Real.Doc - Part 2 - Joe (English Version)

Unbelievable

The afternoon sun filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room as I sat alone, contemplating the events of the past few days. I barely noticed the tea set being arranged on the small table where I usually shared quiet moments with Rony. My thoughts were interrupted when Mary appeared, a gentle smile on her face.

"Tea?" she offered, her tone light, but I sensed a deeper concern beneath it.

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "Let's have something a bit more celebratory, shall we? How about champagne with some fancy snacks?"

She raised an eyebrow, surprised but not unwilling. "Champagne it is, then."

As we sipped the bubbly drink, the conversation took a serious turn. Mary leaned forward, her eyes searching mine. "I wanted to see how you were doing."

I hesitated before answering, "Lost."

She nodded, as if she already knew. "I thought as much. If I may express my opinion, I think you should set your own rules and have fun with the rest."

"And what would that look like?" I asked, genuinely curious.

She took a deep breath, clearly choosing her words carefully. "Look, I'm not gonna deny that... that day was horrific. But I think you should focus on Cao and play along with the others."

I sighed. "Cao is still not himself."

"He will be," Mary assured me. "It's just a matter of time."

"What I mean is..." I paused, struggling to find the right words. "I can't seem to give him peace. No matter how much I want to... and it's not just now, this feeling goes back to when we were married. The last six years, at least."

Mary's expression softened. "He's hurt right now. He needs someone to heal his wounds, to care for him every day."

"I'm happy to do that," I replied, though my voice was tinged with doubt. "But I fear he might be heading down the same path as Cesar."

She shook her head firmly. "Never compare. They are two completely different people."

A waiter brought more snacks, their aroma filling the air. We both took a moment to savor the taste before MaryAnne broke the silence again.

"There is another path we could take," she began, her voice hesitant.

I looked at her, intrigued and wary at the same time. "And what would that be?"

She took a deep breath, gathering the courage to continue. "We could bring Amy back."

My reaction was immediate. I stood up so quickly that the chair scraped loudly against the floor. Anger boiled inside me, and I took a few steps towards the door, desperate to escape the rage that threatened to consume me. But MaryAnne was by my side in an instant.

"Think about it," she urged. "Cao would be fulfilled and happy when Chaos arrives. And you... you would be free to pursue a life with Cesar."

"No," I said flatly.

"If you could just put your pride aside," she pressed, "this might actually be the best solution."

"MaryAnne," I called after her as she turned to leave. When she faced me, I repeated, "I said no."

She shrugged, unfazed. "All I'm saying is, think about it."

"I have, and the answer is still no. Don't even bring this up to him."

"What makes you think he wasn't the one who suggested it?" she asked, a sly smile playing on her lips.

My fury intensified. "No, and that is final."