Chapter 51: Nika’s plan
Ansel’s evasive silence made Erica believe that Desi’s words were true. So, it turns out that Ansel has the woman of his life. With this newfound discovery, for some reason, Erica felt a bit disappointed and saddened. And then an invisible force struck her heart heavily. The feeling of pain and discomfort in her chest was indescribable.
Not knowing how to deal with the turmoil in her mind and heart, Erica decided to leave the room. She also didn’t want to stay and interfere with the conversation between Ansel and the girl.
Erica contemplated saying a farewell to make her exit, but she ultimately chose to leave in silence. She believed it would be better that way. Erica thought to herself that nobody would be in the right mood to notice her disappearance.
Unlike Erica’s beliefs, Ansel can sense Erica’s departure even without looking at her. His heart somehow conveyed that to him. And for some reason, the loss seeped into Ansel’s troubled heart as Erica left. At that moment, Ansel suddenly felt his mind go blank. Desi’s words seemed to pass through Ansel’s ears like a breeze.
“Answer me, Ansel,” Desi demanded in a raised voice, calling for Ansel to come back to reality.
“You also have your own business.” Ansel came back to reality, looked straight at Desi, and said he still maintained his stance: “Moreover, my illness is not serious. Just rest for a while. I don’t want your schedule to be interrupted because of me. And most importantly, I don’t want the little news about me to affect the company’s cooperation and development.”
“I can make time for you. I can even quit my job for you,” Desi said angrily. “And what do you mean by ‘not serious’? What do you mean by ‘no big deal’? You have cancer, and your life is threatened. You don’t have much time left. Don’t lie to me anymore.”
Desi’s agitation was evident, and her voice carried a tone of reproach towards Ansel. Tears streamed down her face incessantly. To anyone listening, it would seem that this girl cared deeply for Ansel and that she loved him, which explained her emotional state. Ansel himself was deeply moved by the display. However, only Desi knows the truth about her behavior.
Apart from being moved, Ansel was completely taken aback by Desi’s exaggerated reaction. However, what concerned Ansel the most was where Desi had obtained that distorted information. Who had provided her with such details? Ansel wanted to clarify his doubts and set aside the emotions that Desi had stirred within him for now.
“Desi, how did you find out?” Ansel began investigating by probing.
“Nika told me,” Desi honestly revealed. Upon hearing this, Ansel immediately clenched his teeth in anger.
“Damn it, I shouldn’t have trusted Nika. He betrayed me by telling you,” Ansel scolded, criticizing Nika in front of Desi.
“Don’t blame Nika; it was me who pressured him,” Desi spoke up in defense. “I’ve been to the company several times looking for you, but Nika always said you were on a business trip. Until today, when I couldn’t reach you, I went to find Nika and forced him to tell the truth.”
“And Nika told you about my illness,” Ansel concluded.
“That’s right.”
“What exactly did Nika say?” Ansel continued, wanting to confirm what Desi had said.
“Nika told me that you have cancer, and you may die. He said your illness is difficult to treat,” Desi recounted, sniffling.
Ansel was genuinely surprised to hear all of this. However, he concealed his emotions behind a calm facade. Why would Nika say something untrue? A big question loomed in Ansel’s mind, but he couldn’t find an answer. Ansel reasoned that Nika must have had a reason to do so, and that reason would be beneficial to Ansel. Ansel trusted Nika, believing that Nika would never have any ill intentions or deceive him. Therefore, Ansel resolved to ask Nika about it later. For the time being, Ansel needed to play his role correctly, the character that Nika had assigned to him.
“I’m sorry, Desi,” Ansel’s voice feigned sorrow, “I didn’t mean to make you sad. I just wasn’t ready to talk to you about it.”
“I can’t bear the thought of you possibly dying,” Desi suddenly cried uncontrollably. “I can’t live without you, Ansel.”
“Don’t cry,” Ansel comforted. “Seeing you like this, it breaks my heart.”
“Ansel…”
Desi let out a loud cry and embraced Ansel tightly. Once again, something strange happened. Ansel felt nothing in Desi’s embrace, without any emotions.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I want to take care of you,” Desi reproached Ansel.
“I’m sorry,” Ansel decided to hold Desi, comforting her, “I just didn’t want you to worry and suffer because of me.”
“You’re such a fool. I’m your girlfriend,” Desi reiterated. “So, it’s normal for me to be there for you in difficult times.”
Ansel remained silent, saying nothing about Desi’s statement. Ansel didn’t care at all; right now, his mind was on Erica.
“Ansel,” Kevin spoke up, his voice sounding sincere, “I’m sorry for your situation. Stay strong.”
“Thank you,” Ansel politely replied.
…
Outside the room, Erica took a deep breath before summoning all her courage to move forward. She wanted to push away the thoughts that were troubling her and regain control over her chaotic heart.
“Erica.”
Hearing the call, Erica paused in her steps. She turned around to see Nika standing in front of Ansel’s room. Nika seemed to have no intention of entering the room, probably to avoid any confrontation with Desi and Kevin.
“What’s up?” Erica asked, showing no enthusiasm. She looked tired. Nika speculated that Erica might have discovered something about Ansel.
“Can we talk for a moment?” Nika suggested.
Erica briefly considered it and nodded in agreement. After all, she didn’t have a reason to refuse. Moreover, it was lunch break, and Erica didn’t have anything to do.
Following Nika, Erica went to a secluded place at the end of the hallway.
“Would you like something to drink? I invite you,” Nika asked.
“I’ll have a coffee,” Erica replied softly.
“Wait a moment,” Nika requested, stepping forward three meters away.
While Erica leaned against the wall, she patiently waited. Nika was busy getting coffee for both of them. There was a vending machine nearby, offering automated coffee services.
A minute later, Nika returned and handed Erica a cup of coffee.
“Thank you,” Erica said as she took the coffee from Nika’s hand.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“How is Ansel doing?” Nika started the conversation with a question.
“He has been discharged from the hospital,” Erica replied with an announcement.
“That’s good news,” Nika remarked.
“Yes, indeed,” Erica responded genuinely. “Tomorrow, Ansel can go home. I’m happy for him.”
“Have you met Desi?” Nika redirected the conversation.
“Oh, that girl.” Erica recalled the recent events. “Yes, she was talking to Ansel.”
“Do you know who she is?” Nika probed, curious to see Erica’s reaction.
“Who?” Erica pretended to be naive.
“She’s Ansel’s girlfriend,” Nika stated matter-of-factly.
“So that’s how it is,” Erica commented with a hint of indifference. In reality, she had just found out. Erica felt a slight disbelief, but now her fragile hope had been shattered as Nika confirmed it to be true.
It was truly sad. Erica tried to hide her sadness and disappointment on her face by taking a sip of her coffee. She thought she could deceive Nika, but it was evident that she had failed completely. Nika had always been watching Erica subtly.
“You don’t seem surprised, do you?” Nika asked directly.
“About what?”
“Desi is Ansel’s girlfriend.”
“I already knew,” Erica maintained in a calm tone. “The girl mentioned it briefly while we were in the room.”
Recalling the news, Erica once again felt her heart tighten. Unconsciously, she pressed her lips together, wanting to suppress the underlying turmoil that wanted to erupt. Erica thought she needed to push this matter out of her mind as soon as possible. Being observant by nature, Nika could easily perceive the situation with his keen and perceptive eyes. Because of that, he can see how the other person is feeling. Seeing Erica’s sad expression, Nika could no longer restrain himself. He decided to do what needed to be done.