Chapter 6: Please, Wake Up!

Randy, who had been working alongside others for the same duration, was the only one still stuck at a low level, while his peers had all climbed higher. Embarrassment flickered across his face at Alicia’s remark. He had assumed that Alicia, a weak and powerless woman, wouldn’t dare talk back, even if he insulted her. Today was the day Alicia would visit her mother. She drove her small car to the Imperial Hospital’s psychiatric department, a place more prestigious than most hospitals. Only connections had allowed her mother, Esme, to receive treatment there, thanks to Charles. Despite the years of treatment, Esme’s condition hadn’t improved. She lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, seemingly soulless. Alicia rested her head on her mother’s hand, softly pleading, “Mom, please wake up. I’m pregnant with a baby. Won’t you wake up and see them with me when they’re born? The baby won’t have a father, but I’ll make sure to give them twice the love.” Just as Alicia whispered to her mother, a joyful voice interrupted her from the doorway. “Alicia! My God, I can’t believe I’m seeing you here!” A tall, blond man rushed toward her. Alicia’s teary eyes took in his white coat. When she finally focused on his face, she was shocked. It was her college senior, Thompson. After they exchanged greetings, Alicia learned that Thompson had returned from abroad and that his uncle was the director of this hospital. During their conversation, Thompson kept glancing at the ring on her finger. “Is this...?” Thompson gestured to her ring. Alicia let out a bitter laugh. “That’s my mother. A few years ago, she suffered a breakdown after a major shock.” Thompson’s expression softened with sympathy. “May God bless her. I hope she recovers soon. You must have had a hard time all these years.” Alicia gave a small smile. “I’m used to it.” She stood up and said, “I need to prepare my mom’s lunch.” As soon as she stood, dizziness overtook her. The world around her seemed to swirl, and she would have collapsed if Thompson hadn’t rushed forward to catch her. Concerned, Thompson looked into her eyes. “You don’t seem well. Let me get a doctor for you.” Alicia, still smiling, gently pulled away from his arms. “It’s nothing serious. It’s an old issue. A little sugar will help.” Thompson, shaking his head, reached into his pocket and handed her a piece of candy. “This has been going on for years? You should eat regularly; low blood sugar is nothing to take lightly.” Alicia weakly smiled, glancing at the candy in her hand. “You haven’t changed, senior. You still carry candy.” It felt like they were back in college again, sharing a moment of nostalgia. Thompson grinned and offered, “It’s lunchtime anyway. How about I treat you to a meal?” Alicia hesitated, glancing at her mother in bed. “Don’t worry,” Thompson assured her. “There’s a nurse to take care of her.” Unbeknownst to Alicia, Charles had also come to the hospital for a check-up that day. The dizziness and nausea from the other day had scared him. But the doctor assured him that he was in perfect health—stronger than most men his age. However, when Charles mentioned the strange sensation of sharing symptoms with Alicia, the doctor couldn’t explain it and recommended they come back together for further tests. Charles agreed but, as he left the hospital, he saw Alicia walking with another man. She was smiling and laughing in a way he had never seen before. He watched as the two walked down the street and out of sight, feeling an unfamiliar irritation rising within him. Sitting in the car, Randy noticed Charles’ dark expression and asked, “Duke, would you like to join the Duchess?” Charles, feeling a sudden, inexplicable unease, watched Alicia and Thompson enter a small, dirty restaurant. The mere thought of such an unsanitary place disgusted him—he would never step foot in a place like that. How could she be so happy with such filth? Meanwhile, Alicia was thoroughly enjoying her pasta. It had been ages since she’d had something so simple yet delicious. Even the finest dishes at Charles’ house couldn’t compare to the satisfaction she felt eating at this humble restaurant. The meal lifted her spirits, and Alicia joked that she would come back here every day. Thompson chuckled at her enthusiasm. “If you like it so much, I could treat you to this pasta every day.” Alicia smiled at him gratefully. Before leaving, she even ordered some pasta to take home. Back at home, Alicia collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted but content. Just as she was about to relax and check her phone, her best friend, Daphne, called. The moment Alicia answered, she was met with Daphne’s excited voice, contrasting sharply with her own tired mood. “My God! I have the most amazing news—this is a blessing straight from the heavens!” “What is it?” Alicia asked, trying to muster some energy. Daphne cleared her throat dramatically. “The hottest new game, *Valorate*, wants you to be their lead artist!” Alicia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. She hadn’t worked since she got married, and now, suddenly, she had an opportunity to get back into her field. Daphne had recommended her for the role. Hearing Daphne’s excitement, Alicia couldn’t help but feel her own mood brighten. “That’s fantastic news!”