Chapter 85_ Concerned Friend.

Piston shredded the race track like there was no tomorrow, squeezing every ounce of power from the engine. Arya and Al-Hakim spent the whole time nailed to the seat, thrilled by the acceleration and the silky smoothness of the curve.

When they got back to the pits, Al-Hakim had a smile that went from one ear to the other as he said, “This was the most incredible test drive I’ve had in my life. This car is an absolute work of art and engineering. And your pilot... I don't even know where I should start describing his talent.”

"Thank you, Mr. Al-Hakim." Piston said,

"I’m very happy to hear that you like the car.” Arya said, with a smile on her face.

"I think this car is the kind of product I was looking for to begin a long-term collaboration. You’ll soon have my news.” Al-Hakim said as he walked away, and Arya beamed at Piston, overpowered with pure joy.

“Thank you." She said as she leaned forward to kiss Piston on both cheeks, catching him off guard as he immediately turned cherry red.

“We did it. Team work." Piston said, inwardly happy for finally being able to get a kiss from his long-lost crush, even if it was just a kiss on the cheek.

At that moment, Arya spotted a man on the side of the track. He was holding a bunch of flowers in his hand. ‘Kane?’

Kane turned around and walked away at a long, fast pace.

‘no, no, no.’ Arya mused and ran after him, but by the time she reached the entrance of the race track, she found the flowers on the ground.

‘Why does everything keep happening at the wrong time? Why are all these crazy... this crazy coinci —-’ Arya thought, but all of a sudden, she felt light-headed as the world took a gentle spin, and a black veil started descending over her eyes. ‘What the hell is happening to me?’ she mused silently as her legs stopped supporting her and she fell to the ground completely unconscious.

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Arya woke up in a room she didn't recognize. There was a light coming from the window and a strange smell. “Where am I?" She muttered under her breath, noticing a figure at the side of the bed, but it took her some time to bring it into focus.

“You’re in the hospital, Miss Arya. You have been here for the last twenty-four hours.” A middle-aged man with a white lab coat and a stethoscope around his neck said: Arya knew, from his outfit, that he was a doctor.

“Wh-what happened to me?” Arya asked,

"Judging by your test results, you had a collapse due to fatigue or stress. You need to rest for quite some time.” The doctor said,

"But I need to get back to work.” Arya said,

"Well, you can, but try to take things slow, okay? We just had a guy with an anti-anxiety overdose, and I wouldn't like you to replicate that. Having your stomach pumped is no fun.” The doctor said, and Arya nodded.

"How did I get here?” She asked curiously, leaning against the headboard.

“You were carried by a handsome black-haired guy. He carried you in his arms through the doors in a very dramatic fashion and tormented my staff until you were more than taken care of.” The doctor explained with a small smile on his face.

"Kane?” Arya said, and the doctor nodded at her.

"Yeah, I believe that was the name. Extremely annoying fellow, but it was pretty clear that he was overwhelmed by his feelings. I managed to force him out of the room to get some rest and eat only a couple of hours ago, but I’m sure he will be back soon.” The doctor said, and Arya smiled at him with a nod.

"For how long will I be here?" She asked,

“Now you can receive some visitors, and later today or tomorrow we’ll think about discharging you.” He answered,

"Alright, thank you, Doctor.” Arya said as the doctor nodded and left the room. The first person to enter Arya's room to pay her a visit was Al-Hakim, surprising her with his presence.

“Mr. Al-Hakim, what are you doing here?” Arya asked in a surprised tone.

“I came to visit you, of course.”

"I'm so sorry to waste your time in this way. I can assure you that I’ll be back on the job in no time.” Arya said she wanted to get up, but Al-Hakim came closer to the bed and tucked her back.

“Hush-hush, Miss Arya. I didn't come here under the guise of a demanding customer. Today, I’m just a concerned friend. I went to your office this morning and didn't see you, so I asked. I was told what happened, and I decided to pay you a visit.” Al-Hakim explained, and Arya's lips made an ‘O’

"Oh, thank you.”

"I saw how much energy you put into your work, and I think it's admirable. But I also believe you should remember that working yourself to death won't do any good for the people you love.” He said, and Arya's mood dampened as she mused silently,

‘He’s right. Today is Alex's birthday, and I'm trapped in a hospital room on the other side of the planet.’

“Thanks, Mr. Al-Hakim. Sometimes it's hard to remember when you can count only on yourself. But I’ll try to keep it in mind.” She promised,

"Very good. Now have some rest and don't worry about work. I won't make a move until you feel better.” Al-Hakim said,
and left the room as Arya nodded appreciatively towards him.