Chapter 84 Chapter 84
He’s always been there because he’s my senior who constantly checks on me. The moment I see him, even if we just pass each other in the hallway, he immediately asks how my studies are going, how my life is doing… those were the days… And now, I’m here in front of him, because if he hadn’t been there back then, I might not be here either, and I would have given up on my dream.
“If you were just working under me, I could protect you. But I can’t. Your mother still wants to be part of the medical mission team, and I have no authority to remove her because she is higher than me. Even if I am the head of this team, the only thing I can do for now is to suspend you temporarily. I don’t want unnecessary conflict within the program. You know how your mother is. For now, I’m giving you rest. Take care of yourself always, Momo.”
That was the name he often called me back then. I was so young that day.
“Welcome to the newest member of the club! Jade Maurice Solieza, right?” asked the vice president of the Code Blue Club, Melissa. When we were told that freshmen were required to join at least one club, the Code Blue Club was the one that caught my attention the most. It’s an organization that offers medical assistance training—basically a medical team that practices emergency response, basic life support, and clinical simulations, especially when students or teachers need help. It is also a way of preparing us for real hospital scenarios long before we face an actual code blue.
“Yes, but you can call me ‘Jade’ or ‘Jadey.’ That’s what my classmates usually call me,” I replied with a smile while observing all the members of the Code Blue Club.
“So, why did you join this club, Maurice, or can I call you ‘Momo’?”
My eyes caught sight of a tall man with thick hair standing and leaning against the whiteboard. His arms were crossed. He was also wearing glasses, which made me even more intimidated by him.
“Ahhh… you’re the first one to call me that, but yes, sure, whatever you like,” I answered shyly. A brief silence filled our small club room, and I noticed that all the members were looking at me, waiting for my answer. “I joined this club because I read the mission and vision, and it aligns with what I yearn for in life. I want to help people even without any exchange.”
“If that’s your principle, you won’t become rich.”
I shook my head confidently. “I do not care about riches, because I always believe that health is wealth. Being healthy is being wealthy. And to be healthy is one thing you can be proud of, because you can live for the days ahead and enjoy the things you like doing. Your life’s going to be precious. No amount of money can surpass the value of a healthy life.”
He slowly nodded his head, and a small smile peeked through his lips. At that time, I realized I had made the right choice—choosing the right club for me…
“That is a great answer, Jade. Anyway, he’s the head of this club. His name is Rafael Martino.”
I LEFT Dr. Martino’s clinic with a heavy heart. I sighed several times out of disappointment. Is there really nothing good that will happen in my life anymore?
What am I supposed to do if I can’t join the next medical mission? Just do nothing? Count my husband’s wealth since I can’t count his love—because he doesn’t have any?
I just held my head while shaking it. I was about to grab a taxi when a car stopped in front of me. Expecting it to be Hendeix or one of his trusted minions, I instead saw an old woman step out of the car.
She was slender and had beautiful skin. She was wearing red-soled heels and even had a fur shawl, while her dress was fitted to her body. Actually, you wouldn’t even think she was already in her 40s, but because I am a doctor, I immediately noticed how many wrinkles had been covered up by aesthetic procedures she had done.
And when she removed her shades while trying to smile at me, my suspicions were confirmed.
“Jade Maurice Solieza, right?” she asked. “Oops, I’m sorry—you’re already a Lavarre now because you’re married to my son. Welcome to the family. I am his mother, Helga Sandiego-Lavarre,” she introduced herself while extending her hand to me.
It felt like a handshake welcoming a catastrophe. I wanted to reject it, but at the same time, I was eager to learn about the background of her son—Hendeix.
Especially now that I’ve been stripped of something to do. This might keep me busy for a long time, and I shouldn’t disregard it.
Because first of all, I need to know my husband—and why he can’t love someone, especially me.