Page 84 of Only You

“It was my pleasure. Olivia helped me. She’s becoming very competent,” Ana said, stepping further into the room, breaking their connection.

Ignoring his initial statement, Ana picked up her bag, placing it on the bed. As if taking the hint, Andrew left without a backward glance, shutting the door behind him. Ana slowly dropped to the bed, her throat thick with unshed tears. She could do this. She could be professional and survive the pain if only for Olivia’s happiness.

Chapter Fifty-five

Andrew

The new year saw all pre-Christmas routines resume. Andrew went back to work. Olivia went back to school, and Ana restarted her course. The difference was the canyon that had formed between himself and Ana.

He had no grounds to complain. Ana was attentive to Olivia and seemed to have developed a bond with Eva. He was the odd one out. He should be happy. Olivia had not one but two doting females in her life and had never been so content. Instead, he was jealous of his daughter and his ex-wife. Ana seemed to nurture the relationship between mother and daughter, helping it to grow, but as soon as he walked through the door, the laughter stopped.

Ana no longer sat and watched television with him after Olivia had gone to bed. Instead, she made excuses about all the work she needed to do and went down into the annexe. Andrew felt more alone in his own home than he ever had before. Work was the only thing that kept him going.

“Adrian is here,” Suzie said, popping her head into his office.

“Thanks, Suzie,” he said. “Show him in.”

Andrew got up and walked around his desk. He could not hold back his smile as Adrian walked into the office, followed closely by the young woman he had met the night of Adrian’s operation.

“Adrian, good to see you,” Andrew said, holding out his hand.

The young man hauled Andrew in for a hug and thanked him, saying that a handshake didn’t feel right when he had held his heart in his hand.

Andrew let the young man hold on to him. It was not the first time a patient had needed that physical connection. They stood for several minutes until Adrian pulled back, moisture making his cheeks glisten. He wiped it away with the back of his hand. “Sorry. It’s just, being home and feeling like I have a second chance. Seeing you, the man who made that possible.”

Andrew smiled and held up his hand. “You don’t need to explain. I’m happy for you.” Andrew offered them a seat before moving back to his desk.

“Sorry, Mr Dennison,” Adrian said, “I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée, Holly.”

A grin spread across his face at Adrian’s words. “Fiancée? Congratulations.”

Holly blushed, taking a seat. “We couldn’t wait,” Adrian explained, taking Holly’s hand. “We’ve wasted too many years already.”

Andrew nodded, glad someone’s love life was successful. Adrian deserved every happiness.

At twenty-six, Adrian’s life had been over before it had begun. A simple infection had left his heart so badly damaged he’d needed a transplant. Andrew had seen Holly the night of the operation. She hadn’t left Adrian’s side. She clearly loved him. From what she’d told Andrew, they had a misunderstanding, which had destroyed their relationship. However, Adrian’s illness had given them clarity on what was important.

As they headed to the door at the end of the appointment, Adrian turned. “Did you get the girl?” Adrian asked.

Andrew gave him a sad smile and placed a hand on his shoulder, “We are not all as lucky in love. Cherish each moment.”

Adrian gave him a sad smile. It was Holly who spoke next, taking Adrian’s hand. “Don’t give up. The best things are worth fighting for.”

Andrew stared at the young girl and watched a blush spread over her cheeks. “I’m sorry Mr Dennison. It’s just... I had given up on Adrian ever coming back. Life had a dramatic way of putting us back on each other’s radar.”

“Don’t worry about me. It’s a little complicated currently. But I think you might be right. Maybe I just need to be patient. If we are meant to be, then time will tell.”

“Thank you, Mr Dennison. See you soon.” Both left, and Andrew went back to his desk.

Suzie entered his office with two cups of coffee. “Your next patient is stuck in traffic, so I’ve rescheduled them.”

Andrew took the cup of liquid gold she was offering and sat back.

“Adrian looked well. His fiancée is beautiful, and you can tell they adore one another.”

Andrew smiled. “They told you they were engaged?”

Suzie laughed. “Yes, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. He’s a lovely young man, and I wish them both a long and happy future together. You should be proud. You made that possible.” Suzie took a sip of her coffee, staring at Andrew over the top of her mug. “What is happening with you? You’re out of sorts. Is it your ex-wife? Is she causing problems?”

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