Master of Lust

Chapter - 124

Rick approached the reception at the hospital and was glad the area was empty. The faster he could get this over with, the better. He cleared his throat, garnering the receptionist's attention. "Hi, I'm Rick. I'm here for Emily Clarke's bills," he said.

The nurse, acknowledging his presence, engaged with her computer interface, producing the pertinent information. "Indeed, Emily's medical bills," she affirmed. After a series of keystrokes, she relayed the comprehensive sum, articulating.

"The aggregate amount stands at $43,450. And if you want we have some payment arrangements are at your disposal, also installment options. Additionally, I can assist you in navigating through a potential health insurance coverage if you have any. Would you prefer to explore these alternatives?"

Rick, momentarily taken aback, observed the array of brochures adorning the counter. Unperturbed the nurse did not wait for Rick's reply, the nurse started delving into the details of the diverse plans available, each tailored to accommodate different options for payment.

As she delved into the specifics, she retrieved informational brochures and extended them towards Rick. However, sensing a saturation point in the information flow, he intervened by lifting a hand and gently shaking his head, "No need for that. I'll pay in full," he said, making sure there was no more room for discussion.

The nurse, slightly taken aback by the unequivocal response, arched an eyebrow, attuned to the a typicality of such a straightforward decision. "Are you certain? We do acknowledge the substantial nature of the sum, we do offer alternatives to facilitate a more manageable settlement," she ventured, seeking reassurance.

"I am sure. I'll take care of it. I will settle the account in its entirety," Rick nodded, signaling the conclusion of any further negotiation.

The nurse, registered Rick's decision with a few additional clicks, "Very well, if that is your preference," she acquiesced.

As Rick extracted a substantial stack of banknotes from his pocket, he conveyed, "Furthermore, kindly refrain from approaching the patient's mother for any financial matters. Kindly take note of my contact information; should any financial inquiries arise, please communicate directly with me."

In response, the nurse assented with a nod, proffering a sticky note and pen for Rick's convenience. "Certainly, we will reach out to you if the need arises. Your cooperation is appreciated."

With swift efficiency, Rick transcribed his contact number onto the proffered note. Simultaneously, he meticulously counted the currency notes, shifting them between his hands. Without faltering, he reiterated, "Allow me to reiterate, please abstain from involving Emily's mother, Olivia, in any financial correspondence. Direct all such matters to me."

The nurse duly recorded Rick's contact details in the hospital's system, assuring him, "Understood. Rest assured, we will apprise you promptly should any further financial obligations emerge."

Just as Rick handed the money to the nurse, his father arrived at the reception area, a puzzled expression on his face. "Rick, what brings you to this place?" His scrutiny shifted to the monetary notes being exchanged, prompting him to inquire further, "How have you come by such a substantial sum?"

Rick met his father's gaze. "Saved up from my job," he replied, unwilling to go into further details.

His father scrutinised Rick, his eyes searching Rick's face for any tells. 'Something is fishy. His job isn't that glamorous to save up such an amount.' He raised his eyebrow, a silent sign to Rick that he wanted more information.

His father, with a dismissive roll of the eyes, remarked, "You may have forgotten, but you ceased seeking money from me long ago. It seems improbable that you could amass such a sum independently."

Now, that irritated Rick. "Dad, I'm not a kid anymore. I know how to make proper financial decisions."

Still not convinced, his dad pressed ahead. "That still doesn't give me a solid answer as to how you got so much money. And that too on hand."

"Is it so hard to give me an explanation?" His father asked.

Rick decided to give an excuse, "A friend's father is into stocks. He gave me some tips, and I made some good investments." He shrugged, acting like it was no big deal, and also willed for his father to drop the interrogation.

Rick's father, though finding it hard to believe, didn't push it further. His son was growing up; perhaps it was time to stop prying into his affairs. 'Rick is big enough. He knows how to stay away from trouble. At least, I hope he does.'

As Rick pocketed the remaining money, he glanced at his father. "Anyway, enough about that. How have you been?" he asked, attempting to shift the focus.

His father lost in his thoughts, seemed startled by the question. "Oh, I've been... good. Managing somehow."

Rick didn't miss the hesitation in his father's tone. "Good to hear. Now, what did you want to talk about?" He tilted his head in question.

Confusion was evident on his father's face. "What do you mean?"

"Dad, you left messages and calls, saying you have something important to discuss. You don't remember?"

A flicker of realisation crossed his father's face. "Oh, right, right. I completely forgot about that, you know, with all that's happening."

Rick said nothing and waited for his father to bring up whatever he wanted to talk about.

His father hesitated, not meeting Rick's gaze. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, unable to form the desired sentences.

Rick furrowed his brow. "Is there something on your mind, Dad?" He could see his dad struggling to bring up the topic, but Rick couldn't understand why.

"Yes, the thing is… You see." Again, his dad jumbled his words and mumbled some curses to himself. Rick grew more and more suspicious.

Rick, with a slight frown, said. "Take your time, Dad. What's going on?"

The older man sighed. There was a clear burden on his shoulders that Rick was clueless about. "I... I don't know how to say this," he murmured, his always upright back slouching a little.

Rick, now more intrigued than concerned, said, "Just spit it out, Dad. Whatever it is, I'm sure we can handle it."

His father nodded, but the words still didn't seem to work themselves out in his head. Rick waited for a few more seconds, expecting some sort of explanation, but his father didn't seem to be giving him any answers.

"Are you in some sort of trouble?" Rick finally asked when his dad didn't reply. "Are you having some sort of financial issue?" It didn't seem like it. Especially considering that he was the one who paid the first deposit. It could also be that it created a dent in his savings.

His father quickly shook his head. "No, no. I'm fine. More than fine."

Rick wasn't done guessing. "Debts? Did you borrow from someone you aren't supposed to?"

"No that's not it..." Rick's father had a difficult expression on his face.

Rick hit his next shot, whispering, "Are you gambling? Did you lose all your money because you don't know the first thing about gambling?"

"That's not it either," His father stopped him and shook his head. Though he was smiling, Rick was sure he saw something akin to regret in his eyes. "No, Rick, nothing like that. It's just... something… Something else."

"You don't have to face anything alone, Dad. You can tell me, you know. Just because we're in a hospital doesn't mean you can let your stress levels control your blood pressure every which way. "

His father chuckled softly, and Rick was glad he was able to diffuse the lingering tension. "I can assure you, I'm not interested in being the next one on a hospital bed." He sobered up soon enough and with a serious expression said, "I'll tell you later. Not when Emily is like this, and Olivia is going through so much. It's not urgent, and I don't want to add to the stress.

We'll talk when things have calmed down a little."

That did nothing to alleviate Rick's suspicions, but he agreed. "Alright, Dad. But once things settle down, we're having that talk."

His father managed a small, grateful smile. "Deal."

As they turned back toward the ICU, Rick couldn't help but think his father was hiding something big from him, but he agreed with one thing his father had said. Right now, all focus should be directed towards Emily and her fast recovery.

The door opened, revealing Olivia lying on the metal chairs, covered by a thin blanket. Rick couldn't take his eyes off of the innocent face resting on a couple of towels as a makeshift pillow. All the worry she held seemed to dissipate as she slept, and Rick was glad she was able to get a few moments of peace in this moment of uncertainty.

Just as Rick was about to sit beside Olivia's feet propped on the metal chair, a received a prompt from the system:

[

1. Make sure Olivia's comfortable, take her back to her house. (+10 Temptation)

2. Offer Olivia shoulder. (+5 Temptation)

3. Mind your own business and stay away. (-10 Temptation)

]