Darren returned his gaze ahead. "I have no business with you," he said. "You act like you're valuable but you are a nobody in this place. You're not even good enough to be a real nurse. That's why they put you on the reception table. Checking visits and signing in patients. No skill is needed for that. Bullying is the only thing you're good at because that's all you can do."
Helen felt the words slice through her like a knife. "Wha— why are you... How dare you say these things to me?"
"As you know, I've paid the hospital bills," Darren continued, still looking ahead as she stared at his back. "So now, you have nothing left to use against me. Sleeping with one of the doctors might give you a little power, but don't misconstrue it. You're still a nobody."
"Ngh!" she recoiled slightly in shock. 'How did he know?' Although, it was very obvious that she must be sleeping with the doctor who had let her mistreat him those days ago. A normal doctor would not allow a receptionist nurse to do that, or to make decisions concerning a patient's discharge.
Darren finally looked over his shoulder once more. "You should get back to the reception desk like the errand girl you are — unless there will be an overwhelming line by the time you return."
Helen's breath hitched.
This — this wasn't the same boy she had humiliated and stepped on. She had seen him grovel. Seen him drop to his knees and kiss the very ground she walked on, just to beg for mercy. So why… Why was he standing there, speaking to her, while not even giving her the respect of looking at her face?
How could he treat her like she was nothing?
And why did he suddenly seem composed? Controlled?
The realization made her stomach tighten. His sharp features, the way his hair was neatly combed back, the crispness of his new clothes — he truly looked like an entirely different person. This had to be his twin brother, his evil cousin! Something or someone because the change in his presence was heavy.
It felt like he suddenly belonged to a world above her.
Darren began to walk forward, but then stopped again.
"Oh, and call the doctor for me," he ordered. "Since you're the errand girl, I imagine that's the kind of thing you're paid to do. Tell him I need to talk about the next step in my mother's health."
Helen stood there, speechless.
And just like that, he left her in the dust.
Ding!
┏You've earned yourself a Character Bonus┛
Inside the hospital room, his mother lay propped up on the bed, her eyes fluttering open when he stepped in. Darren barely had time to take in the sight before she let out a gasp of joy.
"Darren!"
He pulled his hands out of his pockets and hugged her as she reached for him, her arms wrapping around him in a weak but warm embrace. Her scent was familiar — soft, like lavender and hospital sheets. He held her gently, afraid that if he squeezed too hard, she might shatter.
"You're looking better," he murmured, his voice softer now.
Her smile was bright, her frail fingers cupping his cheek. "And you… my boy, you've grown so much." Her eyes shined as she took in his appearance. "Oh my! You are all dressed up and shiny. Look at your hair, you actually combed it. You look like your father. Strong and handsome."
Darren swallowed past the tightness in his throat. He couldn't say anything to that.
Instead, he sat beside her and took her hand.
"I have good news," he said.
She perked up, her lips curving into anticipation.
"The hospital bills," he continued, "have been paid."
His mother gasped. She pressed a hand over her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears. Then, as if a dam had burst, she let out a joyous laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I told you!" she cried, squeezing his hand. "I told you that your uncle Jared hadn't abandoned us! You kept saying he wouldn't help, but I knew — I knew — he was a good man. Your father's brother. He wouldn't turn his back on us."
Darren's heart sank.
Because the truth was, Jared had actually abandoned them. The very same day his father had died, Jared had turned away, leaving them to rot. His mother just refused to believe it.
But Darren couldn't tell her that he was the one who had paid. She wouldn't believe him anyway because there was nowhere he could get that money in that house.
And if he told her about the loan, she'd be horrified to learn that he had done business with drug dealers to save her life.
So he forced a small smile.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "I guess you were right."
She nodded, beaming. "Oh, Darren. This is wonderful. Finally, we don't have to live in fear. Finally… we can breathe."
He watched her, his heart heavy, but he didn't let it show.
Instead, they talked. He listened as she reminisced about better days, about his childhood, about how proud she was of him.
She had asked questions concerning how things were going in the Smithers Group as she knew he was an intern there, but didn't know yet that he resigned.
Darren simply told her everything was fine, avoiding discussions that had difficult explanations.
Then, as their conversation went on, a knock came at the door.
Darren turned as Doctor Gerald stepped in, adjusting his glasses.
"Ah, Doctor Gerald," Darren greeted smoothly. He rose from his seat, giving his mother one last glance. "I wanted to talk about something important."
Gerald raised an eyebrow. "Very well. Let's speak outside."
They stepped into the corridor.
The doctor, who couldn't believe that this was the same Darren Steele of just a few days ago standing before him, stared with shock.
"So... What do you wish to talk about? Is it regarding her upcoming surgery?"
"I plan to take my mother away from this place soon," Darren firmly stared. "I won't be needing your services any longer."
The doctor blinked. "…What?"