The Apple of My Eye

The nurse was new to the job and was utterly oblivious to who Charles was. She spoke in a professional tone-like he was just another visitor. Charles was grateful to the nurse for her interruption. If it weren't for her, he'd be stuck in this ward for God knows how long.

"I'll be off now. Please, don't get annoyed." Charles made a quick exit from Vicky's ward with a blank face.

The nurse decided to check on Vicky and walked towards the door, but Vicky was losing her mind. She was agitated and acting crazy.

Everything happened so quickly that the nurse didn't have the time to comprehend what was happening. Vicky was already out of bed before she could do anything.

The nurse reached out to Vicky in an instant and settled her back into the bed. She immediately called the doctor-who arrived in no time. He injected a sedative into Vicky's vein that immediately calmed her down.

"Doctor, what's wrong with this patient?" The nurse looked quizzical. "Why is she behaving this way?" the nurse asked as she wiped her forehead that was beaded with sweat. She was sweating profusely like she'd finished a 100-mile sprint.

"It doesn't matter. You don't have to know the details. Just remember to keep an eye on this patient. She might get violent again." The doctor was helpless. He didn't know what would make Vicky better or what would stop her from doing all this.

He knew that Vicky was back to normal physically, but emotionally-well, there wasn't much he could do to stop her mental trauma.

"Okay, I get it."

The nursed peered at the sleeping Vicky, baffled at what she had just witnessed. "Is she cuckoo?"

The moment the doctor and the nurse both went out of the ward, Charles approached them.

"Thank you so much doctor!" he said gratefully. Charles was aware of the trouble the doctors and caretakers had to endure to take care of Vicky. He was grateful for all their efforts to repair her health. "You're welcome." The doctor smiled. "It's our job after all, Mr. Lu. See you." The doctor knew how much Charles was hurting inside.

"See you," replied Charles.

Charles breathed in the fresh air outside the hospital as he hopped into the car. David was driving the car at a slow speed so that Charles could inspect the surroundings.

"Have they found out anything about Vicky?" Charles desperately needed to know. He couldn't take it anymore-he was on the verge of collapsing. He was overwrought. If this were to continue what should he do-kill the woman or let her go?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lu. They haven't found out anything yet." Charles' tense face stopped David from uttering any further words. He was already furious, and David didn't want to say anything that would provoke Charles.

Charles was curious and wanted an answer, but David didn't have the answers to the questions that were buzzing in his mind. He didn't want to annoy Charles.

"Never mind. Since we're already here let's take it slow." Charles muttered as he pinched his forehead. He felt like his brain was going to explode into a thousand pieces. David glimpsed at Charles and let out a silent sigh of relief.

Melissa was thrilled to be back at Dream Garden, but Charles wasn't home. So, she decided to share her joy and happiness with Nancy.

Nancy was puzzled by Melissa's behavior. Melissa, who hardly smiled when she was at home, was brimming with joy. She even said "hi" to her. Nancy was curious to know what could have possibly happened that made Melissa so happy.

"What happened, Ma'am? You seem to be very happy." Nancy's curiosity hit another level when Melissa couldn't stop smiling.

"I'd gone to meet Sheryl and the two kids today. They're getting attached to me now. I couldn't be happier," she said, grinning like an adorable granny captivated by the love for her grandchildren. Nancy couldn't help smiling. "After all, blood is thicker than water. The two kids are your blood. They can't help but love their grandmother!"

"Yes." Melissa nodded. "How I wish things were different. If Sheryl hadn't divorced Charles, they'd be living with me."

The thought of the kids brought a wave of happiness to Melissa's heart. But, reality hit her harder-the strained relationship between Sheryl and Charles sucked all the happiness out of her. "Ma'am, stop blaming yourself. It's not your fault. Tragedies happen in life. Look at the brighter side. Whatever happens, Mr. Lu is the kids' father. No one can change that fact," comforted Nancy. "You're right!" Melissa clapped her hands. All the worry was wiped off her face in an instant, and her eyes were gleaming with excitement.

Nancy was surprised by Melissa's response yet again.

"That makes sense. Charles is the father of the kids. The kids will bring Charles and Sheryl together. They are bonded by their kids, and they'll be united once again!" Melissa ranted excitedly. "Exactly, Ma'am." Nancy nodded.

The thought of it made Melissa optimistic about the future again. How she hoped she could see Charles and tell him what had happened today.

Melissa felt she needed to do something else as well. She wanted to tell Charles that Sheryl was a smart and intelligent woman who would be taken by someone else if he didn't go after her soon. She felt she needed to change Charles's mind somehow. So she decided to wait for Charles in the living room.

Nancy was done with her work and walked into the living room. She found that Melissa was still sitting on the couch, lost in thought. "Ma'am it's past your bedtime. Aren't you going to sleep?" she asked.

"No, you go to bed. I'll wait for Charles here," Melissa muttered, looking at the door expectantly.

Nancy walked out without saying a word.

Charles walked in looking completely exhausted and frustrated

Melissa knew that something was wrong. The usually chirpy Charles looked knackered.

"Charles what's wrong? Did you have a long day?" She studied his face. "Why did it take so long for you to come home?" Concern was written all over her face.

Melissa usually slept early, and Charles didn't expect her to be waiting for him. Although his body felt like jelly, and he could barely keep his eyes open, he managed to smile at her. "Sort of Mom. It's late, and you should go to get some sleep," he said softly.

"All right!" Melissa nodded. Charles walked upstairs right into his study. She knew that he wasn't going to sleep any time soon.

Melissa let out a huge sigh and walked into the kitchen and decided to make her son a cup of tea.

"Charles, sip on some tea, and you'll feel better."

Melissa put the teacup down. She wanted to say something about Sheryl, but Charles was immersed in the document that he was reading, and she decided against it.

She thought that Charles would be heartbroken if he got to know that someone was after Sheryl.

Moreover, he might even think that Sheryl had forgotten him and moved on.

So, she decided that it was better if she didn't talk about it for the time being.

Charles sipped the hot tea, and it immediately soothed his nerves. He saw that his mom was lost in thoughts, murmuring something inaudible. He wasn't sure what was bothering her.

He wanted to ask what she thinking if she wanted to say anything. His thoughts were whirling in his mind, and he was thinking whether he should let it go or ask her.

"Mom, is everything alright? It's very late, why are you still awake? Is there anything you want to tell me?" Charles finally broke the silence.