Early Next Morning
Kasra stirred from a fitful slumber, his slate-gray eyes adjusting to the soft light filtering through the curtains. His arm, still tucked beneath Lara, tingled with the telltale numbness of being trapped in the same position all night. Yet, he made no effort to move. His gaze lingered on her, tracing the cascade of honey-colored hair that framed the back of her head. The faint rise and fall of her breathing was a melody he’d gladly endure the discomfort for.
His free hand traced along her smooth, bare back, and Kasra allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability; his thoughts tangled between tenderness and quiet regret. Why did I wait so long? All this time wasted. What a fool I’ve been. But luckily, here she is, finally mine.
“Lara,” he rasped.
A gentle hum escaped Lara’s lips, still caught in the drowsy haze of sleep.
Kasra smiled to himself. “Darling,” he murmured, his fingers sketching random patterns on her bare shoulder. “I was thinking… Thanksgiving’s coming up. What do you say we invite your parents over? Have them here with us?”
Lara blinked awake, her hazel-green irises slowly focusing as she rolled on her back, anchoring herself to the waking world.
“You want to meet my parents?” she whispered.
He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “Lara, I’ve wanted to meet them since you agreed to mine. I want them to know the man who loves their daughter.”
Her lips curved, small at first, then growing with the warmth of his words. “I’ll ask them when I see them later today,” she assured.
Kasra leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the echoes of their shared breaths.
……
An Hour Later
The rhythmic thworps of helicopter blades filled the air as three identical Bell 407s descended onto the rooftop helipads of Kaléido Corp’s headquarters. A cloud of fine dust swirled around them, momentarily obscuring the sleek forms of the aircraft. Above them, two escort choppers hovered in precise formation, vigilant.
Alain Fortier sat poised, his sharp gaze sweeping the scene through the window. Beside him, Leona adjusted the hem of her tailored blazer, her calm bearing betraying none of the tension that lingered in the air.
As the rotors slowed, a team of bodyguards moved into position, their steps crisp and practiced. The door opened, and Alain stepped out, his presence commanding. Leona followed, her expression cool as a cucumber.
Inside the building, the pair parted ways. Alain settled in his expansive office and buzzed for his assistant and secretary.
Moments later, the door opened, and Garrett Randall entered with Owen Malin in tow, both men exuding professionalism.
Alain wasted no time, getting down to the business at hand. “Owen, I have some announcements to prepare.”
Owen took a seat, laptop at the ready.
Alain began, purposeful. “Prepare two press releases. First: In addition to their CEO positions at the respective subsidiaries they oversee, effective January 1, 2023, Lyon Fortier and Marcel Rousseau will also assume Senior Vice President roles at Kaléido Corp.”
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Owen inclined his head, fingers flying over the keyboard.
“For the second press release: Leona Antoine-Fortier will assume the role of President on the same date. Emphasize her achievements and the board’s confidence in her leadership.”
Alain paused, eyes sharp. “I want these releases by this afternoon. I’ll review them before they go out.”
“Yes, sir,” Owen affirmed.
As Owen left to draft the announcements, Garrett stepped forward. Alain’s expression softened just enough to betray a flicker of anticipation.
“Any updates on the healer or my grandson?”
Garrett shifted, careful but direct. “Regarding your grandson, none of the DNA tests so far have returned a match. However, quite a few individuals still need to be tested.”
“And the healer?”
“A specialist at Inova Fairfax contacted me yesterday. He mentioned assisting a trauma expert on a groundbreaking procedure recently. However, he works for the military. Should I have the specialist approach him on your behalf?”
Alain’s features darkened for a moment, lost in thought. Then he nodded. “Yes. Please proceed.”
“Understood, sir.”
……
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
Seven leaned against the sterile wall outside the radiology department, arms folded. The faint hum of machines and the occasional squeak of rubber soles filled the corridor.
“Hey, Sev.”
Seven turned to see Nathan Gill approaching, his easy smile a welcome sight.
“Nate.”
“I’ve got a unique case I wanted to run by you,” Nathan began, his tone edged with mystery.
Seven arched a brow. “Go on.”
“There’s this case: male, mid-50s, who’s been in a coma for 27 years.”
Seven straightened, incredulous. “What? That’s… unheard of.”
“It is. He was the victim of an attempted assassination. Shielded his wife during the incident; she walked away unscathed.”
Seven exhaled slowly, his mind already turning over the implications. “You think I can help?”
Nathan shrugged. “I can’t say for sure. Would you be willing to take a look?”
“Yes, I’m intrigued.”
“Can I get the family to contact you?”
Without missing a beat, Seven agreed.
With that sorted, Nathan broached another matter. “By the way, about Nat... You know she’s got a thing for you, right?”
“What? No, I had a clue,” Seven’s jaw tightened, blindsided. “I only see her as a little sister. Besides, I’m seeing someone.”
“I see,” Nathan said, a trace of disappointment in his reply. “I’ll break it to her.”
“Yes, please do.”
……
Two Hours Later
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
The door to the VIP consultation room creaked open, revealing Nathan Gill. “Sev, here are Ms. Shahi’s scan reports. I'll leave you to it,” he said, placing the folder in Seven’s hand before exiting.
Silence enveloped the space as Seven meticulously studied the scans, his brows knitting in concentration. He leaned back, scrutinizing every image that revealed the state of her recovery.
Beside him, Sana finally broke the quiet, her tone teasing. “Admiring your handiwork?”
A light chuckle escaped Seven as he set the scans aside. “You could say that. It's always satisfying to see progress. Based on these results, you’re doing well. We can begin physiotherapy.”
Her face brightened, though a flicker of impatience remained. “Can I finally ditch this wheelchair?”
“Nah,” Seven hummed. “But we can start aqua therapy now. It’ll help ease you into movement without putting undue stress on your body. I’ll also adjust your diet; your energy levels need to match the effort required.” He tilted his head, his words turning playful, “Let me know if you’re not enjoying the menu. I can switch it up, Lil’ Miss Oatmeal Hater.”
Sana’s eyes sparkled, her grin stretching from ear to ear. “How kind of you, Master Chef Sweets!”
Just as the words left her, she suddenly remembered she’d still be confined to the wheelchair, dampening her spirit. “Honestly, I’m going stir-crazy! I consider myself a homebody, but I’ve been stuck at home in an arm sling, hospital gown, and wheelchair for the past two weeks! I’m so over it!”
Seven’s chest tightened, wishing he could cheer her up. “Well, the good news is that you can remove the arm sling now,” he offered quickly. “And since you’re in a dress today, how about having lunch outdoors by the fire pit? You could use some fresh air, but you must stay warm.”
Her brows rose, and a mischievous smirk bloomed on her face. “Is this our first date, then?”
Seven blinked, looking a little sheepish. “Uh… I haven’t dated anyone before. Let me do some research first, okay?”
A laugh bubbled out of Sana, her frustration melting away. “Okay, Sweets. I’ll give you time to pick it up.”
With a nod, Seven shifted the topic. “Since The Cliffs has two swimming pools, I assume you have swimsuits?”
“I’m sure I’ll find something.”
“Good. We’ll have your first session two hours after lunch,” Seven declared with a touch of finality.
“Awesome!” Sana chirped, brimming with enthusiasm.
