Chapter 8

• As I stood there, my eyes locked with Burgess's cold and proud gaze, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was merely entertainment for him, a spectacle to be observed and enjoyed at his leisure. His smirk only added to my unease, as if he relished the drama unfolding before him.
• Suddenly, someone approached Burgess with enthusiasm, addressing him as Mr. Harrison. My stomach churned at the sight of their camaraderie, knowing all too well the underlying motives behind Burgess's actions.
• "I thought you wouldn't come tonight, Mr. Harrison," the person exclaimed.
• Burgess's response was calm and collected, his demeanor seemingly unaffected by the situation. "Even I need to unwind at times," he replied dismissively.
• The sycophantic individual continued, attempting to justify their presence in the private room. "Yes, yes, you are right, Mr. Harrison. We just have a drink and enjoy ourselves here, not for anything else, right?"
• I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as Burgess deliberately glanced in my direction, as if to emphasize his point and defend Alfred's actions. It was clear that he was siding with Alfred, further cementing my disdain for him.
• "Birds of a feather flock together," I thought bitterly, unable to comprehend why Burgess would feign aloofness and arrogance in such a situation.
• The stares from the other occupants of the private room only served to intensify my discomfort. I could feel their judgmental gazes boring into me, their silent condemnation palpable in the air. To them, my presence here was undoubtedly absurd, a disruption to their evening of indulgence and debauchery.
• But amidst the sea of disdainful stares, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more sinister lurking beneath the surface. Did they know something I didn't? Was there a hidden agenda at play, one that I was unwittingly entangled in?
• As I stormed out of the private room, a rush of conflicting emotions surged within me. On one hand, I felt a sense of vindication knowing that my suspicions about Alfred were confirmed. Coming here was the right decision after all; I could see him for who he truly was. But on the other hand, I couldn't shake the feeling of humiliation, like a pawn in someone else's game.
• A bitter smile briefly crossed my lips as I realized I wasn't some spectacle to be gawked at, nor was I here to be played with like a toy. I refused to be treated as such.
• Without sparing another glance at Alfred or acknowledging Burgess's presence, I made my way towards the exit, my steps purposeful and determined.
• Unexpectedly, it was Burgess who followed after me, his grip on my arm sending a jolt of pain through me. Irritation flared within me as I demanded, "What do you think you're doing?"
• His intense gaze bore into mine as he spoke, his words laced with thinly veiled contempt. "Do you regret it now? If you still want to be with Alfred, I can only say that you're hopelessly foolish!"
• His words ignited a firestorm of anger within me, and I couldn't hold back my response. "Yes, I am foolish. I didn't listen to you and allowed Alfred to toy with my emotions. You've waited so long to see me become a laughingstock, right? Have you seen enough now?"
• Burgess's furrowed brow betrayed his silence, but I refused to let him see my vulnerability any longer. With a forceful shake, I freed myself from his grasp and fled outside the G&A Club, my steps heavy with the weight of suppressed tears.
• As the chilly night wind swept through the streets, I found myself wiping away the cold tears that had begun to sting my cheeks. With each step, I wandered aimlessly, my mind clouded with uncertainty.
• Should I return to my apartment? It would be a hollow and lonely place, void of the warmth and companionship I longed for.
• Or perhaps I should go back to Harrison's house? But it wasn't truly my home, and amidst the facade of marital bliss, I would only feel the weight of expectations pressing down on me.
• Roxanne's insistence on maintaining the illusion of a perfect marriage, her attempts to please Burgess and Old Mr. Harrison, felt suffocating. It was a far cry from the genuine love and care I craved.
• Lost in my thoughts, I found myself standing beneath a flickering street lamp, gazing blankly at the signboard across the street. It was then that I began to ponder Alfred's true intentions.
• Was he merely a skilled actor, adept at feigning affection to exploit my loneliness? Did he see through the cracks in my facade, recognizing my desperate yearning for love and companionship?
• I couldn't shake the feeling of being ensnared in his web of false affection, like a helpless fly drawn to the promise of warmth and comfort.
• Yet, despite the betrayal, I hadn't fully surrendered myself to his deceitful charms. I refused to become a mere pawn in his game of manipulation.
• But the wounds he inflicted ran deep, a painful reminder of the vulnerability that came with opening my heart to another.
• Lost in my reverie, I was jolted back to reality by the curious gaze of a young girl and her mother. "Mommy, her nose is bleeding,” said the sweet young girl. Their whispered conversation about my bleeding nose only served to deepen my sense of isolation.
• I touched my nose, feeling the warmth of blood staining my fingertips. At that moment, amidst the darkness of the night, I couldn't help but murmur to myself, "It's such a perfect day."
• ***
• The hospital corridors felt endless as I waited, each passing minute adding to the weight of anticipation that hung heavy on my shoulders. The lines seemed to stretch on forever, a tangible reminder of the countless others who, like me, sought answers within these sterile walls.
• Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my turn came. I approached the doctor with a mix of trepidation and hope, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited his verdict.
• As he read through the report, I watched his expression closely, searching for any sign of reassurance. But instead, his eyes met mine with a mixture of sympathy and regret, and I felt a sinking feeling settle in the pit of my stomach.
• "According to the report, you have acute myeloid leukemia," he said, his words hanging in the air like a heavy shroud.