Hidden Passion
Chapter 36

Nathaniel's mother screamed and sat on the floor, weeping on top of her lungs. "I am doomed. I have no other reason to keep living. Nathaniel is my whole world," she cried.

Lillian shook her head. "Doctor, he isn't dead. Please, go back in there and do something. Please. I can feel it. He is alive."

Nester frowned as she wiped her tears. "What nonsense are you talking about? Are you deaf?" She covered her face out of frustration and cried.

"No, no, he's still alive. I don't believe what you're saying. He can't just leave like that. I still have a lot of things to say to him. So, he can't be dead. He is alive, doctor," Lillian persisted in tears.

"I am really sorry for your loss—" the doctor was saying before a nurse rushed out of the theater.

"He started breathing, doctor. Hurry up! He's breathing," the nurse shouted and without further ado, the doctor ran back inside the theater as Nathaniel's mother jubilated and rose on her feet and began thanking God for saving her son's life. Lillian smiled happily as she lunged backwards to take a seat on the chair. What she was feeling was more than happiness. She was so elated that if she was asked to give her life as a means of thanksgiving, she would gladly accept it. She started crying and laughing at the same time. "He's alive. He's not dead. And he is going to recognize me once he wakes up. He will definitely recognize me."

Nath's mother approached her and hugged her. "Thank you so much, my dear. Thank you for believing that he is alive. God heard your prayers," she said and cried. She made Lillian look at her and wiped her tears with her thumbs. "Stop crying. He will make it through. For you."

Lillian shook her head. "For us," she corrected and sniffed before hugging the woman.

Nester took Linda by the hand and led her outside the hall they were in. She wiped her tears as she got to the corridor on the floor they were on and faced Linda who was staring at her in a not-so-friendly way. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Linda folded her hands and looked intently at the woman before her. She had red eyes, not just because of the tears she shed, but also from the anger she was feeling towards Nester. How could she be so mean, even with words? She knew how it felt to lose a loved one after she lost her parents. She knew how sad one could be if the fear of losing someone you desperately loved and wanted to be with.

So, how could Nester be so cruel? How could she be so heartless if ruining the only thing that could be the source of her boss' happiness. She had had a soft spot for Nathaniel from the very beginning but had chosen to ignore it and just do what she had to do for money. But after seeing the real Lillian tonight and how much she loved the man who could not even recognize her? She just couldn't do it any longer.

But if she refused to do it and tell Nester that, she knew more than anyone that she was willing to go the extra mile just to achieve her selfish aim.

"I thought I asked you why you are glaring at me," Nester reminded her.

"I am just sad, that's all," Linda said and looked away.

"You're sad? Why will you be sad? You're not even related to him." Nester made a face.

Linda looked at her. "Neither are you, but why are you sad? Do I have to be related to him to cry after hearing that he was dead?"

"Linda, I am warning you. You should never get emotionally attached to him. And if he died, that would be the end of your contract and probably the end of me, too. I don't want that. His death would only ruin my plans." Linda smirked in annoyance. "In short, you're saying you are not worried about him dying, you're only worried about your selfish plans?" How could someone be so heartless? She knew she wasn't a good person, but she sure wasn't as bad as Nester.

Nester looked around to see if anyone was watching and was glad that there was no one around to hear them. She walked closer to Linda and adjusted her shirt. "Linda, what I think is none of your business. Your job is to do your job well without poke nosing if you don't want this to be the last you'll ever do before I make you visit your parents. Focus on Nathaniel and make sure you get close to his mother, but not too close. I don't want to raise any suspicion. I will look for ways to get Lillian out of our way."

Linda sighed. She had no choice but to succumb. "Okay. No problem, but how do you plan on getting her out of the way? You are not going to kill her as you threatened, are you?"

Nester laughed for the briefest moment. "You really think I am the type that merely threatens, don't you? And besides, she suggested the option herself. If she isn't ready to die, why would you say such a thing?" Nester explained. "Nester-"

"Have you forgotten that she dared me? She wanted to see what I am capable of doing and that is exactly what I will show her."

"You know she is harmless, Nester. She was just trying to protect-"

Nester started walking away. "Shut the fuck up and follow me. The doctor is out," she said after seeing the doctor talking to Lillian and Nath's mother from the corridor.

Linda sighed and followed her. Nester was the definition of a devil.

"I must say that he is a really good fighter. He fought for his life and I am very happy to announce to you that the surgery was successful and he...made it," the doctor announced with a grin. "You may all go back now as we're going to transfer him to a ward where the treatment will continue."

"Can we see him after that?" His mother asked.

The doctor shook his head. "He's still unconscious, but that would only last for a few days. I'll keep you updated," with that, he left.

"He made it, Lillian. He made it!" His mother screamed in happiness and hugged Lillian, Nester and Linda.

Minutes later, Nester and Lillian walked together to the ward Nathaniel was being transferred to.

"Now that he is alive, watch me ruin you totally," Nester said.

Lillian gave a broad smile and halted her steps making Nester stop in her tracks as well. She faced her and said,

"I'll be waiting for your bullet in my skull, darling."