Chapter 100
At Meta Doctors Hospital
“This can’t continue like this, Rock! I swear, you’ll be the death of me first!” Dr. Lambert snapped, his frustration evident. He turned to Ben, who was standing nearby, and demanded, “Can’t you do something to rein in this stubborn old man p>
Ben merely shrugged, while Rock chuckled, clearly unfazed. “Oh, come on, you’re overreacting,” Rock said lightly. “I’m here, getting the treatment like you recommended. You even said I have at least twelve to fifteen months, as long as I stick to the plan. That’s exactly what I’m doing p>
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension palpable. Rock glanced at both men before grinning. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll be one of those 8 to 12 percent who could live past two years. And if I’m really lucky, I’ll be in the five percent who make it to five years p>
“This is not a joke, Rock!” Lambert grumbled, exasperated.
Rock’s grin faded as his expression became more serious. “What do you want me to do? Fall apart here and now p>
Both Ben and Lambert sighed in unison, clearly worn down. “Xander is starting to get suspicious,” Ben said. “He’s already sent people to look into your real condition p>
Rock’s eyes lit up with amusement. “That boy of mine has always been sharp. Let’s see if he can break through the wall I’ve built around this p>
Lambert threw his hands up in frustration. “I give up on you! We’re done for the day—go home!” he barked before storming out of the room.
Rock merely shrugged again, his demeanour as relaxed as ever. “Shall we head out?” Ben asked, gathering his belongings. “Are you going to the exhibit after all p>
Rock stood up from the bed, stretching. “I was thinking of skipping the event and letting Rain enjoy the night without me hovering around. She’s been clear about not wanting me too close, so we don’t draw attention to the fact we’re family. After all, many will recognize me unlike Xander,” he mused with a chuckle. “But knowing Vernice, if I don’t show up, she’ll come after me p>
Ben, walking beside him, nodded. “The exhibit it is, then,” he commented as they headed out. Just then, Ben’s phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. “It’s Vernice,” he said.
Without hesitation, Rock grabbed the phone and answered. “What’s taking you so long, Rock? Are you trying to avoid this event?” Vernice’s voice rang out, and he could already imagine her crumpled face.
Rock gulped, smiling. “I’m on my way, don’t worry. By the way, you’re making sure my daughter-in-law is taken care of, right p>
Vernice scoffed playfully. “Oh, you missed all the excitement! You wouldn’t believe what just happened, but I’m not telling you over the phone. You’ll find out soon enough. Oh, and just so you know, Xander’s here—he’s the one keeping an eye on Rain now p>
Rock could almost see the smug grin on Vernice’s face. “Your daughter-in-law is absolutely adorable, by the way! Anyway, hurry up. See you soon!” she added before hanging up.
Rock lowered the phone, musing aloud, “Something must’ve gone down, but it sounds like everything’s under control since Xander’s there p>
Ben’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Xander showed up to the event p>
Rock grinned. “I know, right? Who would’ve thought Xander would attend?” He chuckled, shaking his head as they continued on their way.
Rock was already settled in the car, en route to Le Monde Gallery, when his mobile phone rang again. This time, it was William.
“Dad, how’ve you been?” William’s voice greeted him from the other end.
“You brat! Come home already. Your brother’s not mad at you anymore,” Rock replied with a chuckle. “In fact, he’s pleased, actually very happy, because you found him a suitable wife. He wants me to tell you how grateful he is p>
Ben, driving, gave Rock a quick glance before focusing back on the road, shaking his head in mild amusement. Rock merely shrugged, grinning at the situation.
“For real?!” William exclaimed, sounding both surprised and relieved.
“Yes, for real. And Rain’s already living in the ancestral mansion with your brother. He brought her home two days ago. So, stop stalling and come home already,” Rock coaxed, his voice warm but insistent.
“I knew it! I knew he’d like her!” William burst out, clearly proud of himself. “I made sure I chose the best for him. She’s the perfect match for Big Brother p>
Rock chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, and I’m quite pleased too. Like you wanted, I’ll stop bugging you about blind dates. So, will you come home now p>
There was a pause on the other end, and Rock could tell William wasn’t fully convinced. He knew his big brother Alexander too well to think everything would be that simple.
“Trust me, William. You picked the right woman for your brother. He might scold you a bit, but deep down, he’s grateful. How about this? Why don’t you take a quick peek? Xander is at your Aunt Vernice’s exhibit right now with Rain p>
“What?!” William exclaimed, his shock evident. “He attended an art exhibit p>
Rock smirked. He could almost see William’s jaw dropping. “Big Brother hates socializing! But he actually attended p>
“Exactly,” Rock replied, clicking his tongue. “That’s why I’m telling you to see it for yourself p>
Rock heard William’s frustrated sigh. Then Rock recalled something so he immediately brought it up, “Ah, right. By the way, Rain wasn’t the one who registered the marriage certificate with you. Did you know that p>
“What?! What are you saying, Father?” William exclaimed, so loudly that Rock had to pull the phone away from his ear. It seemed William hadn’t realized he had been dealing with an impersonator.
“You heard me, Son,” Rock said calmly. “Just like how you impersonated your brother, someone impersonated the real Rain Clayton and registered that marriage certificate with you p>
“No way!” William’s shock was palpable.
“Yes, way,” Rock confirmed. “So come home already and explain what really happened to your brother and sister-in-law. Things may be working out well between them, but they still deserve to know how they ended up being married to each other p>