Chapter 2 1

Julia

One Month Later...

"Taxi! Taxi!" I shout loudly, running like a madwoman because, as always, I'm running late. "Thanks for waiting!" I say, settling into the backseat of the car. As soon as it starts moving, my eyes linger on the hospital's facade, which fades into the distance, leaving my heart in pieces.

Architecture has always been my dream, and working for a large company that can strengthen my name in the market is a huge achievement. However, all those dreams froze the moment I spoke with the cardiologist, who told me my son's days are numbered unless he gets a heart transplant urgently. Since then, I've been working like crazy-extra hours piled on top of extra hours-to increase my income and save an exorbitant amount to save the only love of my life. With so much work, I barely have time to rest, and the few hours I do, I dedicate entirely to my son, spending countless nights in the hospital by his side.

But not tonight.

I think, despondent, as I remember his sad, pleading eyes asking for more of me.

"How is he?" I ask Mel over the phone while waiting for my last meeting of the day.

"He's sleeping now. Will you take long?"

I sigh heavily.

"My boss just called for a last-minute meeting. I think it's about the new project they want to start. It seems they're selecting a few architects to work directly with him."

"Wow, girl, you already work so much! Do you think you'll have time for another project?"

I sigh again, exhausted.

"I'm not sure he'll pick me, Mel. I'm still new, and I'm always cutting it close with time. You know how things work. But honestly, I need something more to do. Time is running mercilessly, and Alex..." I trail off with a tired sigh.

"Stay positive, Júlia," Melissa, ever the encourager, says. "You're one of the best architects I know, and I'm sure you'll be chosen for this project."

I smile at her confidence.

"Tell that to my arrogant, egocentric boss," I mutter, followed by a deep breath. However, a cough behind me makes me look back, and I pale when I see it's one of the partners from Bennett Designer S/A.

"Oh, I... I need to hang up," I inform my friend in a shaken voice. However, I don't wait for her to respond and immediately end the call. "Mr. Abravanel?" I hiss, somewhat awkwardly.

"Miss Ricci!" He greets me, and embarrassed, I lower my eyes. "The meeting is about to start," he warns in a low but firm tone.

I nod subtly.

"Of course. I'm... on my way." He nods subtly, stepping away from me, and only then do I release the breath I had been holding.

"Damn!" I mutter, feeling even more discouraged after that, and force myself to walk into the meeting room.

"Well, are we all gathered?" Mr. Bennett asks, staring at me with a certain harshness as I walk toward one of the chairs. "Shall we begin this meeting?" He grumbles, adjusting himself in his chair as I settle into mine. "As you all know, we have a major project at hand, and we'd like to choose the best among the new hires for this project. For this, you'll be receiving a file with some ideas for this design. What I want is for you to envision and mentally map out every detail of this project. Bring me innovative ideas, something that will convince me your idea is the best option. The top three designers will be given this task and an extra bonus for their work. Any questions?" David Bennett's firm gaze scans the table, pausing on each employee, looking for questions.

I have one. I think, but I don't dare speak it aloud. How will I do this, stuck in a hospital room, while I watch my son fight for his life?

It doesn't matter, Júlia. There's a bonus for this work, and you need all the money you can gather to save your son's life. I sigh quietly, flipping through the project pages, and realize Bennett wasn't exaggerating when he mentioned something big. A luxury hotel with all sorts of leisure activities, businesses, and accommodations in a prime location near beaches that are practically pieces of paradise on Earth.

"You have three days!" He announces in a firm tone, jolting me awake at once.

THREE DAYS?! My brain screams.

However, the boss stands up from his chair and leaves, leaving the team inside the room stunned and lost in murmurs of questions and complaints. I glance at the time on my wristwatch. I don't have time for this now. I think anxiously, gathering the material I just received and shoving it into my bag, rushing out of the company straight to the hospital.

***

I never thought I would feel this fear again. I think to myself as I enter the hospital room and find Alex peacefully sleeping in a narrow bed. Losing his father nearly broke me inside, and I had to piece myself together alone to endure his loss and receive the life he left for me. But now, this life is hanging by a thread, ready to slip away from me as well.

It's agonizing not to be able to do anything. It terrifies me to be so helpless, and it hurts to have to smile when all I want to do is cry.