Chapter 55: Problem Solved.
There had to be a logical reason why the doctor had threatened to involve the police, despite the sacred confidentiality of the patient-doctor relationship. There also had to be a deeper explanation for why Jane gazed at the doctor with an aura of familiarity, but Kyle knew better than to ask these questions now. This was why he excused himself and went to find the doctor. Their discussion was short but strategic. Kyle asked the doctor for a final grace period, promising that he would personally handle the situation and ensure there was no repeat of this incident. To sweeten the deal, Kyle discreetly transferred a substantial amount of money into the doctor’s account, an action that left no room for refusal.
Kyle knew that if doctors reported every instance of drug abuse, especially involving celebrities, there would hardly be anyone left walking the streets without a criminal record. This insight told him there was more to the doctor’s threat than met the eye. However, Kyle ensured that neither Jane nor Ella needed to worry about it—he had handled the situation. When he returned to the hospital room, he gave the two women a reassuring thumbs-up, a silent signal that the matter was resolved.
"Thank you so much!" Jane exclaimed, her voice filled with both gratitude and relief.
"It was nothing..." Kyle replied calmly, though Ella avoided meeting his eyes. She felt a pang of shame, as if she had let him down in some significant way. Yet, Kyle’s gaze carried no hint of disappointment—only understanding.
"Ella," Kyle said firmly, his tone commanding attention. "I don’t want to come here again. Will you make me revisit this hospital because of you?"
Jane was caught off guard by his sternness, glancing at Ella from the corner of her eye. Ella, however, nodded solemnly, her voice almost a whisper. "No, you won’t. I’m sorry for bothering you all."
"Bother? Is that what you think this is?" Kyle asked with a raised brow, his words carrying the weight of a father figure addressing a wayward child.
Ella looked down, unable to respond. Something told Kyle that Ella had never had this kind of accountability growing up.
"I don’t know what’s going on in your life, but if you’re ever in trouble or need help, you can always find me. Don’t pump your system full of drugs before you at least call me first. Think of drugs as your absolute last resort. Can you promise me that?" Kyle locked eyes with her as he spoke, ensuring his sincerity reached her. He wasn’t delusional enough to think addiction could be stopped so easily. However, by inserting himself into her decision-making process, he gained some degree of control. The next time she felt the urge, it would be him she contacted first, and that alone could prevent worse outcomes.
Ella nodded, her voice shaking as she responded. "I promise."
Kyle glanced at Jane, unsure of how she would react to his approach. When their eyes met, he saw something that reassured him: admiration and gratitude.
"The eyes, chico, they never lie," Kyle thought, recalling a famous movie quote. Jane’s gaze was locked on his, brimming with emotion. He exhaled in relief, knowing she approved of his handling of the situation.
"Hey, you..." Kyle called out, snapping Jane back to reality.
"Hi..." Jane replied, a goofy smile spreading across her face.
"Are you alright?" Kyle asked, his voice softening.
Jane nodded quickly, her heart still racing. "I’m alright now, thanks to you," she thought silently. Kyle had not only de-escalated the situation but had also given Ella a gentle yet firm wake-up call. Jane admired his ability to balance sternness with compassion.
"Ella, I want you to give this lady a call," Kyle said, handing Ella a card. It was from a talent agency that primarily worked with actors but was beginning to expand into music. Kyle saw this as an opportunity to help Ella turn her life around.
Ella’s eyes lit up when she saw the card, as if Kyle had handed her a lifeline. "Thank you... so much," she stammered, clutching the card like a treasure.
Kyle smiled faintly and stood to leave. "I’ll be on my way, ladies," he said. Before walking out, he leaned down and pressed a kiss on Jane’s forehead, a gesture so tender it left her speechless.
Jane’s heart fluttered, overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings. She had experienced crushes before, but this was something entirely different. She didn’t just like Kyle—she loved him.
-
Kyle left the hospital and heaved a deep sigh of relief. He hadn’t expected the day to be so emotionally draining. Who could have guessed that Ella had a drug problem? Kyle still wasn’t sure why he had told her to call him first in times of need. It was a promise that placed more responsibility on his already burdened shoulders, yet it felt like the right thing to do. Even if it wasn’t a permanent solution, it could serve as a temporary fix.
As he stepped outside, Kyle regretted not having his car. He opened his Uber app and ordered a ride, knowing it was time to wrap up the day. His bank balance continued to shrink, but Kyle was in no rush to worry. With his unique system, financial ruin was practically impossible, and he was just steps away from upgrading his abilities.
Kyle’s thoughts drifted to Cassandra. They had a date lined up, but he wasn’t sure if she would actually follow through. This uncertainty reminded him of his experience with Aiysha. For older women, the attention of a younger man often felt like a nostalgic trip back in time, an ego boost that reminded them of their youth. Who wouldn’t want to feel young again?
However, Cassandra was different, and Kyle was eager to test just how different she truly was.
His Uber arrived quickly, as the hospital was a busy hotspot for drivers. Kyle hopped in, ready to call it a day and recharge for what lay ahead.
-
Meanwhile, Calista was celebrating her recent victory, her excitement bubbling over. Little did she know, however, that her new role had less to do with her talent and more to do with Kyle’s growing influence. Ignorance, as they say, is bliss. Even if she learned the truth, it likely wouldn’t change her sense of accomplishment.
Still, Calista found herself wondering about her dynamic with Lucas. Would he act as though nothing had happened, or would he try to make another move? She resolved not to give him the opportunity, keeping herself busy with preparations. Shooting was scheduled to start next week, and she had a script to rehearse for her role as Rachel.
Calista focused her energy on perfecting her lines, determined to make the most of this opportunity, even if she had no idea just how much she owed it to Kyle’s behind-the-scenes efforts.
