Chapter 3 MR JOHNSON

Emma had always been the jewel of her affluent family, cherished and indulged as their only child. However, everything changed eight years ago when a devastating turn of fate struck. Her father's company, once a symbol of their wealthy lifestyle, succumbed to bankruptcy, leaving her world in ruins.

Mere days later, tragedy compounded when both of her parents perished in a fatal car crash, thrusting Emma into an abyss of solitude. Now she found herself living with her elderly grandparents, who were desperately trying to salvage her father's legacy. They poured their life savings into the company, battling to resurrect a dream that felt more like a nightmare.

As she navigated the tumultuous waters of her new reality, Emma juggled various part-time jobs while striving to finish her schooling.

Her elite friends, who once surrounded her like a protective shield, faded away, and she faced scorn from others who couldn't hide their disdain for her newfound impoverished status. Among her few remaining allies was Mia, a friend Emma had come to treasure for her support. Little did Emma realize, her trust was misplaced; she was tangled in a web of betrayal.

Reflecting on their friendship, Emma now saw the truth-Mia had been her hidden adversary all along. Mia's remarks about Emma's fashion choices, critiquing her old, worn clothing, carried a sting that Emma interpreted as concern. Yet, it was all a guise for Mia's envy, a veiled mockery that cut deeper than any blade. Mia's persistent insistence that Emma forgo makeup and stylish attire, suggesting it would attract the wrong crowd, now felt less like genuine advice and more like a calculated effort to diminish her confidence.

Emma recalled the times Mia encouraged her to invest more effort into Vick's fledgling company, pressing her to excel and win his affection. Only now could she see that Mia's intentions were duplicitous-Mia sought to distract Emma while she laid her own claim on Vick. Mia was not the supportive friend Emma believed her to be; she was the very source of Emma's heartache.

The turning point in their twisted friendship came at their graduation party four years ago, an occasion that felt marred by those realizations. After the ceremony, they ventured to a local eatery for a celebratory meal, where fate intervened. As they approached the entrance, Vick accidentally spilled coffee on Mia, creating a scene that was both chaotic and electric. Emma immediately intervened, dragging a furious Mia inside while attempting to smooth over Vick's clumsy apology.

Their second encounter unfolded at a shopping mall, where Vick apologized once again. This time, he extended an invitation to lunch, expressing his gratitude for their understanding. The bill would be on him-a gesture that took them by surprise. During that lunch, Vick's charisma shone, his humor illuminating the table. Emma watched as Mia's demeanor shifted; she was captivated by Vick's charm as he interacted with both women. Afterward, Mia shamelessly admitted her attraction to him, prompting Emma to encourage her to chase her newfound crush.

What Emma didn't realize was that Mia had no intention of pursuing Vick for herself. Instead, she set her sights on Emma. When Vick eventually asked Emma out, Mia's sly smile and encouraging wink manipulated Emma into accepting. Emma now found herself caught in the chaos of a love triangle that Mia had orchestrated from the beginning.

Months passed as Emma and Vick grew closer, leaving Mia to feign support while harboring simmering jealousy. Emma's feelings of guilt about her friendship with Mia surfaced, but Mia dismissed them, minimizing her own emotions as one-sided. With insidious kindness, she urged Emma to pour her energy into the company, envisioning a marriage that would come quickly for Emma, while secretly plotting her own rise.

On a dreary evening, a torrential rain fell as Emma, soaked to the bone, staggered through the darkened streets. Nausea rose within her as memories of betrayal swirled in her mind. She somehow made it out of her neighborhood but didn't see the threat looming before her-a car speeding down the road. The screech of tires screamed in her ears as she realized she was on the brink of disaster. Startled, she fell to the pavement, darkness closing in, and succumbed to the faintness that threatened to swallow her whole.

In the backseat of the luxurious vehicle, a man named Johnson reacted immediately, his piercing eyes narrowing on his driver. "Simeon, what was that?" His voice was cold and commanding, sending a shiver down Simeon's spine. "A lady just fainted in front of our car-we nearly struck her," the driver explained.

Johnson's expression shifted as concern flickered across his face, an emotion he rarely displayed. "Go check on her," he commanded, dismissing the tension with a wave.

After exiting the car, Simeon and several bodyguards surrounded the crumpled figure on the ground. Johnson's personal assistant, Ben, leaned in, urgency in his tone. "Mr. Johnson, the woman is Emma Rhema-the one we're investigating."

The realization sent a jolt through Johnson. Without hesitation, he rushed toward Emma's fragile form, a protective umbrella shielding them from the relentless rain. Her pallid face and shivering body ignited an unfamiliar urgency in him, an overwhelming need to ensure her safety. With a speed that startled his guards, who had never seen him react this way to a woman, he scooped her into his arms, feeling the chill radiate from her.

"To the hospital now. I give you five minutes," he ordered, his voice firm despite the rising panic in his chest.

"Yes, boss," Simeon replied,

Simeon gripped the steering wheel tightly as he started the car, the engine humming to life beneath him. He pressed the accelerator, and the vehicle surged forward, cutting through the dimly lit streets with urgency. Inside, his mind raced in turmoil, each thought a chaotic swirl of dread. The nearest hospital was a daunting fifteen-minute drive away, but his boss had granted him a mere five minutes. Panic set in, and he choked back his emotions, feeling tears well in his eyes as he navigated the night.

In the back seat, Johnson sat stiffly, cradling the unconscious woman in his arms. Her body felt so fragile, yet he couldn't let his emotions show; the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him. His heart ached with the realization that something terrible had led her to this state, and he was determined to uncover the truth behind the events that had unfolded.

At Eagle's Hospital, the lobby buzzed with a mixture of anxiety and hope. Johnson paced back and forth, his polished shoes clicking against the pristine tiles as he tried to channel his restless energy. This hospital, a family legacy, was renowned as one of the best in all of Nigeria. Although he maintained a composed exterior, the bodyguards surrounding him exchanged worried glances-only Ben, his steadfast assistant, remained unflinching, aware that Johnson had yet to unleash his temper.

His gaze darted towards the ICU, the sterile white walls a stark reminder of the unknown that loomed behind them. Just as the weight of uncertainty became unbearable, Doctor Richie emerged from the ICU, his expression a blend of exhaustion and relief.

"Young Master, she is stable now," the doctor said, his voice soothing yet firm. "She has a few scratches here and there, but they're not severe. She only fainted. She'll be fine once she wakes up. I've taken her blood samples for testing, and I'll keep you updated on the results. We'll be moving her to a personal ward shortly."

Johnson's expression shifted from anxious to serious as he leaned closer, his brow furrowing slightly. "I need you to get her one of the VIP wards. And how long will it take for the results to come back?" The urgency in his tone matched the unease gnawing at him from within.