Husband?
No…Ex-husband
Summer's heart took a sudden leap as Gideon's face crossed her mind. The memory of his piercing gaze sent chills down her spine. For a moment, she could almost see him standing in front of her – the tailored suit, hard jawline, and that contemptuous look.
He was a billionaire, powerful enough to make impossible possible. With his help, all her problems would be resolved. Hope could be saved. But Summer knew it would never happen – because he hated her to the core.
As soon as he found out where she was, he would kill her and her family.
Summer blinked back her tears. It had been six years since that incident. There was no contact between her and Gideon.
She had fled the city overnight, setting her childhood home ablaze to fake her death. Starting over in a new place was tough, but she had managed to survive. Just as she had thought her life was coming back on track, fate hit her again.
Hope fell sick.
Summer, however, refused to break. Hope was the sunshine of her life, her reason to live. For her daughter, she would do anything, but she would never contact Gideon.
"He is dead," she said bluntly.
"Oh. Sorry to hear that…In that case, we need to find a suitable donor," the doctor said, a sympathetic look crossing his face. "The treatment will be costly. Are you ready for it?"
"Yes, start the treatment," she said firmly. "I'll arrange the money."
The doctor nodded. "You are lucky. A world-renowned oncologist has recently joined the hospital. I'll assign Hope's case to him. You can meet him soon."
"Thank you, doctor." Summer flashed a smile of gratitude at him before coming out of his office. She paused right outside the door and took a shaky breath.
Memories flooded her mind – the humiliation of that night at the party, Gideon's accusations, and Danica's deceit. Even after six years, the pain hadn't faded. If Gideon ever discovered she was still alive, he would come to take revenge. Calling him meant inviting the misfortune.
'No,' Summer told herself. 'I can't let the Woods know that I survived. I'll stay far away from them.'
Summer entered the ward and found Hope awake, Chloe feeding her soup. Her steps slowed as she recalled the doctor's words. Tears pooled inside her eyes.
Hope, seeing her mother, grinned. "Mommy." She sounded weak, but the light in her eyes was bright.
"Yes, my little angel." Summer forced a smile as she approached. She couldn't stop her tears from falling as she pulled her into her arms.
"I was so scared," she whispered. "Thank goodness you are awake."
"She is doing much better," said Chloe. "She finished the entire bowl of vegetable soup."
Hope wrinkled her nose. "I don't like it. I want some ice cream."
"We'll have ice cream once you are discharged," Chloe promised. She then turned to her sister, and her expression froze.
Summer's face had gone pale, eyes full of tears.
"Summer," Chloe tapped on her shoulder, "what's wrong?"
Summer ignored Chloe's question. Instead, she smiled down at Hope. "You have eaten now. Why don't you rest for a while?"
"But I slept enough," Hope said. "I want to go out for a while."
"Alright," Chloe said with a grin. "I'll take you out for a walk. But not now. Let me talk to your mommy first."
Tugging at her sister's arm, Chloe led her to the corner of the room. "Now tell me clearly. Don't hide anything."
Summer pursed her lips tight, struggling with her tears. "Her condition is not good. She needs the surgery soon," she choked out.
Chloe covered her mouth, stifling a gasp.
"The doctor said it would be costly," Summer added. "I don't know how to arrange the money."
Chloe hugged her. "We'll figure this out. I can help too. One of my friends mentioned a part-time job opening. I'm thinking of taking it. Don't worry. Hope will be fine."
Summer shook her head, wiping her tears away. "You should focus on your studies. It's your final year. Think about earning money once you finish your exam, not now. I can manage."
"But, Summer…"
"End of discussion," Summer interrupted firmly. "You are not doing any part-time job, okay?"
She was afraid Chloe would fall into trouble. She had not forgotten what had happened to her in the past. This time, she would protect Chloe.
"Fine," Chloe agreed reluctantly. "I'll listen to you."
She didn't argue this time. "Come on, Hope. Let's go out." She pulled Hope up from the bed and led her out.
Summer stood there, watching their departing forms. A resolution burned inside her: 'I'll keep every one of you safe.'
Summer's phone rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. It was Kate, her manager.
"Hello?"
"Summer, the company is hosting a party tonight." Kate's voice came through, "It's for the successful merger with Cosmos Technology. Mr. Lee wants everyone to attend."
"Kate, you know my condition," Summer started hesitantly.
"I know your daughter is not well," Kate said, interrupting her. "You should still come. Mr. Lee is very happy with your performance. He has decided to promote you."
"Really?" Summer was surprised. She didn't know about the promotion. A small smile surfaced on her face.
"Yes. The Cosmos Tech has appointed a new CEO, and he will be joining tomorrow. You have been shortlisted as his secretary. The salary is twice what you are earning now."
Summer's hand flew to her chest, a look of astonishment and joy spreading across her face. She had not thought such an opportunity would arrive when she desperately needed money.
"Thanks, Kate," she murmured with gratitude.
"If you want to thank anyone, thank Mr. Lee. He is the one who selected you. Make sure you attend the party."
Summer thought for a while.
Turning down the invitation at this point wouldn't be wise. She couldn't afford to offend her seniors now.
"Okay. I'll come."
"That's good. If you want, I can arrange someone to look after your daughter."
"That's kind of you, but I'll ask my sister to stay with Hope," Summer turned her down politely.
"Alright then. See you at the Onyx."
~~~~~~~~
Later that day…
At the Onyx…
The private room buzzed with murmurs and laughter as the party went on in full swing. Soft jazz music drifted through the air, mingling with the clinking of the glasses.
"This one is for your promotion, Summer." Kate raised her glass cheerfully and then downed the drink in one go.
"Slow down," Summer tried to intervene, but Kate had already finished the whole drink.
"Don't stop me. Tonight, let me celebrate fully."
Summer shook her head. "You are already drunk. It's time to stop."
But Kate reached for another glass of alcohol. "You should drink too." She handed it to Summer.
"No, I can't…" Summer waved her hands. "I have to go back to the hospital."
"Fine," Kate shrugged casually, "I'll drink it. For you." She gulped down the drink in one breath.
Summer sighed, half amused, half resigned.
"Uh, Summer, you are finally leaving my team," Kate said with a bright smile. "I'm so relieved. Really…"
Summer chuckled. "Me too. I have been dying to escape your bossy supervision."
Kate's smile faded, and a soft sigh escaped her mouth. "I'm going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too," Summer said, clasping her hands. "I'll miss the whole team."
"But the good thing is – you are the secretary of the CEO," Kate said in a hushed tone, "not that lousy Lucy."
They started laughing softly.
"Alright, everyone," Mr. Lee, the energetic middle-aged man, clapped to draw everyone's attention. "Tomorrow, we'll be welcoming the new CEO. I expect all of you to arrive early. Let's call it a night."
"Oh…" Everyone's face fell.
"We just started enjoying the party," someone said.
"No – no more lingering around," said Mr. Lee. "No more alcohol. Go home."
Everyone started leaving one by one reluctantly.
Kate was completely drunk, barely able to lift her head. "Ugh…I shouldn't have drunk so much," she muttered, pressing her fingers to her forehead.
"Yes, I know," Summer said. "Let's get out of here before Mr. Lee throws us out himself." She pulled her up from the sofa. "I'll take you home."
Kate leaned heavily against Summer.
"Oh, God, Kate. You are heavier than I thought." Summer struggled to keep her steps steady as she guided Kate toward the door.
Mr. Lee appeared. "Are you sure you can manage her by yourself?"
Summer nodded. "I've already called a cab. It's waiting outside."
"Alright. Take care of her and yourself."
"Good night, Mr. Lee." Summer went out, holding Kate by her waist.
She walked down the hallway, struggling to keep Kate upright. "Hold on. We are almost there."
The hallway felt endless. Summer started sweating as she moved forward, half-dragging Kate. Her hair stuck to her face, irritating her nostrils. She tried to push it away as she took the turn. But she bumped hard into someone. The impact caused her to lose her grip, and they both tumbled to the floor.
"Sorry, are you hurt?"
Summer froze when the voice hit her ears. That voice – deep and crisp; she knew it. Even after six years, it could make her heart quiver.
She slightly turned her head and looked up at the towering man to check if she had heard it correctly.
It was him – it was really him.
'Gideon?' Her mind went blank.