Chapter 42 42
Nicole was hesitant and looking unsure of what she was about to say. She didn't want to say something that might offend her best friend's father. "It's... Uhh about Nathan. I bumped into him and he seems to be sorry-"
"I can't believe you are bringing that up, Nicole. Bee needs to be a doctor. She has to focus on her studies. What are you trying to bring Nathan up to her? I left the city I grew up in and all cut all ties with the Leos. Do you want Bee to cut ties with you as well?" Doctor Turner asked in a stern voice.
"N- no, Doctor Turner." Nicole stuttered.
"Then please, don't ever bring anything about him to us again. Bee is beginning to move on. I want to keep it that way. I don't want to hear anything about him or his regrets. He has made a decision and he must leave with it."
"He might be the father of her unborn child. But Bee has us. I want to believe she has you as well." He added. "Promise me you will never bring Nathan up to Bee."
"Y- yes Doctor Turner. I promise I won't. I am sorry for bringing that up." Nicole said.
After the phone conversation with Doctor Turner, Nicole sat on the balcony of her home. She thought it was funny how Nathan only realized Brooke's worth after they got divorced and she is gone.
"Sorry, Nathan. I tried. But it looks like you have to leave with the decisions and choices you have made." She said in a low voice.
Carefree Town.
Mr and Mrs Leo were standing in the hospital grounds when a bald boy walked up to them with a car toy.
"This is for you, Mr Leo." The boy said, handing the toy car to Robert. He gave a weak smile.
Another young bald girl with cannula on her wrist walked closer to Marise. "And this is for you." She handed a rose to her.
"This is Danny, he has leukemia. He is waiting for a bone marrow donor." Nathan whispered to his parents. "And the girl is Lilly. She has weak lungs and easily gets sick. She regularly visits the hospital." He explained.
One after another, the children of Carefree hospital walked up to Mr and Mrs Leo. They were saying their thanks to them. Nathan's decision to buy the Carefree park meant saving the hospital. That will mean saving a lot of children's lives.
Some of the children in the hospital couldn't even get out of bed. They were attached to machines that kept them alive. Robert and Maries had to walk up to those ones to say hello.
They walked to another room, which they said was the entertainment room. Some older children were playing in the room. They had masks on and were in their hospital gown. They are all admitted for different illnesses. Their goal is to fight the illness and live longer.
One of the hospital administrators, guiding Nathan, his parents, Ryan and Matt too. The lady called the attention of the children playing. Her name is Rebecca.
"Kids, come say hello to Mr and Mrs Leo."
The children walked towards them with smiles.
"Good day, Mr and Mrs Leo."
"Welcome, Mr and Mrs Leo."
"Thank you for saving the park."
The children spoke. Some of them came with their toys and gave it as a form of gratitude to Robert.
Nathan's friends, Ryan and Matt kept smiling. They gave their approving nods at the children at how humble they are.
After they left the entertainment room, Rebecca guided them to a resting room near her office. "Please, have a seat." She politely spoke, directing them to the sofer placed there.
Refreshments were provided to them after they had settled. After that, that was when Rebecca began to speak to them. Her attention to Robert.
"Mr Leo, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and saving the hospital-"
"All this wasn't my doing. It is my son, Nathan, who did it. He is the new CEO. I have stepped down from my position for a while now.and he has been in charge. So this project too is his handwork." Robert quickly gave the credit to his son, as Nathan was the one that did everything on his own.
Rebecca briefly looked at Nathan's way. But they already had an agreement with him. She turned her attention back to Robert and continued. "Still, Mr Leo. If you had pulled out of the bidding three years ago, I don't know what would become of the hospital and the children."
Robert smiled nervously. "I am glad it all worked out." He almost choked on his words. That is because he recalled exactly what had happened three years back.
Nathan wasn't the CEO then and Robert had threatened Nathan to pull out of the bid but Nathan refused.
The place they are currently sitting has a huge glass window. There is a full view of Carefree town park. The hospital is situated right next to the park.
Three years ago, Carefree town had a setback financially. The government was in a tight position and decided to sell the very last nature reserve they had. It stretched for almost three hectares of land. That was the national park.
At the time, it was all over the news. The advertisement attracted many business men that showed interest in the property. However,many locals and environmentalists were against it. It already had bidders, naming their price. It was clear that they wanted the land for industrialization.
"The government had allocated a certain part of the park. They have access to it for their playtime." Rebecca explained to Leos.
"The park really helps some of the children. The fresh air, the natural environment and trees. These and a lot more are in the advantage of the children."
"It's not just the children. Myself and some of the locals too find this place healing to some extent. It keeps me sane. Many bidders had the intention of transforming the place to another mall or factory. But Mr Leo promised to maintain it. He will find a way to earn from it." Rebecca explained.
She became teary eyes as she continued. "So, Mr Nathan Leo, you have no idea how grateful we are for saving the park and maintaining it."
"The bidding was so controversial that it lasted for this long before. Plus, there was a condition attached to it." Nathan continued with the explanation. "Apart from the price, it has to be approved by the local officials. I won the bid not just because of the price, but because the people trust me. Some of them were my school professors." Nathan spoke with pride.
"I am so proud of you, Nathan. You did a great thing here all by yourself." Maries spoke. Honestly, she was proud of her son.
Matt and Ryan did the same.
"This is a very big risk for business, Nathan. Tell me.... I want to hear about your big plans for the place." Robert asked, curiously.