Chapter 11

Luna wasn't the type to indulge in alcohol. But if she was familiar with the wine's scent, could it mean the person who stole the recipe had been around her before? If it was my mom who stole the recipe ten years ago, did that mean there was still a chance I could find her? The thought made my heart race with possibility. "You've had this wine before? Where and when did you drink it?" I asked. But Luna just shook her head. "I don't remember. Maybe it was at some gathering?" She had been to countless gatherings, and it was impossible to narrow it down. The hope I'd been holding onto just fell flat. "Why are you so worked up? And where did you get that old bottle you brought today?" she asked curiously. "It's nothing. I heard Mr. Hutton likes to drink, so I had some ready. I can get you some if you want." Though I felt defeated, I brushed the matter aside. Was I never going to get a chance to see my mom before I died? I just wanted to ask her why she left me back then. Luna didn't notice my mood and kept rambling about her own affairs. "No, thanks. I'm not into this kind of wine. By the way, next week is my mom's birthday. I just wanted to give you a heads-up that Samuel will accompany me…" She wasn't even done talking, but I couldn't hear another word. I just snapped and yelled, "Luna! I don't care what you do outside, but what did you mean by that? Are you going to parade him in front of your family now?" She looked startled by my outburst. "What are you yapping about? What's wrong with bringing him along for dinner? After all, Samuel is my subordinate. We're just coworkers, and there's nothing inappropriate between us." "'Subordinate'? Don't pretend you're clueless about your relationship with him." The more I pondered, the angrier I became. Suddenly, a wave of cramping pain twisted in my abdomen. Perhaps the two drinks I had earlier with Mr. Hutton were burning in my gut. The pain came in waves, and I found it hard to maintain my balance. So, I had no choice but to hold onto the desk or support. "You should think this through. If you show up with Samuel for Olivia's birthday, it'll be the final nail in the coffin for our marriage." Everyone had their limits, and I couldn't back down anymore. "Edward, stop threatening me with divorce. Do you really think I didn't dare to divorce you?" Luna sounded defiant, but the look in her eyes wavered as if she were hesitant. Or maybe it was just my dizziness playing tricks on me. "Whatever." I stumbled out of the office after saying that. I refused to let myself fall in front of her again. No matter what, I had to hold onto a shred of dignity. So, I pushed aside the thoughts of Luna and Samuel for the time being. After all, the project had been my main focus for the past two days. I spent three days hustling back and forth between the office and the project site while collaborating closely with Mr. Hutton's team. Finally, we got the project up and running. Mr. Hutton authorized his finance department to transfer the funds on the fourth morning. Once the money was deposited into the company's account, I also received my commission. I stared at the bank notification on my phone and counted the seven digits repeatedly. A wave of excitement surged inside me. With this money, I could finally buy the specialized drugs at the hospital. Perhaps it might prolong my life. Strangely, this string of numbers was the only thing that comforted me. At that moment, nothing else mattered. I just wanted to rush to the hospital and buy the pills. But before I walked out of the office, my phone rang. "Hello, is this Mr. Edward Richardson?" "Yes." "I'm calling from Southbay City Hospital to inform you that there's an outstanding payment for your father, Noah Richardson, from last night's treatment. "Unfortunately, his condition has deteriorated this morning. Since he requires an emergency operation, we need you to come to the hospital promptly to make the payment." I listened blankly to the cold, mechanical voice on the other end. I was so stunned that I forgot to respond. The caller repeatedly called my name a few times and mumbled something before hanging up. I snapped out of it and rushed to the hospital. I didn't even stop to think why Luna had suddenly stopped paying for the medical bills. After paying the fees at the front desk, I noticed that the money I had been so thrilled about was almost all gone. I was so close to getting the pills, but it felt as if some invisible hand of fate had pushed them out of reach. I leaned against the wall outside the operating room. My heart felt heavy as I waited for my dad and hoped his operation would go well.