Not A Cinderella Wife

Axel looked at Rachel with a look that was difficult to decipher. Seeing the anger in the eyes of the man who had become her lover for the last few years, Rachel tightened her grip again. Tried to keep smiling, hoping the anger controlling the man would subside soon.

"Next week I have to go to America, Axel," he pleaded pitifully. "You know how I tried to get this scholarship. So now? I graduated and can join the doctoral program as I dreamed of."

"How much longer do I have to wait? If you want, after we get married I can pay for your doctoral degree!" Axel glared at Rachel.

"No! I don't need your help. Besides, this education will be completed in one or two years, and after that, I promise we will get married.

Axel took a deep breath.

"Isn't that too long? You know that Mommy and Daddy have repeatedly urged me to get married."

Now Rachel moved her hand, gently caressing her boyfriend's cheeks which were starting to grow fine hairs.

"Even Damian isn't married yet. Then why should you be afraid?"

"But at least Damian is engaged and will get married shortly. Meanwhile, you refused when I asked you to get engaged," said Axel.

Rachel stared fixedly at the man, her idol.

"Oh come on, Axel. Besides, you are also enjoying your popularity as an engineer and a successful young entrepreneur, aren't you? I beg you to wait for me for another year or two. I really promise this time."

Axel stirred.

His eyes closed for a moment, struggling to consider whether this time he should give up Rachel again to go after his dream even though it was clear that at this time, her parents kept pressing her to get married at the age of almost entering her thirties.

"Okay, this time you can go. But you have to promise that when we return from America we will get married soon."

Rachel smiled happily at Axel's answer.

"I promise, and while I'm gone I beg you to wait for me."

Axel nodded briefly, then pulled Rachel into his arms.

****

Two months later.

Axel entered a famous cafe in South Kensington. The man looked around until his net caught the presence of three men who were waiting for his arrival.

"Sorry I'm late. The meeting with the investors from Switzerland took too long," said Axel, then sat down on the available sofa.

"Excuse me! We've been waiting for you for more than forty minutes already." Rayyen, the youngest man among them, seemed to grumble so annoyed.

Axel laughed sarcastically.

"Sorry, but I never asked you to wait, Ray. Even if you want to go home now, I won't stop you in the slightest."

Rayyen snorted in annoyance at Axel's words.

"Damian, see for yourself? How can you have a brother who is so annoying like him?" Rayyen pointed. "Did Mommy Veronica have wrong cravings when she was pregnant?" Rayyen continued in a mocking tone.

"Hey, don't take my Mommy with you, Ray. You are impatient. No wonder no woman wants to be your girlfriend. After all, who invited us to gather here on weekdays, like there's no other time," protested Axel.

Hearing Axel's words, which seemed to be mocking, Rayyen crumpled the tissue and then threw it at Axel. "There is absolutely nothing to do between Singles and impatience. If you forget, there is not even one woman who refuses to be the lover of a descendant of Drake, I'm the one who's been too picky all this time!" Rayyen argued.

What Rayyen said was true. Who does not know the Drake extended family? A family of Canadian descent who has a position and significant influence in business development in Japan, Singapore, and the Middle East. Drake Massen Company dominates the oil business, the medical world, the automotive industry, to shipping.

Damian, the oldest among them, shook his head seeing his younger siblings and cousins again arguing about unimportant matters. That's how the two of them are; there are always discussions that, in the end, make them mock each other.

"I asked all of you to gather here." The Damian finally spoke up.

"What do you want to talk about this time, sis?" Axel asked with a serious face.

Damian crossed his arms in front of his chest; it was seen that he took a deep breath before finally speaking again.

"You all know that next month I will get married. Like it or not, I have to take time off to prepare for the wedding. After all, after that I plan to go straight for my honeymoon to New Zealand."

"So?" asked Axel looking impatient.

Rayyen, who had been listening, smiled wryly at Axel. "Get used to listening to your parents talk first, Axel. Even Damian hasn't finished yet and you've already interrupted him!"

"Okay, I'm sorry, but I don't think Damian needs to beat around the bush. I mean just get straight to the point."

Damian looked at his younger siblings in turn.

"I want to ask you Axel to replace my position at the company while I'm taking leave. As for Rayyen, I'm tasked with helping Axel in case he has trouble taking care of several companies at once. For Asher, I ask you to go to the Santa Maria hospital immediately. They need your presence."

Hearing the words of the Damian who planned to place him in the main office with his eternal rival, Axel shook his head disapprovingly. It was not the right choice, in his opinion.

Not because Rayyen could not help him but because his cousin, apart from working as a lawyer, also could run a business. Even Rayyen's father's company proliferated under Rayyen's leadership.

It's just that Rayyen's behavior, who likes to annoy and criticize him, makes Axel think twice. They never really got along with each other.

"Why? You don't agree to be my business partner?" asked Rayyen when he began noticing Axel's uncomfortable movements.

Axel sneered.

"Of course, Ray. I'm too lazy to have to be with you in the office. You're too talkative for a man. Even I think maybe you should have been better born as a woman. Try to act like Asher who doesn't talk too much."

Hearing his name being called, Asher, the man who had been silent the most before, just shook his head as he saw his two cousins fighting again.

Rayyen laughed wryly at Axel's words.

"You say I'm talkative? Keep in mind, every time you need a friend to confide in, why am I always the one you're looking for, huh? You weird cousin!" Rayyen replied no less fiercely.

Again Damian could only stroke his chest, seeing the behavior of his two younger siblings.

"Come on, stop fighting between you two. What is certain is that from the day after tomorrow you will have to move to the main office," Damian ordered.

Inevitably the two men involved in the argument fell silent and agreed to the Damian's orders.

Not long after, Axel's cell phone rang. Glancing at the name on the screen, he immediately picked it up.

"Hello, Mommy?"

"Hello, Son. Can you hurry home? It's almost evening. Mama has prepared dinner for you too. You are with Damian, Asher and Rayyen, right? Invite them all home."

"Okay, right now Axel is home."

"Mommy is waiting for you all."

"Okay, Ma," said Axel, then turned off his cell phone.

"Is Mommy looking for you?" asked Damian when he heard the word Mommy coming out of Axel's mouth while he was on his phone.

Axel nodded.

"He was looking for all of us, to be more precise. Mama asked us to go home quickly," Axel replied. "And you two, if you want a free meal, hurry up!" Axel continued giving orders to his two cousins, who answered with a nod.

A tradition upheld by the Drake Massen extended family is having dinner together. No matter how busy they are, since childhood, they have been accustomed to when dinner time arrives, everyone must gather and eat food together at the dinner table. There is no excuse or refusal for this one except for the position of those who are out of town.

Usually, on the sidelines of the ritual meal, they exchange stories. This is a way to get closer to each other.

Axel got up from his seat. Just as he turned around and was about to step forward, he accidentally bumped into a woman in the opposite direction.

"Gosh," the woman screamed because the drink she was holding fell, so its contents spilled out on the floor.

"Sorry ... Sorry ..." A moment later, Axel immediately helped pick up the drink cups scattered on the floor.

The woman raised her face, and a second later, she froze in her position until she finally unconsciously spoke.

"Bee..."

Axel averted his gaze. He seemed transfixed because, as far as he could remember, in this world, only one person called him 'Bee.'

"Laura?" Axel guessed hesitantly.

The woman nodded slowly. "Yeah..." then smiled slightly at Axel. A smile that looks a little forced.

"Oh my God, I can meet you here," said Axel, a little in disbelief.

As Axel recalled, maybe he and Rachel had not seen each other for more than ten years. And now, suddenly, they could meet in an unexpected place after a long time apart. Axel feels like fate.

It's not an exaggeration, considering that Laura was a childhood friend until she grew up; they used to be like a pair of teenagers who couldn't be separated, sticky like a postage stamp. Wherever Axel is, Laura is there. If only Axel had not continued his undergraduate and graduate studies abroad, they might not have been separated until now.

Damian, who noticed his sister, became slightly surprised and asked, "You know each other?"

Axel nodded.

"This is Laura Anastasia. Laura who used to stay at home often. She often helped Axel when he was fighting with his schoolmates."

The Damian frowned.

"Laura? You mean this is your tomboy friend Laura, right?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Yes, this is Laura."

"Where have you been all this time?" Axel asked again.

Before Laura could answer, she heard a man not far from the exit calling her name.

"Laura, let's hurry. We'll be late!" the man ordered from a distance.

Laura turned her gaze back to Axel and his siblings.

"I'll go first, Bee."

Axel just nodded in response. Not long after Laura's shadow had disappeared entirely, she tapped her forehead lightly.

"Why did I forget to ask for his cell phone number."

The sound of shuffling footsteps was heard hitting the shiny tile floor. Laura shuffled through the long corridor filled with nurses. His lips did not stop smiling when everyone greeted him politely.

Laura stopped momentarily in front of the room he was going to. Directing his hands to improve his appearance, then fixing his white coat and slightly messy hair. After feeling tidy, Laura took a deep breath and opened the door.

A middle-aged woman is seen sitting seriously while reading a pile of papers in front of her. Occasionally the woman frowned as if she was digesting what she was examining.

"Doctor Clara, sorry I'm a bit late," Laura said quietly.

The woman glanced at the watch on her wrist.

"Five minutes late, but that's no problem. Next time you have to be on time, Cha. Remember, soon you will have a new leader," said Clara.

Laura took a deep breath.

"God willing, I won't be late again, Doc. But by the way, Doctor Clara knows who will be the new head of this hospital? Is he really that fierce?"

Doctor Clara chuckled.

"You'll see who will replace my position. Let's hope he lives up to your expectations."

"Is he a very strict parent? To be honest, I'm not ready to part with you, Doc," Laura whispered.

"But I think you'll all like it. Especially if you know who it is." Doctor Clara's answer made Laura even more curious.

"Does the Doctor know the new leader?" she asked.

Doctor Clara smiled.

"Of course I know him. He is a thoracic and cardiovascular specialist who graduated abroad. We even handled reconstructive surgery together at a hospital in Los Angeles."

Laura nodded.

"If you hear Doctor Clara's story, it seems that she is quite experienced."

"You could say that. But you better see for yourself. One thing is for sure, I hope you can work with him to move this hospital forward." Laura nodded. A moment later, Doctor Clara got up from his chair, intending to leave the room.

"Let's go to the boardroom now. He'll be here in a minute." invite Doctor Clara.

Laura nodded and followed Doctor Clara's steps to the boardroom. Several other specialist doctors have gathered there, waiting for a new leader's arrival.

Many rumors say that Doctor Clara's replacement is a man. But it must be made clear whether the man is old or young. Laura herself doesn't care about that. After all, for him, whether he is old or young is not a problem as long as he is responsible and can protect his subordinates.

Fifteen minutes after entering the boardroom, the person you've been waiting for finally came. Suddenly all the Doctors who were there stood to salute. Laura was no exception; she was pretty surprised by the figure in front of her. He thought the leader who would replace Doctor Clara was an older man, a young man who might be on the same level as him.

"Other colleagues, introduce this Doctor Asher. He will replace me in leading this hospital." Doctor Clara said to all the doctors who were there.

"Introducing me, I am Asher. Please help and guide me while I am on duty at this hospital," said Asher briefly. Then the man greeted the doctors individually until it was Laura's turn.

Laura smiled and held out her hand.

"Introducing, I'm Laura Khiel. But the Doctor can call me Laura."

Asher welcomed Laura's helping hand. The man was stunned momentarily as he stared at Laura's face.

"Asher. Nice to meet you."

After getting acquainted and being invited around all the hospital places, Asher is now led by Doctor Clara and Laura to his office.

"This is Doctor Asher's office. While on duty here, the Doctor can ask Doctor Laura for any help. So far, apart from being a doctor, she has also been my personal assistant."

Asher nodded.

"Thank you for the directions. Hopefully I can quickly adapt," Asher replied.

Doctor Clara smiles at Asher.

"Then I say goodbye. Meanwhile, Doctor Laura will stay here for a while to help with all your needs."

Asher nodded.

"Okay, thank you."

After Doctor Clara left, Laura immediately carried out her duties showing several agendas and what tasks a hospital leader usually does. While Laura was explaining, Asher looked closely at his interlocutor again.

"I think we've met before," exclaimed Asher.

Laura gasped at Asher's words.

"Oh yeah? May I know where we met?" she asked.

"A few days ago, at the Corner cafe. You are the woman Axel accidentally ran over, right?"

Laura paused momentarily, trying to remember what happened a few days ago.

"That's right. Is the Doctor there?" asked Laura curiously.

Asher smiled.

"Maybe you're just busy with Axel, so you don't pay attention to the other people there," said Asher.

Laura looked down in embarrassment. But what Asher said is true. The other day, Laura's gaze was only on the man she had been trying to forget.

"That's not it, yesterday I was in a hurry too so I didn't have time to pay attention to the people around. Doctor Asher is Axel's friend?" asked Laura to make sure.

"No, I'm his cousin."

"His Cousin?"

Asher nodded slowly. "Yes, I am Axel's cousin. I just moved to England in a few years. Previously, I lived and settled abroad."

"Oh, no wonder," said Laura, nodding.

"No wonder what?" asked Axel. He seemed happy to dig up information on this woman he just met.

"No wonder I've never seen it before. So far I only know Rayyen."

"You know Rayyen too?"

Laura nodded. "You know me. Axel and Rayyen used to go to the same school in high school."

Asher nodded without speaking.

"It turns out that Axel's cousins are like this, aren't they?"

Asher raised an eyebrow again. "Is this how?"

"All of them are cute, like the Turkish actors that I often watch."

Asher chuckled lightly. For some reason, for someone who is meeting each other for the first time, he feels that Laura fits well. Even though Asher was previously known as a quiet person and did not like to talk much. But look now; he even feels familiar with a woman he's only known for a few hours.

Engrossed in telling stories, there was a sound of knocking three times on Asher's office door. Laura quickly approached and opened it.

"Doctor Laura, there is an emergency patient who is about to give birth. Now she is in the delivery room waiting for surgery. Doctors are asked to handle it now," said one of the nurses in a slightly worried tone.

Laura immediately turned to Asher. "Doc, I have permission to work first. If there is something you don't understand, the Doctor can contact me later via telephone or WhatsApp. This is my business card," said Laura while handing a business card to Asher. The woman then followed the nurse who had previously come to pick her up.

Asher looked at the business card that Laura had just given him. He quickly put the cell phone number written on the card, smiling.

"So, she's an obstetrician."

Axel sipped the tea in his cup while staring out the window. You can see the view of skyscrapers and the streets of London, which are very crowded during office hours like today.

This is Axel's first day on duty at the head office, replacing Damian, who is on leave to prepare for the wedding. As a Mechanical Engineer, it is easy for him to run a company engaged in the automotive and shipping industry as it is now. However, he prefers to go straight into the field rather than sit behind a desk like now.

Axel glanced at the cell phone lying on his desk. Suddenly he remembered the incident a few days ago when he accidentally met Laura.

After more than ten years of separation, I can't see you anymore, Cha.

Unknowingly the corners of Axel's lips lifted into a smile.

It's a shame I didn't get to ask for your number yesterday.

Unlucky!

Axel cursed himself. But it didn't take long for the man to smile again.

Hopefully, one day, we can meet again, Laura

Then a phone call from someone he knew interrupted Axel's reverie. The man quickly picked him up.

"Axel, Mommy is in the Santa Maria hospital. You have to come here right now!"

Not to mention that Axel greeted and responded to his interlocutor's words, and the phone call was disconnected unilaterally. Feeling this was very urgent, Axel rushed to the hospital.

Arriving at the hospital, Damian and Asher were already talking at the emergency room door. From the look on his face, they seemed to be having a serious conversation.

"How are you, Mommy? She's fine, right?" Axel asked, still short of breath.

Asher nodded.

"God willing, it will be okay, Doctor Robert is still observing inside. Let's just wait a moment." Asher tries to calm Axel, who looks confused.

Not long after, the Doctor who treated Mommy Veronica came out of the emergency room. The middle-aged man immediately approached the three men waiting for news.

"Doctor Asher, which family is Mrs. Giselle?" asked Doctor Robert.

Damian and Axel answered in unison. "We're his children, Doc."

"Okay, I would like to inform you that Mrs. Veronica is currently experiencing acute coronary syndrome or more precisely a heart attack."

Axel was wide-eyed in shock. "My mother had a heart attack?" asked Axel to make sure.

Doctor Robert nodded.

"It's true, this attack occurs due to obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle. Usually patients who have a heart attack often complain of chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat or anxiety. But there are also those who have no complaints and immediately experience sudden cardiac arrest. This is very severe ."

"Then, can my mother be treated, Doc?" asked Axel.

"Yes, the treatment method depends on the severity of the heart attack and when the complaint occurs. You can use drugs, ring installation, or heart bypass surgery. For your own mother's case, she is included in the early or mild category. But we must still be vigilant because heart attacks can come at anytime, even without symptoms.

Axel was silent momentarily; he looked a little shocked, listening to Doctor Robert's explanation. He did not expect that his mother, who adopted a healthy lifestyle, could have a heart attack like now. Seeing his younger brother moving into his position, it was Damian's turn to take the initiative to ask Doctor Robert further.

"Then we do to prevent the onset of the disease, Doc?" asked the Damian.

"Take care of his diet, get him to exercise often and most importantly he shouldn't be stressed. The main cause of this disease is stress which is not managed and controlled properly."

Damian and Asher nodded after hearing Doctor Robert's explanation. At the same time, Axel is still silent in his position.

"Then I'll excuse you, soon the patient will be transferred to the inpatient room." Doctor Robert said, then left the three men in front of him.

Asher approached Axel and then tapped his shoulder lightly. He knew very well how he felt now. As the youngest child closest to his mother, Axel was devastated to hear this news. But sinking is also not the right choice now. Instead of lamenting, it's better to keep the disease that attacked her mother from recurring or worsening.

"Take it easy, Axel. Mommy is fine. Now come inside, maybe soon Mommy will wake up. Let me take care of administrative matters."

"Thank you, Ash. Damian and I will go in first."

After Axel and Damian left, who entered the emergency room, a woman from a distance was seen walking a little hastily towards Asher, who had not moved from his position.

"Doctor Asher is here?" Laura exhaled slowly.

Asher nodded.

"Just speak slowly, Doc," Asher said when he realized Laura was speaking a little out of breath.

"I went looking all over the board of directors. The Doctor had to review the medical and nursing departments that were pending beforehand." continued Laura

Asher smiled.

"I'll go to the administration first for a moment. Doctor Laura can go first, I'll follow later."

Laura nodded without asking, then followed Asher's words to go first. Even if Laura had come five minutes earlier, maybe now she would have met Axel for the second time. But such is fate. He cleverly plays with the chance of two people who have been separated for a long time. Maybe in the future, they both meet again at the right place and time. Everything once again depends on fate.