A stubborn old man!

Stella had no idea of how she would help Regan and let him know the truth. Drake being the legal advisor in Knights Enterprise since so many years and being a pro in maneuvering the situations in his benediction had a knack that he advanced over the years due to his profession and dexterity. It was not that Regan couldn't figure out about his manipulation with the truth, but being his best friends for years, he was definitely not going to scrutinize the reliability of the information. The fact distressed her, but she was adamant on bringing Anna and Regan together for she could already foresee how perfect they were for each other and if there were any chances for them, she wanted to support them with all her might.

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The next day when Regan entered the Watson Corp, he saw a commotion wherein the employees were running errands in a haste. He was amused as it was the first time that he noticed such ruckus around there. He heard a few people talking about doctors and hospitals. His line of thoughts instantly shifted to Anna if she was the one in need of it. He gravely proceeded towards the elevator to reach her at the earliest.

Ditching all the formalities of knocking at the door, he hastily pushed open it to see a group of medical team gathered up around the couch. He couldn't see the person they were attending but the mere thought of her being the one in need of medical care made his heart sink in a pit. He instantly pushed past a few of them to see her with his own eyes. However to his surprise, instead of her, it was Richard who was lying on the couch with a doctor beside him who was checking him. Anna was sitting on her knees by holding his hand and frantically asking the doctor about his well being.

He immediately understood the situation and placed his hand on her shoulder to draw her attention.

"Anastasia?"

She turned around to see him but before she could speak anything, Richard exclaimed helplessly, "Oh My God Regan! Thank God you managed to enter this room. Please save me from my daughter. I am sure she would believe you if you will say that I am fine."

Anna frowned on hearing him and rebuked in exasperation, "Dad will you please stay quiet for a while and let the doctor check you?"

"Just a sec. Will you both tell me what's the matter?" Regan interrupted in a puzzled state.

"You see I was feeling a little dizzy and had a mild chest pain some time before. It was nothing serious. But when Anna came to know about it, she called these doctors to check me. She has went crazy for she has not allowed anyone to enter her office till now."

"That's because she cares for you Richard." Regan placated in her support.

Richard rolled his eyes. "Yes but what if he is the third Doctor who I am sure is going to give the same judgement about me."

Regan looked incredulously at her while she squinted her eyes at Richard.

"Well sorry to interrupt. Miss Prescott he is fine for now. There's nothing serious to be worried about, just a few blood tests for assurance at your convenience would do."

"I want you to do the tests immediately and please inform me about them at the earliest."

"Ofcourse."

The doctor excused himself and left with his team. Anna turned towards Richard and was about to speak when he pulled his body from the couch. He stood up to leave when she stopped him.

"Dad.... Where are you going? You should rest for a while. I'll call Uncle Callum, I am sure he can postpone your golf match to another day. Please."

Richard stopped and glared at her. "Princess why do you forget.... I am your father over here and I can take care of myself. And to be honest, I have had enough. Let me enjoy myself."

"What do you mean?"

He sighed. "I have lived enough Anna. I want to enjoy myself...my last years without any restrictions. I don't want to be a grumpy old man who would always sit in the four corners of his house thinking about his health issues. I want to do all that I wish, at any moment, and believe me if I would die doing that, I would be still happy. So stop caging me."

Richard's answer broke something in her. She couldn't understand his reckless attitude. She knew he was a free spirited man and always wished to age gracefully. However, after listening that he found no purpose to live anymore and didn't even think about her, she was shocked.

"Dad? You feel caged? Believe me I would never do that. You want to go then please go ahead. I won't stop you. But please don't ever say this again that you have lived enough. I... I have lost enough people in my life and I don't know if I could survive your loss too. I am sorry that you felt all this because of me. Please go ahead and do all that your heart wants but please remember you have a daughter who loves you too much to live without you." She mumbled in a voice chocked with emotions and left the room without considering the presence of Regan who was standing beside her witnessing the whole scene.

He was furious on Richard the way he spoke to her. He sneered in a deep cold voice, "I know I probably don't have the right to comment on this but you shouldn't have said that Richard. She loves you for God sake and that's why..."

"And that's why she needs to know that I am growing old Regan. I won't be there for her everytime. I want her to realize it as soon as possible. May be it's my way to make her understand certain things and prepare her for the future beforehand."

Before Regan could respond, he left him behind making him baffled over the situation and the meaning behind his words. However, he didn't ponder much over it as his priority was something else at that moment. He instantly went outside to check on Anna but came to know that she left for a meeting with a client. The whole day went by as usual for both of them swarmed around the pile of work. Regan wanted to talk with her but he could feel that she was somehow avoiding him to talk about Richard and he respected her space.

In the evening, both of them left at the same time. The elevator ride was wordless but as soon as they reached the parking, he couldn't help but stopped her before she could walk ahead, "Anastasia are you alright? I know it's not my place to talk about it, but I am concerned about you. You haven't reacted or said anything about the matter in the morning. I know you don't want to talk about it but I'm sure that Richard didn't intend to hurt you. I think he just wants some space and wants you to understand certain things."

She gave him a weak smile knowing how sincerely he wanted to help her but it just elevated the heaviness in his heart. "To be honest, I really don't want to talk about it as there are certain things that I won't be able to tell you or anyone without breaking down." She sighed and turned around. "I can see what he is trying to do and understand what he wants to imply on but the truth is too harsh for me to accept."

Regan stepped closer and put his hand on her shoulder. She turned around and reassured. "Never mind. He is just like that. A stubborn old man!" She slightly chuckled at her own joke to lighten up which earned her his little smile.

"Thanks for asking. Anyways.... It's getting dark. I would take your leave."

He nodded. "Take care Anna."

"You too."

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Drake was in his study going through some files, on his desk when Stella entered and caged him in her arms from the back.

"I am sorry baby. I shouldn't have doubted your intentions."

Drake freed himself and turned his chair to glance her. "Can I know what made you to change your mind?"

She shrugged. "My whole day was spent on pondering over your words and I eventually concluded that you were right. Being his friend, you have every right to save Regan and if it comes at a cost of hiding some truths, then be it. I am with you."

He finally smiled. "Thanks for understanding Stella. You know it means a lot."

She nodded. "Don't you think we should go to New York.....to see him? I am sure he would be needing someone to talk to Drake. I mean what you informed me till now, he already knows about Ashton and after knowing certain things from you, I am worried he might be emotionally devastated."

"You are right. I would certainly get there."

"I was thinking if I could tag along."

He frowned. "What for?"

She rolled her eyes. "Men will be men. It's my birthday week Drake. Did you forget? You promised me to take somewhere even for a few days. Take me to New York. It's been a while since I visited it. We could support Regan and would have our time too."

"Okay as you wish. But don't do anything reckless over there.I don't want to mess anything further."

"You don't trust me?" She pouted.

He shook his head. "Of course I do. I'll see to leave for New York at the earliest. Happy?"

"Too much." She gushed in happiness and squeezed him in a hug.

'I am sorry Drake. I know I lied to you. But if you are unable to understand that what you are doing is wrong then I have my ways to open your eyes to make you realize your mistake.' She thought and sighed in content.

'Here I come New York.'