" I exclaimed, immediately being brought closer to the tall man as if to hide my loud eruptions.

"I'm sorry," I mumble, not knowing whether to cry or murder this Khristian.

"Who the hell is this Khristian?" I hiss as I tilt my head up and glare at August.

"He's the CEO of the company."

WHAT?!

When we reach the OT, I spot the man responsible for all of this sitting on one of the seats his head bowed and being braced by his hands. If I didn't know the situation I would say he is devastated. But he's probably sticking around to see how he can control the damage he has caused.

I find myself shrugging August's hands away when he tries to hold me back. When I reach the man, I let myself drop to my knees until we are almost at level with each other.

"If something happens to my cousin. I am going to make you remember what a pathetic, low life you are for the rest of your life."

At my words, the man looks up and I feel my eyes widen when they meet his red-rimmed ones. He's crying?!

"I'm sorry," It's a whisper, but I'm sure even August has heard it.

"You should say that to the one inside the operation theatre, not me," I snap back, dryly.

"Gem, let's go sit there."

It takes ages before the red light turns green and the surgeon walks out of the room. His eyes first find August's who rushes over immediately. I can't. I can't find myself moving from my seat. I don't think I have enough courage to stand on my two feet right now.

"She's fine. There is no need to worry. She has sustained a head injury and some superficial injuries around her limbs. A few weeks in the hospital for some rest and she'll be completely fine. She's unconscious right now. We're moving her into one of the VIP rooms, she'll come around once the sedative wears down."

"Yes, doctor,"

As much as I want to feel relieved, I still find myself on the edge.

Saara had just almost died.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Mummy where are you going?" Isaac's sulking is obvious even through the phone.

"Aunty Saara has gotten into an accident, sweetie. She's in the hospital so I'll have to stay with her tonight. Can you sleep with dad tonight?" I ask as I pack some of my stuff into my bag, Saara's suitcase already packed and placed on the bed.

"Can't I come too?" Isaac whines, I can even hear the muffled sounds of him stomping his feet. I smile.

"Little children aren't allowed into overnight in hospitals if they aren't sick. Aunty Saara has always been nice to you, hasn't she?"

"Yes," Isaac mumbles back.

"How about I ask Grandma Mary to bring you over tomorrow after school to visit her, is that okay?"

He's silent for a second, and I almost grin when I realise he's actually contemplating it.

"Yes," he replies finally.

"Good boy. I love you, okay? I'll see you tomorrow then. Can you give the phone to grandma now please?"

"Okay, mummy,"

"Hello, Gemma. What happened?!" Mary's worried voice takes over my phone instead and this time I find myself turning serious.

"She got run over by a psycho ex-girlfriend of her company's CEO,"

"What?! Is she okay?!"

"She's fine right now," I sigh, "Just unconscious."

"Which hospital is she in?" Mary asks.

"City Hospital,"

"That's where William's doing his residency, right?"

"Yeah," I let out a heavy breath.

"Does he know?"

I'd spent a while considering letting him know that I was in the same hospital. I clear my throat, "I didn't want to disturb him,"

"Oh my God, don't be stupid Gemma. He'll be irritated when he finds out you didn't tell him,"

"Let's just let him be, Mary. He must be tired and busy as it is. I'll tell him later," I sigh, feeling almost repulsed even by the idea of disturbing William at the hospital. I don't want him running around for personal matters. He must have a reputation he needs to uphold. The hospital is his workplace after all.

"Isaac and I will visit Saara tomorrow, okay?" Mary does well to change the topic. I can't help but breathe a breath of relief, secretly grateful for her understanding.

"Thanks, Mary. Isaac's a little upset, could you give him the phone please?"

"Okay dear. Take care of yourself,"

"You too," I smile into the phone, lowering myself down on my bed and placing my hand on my packed backpack.

"Ello..."

"Mumma's going to go to take care of Saara aunty now, okay?"

"Okay,"

"Thank you. Be good. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay,"

"Okay, goodnight my little peanut!"

"Goodnight,"

I'm about to disconnect the line when Isaac suddenly speaks up again.

"Mummy?"

I can't stop the smile that flutters on my lips every time he calls me mummy, "Yes, sweetie?"

"I miss you,"

It feels like just this one sentence from him. Just this one expression of endearment unknots every tension and stress I've felt throughout the day. All the worries and fear fades away at this one sentence. I feel as my shoulders just give away and I slouch on my bed, the tears I have held ever since I found out about Saara begins to fall and I don't dare stop it.

"I... I miss you too sweetheart,"

"You on your way over?" August's concerned voice sounds out of my phone, and I press the phone closer to my ears.

"Yeah, I'm in the uber. It's really noisy outside right now. I think someone's having an Indian wedding celebration,"

"Yeah, I can hear the noise from my end too. How close are you to the hospital, right now?"

"Hold on," I lean forward a little bit, "Erm excuse me, how far away are we from the hospital?"

"We're just there,"

"Ah, thank you!"

"We're just there," I mumble into my phone.

"Okay, I'm coming down to help you with the luggage," August states, sounding like he is already up and walking.

"Okay," I agree, "I'll meet you in the lobby then."

Honestly, a little help with the luggage will be my secret prayers answered. All the tension and running around from today is beginning to take a toll on me.

"We're here!"

"Thank you so much," I smile at the Uber driver in thanks as I grasp my backpack tightly over my shoulder and pull out Saara's suitcase as carefully as I can.

"You're always welcome! Let me know if you need a ride some time!" The driver grins at me and I find my mood lightening a little looking at the girl's bright smile.

"Thank you! I will," I promise with a wave and close the car's door.

Turning around towards the entrance I take a deep breath before beginning to stride forward, dragging the black suitcase behind me.

The automatic doors pull themselves open and I stride through the open entryway. Slowly I make my way into the lobby.

"I hear he has a son," one of the nurses mumbles to the other. This makes me smile. So they do gossip about their superiors. Interesting.

"Shame he's all alone. He's one of the hospital's most talented surgeons. It's so sad, he's handsome too!"
The nurse groans, sounding just as disappointed as she looked.

"I'd volunteer but you know what they call him. The ice king. He'll probably die single," The earlier nurse pouts before she spots me and straightens in her, a professional smile on her face.

"I see you're staying for the night," She asks me as I hand her my ID card. I'm pretty sure she's trying to be friendly knowing I'm the famous singer Saara's cousin. I don't blame her though. I'd be nice to me too

"Yeah," I reply, smiling at her, and at the other nurse standing beside her.

"Well take care," The first nurse waves at me after handing me back my ID card. I wave back not knowing what else to do, before continuing to progress towards the elevator. I'll probably find August in the elevator at this rate since he's not here yet.

"Ohh!! Doctor Noo! What are you doing down here? Can we help you?"

I freeze.

My head snaps around at one of the nurse's words.

"William," I blurt out. Finding William standing a few steps away from me is the last thing I thought I'd face tonight. Who told him? Did Mary tell him?

A blank expression guards his face as he begins walking towards me — his hands tucked into the white pockets of his coat, his stethoscope hanging around his neck. My eyes snap between his tight jaw and his circular framed glasses that are currently in front of his eyes.

Not being able to contain my curiosity, I glance at the two nurses with wide, panicked eyes to find them gaping at the scene occurring before them. Instantly I feel myself blushing and looking towards William, still stunned and a bit worried now.

He comes to a stop when the tips of his white sneakers meet the tips of mine. I can only stand here, frozen, as he leans forward and removes the backpack from my shoulder to sling it over his — then as if that isn't enough, he grasps the handle of Saara's suitcase and rolls it from my side to his.

"Let's go," he glances at me, his expression still unreadable as he slides his fingers through mine and grasps onto my hand. I swear I hear a pair of loud gasps behind us and it makes me cringe. Great, now William will have to deal with gossip for ages.

Then he begins walking.

"Wil-William, the hands!" I whisper frantically, shaking our hands between us, "What are you doing? There'll be talk about this for weeks now!"

William's fingers tighten against my skin and he pulls me a bit closer to him. Despite the frantic beating of my heart and my sudden paranoia, I find myself letting him.

"I'm taking responsibility of you."