"I'm sure she came from your office."

Doctor Matthew's brows rose, staring back at Asher with innocence in his eyes.

"Who?" Doctor Matthew blurted out.

"Cosette Blac." Asher didn't beat around the bush, dropping Cosette's name. Doctor Matthew's pupils dilated as his initial reaction, and that didn't go past Asher's investigative eyes. "She's your patient?"

"What?" Doctor Matthew gasped in defense. "No — I mean, I can't disclose my patient's records. You know that —"

"Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why is she seeking help from you?" Asher was unknowingly holding his breath; his complexion was pale. "If she's not your patient, you have nothing to be afraid of, since you have nothing to disclose. Seeing you so defensive only meant she is one of your patients."

Doctor Matthew mentally winced, almost cursing himself for underestimating Asher. Meanwhile, Asher was balling his hand without taking his attention from his colleague.

"What's wrong with her?" Asher breathed out. His voice was quiet, but it was clear. "Let me see her chart."

"Ash…" Doctor Matthew sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "... you understand that I can't disclose my patient's chart, right?"

"I never asked anything from you, Mat. But Cosette…""I can't." Doctor Matthew shook his head. "We're friends and I know you never asked me for such a favor, ever. I am also aware that you won't do anything that could implicate me and the hospital. However, as a doctor, I want to respect my patient's wishes."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?"

"A doctor's duty is to save lives." Asher could feel his heart sinking as his mind was slowly making its own conclusion. "The only time we speak such words is when there's nothing else we could do but that."

Doctor Matthew pressed his lips together, sensing the emotions in Asher's tone. "You knew her?"

"Who doesn't?"

There was a moment of silence in the office as both men stared at each other. The world of socialites was smaller than one expected. Of course, Doctor Matthew knew Cosette — at least, he had heard her name since they went to the same academy for years.

The Quinn Holdings and the BLK Corporation had a close-knit relationship. Therefore, it would be no surprise for Asher and Cosette to be acquaintances — friends, even.

Doctor Matthew let out a deep exhale, but he was unable to say anything. All he could do was observe Asher as he weighed between his integrity and duty.

*

*

*

One hour later…

Asher was certain what he felt seven years ago was love. If it wasn't, then why would he fly across the globe just to control his greed? He didn't have the proper words to describe it before, but now, he was certain he chose her happiness over all things.

Despite the pain of not being able to get the love he wanted from Cosette, Asher clenched his teeth as he boarded the plane. But he knew one word from her… that if she said "don't go," or a simple, "come home," Asher would — without questions asked.

That kind of love also meant the pain he went through was almost unbearable. His pride and ego were crushed, his heart was broken, and he felt lost. Yet, he forced himself to be better and move on. He had to.

Asher thought that those feelings were totally gone. Meeting her today proved that he still liked her, but he knew they were better off as friends. However, upon successfully persuading Matthew to disclose his patient's (Cosette) chart, Asher felt everything he had felt seven years ago.

"She…" he whispered, but somehow, his voice echoed in his dim office. His eyes were fixed on the chart in his hand, barely holding it.

No matter how many times he had read it, the results were the same. He would even habitually check the patient's name and go through other documents to confirm. His mind, heart, and soul denied everything he had read.

There must be a mistake was what his mind was screaming, but everything was clear. This hospital was the best of the best in the country and was even renowned across the globe. There was no way there would be a mistake in these documents, especially since Cosette was a VIP patient.

"... is dying?" Asher breathed out, his chest thudding as cold sweats broke out of his back. He shook his head mildly, dropping the chart in his hand. He propped his arms over the desk, linking it, a little lost at the information he discovered two hours ago.

"She wishes to keep everything a secret," were Doctor Matthew's words as he handed out the document earlier. "The only reason I am letting you take a look at it is that it seemed she's important to you. She was stubborn and I'm deeply concerned about her. Don't make me regret handing these to you."

Doctor Matthew's words replayed in Asher's head countless times while he stayed quiet. As he recalled his colleague's words, he recalled his unexpected encounter with Cosette.

Seven years. That was how long Asher took before gaining the confidence and courage to return to the country. He knew their worlds were small, so he anticipated meeting her unexpectedly. And they did, but he was ready. However, not that he was recalling the way her lips curled up as she spat her humor, how her eyes sparkled as she anticipated his reaction and the sound of her laughter brought inexplicable pain in his heart.

Knowing she was happy with or without him was better than knowing his first love might leave this world sooner than she should.

"How…" his voice trembled, lowering his head until his forehead was resting on his linked hands. "... do you always find a way to hurt me, Cosette?"

He knew it wasn't her fault. Cosette didn't wish for these illnesses. But knowing she was keeping it a secret tore him in half. What should he do with this information now? To be honest, Asher felt lost once again because he had no idea. All he could think about right now was to drive to her as fast as he could and embrace her.

He couldn't do that, can he?