Flashback (1)

~* In the Ambulance *~

The ambulance zooms through the night, siren blaring urgently, its red and blue lights flashing rhythmically.

Inside the ambulance, Dr. Nia attends to Mrs. Hart, while Peony gazes at her mother with deep concern. Her heart breaks as she blames herself for her mother's state.

Dr. Nia assesses Mrs. Hart's condition, diligently checking vital signs. She stabilises Mrs. Hart, ensuring a clear airway and administering necessary medications. Dr. Nia communicates with the hospital, sharing crucial details about Mrs. Hart's condition for a smoother transition upon arrival.

"Doctor, will she survive this?" Peony asks anxiously.

Dr. Nia, focused on Mrs. Hart's condition, offers reassurance, "We are doing our best."

"Please, save my mother. She is my only family. I will be forever grateful to you," Peony's eyes welled up with tears, her plea echoing in the ambulance.

Dr. Nia compassionately tells Peony, "Take care of yourself as well. Who will take care of your mother if you aren't well yourself?"

"I'm well enough, Doctor. Benedict has already been a tremendous help today. You came here because Benedict called you, didn't you?" Peony says.

From the driver's seat, Timmy adds, "And who do you think has the authority to reduce me to a chauffeur for this exclusive doctor?"

Dr. Nia sternly threatens Timmy, "It seems you need to assist me with more rounds today. How about I hire you for a month, with Benedict's approval?" Turning to Peony, she adds, "You're right, Benedict employed my services for your mother."

Peony inquires, "Timmy, is Benedict on his way? I'm worried because I didn't leave with him."

Timmy, addressing Dr. Nia, pleads, "No, please don't. It was a mistake to drive you today."

To Peony, he responds, "Only you can worry about him. No one can lay a hand on Benedict unless he wishes to. So don't worry about him."

Peony continues, "Still, shouldn't you check on him? After all, you're his closest friend."

"Nah, I trust him with this. Don't worry, he's not alone in dealing with everything at the hospital," Timmy reassures.

Peony's eyes fill with sorrow as she gazes at her mother's motionless form. Mrs. Hart lies with closed eyes, her body still, and her mouth rendered immobile by paralysis. At the same time, her thoughts are consumed by Benedict, who didn't join them in the ambulance. The fear of leaving him alone at the hospital grips Peony's heart.

Despite her trust in Benedict, there's a lingering uncertainty in her heart. She knows she can rely on him, but that assurance isn't complete until she hears directly from him.

They soon reach the hospital, and the staff guides Mrs. Hart towards the operation chamber. Dr. Nia follows, heading towards the operation theatre.

Peony, fraught with worry, takes a seat outside, clasping her hands in prayer for her mother's well-being.

Timmy stands outside beside Peony, offering comfort. "Dr. Nia is an incredible doctor. Have some faith," he reassures.

She nods, expressing gratitude. Softly, she says, "I can't thank you and Benedict enough for helping me today. I am so much indebted to you both."

"Don't carry that burden. Benedict organised everything quickly, and we're here to support you. He still feels guilty about what happened to you in the finals," Timmy emphasises.

"Please, let's not dwell on the past now. I've already mentioned he isn't to blame. That was many years ago," Peony says with a touch of sadness in her eyes.

Timmy reflects in his thoughts, "Maybe to you, that's just an event, but for Benedict, it's like yesterday."

His mind drifts to yesterday's events.

~~ Flashback — Yesterday Night ~~

~*TrizPlanet Restaurant & Bar *~

A Rolls Royce followed by other exclusive card glide gracefully into the V.VIP garage of the restaurant.

As the celebrities and the 'Broken' staff step into the ambiance of the group family dinner, Benedict, donned in a meticulously tailored black suit, emerges like a Hollywood star, radiating a presence that could outshine even the real artists.

The hospitality is unmatched; they roll out a red carpet to welcome the guests.A row of women and men staff graciously bow their heads to extend a warm welcome to their esteemed guest. The owner of the restaurant personally greets Benedict, and the staff are in awe of the absolute aristocracy of the establishment.

As they enter the private dining area, Actress Hera, the female lead of the drama "Broken", playfully says, "What a handsome man! I want him. He has those fierce paws that grabbed the director and a charming demeanour with the staff." Her tone carries a flirtatious vibe, and her eyes linger on Benedict with a teasing allure.

After the dinner concluded, some of the staff requested to continue the festivities at the bar.

Benedict, smiling, said, "Why not? Let's keep the dinner going. It's been a fantastic evening."

The enthusiastic staff cheers and heads towards the bar, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The clinking of glasses and laughter fills the air as the night unfolds in a spirited celebration.

Timmy whispers to Benedict, "Ben! What are you doing? You should avoid having alcohol today."

Benedict, grinning mischievously, hiding his pain within, replies, "Why not? I will drink to the brink until I drop."

Hera, who is close to Benedict, suggests, "Why don't we play truth or drink? It's a fun way to get to know each other better!" Her eyes sparkle with playful curiosity.

Benedict, intrigued, adds, "Sure, let's make it interesting. Who wants to start?"

The group enthusiastically agrees, forming a circle at the bar.

Benedict starts, "So, Miss Hera, what are the rules?"

Hera, smiling playfully, says, "The rules are very simple. One player starts by giving the bottle a spin. When the bottle stops spinning, the player at whom the mouth of the bottle is facing must answer a question at the direction of the person who spun the bottle. And if the person doesn't want to answer, he drinks."

Benedict says, "That's kind of boring. One can drink it all if they want to."

Hera continues, "Here is the twist! One cannot drink more than 3 times, meaning they have to answer if all their chances are up."

Hera's assistant intervenes, "I will cancel all your shoots if you drink more than 3 sips today!"

"What? Noooo," Hera whines.

The other staff giggle.

Benedict beckons Timmy, "This is nice, Timmy, join us. Only 3 shots maximum."

"Thank you so much, Miss Hera, for putting this restriction," Timmy says.

"Don't thank me. My assistant will leave me alone if I don't put the restriction, either way," Hera complains.

Timmy smirks at her assistant. The assistant looks away, fixing her round glasses. "What a nerd!" Timmy jests.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's begin!" Benedict starts.

The game continues.

Most of them exhaust their shots by the 15th spin, except Benedict.

Hera spins on the 16th round. The mouth points to Benedict. Hera enthusiastically asks, "What makes you smile? I have often seen my bosses; they rarely smile and have that one grim face. But whenever I hear of you, you smile and appreciate hard work."

The other staff declares, "Wasted chance!"

Benedict quiets down. His thoughts drift to memories of a bright girl in a ponytail, laughing at him and showing him how to smile.

He drinks his shot.

Others are stunned, "What!?"

Hera complains, "Noooooo! Not fair!!"

Benedict, his ear flushed, smirks, "Everything is fair in drinking and gaming."

Hera, in her head, fangirls, "So hot!"

Mr. Mike enthusiastically spins the bottle, and it again lands on Benedict.

"Well, come on, ask me?" Benedict smirks.

"So boss, I hope this might be rather personal."

"Say, Mr. Mike, don't fret," Benedict smirks.

"I want to ask what have you ever regretted doing that you still wish to rectify or think that was unnecessary?"

The crowd looks at him like hawks, gauging his expression. He smiles at every one of them intently and then perfectly lifts his final shot and gulps it down. "Sorry, guys, I have to go."

Benedict leaves the table and goes to the staircase to the rooftop of the restaurant.

In the night, the sky clouded as he bared his emotions. His solemn, still slightly drunk figure forms a sculpture on the rooftop.

Timmy follows Benedict, "Ben, are you alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Tim. Look at the sky so bright."

Timmy looks up; if anything, there isn't a speck of brightness in that sky.

Benedict looks down at the street. As soon as the car lands, reporters create a commotion at the entrance. He spots a familiar female figure in the dark, smiling at the reporters and shaking hands.

Benedict, slightly intoxicated, points his finger at Peony, dressed in a silk gown, and says, "Look at this dumb girl. She left me today, and she is smiling. But I'm sulking."

"Ben, I think we should leave. Soju is starting to affect your brain," Timmy advises.

"No, I won't," he walks down carefully, following them entering the family restaurant.

Timmy follows Benedict; he says, "Ben, come with me. You're not in the right mind."

"No, I won't do anything. I will simply fill my glass and sit in the corner."

"Oh Ben!" Timmy smacks his head. "Nothing can be done now. Once he decides, he won't back down."

"Just sit there quietly and wait for me," Timmy says. He reaches the bar and secretly orders a lemon juice.

Timmy brings it to him. "Ben, now drink this and sober up. I need to leave."

"I'm fine now, Timmy. You leave it," Benedict says.

"Are you sure?" Timmy asks again.

"Yes, I'm sure," Benedict nods as he drinks the lemon juice and sobers up bit by bit.

Timmy leaves the place. Benedict quietly sips the lemon juice while watching the drama of the Peony and Garret's honeymoon announcement unfolding. The crowd cheer and support the revelation.

Meanwhile Benedict, grips the glass, fixing his gaze on Peony, and with regret, he says, "Well, well, Peony. Once again, you couldn't find it in yourself to trust me."

~ to be continued.