Chapter 3

CARTER JAMES

Carter James, CEO and billionaire of the largest conglomerate in the country fixed his gaze on the beautiful woman standing before him. Her face flushed as she looked like she had seen a ghost.

He had been on the phone when she bumped into him. 

"Uhm... excuse me?" "Why does she look familiar? he wondered, "Oh! The crazy lady! 

Her eyes widened, "Don't call me that, I'm not crazy...I remember you're the stranger who refused to help me when I needed it."

"Oh , that. You wouldn't blame me. I thought you were not mentally ok since you were practically locked in an asylum."

She rolled her eyes, "Anyways I don't blame you for it. Anyone who saw me then would think I was crazy, but I wasn't."

"Tell me more... Was there something going on?"

She waved her hands in dismissal, "Never mind." 

Carter shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. As much as he would love to be entertained by her, he had other pressing matters to attend to, so he excused himself. 

Natalie stared at his retreating figure. Embarrassment washed over her as she recalled the humiliating experience she had at the Mental Asylum.

Shaking the thoughts away, she walked quickly towards the conference room and gently opened the door, surprised to see the others already seated. Her eyes glanced through the occupants and froze directly at the same guy she'd met earlier. 

Carter composed his shocked self he never expected the doctor whom he had been expecting to be the same lady

"Are you Doctor Natalie?"

"Uhm...yes?"

"Welcome, Doctor Natalie. You kept everyone waiting."

"How did he know my name?" She wondered, "And what is he doing here acting like the boss."

"I...I.. actually didn't know everyone was waiting for me " she stammered looking around, "What's going on?" 

She took a seat beside Lisa who whispered to her, "That's the director!"

Her eyes widened, "What!? You mean..." She made to speak but his voice interrupted her.

"My mother, as we all know, is on her dying bed and in need of brain surgery. And apparently, the only qualified person in this room is...you" he said pointing at Natalie. 

Murmurs filled the room. The doctors couldn't help but wonder why such a task be given to a junior doctor. They looked at him in shock. 

"Excuse me, everyone. I need absolute quiet. Whoever I appoint to perform the surgery is none of your business. I'm talking about my mother here and I'm willing to go to any length to make sure she lives. Besides, she's been here for weeks and none of you professionals could do anything about it."

He walked closer to her, bent a little, and said, 

"I have read your reports and you're pretty good, even for a crazy lady. So what do you say? Are you ready to do this?"

Natalie was too surprised to form a coherent sentence as she simply nodded.

"Good," He said, "Let's get to work. You're all dismissed."

****

Natalie stood at the front of the sink outside the emergency ward, washing the blood off her hands. She had been in the surgery room for three hours and was finally relieved that it was all over. She sighed.

Now, all they have to do is wait for Mrs. Grace to wake up. 

She looked up at her reflection in the mirror, noticing the bags under her eyes, and was surprised when she saw Carter staring at her.

"When did he get here?" She wondered 

"I've never seen any lady look this beautiful with bags under her eyes." She blushed as he walked closer, stopping a few inches away from her. 

"Do you mind?" He asked. 

 "Do I mind what?"

He tilted his head, "Do you mind... going on a date with me?" 

"What! Why would I do that?"

"I just want to take you out of this boring hospital. You need to get the feel of what's going on out there."

She blushed, again, "You know you're asking the mother of a four-year-old on a date, right?"

"Yeah, but... I think you can use a night off. And I want to show you a good time."

She paused, then laughed. "Wow... I don't mind."

 "What's her name.. your daughter?"

"Oh! Her name is Betty."

"Aww, that's such a nice name. And I guess she looks like you."

"I don't know about that," she chuckled. 

"So is that a yes or a no? 

"Yes," she laughed, "I could use a little time off."

Carter's phone vibrated and he answered it. "She's awake!?"

They both ran into the room and were relieved to see Carter's mum sitting on the bed, wearing a bright smile on her face.

"How do you feel ma'am?" Natalie asked as she checked her vitals. Everything seemed to be okay.

"I'm doing fine my dear," she smiled holding her hands. "Thank you for your help."

She shook her head, giving a sweet smile in return, "I was just doing my job."

Carter immediately rushed over giving his mum a hug and Natalie couldn't help but smile at the gesture. 

******

Natalie and Carter sat facing each other across a table in the elegant dining room of a five-star restaurant. The smell of delicious food filled the air as they ate. 

Carter wiped his mouth, leaning forward, "So, tell me...I've been meaning to ask. What about Betty's Father, who is he?"

Natalie froze as her fork clattered on her plate. Her expression changed and she quickly grabbed a napkin, wiping her mouth. 

"If you don't mind, can you excuse me? I need some air." 

"Hey, I don't mean to upset..." He tried to say but she cut him off.

"I'm not upset. I just need fresh air." She stood up and walked away. 

Carter sighed and called the waiter, paying for the meal. He stood up to go after Natalie but he stopped midway and walked towards the bar. 

He ordered two glasses of wine and took them outside, 

"Do you mind?" holding out a glass towards her, "Come on, let's not spoil our night together."

She took the glass from him, muttered a thank you, and took a sip.

Carter looked up at the sky and said, "The stars are really beautiful tonight." She didn't reply and after a long pause, he sighed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your emotions."

"It's fine," She shrugged, "One way or the other, I'll have to tell you."

Natalie brought her arms forward and they clinked glasses as they stared at each other, smiling.

They drew in a collectiv

e breath and watched the stars together.

"What if we finish this at my place?" Carter suggested, staring into her eyes.