41 Beggars
When Ewan woke up again, he discovered the time was one p.m, the next day.
But it was okay, because Sandro had informed him of the possible deep sleep yesternight, after giving him the cup of bitter vegetable juice Athena had provided for him to drink.
Ewan could see the reason for the bitter juice which had also served as medicine.
If he felt better yesterday, he felt at his best today.
His muscles were not weary, nor was there a carpenter striking a hammer in his head.
His mind was clear and sharp, and his heart was in pristine condition.
Ewan inhaled calmly and deeply.
When was the last time he breathed this freely? When was the last time his lungs accepted. oxygen without emitting pain?
He had a lot to thank Athena for.
Where would he start? What gifts would she accept?
He looked around his room. There was not a sign of anybody.
Ewan, however, already expected that.
He had told Sandro not to return to the hospital again, except if necessary.
He wanted his friend to focus on the running of the company in his absence, since Athena prescribed adequate bed rest for him.
A knock sounded on his door right then.
Ewan half hoped it was Athena, so that he could speak with her, but wondered if it was Zane all
the same.
Yet when the door opened, his visitors were Alfonso and his daughter, Fiona.
Were they here to beg? Perhaps for him to revive the company and engagement again?
Ewan debated closing his eyes, to pretend he was asleep–not in the mood for the antics of the Adams‘ family–but Alfonso, with his sharp bird eyesight, had already seen he was awake.
Ewan had no choice but to sit up.
Propping enough pillows behind his back, he rested properly on them and watched the people he considered family approach him.
Just like yesterday, Fiona was looking pitiful.
Ewan was beginning to see it as a facade, considering how things had turned out yesterday. Still, he kept quiet until they were standing at the foot of the bed.
“Good afternoon, Alfonso…” He greeted, his respect still staying for the older man.
Alfonso sighed tiredly, before dragging the nearby tall stool to himself. He sat on it and gazed
<41 Beggars
steadily at Ewan.
Fiona remained standing, with her head bowed, and her hands clasped in front of her.
“Good afternoon, Ewan. How are you doing? I heard from Fiona what had transpired yesterday…”
“I’m fine, Alfonso. Thanks for asking. Did she tell you everything that transpired? The truth?” Ewan cut straight to the chase.
Alfonso glared at Fiona, before nodding. “Yes, she did. And she is truly sorry about that. You know women and their jealous tendencies…”
Ewan nodded curtly.
Jealous tendencies that had almost gotten him killed, that had almost caused his company to fold up, that had almost caused the death of his people?
He held back a scoff. Jealous tendencies indeed.
His unamused state was caught by Alfonso immediately.
The older male got down from the high stool, and pleaded with his knees on the ground.
Fiona followed him immediately.
“We are sorry, Ewan. Please forgive my daughter’s foolishness. I promise it won’t happen again.”
A pause.
“You know she loves you very much; that has been proven many years ago. You also know how innocent she is, and how supporting she has been all these years. Will you cut her off just because of one mistake?”
Ewan said nothing.
“Please, tender mercy, my son. Please forgive your fiancée. This mistake won’t repeat again.”
itself
Ewan looked boredly at the two people kneeling before him. For some reason, he felt no pity toward them, no haste to tell them to stand
up
either.
“Six years ago, did you join Fiona to set Athena up?”
Fiona’s hands twitched in nervousness.
Why was Ewan asking the question?
For Alfonso, he was befuddled. He hadn’t expected the question.
“How can you ask such a question, Ewan? How can you think I fooled you then? Athena was a whore six years ago… there was evidence…”
These words irritated Ewan’s ears. He gestured that they stand up.
Even if they had set Athena up, they would never admit it.
Yet he had just wanted to get their answers one last time, before he commenced investigations again.
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“Okay Alfonso, I have heard you…” He started, without apologizing for the earlier accusation. “But Fiona is not my fiancée any more…”
Fiona’s lips quivered in anger.
“I’ll restore her to the status though, if I notice a positive change in her behavior!
Fiona’s hope soared. A smile broached her lips. She could still win Ewan’s heart, if she played her cards right.
“So, for now, she will be staying with you…
Alfonso shook his head. “She can’t, Ewan.
Ewan furrowed his eyebrows, daring the man to repeat his statement.
“My wife and I have the disease. I can’t have Fiona getting the same…”
Ewan saw things clearly then.
This must be why the older man had sent Fiona to plead with Athena! Only that the latter had chosen to be stupid.
His anger lessened. He hadn’t expected Alfonso to catch the disease, but then this kind of disease wasn’t a respecter of people, no matter who they were.
“I’ve heard you, Alfonso. But she won’t be staying in my permanent residence. I’ll send her to опс of my flats. She can stay there, and be tested too. After all, I don’t want to be contaminated
either”
Fiona blanched.
She would live alone, and take care of herself?
She had never experienced that since she met Ewan. Could he at least hire a help for her?
However,
she said nothing, not in a hurry to receive another slap from her father.
They were not on good speaking terms yet.
Alfonso wasn’t pleased with the new arrangement, but
up from his kneeling position.
aving no choice, he nodded and stood
Fiona deftly followed him. Her knees have really seen the worst these days.
“Thank you, Ewan.” He sat on the stool again. “I have a question, and then a favor to ask…”
Ewan shut his eyes, feeling dizzy. He knew that sleep would overtake him soon.
He was more than happy to welcome it, needing his visitors to leave him alone.
Still…
“Go ahead.
“Your stocks? How are they going up again? The same night they plunged, mine did the same, even Zack’s. How were you able to save yourself and your company? Can you do the same for
mine?”
“Athena.” Ewan’s voice became a whisper as sleep toyed with his senses.
“I pleaded my case with her and bargained with her. You should do the same
