Aria felt a deep sense of satisfaction coursing through her as she watched Anna’s retreating figure disappear down the hospital corridor. The woman’s complete humiliation had been even more satisfying than she had anticipated.
“Well,” she said, turning to Pervis with a genuine smile, “that was quite cathartic.”
“Was it?” Pervis asked, though there was a lightness in his voice that hadn’t been there in years
“Absolutely,” Aria confirmed. “I could practically feel all that suppressed anger finally being released. How does it feel to have someone actually stand up for you for once?”
Pervis considered the question carefully. “Strange,” he admitted “For so long. I accepted that I would always be the one apologizing, always the one backing down. I’d forgotten what it felt like to have someone in my corner.”
“Well, you have someone now,” Aria said warmly. “Multiple someones, actually.”
“The other two you mentioned?”
“Maya and Sophie,” Aria nodded. “Which reminds me–I have some business matters to attend to this afternoon, but I’ve already made reservations at Le Bernardin for tonight”
“Le Bernardin?” Pervis raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that the most exclusive restaurant in the city?”
“It is indeed,” Aria confirmed with a smile. “Only the best for such an important occasion. Tonight, you’ll finally meet your other two friends. They’re absolutely dying to meet you properly.”
Pervis felt a warmth spreading through his chest at the prospect of having people who actually cared about his wellbeing. Td like that very much.”
“Excellent,” Aria said, reaching into her designer purse. “But before I go, there’s something I need to give
you.”
She pulled out a sleek black card, its surface so perfectly matte that it seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. The only marking was a small, elegant embossed logo in one comer
“What is this?” Pervis asked, taking the card
Think of it as a family identification card,” Ana explained. “It’s connected to one of our private accounts There’s currently about one billion dollars available on it.”
Pervis nearly dropped the card. “One billion dollars?”
“Give or take a few million,” Aria said casually, as if discussing pocket change. It should be more than sufficient for any immediate needs you might have.”
“Aria, I can’t possibly accept this,” Pervis protested. “It’s too much”
+25 BOWS
“Nonsense,” Atin replied firmly. “You’re family now. This is just a small gesture to help you adjust to your new circumstances.”
She gathered her things and headed toward the conference room door. “I’ll see you at eight o’clock tonight. The reservation is under Coleman.”
“Wait,” Pervin called after her. “What should I wear?”
Aria paused and looked back with an amused smile. “Whatever makes you feel confident. Though you might want to visit a tailor this afternoon. That black card will get you into any establishment in the city.”
After Arin left, Pervis remained seated in the empty conference room, staring at the black card in his hands. The entire day felt surreal, like something that had happened to someone else.
Just yesterday morning, he had been Anna’s neglected husband, existing at the periphery of his own life. Now he was holding a billion–dollar credit card and preparing to have dinner with people who claimed to care about him.
The transition was almost too dramatic to process.
Eventually, he made his way through the hospital’s familiar corridors to the intensive care unit where his grandmother was being treated. The nursing staff, who had once treated him with barely concealed contempt, now greeted him with respectful nods and professional smiles.
Word of the afternoon’s events had clearly spread throughout the hospital.
His grandmother’s room was quiet except for the steady beeping of medical monitors. She lay still in the hospital bed, her face pale against the white pillows, looking far more fragile than he remembered.
“How is she doing?” Pervis asked the attending physician, who had appeared at his elbow.
“Her condition is stable, but I won’t lie to you, Mr. Tyler,” the doctor replied honestly. “Her body has been through significant stress, and at her age, recovery is always challenging.”
“What are her chances?”
The doctor hesitated. “With conventional treatment? Perhaps sixty percent. Her heart is strong, but the combination of her age and the trauma she experienced…”
“Is there anything else that can be done?” Pervis asked. “Any specialist who might be able to help?”
“Well,” the doctor said slowly, “there is one physician who specializes in cases like this. Dr. Elena Martinez at Johns Hopkins. She’s considered the most renowned specialist in geriatric emergency medicine in the country.”
“Can you
“Can you contact her?”
“Mr.
“Mr. Tyler, Dr. Martinez is extremely exclusive. Her consultation fees alone are in the six–figure range,
and that’s assuming she’s even available.”
2/3
+25 BONUS
Parvis pulled out the black card Aria had given him “Money is no longer an issue. Contact Dr. Martinez immediately and tell her that cost is not a factor. I want the best possible care for my grandmother.”
The doctor eyes widened as he recognized the card’s significance. Of course, Mr. Tyler. I’ll reach out to her office immediately”
“Thank you.” Pervis said, turning back to his grandmother’s bedside. “And doctor?”
“Ves?”
I want round–the–clock monitoring, private nursing staff, whatever she needs. Spare no expense.
“Understood completely”
As the doctor humed away to make his calls, Pervis took his grandmother’s hand in his. Her skin felt paper–thin and cool, but her pulse was steady beneath his fingers.
I’m sorry it took me so long to be able to protect you properly,” he whispered. “But things are different now You’re going to get the best care possible, and you’re going to recover. I promise you that.”
He stayed with her for another hour, talking quietly about his day and the changes that were coming Even unconscious, she seemed to respond to his voice, her breathing becoming slightly more regular. When he finally left the hospital, he felt like a heavy weight from his chest was uplifted.
For the first time in years, Pervis found himself looking forward to what tomorrow might bring. Tonight, he would meet the other members of his new family.
Tomorrow, he would begin building a life that was actually his own.
3/3
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
