FALLING INTO ILLUSIONS

Call for Clarity

Brian hesitated, but Lisa's determination left him no room for protest. He followed her, reflecting on, in a very little time, Lisa has so much control over him. He realized that this level of influence was new to him. Enchanting with her care and presence in his life.

Ryan, who had been standing nearby, observed their interaction with a growing sense of unease. Noting their closeness and the way Lisa was guiding Brian with so much concern and familiarity. It was clear that their relationship went beyond leading him in discomfort.

They walked towards the examination room together.

Meanwhile, Alex is trying to reach Brian. As Brian's phone rang, he glanced at the screen and saw Alex's name: "I've got to take this," he said to Lisa.

Brian stepped away to take the call, asking Alex to go back and handle things at the office: "I need some time and might not returning office," he explained. "I'll be in touch later."

Alex exclaimed in worry: "But! Mr. Brian examination?"

Brian hung up the call.

Brian had left no choice for Alex but to return to the company. As he walked through, a sense of unease washed over him. Upon reaching the office, he spotted Andrew Luther sitting at a conference table with a few other employees. Taking a deep breath, Alex approached him.

Alex offering a polite smile: "Good Afternoon, Mr. Luther."

Andrew leaned back in his chair, nodded and questioned: "Where is Brian? Why are you back alone?"

Alex hesitated, choosing his words carefully. He could feel the weight of Andrew's gaze, sighing: " Mr. Brian... he's dealing some personal matters. He asked me to see how things were running here and update him.

Andrew's expression shifted, commanded: "Call him back. We have a lot to discuss."

Alex felt a surge of tension at Andrew's tone, reluctantly: "Um... Alright, I'll reach out to him."

He dialed Brian's number, his heart racing as the phone rang. Andrew watched him intently. After a few rings, Brian's phone suddenly switched off.

Meanwhile, Brian returned to Lisa, they entered together. Doctor began examining Brian's hand. The pain was intense, causing Brian to clench Lisa's arm tightly, his discomfort evident.

The doctor suggested a temporary plaster to immobilize the hand. Brian shook his head: "I don't think that's necessary. I'll be fine without it."

Lisa, her concern unwavering, interjected: "Doctor, please don't listen to him. Do what's best for his recovery. He needs this."

The doctor nodded: "Alright, we'll go ahead with the plaster. It's important to ensure proper healing."

As the doctor began applying the plaster, Lisa gave Brian a reassuring smile, her support evident. Brian, though still in pain, felt a deep appreciation for her presence and care.

Once the plaster was securely in place, the doctor gave Brian some instructions: "You'll need to keep this on for a few weeks and avoid putting any strain on your hand. If the pain worsens or you notice any changes, come back for a follow-up."

Lisa nodded: "Thanks, Doctor."

As they left the examination room, Lisa asked: "How are you feeling now?"

Brian managed a sarcastic smile: "Oh, just thrilled to be sporting this fashionable plaster."

Lisa smirked: "Really? But I'm finding it cool."

Brian raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes despite the pain: "Cool, huh? Maybe I should start a trend."

Lisa chuckled: "Okay but it's important for recovery."

Brian sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for being so persistent. I guess if this plaster doesn't do, maybe having my girlfriend sticking by me might help my hand recover by tomorrow."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, her concern mingling with a hint of a smile: "I'm glad you're making jokes. Seems like plaster is working fine."

As they walked out of the hospital together, Brian felt a renewed sense of gratitude. The plaster on his hand was still an inconvenience, but Lisa's support made it a little easier to bear.

In the office, Andrew had been anxiously waiting for news about Brian's situation. When he realized that Brian's phone was off and he had no idea where he was, his anger began to boil over but deep down he is concerned for him. Unable to sit idly by, he reached Sophia.

Andrew to Sophia: "Hey, it's Andrew. I need to know if Brian is with you?"

Sophia's voice came through, calm but concerned: "Hey Uncle Andrew, I met with him last night, but I haven't heard back from him since then."

Andrew's concern deepened: "Last night? Did he seem okay?"

Sophia hesitated, recalling: "He seemed a bit stressed, but he didn't mention anything specific. We talked about some projects, and he seemed focused on work. I don't think anything was wrong."

Andrew's frustration bubbling beneath the surface: "Did you know how he got injured by any chance?

Sophia thoughtfully: "He didn't go into detail, but he mentioned it was just a minor bruise."

Andrew frustrated: "A minor thing? This is Brian we're talking about. If it's serious enough for him to be at the hospital, it can't be good."

Sophia's concern deepened as she sensed Andrew's agitation: "You're right. I should have pressed him for more information. You should call Lisa and see if she knows anything about the accident."

Andrew frowned, confused: "Lisa? Who is she?"

Sophia hesitated, a mischievous glint in her eyes, wickedly said: "She's a girl Brian has been seeing lately. He's quite involved with her. In fact, he missed the last contract meeting, that was too because of her."

Andrew's brow furrowed in surprise, maintaining his composure: "Thanks for the help, Sophia."

Andrew called Alex in the cabin: "I need to ask you about Lisa. What do you know about her?"

Alex curious yet surprised: "Lisa? I've never heard about her before."

Andrew's voice raised: "How can you not know anything about Lisa? You're his secretary! What have you been busy with lately? You don't even know what's going on in his life."

Alex taken a step back, tried to defend himself: "I'm sorry, Mr. Andrew. I didn't realize Mr. Brian was seeing someone. He's been a bit distant lately, but I thought it was just work-related stress.

Andrew slammed on table, commanded: "Look for both of them."

Alex nodded and leave to search for them.

As Andrew's frustration lingered, he realized he had to find a way to address Brian's situation before it spiraled out of control.