The fluorescent lights of the emergency wing buzzed overhead, harsh and sterile, drowning out the sound of Kirra’s muffled sobs.She clung to Connor’s arm as they sat on the benches placed along the hospital lobby. The entire Kuranda clan had poured into the waiting area, restless, anxious, whispering like vultures as they waited for further updates..A nurse in crisp white scrubs approached, her clipboard clutched tightly. Her voice was brisk, impersonal, the tone of someone used to bad news.“The patient’s condition is critical. He needs immediate surgery. But before we can proceed, hospital policy required an upfront deposit. She paused, looking over her glasses, “Also, a family member needs to sign the indemnity papers. By signing, you agree to waive all rights to sue the hospital in case of complications.”Gasps rippled through the gathered relatives. Milla pressed a hand dramatically to her chest, whispering, “Waive all rights? This is madness.”Wonga clutched her handbag lik

Hours ticked by in the hospital lobby, the tick of the wall clock was the only indication that time was actually passing, and not frozen like everyone was feeling while waiting in the lobby, ever since Elder Dundarra had gone in for surgery. The family sat scattered across the benches, their designer clothes stiff and uncomfortable in the humid atmosphere and harsh lighting. Kirra’s sobs had finally turned into an exhausted silence. She sat with her hands twisted in her lap, eyes red, her shoulders trembling with the effort of holding herself together. Her head was resting against the wall, her eyes reflecting an empty, blank gaze which had nothing more to desire. Connor was on on his feet, leaning against the wall beside her, observing everything calmly. He hadn’t moved since signing the payment slip. His stillness was making them nervous, although no one would admit it aloud.Finally, the doors to the operating wing opened and a doctor stepped out, still wearing his surgical mask

The heart monitor beeped loudly, filling the space that was only otherwise occupied by silence. Connor stood near the middle of Dundarra’s bed, his hands loosely clasped behind his back.His expression was composed as he thought of a response and then began to speak evenly.“I don’t need a place at your company, and I don’t need a reward. What I did, I did it for Kirra, thinking of you as someone extremely important to her. And I’ll continue to take care of her in whatever way I can, that is my only concern.”The sceptical look in Dundarra’s eyes softened, and he let out a breath that rattled slightly in his chest.“Kirra knows that. Long before any of us, she saw you for exactly what you are. She—”The door burst open with a bang, as both of them turned to face the newcomer. Wonga stormed inside with her purse hanging from her wrist. “Ma'am! Excuse me ma'am! You haven't worn the scrubs, we can't allow you to enter like this–”Two nurses were following her trying to stop her from ba

Kirra’s spirits lifted as she stepped into the brightly lit living room, with Connor at her side. The sight of her father seated in his high-backed chair, as the color was slowly returning to his cheeks. The sight filled her with relief, and for days, she had carried the weight of his absence at the office. She had heard the doubts that were being whispered about his future, heard her cousins murmuring that the Kuranda empire might crumble without him. But tonight the atmosphere was different. Tonight, it was a call for celebration.She moved quickly, her eyes bright, reaching her father’s side at the earliest while the relatives crowded around the chair, presenting bouquets wrapped in gold paper, speaking in loud voices, their smiles suddenly wide and bright. Kirra ignored the fakeness of everything– the shallow compliments, the crocodile tears that had dried by now. For the moment, she was simply glad her father was home.As she turned to greet the guests, a familiar voice reach

Connor got behind the wheel of the secondhand car that he had purchased after saving up some money over the years. When he had bought the car, it was because he didn't care for flashiness or brand names, but rather just a simple means of going from one place to another at his own convenience. But today, he was driving straight from the mansion to the car dealership in the city. Only good people could value humility, and clearly, his wife's family was filled with people who only cared about show-off. So fine! Since his modesty wasn't serving him anymore, he was ready to push the boundaries of their beliefs.Because this wasn’t just about him anymore. They had insulted his wife, her name, and her dignity after marrying him. And that was something he couldn’t allow.The lights of the premium dealership glowed even at this hour, glass walls shimmering with the reflections of sleek cars lined up for display. Connor got out of the car, not noticing that his clothes were slightly rumple