MY BILLIONAIRE RESCUER

CHAPTER 8: Face off

Meanwhile at the Absedaire Medical Center, Dylan and Mikaela had also reported to work for an on call duty.

Dylan also had a lung cancer patient, who insisted to have his surgery that day.

Before the scheduled operation late in the afternoon, Dylan had a meeting with the surgeon that his VVIP patient had personally selected.

Dylan was really shocked upon seeing the man who had intruded on him and Lynette a few weeks ago.

The chief of surgery introduced them to one another. As the chief surgery detailed Dr. Gabriel Altamonte’s medical qualifications, Dylan couldn’t help but fidget.

Dylan knew the name, Gabriel Altamonte, as a genius surgeon with three surgical specialties namely general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery making him a world-renown trauma specialist. He had done numerous pro bono cases in the entire world. He had even served in warzones as a multi-specialist surgery practitioner. But his face hadn’t been publicized, only his accomplishments. He also had an undergoing dream project, his own trauma center which would serve all patients equally regardless of their socio-economic status.

Gabriel Altamonte casually greeted his future in-laws during the birthday celebration party of her cousin’s twins. Now, he knew why. He's an Altamonte. AHHI has stakes at Absedaire Medical Center. Gabriel Altamonte’s paternal aunt is also a member of the Board of Directors. Plus, his future father-in-law is the brother of the genius doctor’s stepmother.

Dr. Gabriel Altamonte was so professional in discussing the surgical procedures that will be done to their patient. The case was really a difficult one. Other surgeons didn’t have the confidence to operate on it. Dylan also tried his best to be professional even if he really wanted to knock-off the surgeon with just one punch.

To further add to Dylan’s suffering, he had to observe the operation closely so he could be able to assess the severity of the cancer and the most oncological treatment procedures that would have to follow be lined up. The genius doctor was a very brilliant surgeon causing him to get even more infuriated. The man messed up his relationship with Lynette. And now, Gabriel Altamonte made him feel very inferior. Why did he get to be on the topmost level among medical practitioners?

After the operation, Dylan confronted the genius surgeon.

Dylan could not stop himself anymore, “You did that in purpose, right? You really insisted that I observe closely on the operation to spite me.”

Gabriel calmly stated, “I don’t know what you are talking about, Dr. Tiu. As the patient’s oncologist you need to see the extent of what you will treat up close and personal. If you didn’t want it, you could have just declined.”

Dylan then opened up about what happened two weeks ago, “Why did you come by Lyn’s apartment that afternoon? Are you pursuing her? Do you like her?”

Gabriel stated, “I offered her a ride after the party out of courtesy. She left something in my car and so I returned it. I got no intention to interfere with your personal affairs, Dr. Tiu. But you manhandled the lady. She was pleading and yet you won’t budge. So should I just ignore that? You are a doctor. You are supposed to cure people and not hurt them. Just be thankful that she didn’t report it to the police. You just passed your board examination and yet you might have immediately be stripped off your medical silence. That was clearly an act of violence against women. So don’t put all your frustrations on me if you cannot stand up against your parents with their plan to marry you off to another lady.”

Dylan lost his control. He tried to push  Gabriel on the chest but Gabriel was able to evade such. Mikaela, who just turned up outside the operating room witnessing the scene when Dylan tried to push Gabriel and missed, put a stop on the altercation.

Mikaela said, “What are you doing, Dylan? Didn’t you know that he's a very important affiliate of the hospital?”

Dylan just walked out, not saying anything.

Mikaela apologized to Gabriel, “I'm very sorry for that, Dr. Altamonte.”

Gabriel said, “I’m fine. I was able to evade it anyway.”

As Mikaela excused herself and ran after Dylan, Gabriel changed into his clothes at the locker room and then left.     

That evening Dylan prepared for the anniversary celebration that he had to attend with a very heavy heart.

Arnold and Alyzza attended that same anniversary celebration, as well as Mark and Cheryl.

Gabriel was also there to escort his Mommy Graciella.

When Alyzza and Cheryl got the chance to talk a couple of minutes after the announcement of the wedding engagement of Dylan and Mikaela…

Cheryl said, “In as much as I missed Lyn for not being here, I'm glad she didn’t have to suffer witnessing this.”

Alyzza said, “But as I see it, it seems just like a one-way love affair,” and also corrected Cheryl, “Anyway, I don’t think Lyn would suffer seeing this. You heard her yesterday. She had mistaken her deep admiration as love.”

Cheryl agreed, “Yeah. Nevertheless I still think that Dylan really loves Lyn but then he had to follow what his parents want.”

Alyzza recalled, “You heard him yesterday. He want to put a stop of this wedding by eloping with Lyn. But Lyn rejected it.”

Cheryl affirmed, “Yes. Lyn is the most conservative among the four of us. Good thing, nothing really major happened to them except making out. Lyn still feels that she didn’t lose anything at all coz her dignity is still intact.”

Alyzza offered, “Or perhaps my cousin wasn’t just really the guy who can make Lyn forget all her values as per pre-marital s*x is concerned.”

Cheryl remarked, “You got a point there.”

Arnold and Mark then joined them.

Mark was curious, “How did it happen that Lyn’s boyfriend is suddenly Mikaela’s fiancé?”

Alyzza gave the explanation, “Their parents had long been thinking of having them married but there was no formal arrangement. They never dated. When they were done with their residencies and they both passed their respective board exam, their parents agreed to formalize the arrangement. I informed Lyn as soon as I found out so she immediately broke up with him two weeks ago. He left Lyn clueless about it coz he didn’t want to end his relationship with her. He even asked Lyn to elope but Lyn rejected it.”

Arnold commented, “Well, Lyn deserves something better than an elopement proposal. If I was on Lyn’s situation, I wouldn’t agree also. You just don’t tell a lady you love to elope to evade your parents’ wishes. A real man must stand up against all odds and fight for the woman he truly loves.”

Cheryl affirmed, “I really like the way you pointed it out, Mayor,” then told Alyzza, “Your husband is very righteous, Lyz. No doubt why you fall for him easily and married him immediately.”    

Meanwhile, Lynette was still at the workshop. She just finished hand-painting the three sets of Christmas Nativity Scene figurines. She attached a note on a transparent resin prism. The note says – Reserved! Please don’t touch!

Then she closed the store, rode her vehicle, and went home. She already had dinner at the workshop. She had air-fried tilapia fillets and sweet potato wedges which she paired with cucumber and tomato salsa.

Her mini refrigerator there was filled by her parents with fruits, vegetables and drinks. The previous afternoon, she had purchased a rice cooker, coffee maker, air-fryer, electric kettle, electric stove, and some cookware and tools for the mini kitchen area of the business space. She planned to provide meals for her staff. But if they still prefer going out during lunch break or buy their own snacks then she would not stop them. She already informed her staffs regarding such during the orientation she had with them that morning before she left for her brunch date with her two best friends. All of them welcomed the idea. Some even volunteered to do the cooking or bring their preferred food as well.

When Lynette reached the privacy of her apartment unit, she was already very tired. Cheryl had sent her a groufie of her and Alyzza with their respective partner with a teasing message – We also saw Gabriel Altamonte with his mother. It seems that your rescuer is very much single. Shall we ask Mayor to set you up on a date?

Lynette was not able to reply anymore because after freshening herself up and dressing up with her sleepwear, she had already fallen asleep.

Back at the wedding anniversary party of Mikaela’s parents, Mikaela had accidentally heard the conversation of Dylan’s cousin with her Mayor-husband and friends.

She really felt hurt knowing that Dylan did not seem to like marrying her at all. It seemed to her that Dylan really loves that free-spirited teacher/artist.

Somehow, she also felt relieved that Dylan’s relationship with that lady had already ended. She must admit that she appreciated Dylan’s ladylove for ending the relationship and not holding on to Dylan. But then the problem is Dylan. How will she be able to replace that lady in his mind and in his heart? It also seemed to her that the lady was conservative when it comes to s*x. Perhaps, she could capitalize on that. 

Gabriel also joined the group of Arnold after some time. After the introductions and pleasantries, they all had talked.

Alyzza thanked him, “By the way Gab, thanks for rescuing Lyn from her ex two weeks ago and from those hot beverages this morning.”

Gabriel casually acknowledged it, “I just did what I need to do in those situations. No worries. Anyway, how is Teacher Lyn? Is she still being bothered by her ex?”

Cheryl imparted, “There had been one occasion when he went to her apartment but it never happened again once Lyn had him blacklisted. There were also two instances when he visited Lyn’s store but they had been sorted out. He wasn’t able to physically hurt our best friend anymore.”

Alyzza added, “I immediately told her public prosecutor brother about it when the twins saw her bruised arms which she tried to cover up with concealer the following day. Apparently, her father and her two older brothers had arranged for the installation of hidden security camera in her apartment unit before she moved in. Her brother had immediately gotten the footage of the manhandling incident. Lyn didn’t want to make the issue bigger because she didn’t want her parents to worry much. But she already agreed that if her ex still continues to bother her then she will already allow her brother to arrange for a civil harassment restraining order against him.”

Gabriel commented, “That’s a nice plan. She's still being very considerate.”

Arnold imparted, “Lyn is really like that. She's very kind that’s why all of us her friends are very supportive and protective of her.”

Mark then realized, “So Dylan really physically hurt, Lyn?!”

Cheryl shushed her boyfriend by putting her right index finger on her lips, “Lower your voice, babe. He's just around.”  

Mark then remarked, “Lyn is so right about breaking up with him. How could he claim that he loves her? A man who truly loves her woman would never ever hit or hurt her no matter how frustrating the situation can be.”

Arnold and Gabriel agreed at the same time, “Right!”

Alyzza shared, “I also didn’t expect my own cousin to do such with my own best friend. Lyn is very much loved by her family. I told her oldest brother instead of her parents about the incident. Her brothers had respected Lyn’s decision not to make the issue bigger. They also didn’t inform their parents.”

Cheryl added, “Because if her parents knew about it, her ex has probably served some jail time already. Lyn is the baby in their family. She’s very sweet and thoughtful that even her sisters-in-law get along with her very well.”

Mark asked, “So, how's Lyn dealing with the breakup?”

Cheryl answered, “Oh, she’s definitely fine! She is much happier. And she got this very amazing secret admirer who sends her daily poems and well-thought-of gifts.”

Arnold asked, “Lyn has a secret admirer?”

Alyzza confirmed it, “Yeah, love. It could sometimes be haiku, tanka or a love note that he sends along with a gift or gifts. Lyn really likes the poems and the plants.”

Cheryl added, “I think she also likes the jewelries but she is just hesitant to use them. This secret admirer seems to know Lyn that much. He knows that Lyn loves plants and working out.”

Mark commented, “Quite impressive! Any idea who the guy is.”

Alyzza answered, “We really have no idea. The guy also knows that Lyn just had a breakup and so he is taking his time before he reveals himself.”

Gabriel asked, “So what if this guy reveals himself? What do you think Miss Lyn will do?”

Cheryl answered, “I told her that if the guy is good looking then she should try to get to know him better and perhaps have another relationship.”

Alyzza added, “She's just enjoying the moment and not thinking of the future yet. For now, she just wants to focus on her teaching job, her business, and her writing pursuits.”

Cheryl gladly said, “She has just qualified as a finalist for this children’s storybook writing contest. We really hope that this time her literary work will get published. It’s her ultimate dream. She would even say that even once is enough. But I think that with her perseverance and hard work, it wouldn’t just be one.”

Alyzza supplemented, “She's very passionate with everything she does. She has just opened the actual store of LT Atelier yesterday and it was really a huge success. She had already hired more employees to assist her at the store and at the workshop. She got lots of order especially this holiday season. As for her pre-school kids, our twins are already excited about the musical presentation that Lyn had planned for them for the Christmas Program of the school before the Christmas Break started. Every child has their own part on the presentation. The parents had to participate as well with the making of the props and the costumes. As one of her best friends, I'm really so proud of her.”

Gabriel commented, “Yeah, she seems really nice around children. That storytelling session at the twins’ party was just so nice.”

Arnold stated, “Anyway, the videos and photos at the party had already been delivered to us. We can watch some of the videos next time. Lyz had already set a viewing party.”

Gabriel said, “Just sent me the soft copies. I may not be able to attend the viewing party.”

Alyzza said, “We’ll send you a DVD copy. I already asked for reproduction. A copy for each of the god parents, and grandparents will be delivered along with our appreciation message this coming week.”

Cheryl remarked, “I love that! I wasn’t able to attend coz I was still abroad back then.”

Mark said, “I did attend the party and bring our presents to their twins, babe. But then I didn’t see that storytelling part of Lyn.”

Arnold shared, “It was so amazing! I didn’t know that she's an excellent storyteller. She sings and plays the piano very well too. The children as well as the adults loved it more than the magic show.  She was so good at eliciting audience participation. Almost everyone meowed and sang with her especially the children.”

Alyzza added, “Actually some of the parents had already asked me if Lyn accepts storytelling bookings. And I just remembered that I haven’t told her about it.”

Cheryl said, “With her very busy schedule, I don’t think she might be able to include such, Lyz.”

Alyzza responded, “I told the parents that it was the first time she did such in a party coz she just normally does it in her classes with a keyboard or guitar accompaniment. But I did promise that I’ll ask her so I have to inform her.”

Dylan was able to hear almost everything that they had talked about especially when Gabriel had joined the group.

He then realized that he had really been selfish and unfair in the duration of his relationship with Lynette. She was a doting and supportive girlfriend to him. She might be conservative about s*x but she had treated him very nice whether it was just deep admiration or simply out of the goodness of her heart. He never even provided her with well-thought-of gifts. Oftentimes, he would just bring her chocolates and food. She never complained though, never demanded anything. She just appreciated whatever he brought. He never even paid much attention on what she likes or wants. He didn’t even know that she was a great storyteller, singer, and musician. They were all new revelations to him during the birthday celebration of his cousin’s twins. 

But who could be her secret admirer? Why does the guy even know what she likes or wants? Why does he even know about their breakup? Is the guy someone they both know?

Reality sucks. Misha, Mikaela’s mother had also heard Gabriel’s conversation with Alyzza’s group. Mikaela’s mother had told what she heard to her husband, Don Henry Ong, who had confronted him after the party.

Don Henry started, “I heard that your girlfriend already broke up with you but you were still bothering her.”

He admitted it in a way that it won’t be that very offensive, “Yes, Tito. She immediately broke up with me when she found out my wedding engagement to Mikaela. She didn’t want to see me anymore so I respected her decision.”

Don Henry firmly stated, “You really must! I don’t want my only daughter to share you with another lady. So I assume that this kind of issue won’t ever happen again. I’m not a very patient man, Dylan. Your father and I might be the best of friends but I would never ever tolerate you cheating on my daughter.”

Dylan said, “I haven’t cheated on Mikaela, Tito. As you might already know, it's already over between me and my girlfriend. My affection and attention will solely be devoted to Mikaela. I'll try my best to make her happy.”

Mikaela rejoiced upon hearing such as she eavesdropped with her father’s conversation with her fiancé.