Doctor's Fee Incident 43

CLYDE’S POV

Everything happened so quickly, like a flash of lightning that left my world in ruins. One moment, Laura was with me, and the next… she was gone. It felt as though a part of me had been ripped away, leaving a hollow ache in its place. The pain was sharp and relentless, but I knew that somehow, I had to find a way to carry it.

“Son…”

Mom’s voice was soft, breaking through the thick fog of my thoughts. She pulled me close, her arms wrapping around me in a way that only a mother could—her embrace warm, safe like it could shield me from the world’s cruelty.

We were finally home, but I felt lost.

“I’m so sorry, Clyde… I’m so sorry…” Her voice wavered, the words repeating over and over, as though she was trying to soothe her own heart as much as mine.

“Mom, we all made mistakes…” My voice cracked as I spoke, barely holding back the tears that threatened to spill. I couldn’t look her in the eye.

I couldn’t be angry at her or anyone else. Even though the decisions they made hurt me, I knew they had acted out of love. Mom… She always tried to protect me. I’d been her little boy for so long—her “baby,” as she liked to say. And even though I was an adult now, part of her still treated me that way. She couldn’t stand to see me hurt, let alone see me cry.

Dad never liked that about her, always saying I needed to stand on my own two feet, to be stronger. But how could I resent a mother’s love, even if it was suffocating at times?

Just then, I heard the door open, and Tejie walked in. His presence was like a gust of fresh air, full of energy and warmth.

“Bro!” His voice echoed through the room, his eyes lighting up when he saw us.

Without hesitation, he embraced Mom, his smile wide and genuine.

“Mom, I’m so happy…” His voice softened, full of love and gratitude.

Mom smiled, though her eyes were still wet with unshed tears. She held him tight as if she hadn’t seen him in years.

“I’m going to see her now, Mom. I’m so ready…” Tejie continued his excitement barely contained.

Laura’s secret had changed everything, and now we all knew the truth. She told us everything about Gwen's situation.

“She’s probably sad too, bro, since— well, Laura’s gone,” I said, forcing the words out, trying to be the supportive brother even though my heart was heavy.

“Yeah, bro… I’m taking her to the condo, and then I’m buying a house.” His smile grew even wider. “I can’t wait, Doc. I’m ready, I'm so ready to be a father.”

There was a glint in his eyes, a joy I hadn’t seen before. The weight of the truth had been lifted—Tejie was going to be a father. Gwen’s child was his.

“I’m heading out now, bro, Mom…” He gave us both a nod, a spring in his step.

I watched him go, feeling a bittersweet mixture of happiness and sorrow. It was strange—seeing him so fulfilled, so sure of his path, while I felt lost. Tejie had fallen hard for Gwen, despite their six-year age gap. At first, he thought it was just a fleeting attraction, a moment of heat. But after two months, when all he could think about was her, he knew—he loved her.

And now, he was going to meet his future.

TEJIE’S POV

The scent of roses filled the air as I stood outside Gwen’s door, my heart pounding in my chest. I clutched the bouquet of red roses tighter, feeling the nerves creep in. I knew everything now. I knew about the baby, and I knew what I wanted.

I wanted them—Gwen and our child.

When the door creaked open, Gwen’s eyes widened. Her lips parted in surprise, and for a moment, I saw her world crash into mine. She was standing there, fragile, her face streaked with tears. My heart ached to see her like that.

“Tej—Tejie?” Her voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.

I stepped inside without a second thought, feeling the intensity of the moment weigh down on me.

“Gwen, I know everything…” I said gently, my voice full of the emotion I had carried for weeks.

Her body stiffened, and she backed away, her hand flying to her mouth as tears brimmed in her eyes. She shook her head frantically as if denying the reality of it all.

“Hmmm…” A soft sob escaped her lips.

“Gwen…” I couldn’t hold back any longer. I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms, wrapping her up in everything I had.

She broke, the dam of her emotions giving way as she collapsed into my embrace. “Tejie… Laura’s gone… she left me… Tej… I’m all alone… Huuu…” Her voice cracked with pain, her tears soaking my shirt.

I held her tighter, feeling her body shake against mine. Every word she said pierced through me like a knife.

Lifting her chin, I met her eyes, trying to offer her the comfort she desperately needed. “You’re not alone, Gwen… I’m here. I’m here for you and our baby…”

Her breath hitched. She stared up at me, her tear-filled eyes full of disbelief. I could see the conflict swirling inside her—fear, doubt, but also hope.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. She let out a soft sob before burying her face in my chest again.

I stroked her hair, whispering the words I knew she needed to hear. “I’m taking you home, Gwen… You and our baby… We’ll be a family.”

Her breath caught, and slowly, she lifted her head. A small smile broke through the tears, her heart finally finding peace. She didn’t need to say it, but I knew she was grateful. Grateful to Laura for leading her to this moment.

TWO DAYS LATER…

"How many more patients do we have?" I asked my assistant, hoping to get through the day despite the heavy weight on my chest.

"Ten more, Doc," she replied, glancing at her clipboard.

"Alright, let’s take a break after this next one," I said, rubbing my temples. "Bring them in."

She nodded and stepped out. I tried to focus, but everything felt off. The last few days had been rough, and no amount of work could fully distract me.

The door opened, and a woman walked in. I took her file and started reading, but something made me pause.

“Tuason?” she said, her voice curious.

I looked up, surprised.

"You look like someone I know," she said, smiling faintly.

I smiled back, unsure of what to say.

"Trina? Jelandoni?" I asked, trying to remember if we’d met before.

Before she could respond, the door burst open again.

"Hello, Doc!" came the voice I’d been dreading. “Mom, meet Doc!”

My heart dropped. I knew that voice too well.

"Deynie?" I muttered, trying to keep my composure.

It was her—the girl I had been avoiding for so long. She walked in like nothing had happened, her energy completely unsettling.

"Do you know each other?" her mom asked, glancing between us.

"Yes, Mum! He's my boyfriend," Deynie said proudly, her grin wide.

My stomach twisted at the word "boyfriend." What was she talking about?

Her mom chuckled. "So that’s why you brought me here instead of the other hospital! Haha!"

Deynie came closer, playfully messing with my hair. "How’ve you been, baby?"

I froze, trying to keep my distance. "Deynie—I'm working…" I said, my voice shaky.

The patient—her mom—watched us, clearly entertained by the whole thing.

"Meet my mum," Deynie said, smiling proudly.

I turned to her mother, forcing a polite smile. "Hello, Ma'am. Doctor Clyde Tuason." Then I introduced myself as a sign of respect.

Her mom’s expression changed suddenly like she was trying to figure something out.

"Clyde? Tuason?" she repeated, her brow furrowing.

"Yes, Ma'am," I replied, feeling the tension rise.

Deynie continued to toy with my hair, but I could barely focus. Something about her mother’s stare felt off.

"Haha! Sweetie, give Doc a break, you’re making him nervous," her mom teased.

I shot Deynie a look. "Why don’t you sit down?" I whispered, hoping to calm things down.

She winked at me and sat, but her mom kept staring, her eyes wide with shock.

Suddenly, her mom gasped. "F*ck! You look exactly like him!"

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I froze, staring back at her.

Who did she mean? My mind raced, trying to make sense of her words.

She leaned closer, her voice trembling.

"You… you look just like my ex-husband."

My heart pounded in my chest as the room seemed to close in. Her next words felt like a punch in the gut.

"His name… was— Clint."

June_Thirteen