Chapter 35

Heather was having a splendid day with Hans. They were one of a kind and reminded her of the Oscars in the Mystes.
As promised, she began working with them the very next day. Even though Alexander and Juan insisted on accompanying her, she denied and dismissed their concerns and chose to travel alone.
Regardless of how much she adored the two of them, she recognizes the value of being self-dependable. She already relies on them more than ever, but it needs to change. Even though she values their opinions, she cannot depend on both of them, especially Alexander.
It is not fair to them to always fear for her safety.
She must learn how to commute alone even if Warsavor is a foreign city to her. Juan and Alexander cannot always be at her whim, and vice versa. She does recognize Alexander's worries, but at the same time, he has to find who he is without her close by at all times.
As she arrived at Hans Medical Emporium, Luciano, Lucas, his son, and Lucinda Han, his grandchild, greeted her warmly. In a short while, even Mathilda, Lucas' wife, and their son Leo welcomed her with open arms.
They gave off the impression of being a devoted family who valued their profession as much as their affection for one another. She spent the first several hours getting accustomed to her new workplace before Mathilda assisted her in becoming familiar with the nursery.
She was aware that they could upgrade their supplies, and she hesitantly offered a few suggestions that they acknowledged. She was first hesitant to provide any advice, but when she sensed their professionalism and candor, she was powerless to hold back.
There were some of the seeds which were not available with Hans, so Heather offered for them to connect with the Oscars. She was somewhat surprised that Hans were already aware of them. Her surprise could be seen on her face, and Luciano didn't miss it.
“In today's age, the Medical field is not that big of a world, Heather. It is rather a small community.”
"I agree, but I must admit that I haven't encountered many people who are knowledgeable about drugs. My only familiarity with them is through the Oscars.” Heather stated.
Luciano looked at her, “I am rather surprised that we have never heard of you. You are an extraordinary woman. Never at all like anyone I've ever met. You have a gift, and the fact that you correctly recognized it makes me very grateful."
Being uncomfortable with praise, Heather shuffled uneasily and said, "I try to do my best and help anybody I can."
"It is what distinguishes you. You would definitely bring a lot to our emporium and to this town.”
“Thank you, Luciano, for welcoming me and accepting me.”
“Why don't you take a break right now? Mathilda is in the nursery. She has asked explicitly that you join her for her delectable meal.”
Heather nodded before heading over to meet Mathilda, who was preparing the table for them outside a little hut.
“Let me help you,” Heather said as soon as she saw her.
“Not now. Tomorrow I won't turn you away, but today just sit back and relax while I bring veggie soup for both of us.”
Heather remained on the chair contemplating her chat with Alexander as Mathilda left to retrieve the lunch she had made without giving her an opportunity to object.
Although everything was good and her relationship with Alexander was as wonderful as it possibly could have been, she sensed something was amiss. Alexander had been keeping something from her, and she did not like it at all.
She described her meeting with Diona Gonzales earlier when Alexander questioned her about the time she spent touring Warsavor with his younger brother. The moment she took Diona Gonzales's name, something shifted in him.
She could see his astonished look and realized that Juan and Alexander were keeping something about Diona Gonzales from her. She wasn't very disturbed by Juan's failure to mention Diona, but she was concerned by Alexander's refusal to tell her anything about that woman.
Juan begrudging attitude towards Diona was apparent. There seemed to be a conflict between that, but she was not that close to Juan to ask him about her.
She was conscious that she had no right to meddle with Alexander's family business at this time. Still, she felt that as his partner, she had a right to know if there was anything relevant concerning Diona that she needed to be aware of.
Maybe it was nothing, or perhaps it was everything. She had a great deal of respect for Alexander and didn't want to offend him, especially when she was unsure of the reason for obsessing about that gracious lady. She did not want it to be for nothing, and Alexander's potential response terrified her.
Her thoughts were, however, broken by Mathilda, “You alright, dear?”
“Yes, it is a beautiful place,” Heather commented.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Nothing compares to living in a place where there is so much life. We first didn't believe Luciano when he told us about you and your abilities yesterday, but we are now glad to have you here. With how things are going in Warsavor, we need someone like you.”
“Is it that bad here?” Heather asked curiously.
Mathilda responded her with a sad smile, “Yes. Even while everything may appear to be in good spirits on the surface, the area is starting to feel sickly. There is something very wrong going on around here, but none of us has been able to figure it out. Maybe you will be answers to all our prayers.”
While Heather was still unsure of what she was saying, her words undoubtedly put pressure on her thoughts. Nonetheless, she said, "I will try my best, Mathilda," with a smile on her face.
After a quick meal and returning back to work, her day was almost over. She decided to make an exit from the nursery. The little cottage next to the exit made a harsh noise as she walked. She turned to look for any of the Hans family members but saw no one. She once again heard a noise while she was considering whether to go back and summon any of the Hans or go inside by herself when she instinctively stepped inside.
"Is everything alright?" She questioned as she nervously turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
She jumped a little when she heard the same thing again, "Hello?"
“In here. I am behind the shelves,” A lady called out loudly.
When Heather turned in the direction of the woman, she discovered a old lady struggling to move a big package.