Living Lifelessly

Chapter 20

Arthur

"How do you k-know this?"

He smiles wickedly, grabbing me by my shirt and pulling me up from the floor.

"What's important for you to know is that I know everything about you. So if you want to work here then keep that attitude of yours in line or else very soon you'll be homeless again."

I don't know what to say.

He turns back to work after releasing me from his grip.

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I was leaving from work as my shift was finally over when I see a familiar face outside the restaurant.

To my surprise, it was Lisa.

I pretend that I didn't see her and walk past by her.

"So now you're gonna act like you don't know me?"

Her voice makes me stop and turn back.

"For your information, I am not acting. I really don't know you and if at any point I thought I knew you, I was wrong."

"I am very happy with Justin. He loves me and cares about me, unlike you."

I only have one heart Lisa, how many times are you gonna break it into pieces. I thought.

"Good for you."

She smiles.

"Also, we are expecting. And Justin just completed his post graduation. He's a specialist neurosurgeon now. Isn't it all perfect."

Yes it is!

"And now look at you Arthur. You have nothing right now. Nothing."

"I know okay. I know I have nothing at this moment but I promise I'll have everything soon. Just wait and watch. Also, congratulations. I hope your child doesn't inherit anything from either of you. Have a nice day."

I reply coldly and walk away without waiting for her reply.

Deep down I was hurt. It felt like my heart shattered once again.

I try to compose myself as I take deep breaths.

I take my phone out and make a call to Dr. Aria.

"Hello, can we meet right now?"

I ask as soon as she picks up.

"Um, okay. I am leaving the clinic in ten minutes. See you at the coffee shop."

"Okay."
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"Is everything alright?"

She asks as soon as she approaches me.

"No, I mean yes. Fuck, I don't know,"

I blabber.

She tries to relax me and orders coffee for both of us.

"Can you please tell me now what's up with you?"

"I, I resigned from the restaurant." I finally tell her. "And now I want to complete my residency. I want to practice medicine again."

"Okay. So what's the issue go ahead."

"I can't. I don't have a good record. You don't know."

I feel a little embarrassed to tell her everything.

"But it was all a lie. I know everything."

"What? What was a lie?" I ask, my heart beating loudly in my chest.

"That man who falsely accused you of organ trafficking."

"I never told you this. How do you know?"

She hesitates for a second. "Your friend told me. Besides, it's not even important how I know this. Please Arthur, open up to me. I think I can help you."

"What do you want me to tell you now. You already know."

I look down, hiding the sadness and helplessness that's visible in my eyes right now.

"I want to know what do you want now."

I look up.

"I want to complete my residency but I know that's not possible because-"

"It's possible. I have a friend, David. His dad has a hospital here, he's a doctor himself there. I am sure he can help you if you wanna continue your residency."

My eyes lighten up at her offer. Maybe that's the time for me to build up myself once again.
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"So you've completed half of your residency, which means only two years. Right Dr. Hart?"

Dr. Samuel, owner of this hospital and David's father, asks.

"Yes doctor. I couldn't complete it due to some personal reasons."

I reply, my fingers crossed.

"Dr. Hart, I know that personal reason due to which you couldn't continue. And you also need to know that I am doing a very illegal act by offering you a residency here keeping in mind your history but because David insisted, I am helping you out. Not just because my son spoke on your behalf but also seeing your grades and research work, you do seem a highly intelligent doctor. But let me make one thing clear here, since you don't have a good history, regardless of the fact that it's true or not, you don't have a margin of making mistakes here. One single irresponsible act and you're out. I hope that makes sense to you."

"Don't worry doctor Samuel, I am not going to give you any explanation about what happened in my past but I promise you I'll give my two hundred percent here. You'll never be disappointed in me."

"Okay good. We'll send you an appointment letter in a day or two and then you can give your joining here."

For the first time in these past years, I've felt truly happy. A happiness that I didn't know I was dying for until now.

"Thankyou sir."

I shake hands with Doctor Samuel before leaving the room.
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My eyes swell up with tears as I wear my white coat while getting ready for hospital.

It's now that I realize, I wasn't Sean's dreams. Somehow, his dreams did become my dreams too.

When I am all ready, I take a deep breath and promise myself that I am going to take back all that I've lost, before leaving my apartment.

With a happy face and confident attitude, I look forward to my first day here.

"Well on time Dr. Hart."

David, who is my PG here, smiles and appreciates me.

I smile back.

"So, let's get to work Doc."
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A whole month has passed now since I continued my residency.

Honestly, it's been really stressful, sometimes I feel like giving up but then Paul's face pops up in my mind which never lets me give up or something.

Just two more years, after completing my residency, I have decided that I will go back to US.

I can forget everything but Paul. He has been the reason I lost my everything. My parents, my career, my wealth and my respect.

I don't know how yet, but I'll figure a way out to make him suffer.

Yes, I'm alive and I didn't forget about this book!