When I returned to the fifth floor, I immediately pulled out the cash from my wallet, ready to hand out bonuses to everyone present.Yes.I wanted everyone to share in my happiness.And they certainly did.The doctor’s hand trembled slightly as he took the money. “Mr. Davies, the patient’s condition is a bit complex, and our medical facilities here are limited…”I waved my hand dismissively, feeling utterly generous. “She thinks she’s twenty? Then she’s twenty. Doesn’t matter.”
“I think you guys are great! Treat her. If she dies or gets worse, I won’t make a fuss!”A heavy silence fell, everyone speechless.They had nothing to say.In the room were doctors, nurses, and huddled in a corner, Chloe’s secretary and lawyer.They were so desperate not to be seen by me, they squeezed themselves into a corner, trying to disappear.I smirked.“I can’t speak for Chloe’s treatment.”Finally, I admitted to the doctor, “Although we haven’t completed the legal procedures, we’ve already signed the divorce agreement.
I can no longer act on her behalf.”“These are her assistant and lawyer.”I pointed to the corner.The people I pointed at visibly flinched. They were too ashamed to face me, shrinking further away.“You should consult with them,” I said.The secretary and lawyer were just meekly nodding.Seeing that, I found it hilarious.“You guys helped with the divorce, but you’re just employees.”I pulled out a cigarette, placed it between my lips, but didn’t light it.I gave them a smile. “No need to be afraid of me. I’m not a bad guy.”The secretary stood there awkwardly, utterly mortified.And the lawyer, who seemed young and a bit stiff, actually blushed at my smile. Her pretty, scholarly face, even with her wire-rimmed glasses, couldn’t maintain its professional composure.“Mr. Davies,” the lawyer’s face was flushed. She told me, “You didn’t have to come…”
“Hmm.”I was in a good mood, and quite nonchalant. “I’m actually about to leave now.”At those words, the curtain around the bed was suddenly pulled open.Chloe had just endured another headache and was now lucid.The secretary rushed to her side.But Chloe, with her twenty-year-old memory, looked around, completely ignoring her own trusted confidantes.She stared at me, her expression bewildered, hazy. “Declan… how did you become like this?”“You look… a little older.”I touched my face.Right.
It had been ten years, after all. Who wouldn’t age?I didn’t bother arguing with this potentially insane woman, nor did I feel like responding. I simply turned and walked away.But then, a loud thud sounded behind me.It was Chloe, dragging her broken, cast-clad leg off the bed. She’d lost her balance and fallen.She lay on the floor, frantically scrambling towards me, like a madwoman. “Declan, don’t go!”The secretary rushed to help her up, but Chloe pushed her away.This CEO, with the memory of a twenty-year-old, no longer recognized her own key personnel.
Her face was a mix of confusion, disbelief, and urgent desperation.“I don’t even know you!”“Leave me alone!!”“Declan, wait for me, take me with you!”She lay on the ground, shouting towards the door, feeling utterly abandoned, desperately calling out for her only lifeline. “Don’t leave me behind!”
