Love her

Ethan paced back and forth in the waiting area, clutching a vibrant bouquet of flowers. He had spent the better part of the day choosing the perfect arrangement, each bloom carefully selected to convey his appreciation and interest.

He had wished to see Cassandra, hoping to take their relationship beyond the professional realm. Little did he know that his carefully crafted plan was about to be met with an unexpected twist.

As Cassandra's office door swung open, Ethan stood there with a smile on his face. She emerged, her white lab coat pristine and her demeanor composed. Cassandra was a highly respected physician, known for her strict adherence to professional boundaries. Ethan knew this, yet he couldn't help but hope that she would see the gesture as an opportunity for something more.

Approaching her with a hopeful smile, Ethan extended the bouquet towards Cassandra. "These are for you, Cassandra," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

"I wanted to show my appreciation for everything you've done for me and to take the chance to get to know you better."

Cassandra glanced at the flowers, her expression softening momentarily. However, she swiftly shook her head,

"Ethan, I appreciate the gesture, but I don't mix work with pleasure, I had told you this before" she replied firmly.

"It's important for me to maintain a professional boundary with my patients." she added.

Ethan struggled to mask his disappointment, yet something inside him urged him to push a little further. "Cassandra," he began, his voice gentle but resolute, "I understand your concerns, but there's something I think you need to remember."

Curiosity flickered across Cassandra's face.

"And what would that be?" she inquired, her tone guarded wishing and hopes he wouldn't talk about the night they had.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Five days ago," he revealed, his eyes locking with hers, "we had a passionate night together. And that, my dear Cassandra, exceeded the professional boundary you hold so dear." he said with a smirk on his face.

Cassandra's eyes widened, She took a step back, clearly caught off guard by Ethan's revelation.

"I... I can't believe you would bring that up," she stammered and then pulled him to a lonely corner where they could talk separately and unnoticable.

Ethan's expression softened, and he reached out to gently grasp Cassandra's hand. "I apologize if I caught you off guard," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But that night meant something to me, and I can't simply ignore it. We shared a connection, and I believe it's worth exploring further."

Cassandra withdrew her hand, visibly conflicted. She was not about to break the one rule she had stuck too since she started the profession. After a brief moment of silence, she finally spoke, her voice laced with vulnerability.

"Ethan, I can't deny that there was a connection between us, but it was a moment of weakness. As you know, I was drunk and had no idea of what was going on." she uttered.

Ethan nodded understandingly,

"I respect your commitment to your profession, Cassandra," he said sincerely. "But please, take some time to consider what I've said. There's more to life than rigid boundaries. Sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something extraordinary."

Cassandra looked at Ethan, her gaze flickering between his eyes, searching for answers. Her heart and mind were torn between the rules she had sworn to uphold and the possibility of a deeper connection.

“Why do you bother anyways, all we had was a one-night stand and it was nothing serious” she added.

“I know you may not find me attractive yet but I do find you very attractive and sharing a passionate moment with a woman that I can't stop thinking of has me this way” he spoke softly.

Shocked by his words, Cassandra stood there like a dummy.

“Please, perhaps we can start by having dinner so that I can get to know you better” he suggested.

"I need time," Cassandra finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Time to reflect on what you've said, on the implications it holds for us both. I can't promise anything, Ethan, but I'll think about it."

Ethan nodded, his expression filled with understanding and hope. "That's all I can ask for," he replied gently. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here, patiently waiting."

As Ethan turned to leave, the bouquet of flowers still held tightly in his hand,

“You are still not going to take the flowers?” he asked turning back.

“If I do then you would take it as a sign that I have accepted your offer. Like I said, I am still thinking about it” she replied crossing her arms. She could feel her heart beating as she watched him walk away pitifully.

***

After her morning shift, Cassandra took a taxi to the Signet Conglomerate.

Cassandra's heart pounded in her chest as she stood outside Richard's office door. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation that lay ahead. For months, she had witnessed Richard's coldness towards his wife, Elaine, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of just one year to live. It had weighed heavily on Cassandra, and now she couldn't bear it any longer. She was determined to confront Richard and demand answers.

With a resolute expression, Cassandra pushed open the door and stepped into Richard's office. He looked up from his work, surprise etched across his face.

"What are you doing here?" he said coldly like he had a grudge with her.

Ignoring the pleasantries, Cassandra strode forward, her eyes fixed on Richard.

"I need to talk to you" she said firmly hiding the fear in her voice, Richard had always been scary to her and that was why she had refused to visit Elaine whenever he was around.

Richard's eyebrows furrowed, sensing the seriousness in Cassandra's tone.

“Lemme guess, my wife is in your home and you are here to talk about her” he said making accurate assumption. Richard knew that Elaine had no one else to be with other than her.

Taking a deep breath, Cassandra mustered her courage and began.

"Yes, she is with me”

“And you told you about us”

“What are you talking about, I am only here because of the dreadful news I heard. Elaine never tells me about your family matters, she may be my best friend but she knows how to manage both her lives as a wife and also as a friend” she defended.

“You sure about that” he rested his head on his chair.

“This is exactly why I am here, she may not tell me things but I have been doing a lot of study and I know how you treat her” she barked at him.

“Oh really” he folded his arms.

“You have been to her and right now you speak about her like she had no regard as your wife.

I've been watching you, Richard, watching how you've treated Elaine. She's your wife, for goodness' sake, and she's going through the toughest battle of her life. But instead of supporting her, you've been nothing but cold and distant." she blurted out to him.

Richard's face darkened and it scared her greatly.

“I... I mean”

“Go ahead, I am listening” he said.

Cassandra's voice wavered in anger to cover up her fear.

"Richard, Elaine needs you now more than ever. She's facing her mortality head-on, and instead of finding solace in your love and support, she's drowning in your indifference."

“And?” he asked.

Cassandra's eyes softened, her frustration giving way to empathy. She took a step closer, placing a hand on Richard's desk. "Richard, Iam not going to say this is difficult for you because you are not the one who has about a year to live. But shutting Elaine out won't make it any easier on her. She needs you by her side, holding her hand, comforting her through the darkest moments."

“So now I am the bad person, did she send you to tell me all these?” he replied.

Cassandra's voice softened as she replied, "No, as her best friend I don't want to see her suffering most especially now that she doesn't have much time”.

“Hmm”

“If you really care about your wife Elaine then I need you to do something for me” she requested, her breath getting heavy as she spoke.

“And if I don't?”

“You have to, I want you to choose between divorcing Elsine and letting her live a free life or you treat her right and give her all the love she deserves.

Honestly I wish you would pick the second choice because Elaine has done nothing but love you all these while but you should her nothing in return” she confessed.

“Who took her to the club five days ago?” Richard asked and her heart sank, she knew she had just gotten herself into trouble and her answer would definitely worsen it. She stood there silently starting at him.

“Now you have turn mute, if you have nothing else to say, Leave” he ordered turning his back to her.

Richard trudged through the front door, his tired body craving the comfort of his home after a long day at work. The weight of the world seemed to linger on his shoulders.

"Richard, is that you?" called out a voice from the living room. Mary rushed to him with a picture in her hand.

"Yes, it's me," Richard replied, setting down his briefcase and making his way towards her.

"How was your day?" she asked him.

“Stressful and yours?” he asked back.

Mary's eyes twinkled with a mix of joy and sorrow as she looked up at her son. "Quiet, as usual, my dear. But I'm glad you're home. I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Richard furrowed his brow in curiosity, concern etching lines across his forehead. "What is it?"

Mary took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for the right words. "Darling, it's been years since your father passed away. I've been thinking about how we should honor his memory, and I believe it's time we start planning a memorial service."

Richard's heart sank, the realization of the anniversary hitting him like a wave. It felt like just yesterday that he had bid his father farewell, a void that would forever be occupied by the absence of a beloved figure.

"I've been thinking about it too," He admitted, his voice laced sadness.

"Dad meant so much to us, to everyone who knew him. We owe it to him to honor his memory in a special way."

Mary nodded, her eyes moistening with tears that she fought to hold back. "Your father loved nature, Richard. Remember how he would spend hours tending to his beloved garden? I thought we could organize a memorial in a place that held meaning for him, surrounded by the beauty he cherished."

Richard's eyes brightened, his mind flooded with images of his father's green thumb, nurturing the plants and flowers with care.

"That's a wonderful idea. We could gather at his favorite park, where he spent countless hours, and create a memorial garden in his honor. A place where family and friends can come to reflect and remember him."

Mary's face softened, a tender smile spreading across her lips. "Yes, Richard, a memorial garden would be perfect. We could plant his favorite flowers, create a space that celebrates his life and his love for nature. It would be a beautiful tribute."

“I will work on it tomorrow, right now I need to rest” he uttered.

“Sure dear” she replied stepping out of his way.

Richard got into his room and realized Elaine wasn't back yet, he threw his shoes on the ground and crashed on the bed.