Female Novel“Take a look here. If you experienced major leg damage in the past and allowed it to completely heal,then these test results would show abnormalities that are outside of a healthy individual’s normalrange. But based on the in-depth X-rays taken of your bones, there’s no evidence of prior fractures thatwould necessitate the use of a wheelchair.”
After listening to the dean’s thorough explanation, the wave of agitation swelling within Holden slowlybegan to subside. However, his countenance remained deeply troubled.
After a lengthy silence, he simply uttered in a low tone, “I understand.”
He then turned on his heel and left the office without another word.
As he gazed at Holden’s retreating figure, the dean let out a weary sigh and a silent, heartfelt apology.
Years prior, Aldus had paid a personal visit to the hospital with an urgent request before he passedaway. He had implored the staff to not divulge anything to Holden regarding his unknown history asTheodore under any circumstances.
A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y
Aldus had done so much for him throughout those years. Without his unwavering guidance andsupport, there would’ve been no future for him today. This was why he could never go against Aldus’dying wish despite his guilt gnawing at him from the inside.novelbin
The dean sighed once more before briefly sending Devin a message.
“Holden came to the hospital today requesting a comprehensive check-up. He instructed us to examinehis legs specifically. He might have just uncovered something.”
The reply from Devin was swift.
“Understood.”
Still reeling from the revelation, Holden sat smoking pensively in his car after leaving the hospital. Theanswers he had hoped would finally connect the fragments of his foggy memory had only led to evenmore dead ends. After believing that he was so close to unraveling the mysteries of his past, he wasleft frustrated that the truth continued eluding him.
In this moment of uncertainty, Holden found himself missing Ariana.
He desperately wanted to see her. He wanted to call her up this instant and Listen to her soothingvoice. He longed to ask her what kind of man Theodore had truly been deep down. But as his fingerhovered over her name in his phone’s contacts, he began to hesitate as anxiety crept in.
He feared placing this call would only serve to confirm once and for all that he was not the man shehad lost. And that their last fragile thread of connection, as delicate as glass, would be mercilesslyshattered beyond repair.
After sitting in tortured indecision for several minutes that felt more like hours, Holden finally pocketedhis phone and headed to the office. The questions still bounced around and plagued his troubled mind.
Devin arrived at work with the scheduled agenda and a fresh coffee in his hand, looking as efficient asever. Seeing Holden’s uncharacteristically gloomy and preoccupied mood, he feigned ignorance beforeasking him in a light tone, “You seem to have a great deal on your mind, sir. Did something happen thatI ought to be aware of?”
Holden opened his mouth but paused, tempted at first to ask Devin directly for the full truth of what hadtranspired five years ago.
But he thought better of it and stopped himself at the last moment.
Glancing down at the detailed itinerary in front of him, he considered for a few seconds beforeaddressing Devin, “I remember we had an energy development project with Ariana that was approvedfor further growth. Please arrange a face-to-face meeting with her for me over the next few days todiscuss the next steps.”