Episode 20

Dereck Norton

I was lost in my thoughts, unsure of what to do. I am a man accustomed to pressure in my professional life. But I confess, this feeling that was born inside of me for Evelyn has completely shaken my foundations.

I never imagined that amidst the chaos of incessant work demands, a glimpse of personal happiness like this could arise.

I'm standing at the hospital room door, and every memory of her triggers a series of conflicting emotions.

How can I tell her about my feelings when everything is still so confused in my mind? All of this is new, and if this is truly love, my God, how can I tell her about this special feeling and that I'm the one to blame for her unhappy life?

Remembering the constant pressure of my professional life was almost a comfort compared to the turmoil I felt in my chest.

After all, I knew how to deal with deadlines and goals, but how to handle the birth of a feeling so unexpected and overwhelming? I wondered if a fresh start in my personal life, alongside Evelyn, would even be possible.

Reason screamed that I should focus on work, avoid distractions, and especially emotions that could derail my path to success. However, my heart brought back the memory of Evelyn's every smile, of every conversation that seemed to undo my insecurities and make me believe in the possibility of a different future. This dilemma between reason and emotion turned each day into an internal battle, where the frontline was my own feeling.

The impact of my feelings for Evelyn on my life was immense. Little by little, I began to see the world through different eyes, allowing myself to feel again after years of self-control and emotional restriction. The walls I had built around my heart began to crumble, and this scared me but also made me curious about what the future might hold.

The journey to this point hasn't been easy, but I realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than just meeting goals and exceeding professional expectations. Evelyn showed me that there's more, much more. And so, day after day, the desire to explore this new world by her side grows, to find a balance between a demanding professional life and a rich and fulfilling personal life. This is, without a doubt, the beginning of a new start, where my story with Evelyn could finally begin.

I stand parked at her room's door, with an immense desire to open it and tell her everything I feel, but fear makes me, once again, a coward.

"What are you doing there? Why didn't you go in?"

I snap out of my daydreams upon hearing Leonardo's voice. He approaches me with a huge smile, unaware of the internal conflict within me.

"I'm going home!" I say, moving away from the door.

"About that conversation, how about we finish it now?" he suggests. I could tell how curious he was to know about me and Evelyn.

We go to his office, and I tell him everything that has happened so far.

Leonardo looks at me with an intimidating gaze.

"I can't believe you did that to that poor girl, Dereck! She'll never forgive you for this... If I were you, I'd cancel this marriage now. After a while, tell her the truth, maybe then she can forgive you."

Leonardo says, staring at me, very grumpy.

"I know I messed up badly with her. But we're already married, I can't cancel or ask for a divorce, otherwise, the inheritance goes to my brother Savio... I don't know..."

I try to speak, but I can't.

"Dereck, you're a monster. Still thinking about money when your love life is in danger? You're going to lose a beautiful woman, just so your brother doesn't get the inheritance. Honestly, even I'm upset with you. This is no way for a man to act. If you don't want her, then stay away from her."

Leonardo was irritated. I can understand his frustration.

"Leonardo, I'm lost. I've never been in a situation like this before."

I lament, feeling distressed.

"You're going to have to choose. It's either the money or Evelyn. There's nothing I can do for you, my dear friend."

He tells me this as if it were easy to choose. My life has always revolved around money. I've always enjoyed earning fortunes. And in business, I'm very good at what I do. I've never given up on any of my businesses, but for the first time in my life, I find myself at a dead end.

It wasn't because of the money that I wanted to stay married to Evelyn, but rather to not give my brother the satisfaction of receiving such a large inheritance. He would definitely make it disappear in weeks.

"I know I have to choose. But right now, I'm just going to stay silent. I won't tell her how I feel."

"Dereck, I can't believe what I'm hearing. If you don't do anything about this poor girl, I will."

I've never seen Leonardo so upset.

"Don't get involved in this matter. Evelyn is my problem. So, keep doing your job as a doctor and take good care of her."

I leave his office, slamming the door loudly. I'm his boss; I won't accept being reprimanded by an employee.

I know I have a lot to change, but I don't know where to start.

The next day, I wake up, do my morning routine, and go for a run around my apartment.

An hour later I'm in the office, drafting a contract. I'm not going to see Evelyn today. I need to make a decision, so I'm going to avoid seeing her.

While I'm more lost than ever, Adriano knocks on the door.

"Come in," I order, and he enters.

"Mr. Norton, the Villar Group wants to cancel the contract with us. They want more compensation on this deal. Since you haven't made up your mind, they want to cancel."

He tells me, frustrated.

"You can cancel," I say, and Adriano looks at me in shock.

"Mr. Norton, the group is one of the best suppliers to our company. If we cancel the contract, both companies will lose millions."

He was right. But somehow, I didn't want to cooperate with this company anymore, and it's for personal reasons.

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