THE doctor informed him that Bridge’s condition is not yet stable. She has an oxygen mask on to help her breathe and still needs to stay at the hospital for monitoring in case she’ll have a second attack.

He looked at the door after hearing a knock. It was his bodyguard passing his personal cellphone to him since he left his in the office.

“It’s the chairman.”

He took the phone and waited for his bodyguard to go outside before he answered. “Hello, Sir.”

“Did you really ditch an important meeting just to personally take your secretary to the hospital?”

“I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll take care of it when I get back.”

“Get back now. You know a lot of people are eyeing on this project but I chose you. And now you’re neglecting it just because of that employee!”

“I’m not neglecting it, Sir. And Bridge is not just an employee to me, she’s my- friend and she’s as important as that project to me. Once I’m sure she’s fine, I’ll get back there right away.”

He heard his father take a deep breath. “Make sure you won't disappoint me, Shan.”

“I won't, Sir.”

A lot of people hate and envy him for getting a high position just because he’s the chairman’s son. And that means it’s not only the chairman he needs to impress but everyone else that’s doubting his capability.

He took a deep breath and looked at Bridge who’s still unconscious and held her hand. As much as he wants to kiss her, he controls himself not to do it. “I bought you food because I don’t want you to get sick but look what I’ve done, I put your life in more danger.”

He looked at the door when someone knocks again. This time, it was Ara, one of Bridgette’s childhood friends who have become his friend too. He called her and asked a favor to look after Bridge while he’s in the office. She didn’t hesitate and came right away.

“How did this happened, Shan?” Ara’s face was filled with worry since, like him, she has already witnessed Bridge’s worse condition because of her allergy.

Bridge almost died before because of her seafood allergy. They were at a birthday party when Bridge ate a spring roll which they didn’t expect has a shrimp added on it. They’re already aware that Bridge has an allergy but they didn’t think it was that severe. She keeps on gasping for air and his face starts to swollen. There was even a point when he stops breathing. It was so traumatic to them that since then, they became cautious in choosing food they let Bridge eat.

“It was my fault. I ate shrimp tempura and kissed her. It didn’t cross my mind that that can already trigger her allergy. I’m sorry.”

Ara breathes out heavily. “There’s no point in blaming you now. It happened already. What’s important is she’s already okay. Is she?”

“They still have to observe her but so far, she’s fine,” he stood up. “I’m sorry for bothering you. I just don’t want her to wake up without anyone she knows.”

Without his presence, he’s sure Bridge would still feel happy to see her close friend than her driver when she wakes up.

“She’ll never be a bother to us, Shan. You know that. In fact, Lucas said he’ll come too.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be right back after the meeting.”

“Have you been resting? You look so tired. After your meeting, come back and sleep. I’ll stay so you can rest.”

He just smiled at her before he left.

He’s tired. But not enough to make him back down. He and Bridge have already sacrificed a lot to retreat. It may still be far from over but they’re getting there.

BRIDGE feels like she’s been sleeping the whole time but she still feels tired that even opening her eyes is hard for her. Her eyes remained close but she can hear familiar voices. But none of them sounded like the voice she wanted to hear so much.

“How can he be so negligent? He should have been more careful!”

“Hey, stop being so worked up about it, will you? It’s not like it was intentional. He feels sorry and guilty too. If you only saw Shan awhile ago, you’ll feel worried about him than getting mad. He looks so exhausted.”

“He’s the one doing that to himself so why would I be?”

“Can’t you be a little more compassionate to him? He’s still our friend, Lucas.”

“Who’s causing a lot of pain to our friend too. You know what, until now I still don’t get why he’s doing all of these. Yes, I know that he wants to take revenge so he can get back his mom’s wealth. But it’s not like they can’t support a family without that. Is that really worth it to sacrifice his happiness and hurt the person he’s claiming he loves the most? ”

Is it really worth it? That’s the question Bridge has been wanting to ask Shan too.

“Bridge?” it was Lucas she heard call her name. “Why is she crying? Is she in pain?”

“Love, can you call the doctor, please?” Ara said frantically. “Bridge, are you in pain?”

Yes, he is. Her heart is in so much pain that she wish she can just remain asleep till everything’s over.

SHAN was surprised to see his father in the conference room.

“Go on with your meeting and don’t mind me.”

Though his father said that, his presence itself already made everyone tense. What is this old man up to?

“Let's begin,” he said as he sits down on the chair and places his phone on top of the table so he can easily notice if someone calls him. Especially Ara.

His plan was to make the meeting brief and cancel the remaining meetings he has for that day. But it seems like his father wants to make sure that he’ll be attending all his commitments.