THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 239: Hello, Love

Dr Sullivan let out a deep sigh. "Remember, Steffan, life throws us unexpected challenges. It’s how we navigate through them that defines us. Take your time, but don’t let this hinder your professional or personal growth," he advised.

"Your friend that you spoke about— is he having problems with his wife. Because I’m wondering how you didn’t know that she was your best friend’s wife if they were living together."

"They had some problems in the past that she had refused to forgive him for so they are not living together, although they are still legally married to each other as they never divorced. They got married when I was out of the country and separated before I came back, so I didn’t get to meet her until I fell in love with her."

"Oh I see," Dr Sullivan muttered, nodding his head in understanding.

In other words, it was not Steffan’s fault. He happened to fall in love with the wrong woman.

"But you can’t remain like this. It is affecting everything and everyone around you, so what do you intend to do now?

Steffan ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. "I’m clueless as we speak," he said helplessly.

"Clueless as per what? Pursuing her or letting her go now that you have found out that she is your best friend’s wife?"

"Both, Chief."

Dr Sullivan rose from his seat behind the huge table and moved over to the front. He pulled the second chair and sat in such a way that he was directly facing Steffan.

"Let’s look at it this way. Do you love her enough to fight for her and forgo your years of friendship with your best friend or the bond of your friendship with your friend is stronger than the love you have for this woman?"

Seeing Steffan lost in thought, unable to come up with an answer, Dr Sullivan knew that the young man was finding it difficult to make a choice from the two indispensable options before him.

"If you feel you have what it takes to win over her heart, go for it, but if she doesn’t have you in her heart because she is probably still in love with her husband, it might be an effort in futility on your part. So in that case, are you ready to lose both ends?"

He patted Steffan’s shoulder. "I will give you some time to brood over this. And for that period of time, you are free to take some time off from work. As it is, you are emotionally drained and you can’t give your best in this state, so send me your leave application and I will sign it," the older doctor suggested.

"Whatever choice you make, know that it is not the end of the world, for time, they say, my friend, heals most wounds."

Dr Steffan nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your advice, Chief. It means a lot to me."

Dr Sullivan smiled warmly. "I’m glad you chose to confide in me and together, I believe, we can work something out. You’ll get through this. And if you ever need to talk more, my door is always open."

As Steffan left the hospital to think of the next possible turn his life would be taking later on, Kathleen received a call from Shawn.

"Hello," she answered, her forehead creasing in a frown.

"Hello, love," Shawn replied in a lively voice. "I hope this call meets you well."

Kathleen sneered. Don’t you think that line is too outdated for a respectable president like you? Cut the crap and tell me why you called."

"With you, my dear, nothing can ever be outdated," Shawn remarked.

"I might as well end this call as it appears you have nothing important to say," Kathleen threatened.

"Please, don’t," Shawn hurriedly shouted. He didn’t doubt that she would carry out her threat. He quit his teasing and turned serious.

"I called to ask for permission to hang out with the children this weekend. That is if it’s okay with you," he added.

Kathleen was silent for a few seconds. "This weekend?"

"Mm-hmm, is it not convenient?"

"I didn’t say so," she replied. Somehow she couldn’t help but have a gut feeling that the children were involved in this.

Why is it this weekend that she won’t be around?

But she only told Lauren about her trip for the weekend. Could it be that was the reason they were gossiping so much about the dinner.

But Shawn couldn’t possibly have met with the children behind her back, so he wouldn’t know of her movement.

"Kathleen?" Shawn called when he didn’t hear Kathleen speak after such a long time. "Are you still there?" He removed the phone from his ear to check and he saw that the call was still connected.

Before he could call Kathleen’s name again, he heard her voice from the earpiece.

"You can pick them up tomorrow," she said.

"Really! You agreed?" Shawn almost jumped in excitement, stunning Johnson who was with him in the car.

’Wonders shall never end.’ If anyone had told him that his boss will be like this he would never have believed.

"Where am I picking them from? School or your place?"

Kathleen was about asking how he knew her place but remembered that he had his way. If he didn’t know, it means he chose not to know.

"You can pick them up from school directly. I will leave instructions with their teacher that you will be picking them tomorrow."

"That’s perfect with me," Shawn said.

"Kathleen?" He called softly.

The tone of his voice alone tickled Kathleen’s nerve endings, momentarily rendering her speechless.

"Thank you," Shawn whispered.

"There is no need to thank me. They are also your children," she answered. Her voice this time was not as confrontational as it usually was.

"I’ll be hanging up now."

"Bye, my love," Shawn said and ended the call before Kathleen could come up with a retort.