Chapter 105 BONUS CEO AND THE APPRENTICE
POV: GREG
“Are you sure you need to leave? You could stay with us, you're the best grumpy security guard,” said Elisabeth, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Seeing Elisabeth like this was a relief. Since Patrick's departure, she had buried herself in work, trying to avoid the pain of loss. The impact had been devastating. It wasn’t fair how the CEO told her about his illness, and even less how he left, leaving a void that was hard to fill.
Everything changed the day my phone rang. Patrick Morgan had defied death. Against all odds, he had achieved remission, and his prognosis was surprisingly positive. He was getting better, almost miraculously. Excited, I rushed to get him and bring him back into our lives. I had sworn I lost my best friend and brother, and I felt aimless if it wasn’t for the constant presence of his apprentice, who kept me sane and focused.
When I saw Patrick coming down from the jet, emotion overwhelmed me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Patrick, you idiot!” I exclaimed, feeling a mix of relief and joy. “I can’t believe you managed to seduce death and escape.”
Patrick smiled in that sly way of his, patting my back. “You know how charming and irresistible I am, don’t you?” he said, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Buddy, I love you, but I prefer someone else in my arms… No offense, I do think you’re quite the catch.”
Laughter escaped from both of us, a mix of relief and happiness. “You’re still a fool!” I laughed, shaking my head and stepping back. “I missed your stupidity.”
“I missed you too, my friend.” Patrick put his hands in his pockets, looking at the horizon with a distant gaze. “How is she?”
“Elisabeth is strong and determined. She doesn’t show how sad she is about your departure, but she believes she lost you forever.” I sighed heavily. “I hear her crying at night while I keep watch over the house. You weren’t subtle in the way you left her.”
Patrick looked at me firmly, his eyes reflecting deep pain. “It was necessary. She would have done anything to be by my side, just as you tried to do.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “No one deserved to suffer with me like that.”
“You shouldn’t have gone through the treatment alone!” I retorted, clenching my fists. “But is it true? Are you really better?”
“I’m not cured, if that’s what you want to know.” Patrick gave a half-smile, the corners of his lips trembling slightly. “But I have a chance to live for many years, tormenting you all with my incredible personality!”
He tilted his head to the side, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
“I’m alive!” he said, with a renewed sparkle in his eyes.
“You’re alive!” I shouted in celebration, and we both laughed with relief and joy.
There we were, in Patrick’s garden, while Elisabeth stood by his side, looking afraid to step away in case he disappeared again. Both of them were shocked by my announcement of my leaving.
“Are you tired of us, my friend?” Patrick asked, frowning.
“Don’t be silly, Patrick, we’re his family,” Elisabeth laughed, intervening. “Do you really need to leave? Is there a special reason for it?”
“After everything we’ve been through, all the losses and struggles. I feel like I need to find my own path, maybe find love and settle down!” I pondered my own words, thinking about when I started feeling this way.
Maybe it was when I saw Elisabeth so lonely without her lover or when Patrick faced the worst treatment of his life, trying to cure his illness. That was it. I didn’t want to be alone, to spend the rest of my life without someone by my side supporting me.
“This is new and interesting,” Morgan said, leaning forward. “You’re going after her, aren’t you?”
“Sorry, after whom? Who are you talking about?” Lis asked curiously and excitedly, staring at me. “Do you have a secret crush?”
“Oh, I knew it! You never forgot her!” Patrick burst out, amused, squeezing his wife in his arms. “Dear, Greg has an old flame.”
Elisabeth smiled broadly, her eyes shining with discovery. “So, is that it? Are you going after this lost love?”
I laughed, shaking my head.
“Possibly. Maybe it’s time to revisit the past and see if there’s something there for me.”
Patrick rolled his eyes and smiled.
“Do you have to speak like you’re in a movie?”
“Greg, who is she?” Elisabeth smiled even more, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Do I know her?”
Patrick answered before I could speak.
“No, she was an army lieutenant who requested a transfer from our base to another. She and Greg didn’t end things very well.”
Patrick fell silent, watching me closely. “Have you kept in touch?”
“No.” I admitted, feeling a weight in my chest. “But you know how I am, right? I’ve been keeping an eye on her all these years. Lysandra never married, but she has a lovely son who is her spitting image!” As I spoke, I let my suspicions show in my voice.
Patrick stood up, moving closer to me with a serious expression. “Greg, how old is the child?” he asked, his eyes locked on mine. “Holy crap, do you think he’s yours?”
“The child’s age matches the time when we broke up and she disappeared. That would explain a lot!” I pulled out my phone and showed them a photo of the child. “What do you think?”
Elisabeth took the phone in her hands, her eyes wide with surprise. “Oh my God, Greg, he looks just like you!” she exclaimed, almost breathless. “Why didn’t you go after her before?”
“And put them in danger? Never.” I replied, determination growing inside me. “Now with Heloise out of the way and Patrick healthier, I can go after her!” I stood up, feeling a new sense of purpose. “I can finally love Lysandra the way I’ve wanted to for so long.”
Patrick smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Then go, my friend. Find your love and the family you deserve.”
Elisabeth nodded, her eyes shining with tears of joy. “We’re here for you, Greg. We always have been.”
That moment marked the beginning of a new journey. The past had been turbulent and full of uncertainties, but the future now shone with the promise of love and redemption. With the support of my friends, I was ready to face any challenge and seek the happiness I had longed for.