Chapter 3

After leaving the Peninsula Hotel, I threw myself into my work.

Days later, I got a call from Bryan.

“James, things aren’t really looking good for your future father-in-law, Mr. Townsend.”

My heart was in my throat when I heard the news about Terrence.

In the weeks following Terrence's accident, the doctors warned us more than once that he might not make it. Every time they did, Sarah broke down in tears.

Her emotions rubbed off on me. The bad news of anything going wrong filled me with dread as I feared losing Sarah if Terrence’s time on earth was up.

Furrowing my brows, I asked with concern, “Dr. Jones, weren’t his vitals and lab results within the normal range just days before he was discharged?”

Bryan scoffed. “The comprehensive examination I ordered before leaving just came in today.

“Several of his vital organs are deteriorating rapidly. His lab results strongly suggest acute drug poisoning.

“Notify the family right away. He needs to be monitored closely. Get him to the ER if he shows any signs of deteriorating.”

After the call, my face winced with a scowl.

Acute drug poisoning?

During Terrence’s entire hospital stay, Sarah and I put him on a strict diet. The poisoning didn’t make sense.

After a brief reflection, a thought struck me.

Terrence was enrolled in an experimental clinical trial.

However, Terrence had shown no adverse reaction when he was first put on the medication.

It may be safe in small doses, but the long-term effects could carry risks.

I recalled that once Terrence was out of the woods, Sarah mentioned that he would need to take an experimental drug once a week.

Out of basic human decency, I called Sarah from my office phone to give her a heads-up.

It rang for a long time before the call was connected. It was Aiden on the other end of the line.

“Who is it?”

Keeping my disgust down, I uttered flatly, “Pass the message to Sarah. Her father has underlying health concerns. She should take him to the hospital for a full check-up right away.”

The line went silent for two seconds before Aiden spoke in a calm voice.

“James, I appreciate your concern.

“I know that you’re upset and have a problem with me, but there’s no need for you to intimidate Sarah.

“I got Mr. Townsend on the experimental treatment program, and he’s doing well.”

Not wanting to waste another breath on him. I was ready to slam the phone on him.

“Consider yourself warned. If anything happens, you’re on your own.”

“Hold on.”

Aiden cut in to stop me, his tone leaving a lot to wonder.

“If I could be honest, there’s one thing you ought to know before you cling to this idea that Sarah owes you.”

Not giving a response, I waited to hear what he had to say.

“You basically nursed Mr. Townsend for six months. Don’t you always find it weird that he calls you Aiden?

“That’s only because Sarah told him that I had been the one to keep by his side, pouring money and effort into saving him.”

My breath was hitched as a memory of the distant past came back to haunt me.

Six months ago, when Terrence was transferred out of intensive care, he held my hand and addressed me as Aiden.

Knowing that it was the name of Sarah’s ex, I wanted to correct him.

However, Sarah pulled me aside and told me tearfully, “James, Dad suffered brain trauma. With his memory jumbled, he’s mistaking you for Aiden.

“Can you put up with it for now? Please don’t upset him. Can you do this for me?”

Though it didn’t sit right with me, I honored Sarah’s wish not to trigger Terrence.

Not once did I set the record straight with Terrence when the latter thought I was Aiden for the last six months.

It never occurred to me that Sarah had fed Terrence the narrative since day one!

“Beep… Beep… Beep…”

The call was disconnected.

Slumped in my office chair, I couldn’t shake how ridiculous the whole thing was and chuckled to myself.