His father's conditions

Morning came...

As the six o'clock sun rays peek through the curtains, Kriz can be seen asleep. Peacefully. Covering her body with a dark gray thick comforter.

While Hunt is readying himself for work. He couldn't help but adore the lady who drove his insanity last night. The lady who gives her innocence to him, bravely.

She's adorable, but I can't keep her.

He said at the back of his mind. He couldn't keep her, because he can't just afford to be near a woman. Krizzia just turned like the others, chasing for money.

Well, what should he expect? That Krizzia likes him? That's why she gave herself to him? Maybe, he'll believe but with the money in between? It still makes sense, that Krizzia is not far from a gold digger.

However, she sacrificed. While he pays. They're even, and he doesn't need to feel any because he pays.

He fixed his neck tie before getting his check on the cabinet and wrote for an exact amount with his sign on it. After that, he left it on the table and exited his room.

"Hello, Sir? Good morning! How may I help you?" So early in the morning he dialed his middle-aged secretary personally.

"Buy a set of dresses, a set of panties and a bra. Deliver it here in my suite in the Grandeur Hotel within one hour." He instructed as he took his bag from the couch.

"On it, Sir." He ended the call and entered the elevator, straight and lean. Looking so powerful in his dark suit, shimmering black shoes, black watch and with his hair in a neat angle brush back style.

Right when he exited, he was being assisted by his personal guard, Hellion towards the car. Which will bring him to his company.

On the other hand...

Krizzia woke up at seven thirty in the morning. She felt heavy and dizzy at the same time. She holds her forehead and massages it gently. After feeling better, she moved but stopped midway. For she felt electrifying pain which assaulted her entire body.

It made her almost cry. It's unbearable. Closing her eyes, biting her lower lip... she endures. The event last night brought her to realization.

Damn, how could it be painful when it felt like heaven last night?

"Good morning, Ma'am." Said by a middle aged woman. To distract Kriz from thinking.

"Oh..." She tilted her head to see the person near the door. Standing. "Good morning too." She's embarrassed, especially when it's only the thick cloth that's covering her body. She just hopes that the woman won't think any, after seeing her in that state.

"I'm here on behalf of Mr. Reid, to assist you with anything you need. Do you want breakfast?" Totally embarrassing! She screamed in mind, and even wished for the bed to swallow her so she wouldn't feel the embarrassment from the shameless decision she had.

But then... Her mother went into her mind. "Oh my!" She moved quickly, rolling her body at that thick cloth and went down to bed to find her phone.

"Ma'am?"

She's checking the bedside table. "I'm searching for my phone. And I don't need any, I can handle myself from this time on." The secretary just nod, and left without any say. Just like what she advised.

Instead of finding the phone first, she found the check that Hunt left on the study. Her mouth hung open, as her eyes widened in surprise! "Ten million..." but I only asked, five million... She thought.

For as long as she remembered, she asked for five million. Ten million is too much!

She shook her head. "If this is his will to double the price, I guess I don't have to see him again. Besides, this will be really a good help." She smiled and went back to searching.

When she found her phone. She called the hospital and scheduled her mom for the quickest surgery that the Silvestre's Chains have.

"Yes pa, it was me. Calm down now okay?"

"Where did you get money, Kriz? The surgery is expensive!" the question made her panic. It took some time for her to answer. Well, she hasn't been to the cashier. So, she didn't pay anything yet.

"Krizzia, I'm asking you! Where did you get the money?" Her father seems serious, and its voice was firm. It made her nervous.

"D-Don't worry, papa. I did not steal it..." She never lies, just this time. The first attempt. And it creeps the hell out of her!

"Then where does it come from? You didn't sell any, are you?" Sh't, her father hits the button! Mr. Quinn, her father knows every inch of her personality. Today, he's doubting. But at ease his wife got wheeled in the O.R immediately. He also knows that asking Kriz about the sum which helps them today is not good, he just can't help but ask.

"I borrowed it from my manager, papa. He was so kind and agreed to let me borrow with no hesitation." A new member of the instant liar club has strode the red carpet! And that's her.

After the call has ended. She tried her best to adjust from the pain, and when she did... she washed herself. It was hard, touching herself terrifies her. She doesn't know that s'e'x can be that painful after the activity. She's still sore.

His size flashed through her memory, making her groaned in irritation. That man, even after he pays... she can't pull the string of her annoyance at him. Whenever she remembers him, makes her want to punch that vicious evil fucker.

She went out of the bathroom after realizing that she has no spare clothes to use. The woman left, and that she's all alone in that suite. She went out of the room with the towel covering her nakedness.

She found some shopping bags on the couch. She approaches it and looks at what's inside. She sighs in relief when Hunt stands his words last night. What a generous dealer. She thought and got changed after.

When everything's fine with her. She exited his hotel suite and went straight to her student's house.

"Is it really okay if I take today's off, Mrs. Reid?" She asked her employer in regards with getting today's day off. She badly wants to go over to the hospital. To check her mom and also to withdraw the amount needed.

Mrs. Reid smiled sweetly at her. Reaching for her hair, to caress it gently. Krizzia on her white long sleeve dress, looks so beautiful, innocent and daring. Mrs. Reid just adores her so much. Despite her beauty, Kriz also has a good heart.

"It's fine, Krizzia. Your mother needs you, and we understand. That's no problem to us." She felt relieved. She's also glad that Mrs. Reid isn't a hard employer to deal with.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Reid. I promise, after I situate that she's fine... I'll get back to teaching Brent." She felt a bit guilty, she doesn't want to be absent. But her mom needs her. She has to be there and be present right before her mom wakes up. Also, her dad updates her from time to time. The reason why she has some time to spare is just to ask permission from her employer about the matter.

"Don't stress it too much. Things will be fine. You just have to be strong." Mrs. Reid pulls her for a genuine embrace. For a cheer up. "For the meantime, don't bother yourself towards Brent. We can handle him."

She became emotional, tears formed in her eyes. She hugged the woman back and cried silently. Letting her emotion escape in her heart. Actually, she's scared. She is afraid of her mom's condition. She has many negativities lurking inside her head. So much 'what if's' that she wouldn't like to entertain. Even if she doesn't want to, her mind will still mind it and she will become bothered.

"You are brave, Krizzia. You can get through this." Mrs. Reid was there, helping her to make her feel better. She hasn't seen Brent. Maybe because it's too early. She had breakfast with her employer too. They had tackled different topics, which distracts her mind from being bothered. The breakfast was great, just like the people she was with.

"Let Danilo escort you to the hospital, it'll be much better and more accurate for you." Mr. Reid said as he is with his wife too. Escorting her towards the house's exit.

"Is it... really okay?" the couple had served her enough kindness, and that she's shy now.

"Aha, it is! Why wouldn't it be?" Then he called the driver, "Danilo, kindly accompany, teacher Quinn to the Hospital."

"Yes, Sir!" The driver answered. "Let's go, teacher."

She bowed to the couple, showing her gratitude to them. "Thank you, thank you so much for everything Ma'am and Sir! For letting me skip today's tutor. I promised I'll make it up with Brent once I am assured things will become stable."

The couple just smiled at her. Telling her to come inside the car. She waved to them, right when the car's door got closed. They then left Reid's resident after.

---At the company---

"Good morning, Mr. Reid. I'm here to report." My secretary knocked outside the door. She then entered. While I was busy reading the reports yesterday.

"How's she?" He wonders if she's fine? Damn, why would he care after all? It's not like, he's her lover!

"When I was able to arrive at your place with the things you asked me to purchase, she was awake. She seems tired but turned out in panic. Surprised but worried. I asked her if she needed any, but she answered no. I left afterwards." I guess, that there was enough information to know. I signed the document that needs approval from the finance department, and gestured to her.

"Alright, take this and deliver it to the finance department." She went to my table and took the document from the desk. Then left.

ring-ring-ring!

My phone became noisy, I picked it up and answered Hellion's call.

"Sir, the girl just left the hotel. Do you want me to follow her?" He sighs and leans his back to the swivel.

"No need. Just let her be." There is no need for him to do that. She's just a fling and a fling should be forgotten. Kriz is just a girl and girls should be hated. Which he swears before he left Michigan a week ago.

"As you wished, sir." The line got disconnected. He sighs again before going back to work. So many workloads, he has to double time.

However, he got distracted by the girl's worries last night. He stopped over the things he was doing. He's not sure if he'll believe that or not, but something was telling him to pick up the telephone and call a certain hospital which he actually knows.

"Hello, good day! This is Silvestre's Chain of Hospital, how may I assist you?" Hunt was playing with his fingers, tapping his table.

"Good day, too. This is Hunt Thaddeus Reid, CEO and owner of the R&T holdings. May I know something private from the hospital patients?" by the way he spoke, he was kind and respectful.

The respective agent who was appointed at the station was surprised and glad to entertain Hunt. "Yes, Mr. Reid. What is the patient's name that you would like to search for?"

Hunt refrained himself from playing his fingers and might as well rub his chin. "Do you have a patient whose 'Quinn' was a surname?" he heard her last night, and he's also intrigued to know her reasons for inviting him to do the work with him.

He knows that it's not right to stalk her. Perhaps, it's about her virginity which will never leave his mind in peace. Unless he'll do something for it to be quiet.

Maybe, helping her through stalking will also be the best option for him to offer.

"Yes, Sir. We do have a patient after that surname. May I ask your relation to this patient?"

What will he say to the agent's question? Well, first... he has to confirm. "I have a girlfriend whose name was Krizzia Alistair Quinn, I heard about her family getting hospitalized for a certain illness. Is there any promisory note that was signed under her? Or any calls from her about the payment?" alright, he went too far.

The agent checked the logs, but did not find any. So she called the billing station about the note he was asking. When she got the answer, she went back to Hunt and answered his inquiries.

"There was one, but it was not her who signed. It was Mr. Quinn, the father of the one who will be paying the bills."

Hunt nodded twice, "Then I would like to pay the bills on behalf of her. Was it alright?"

The agent was flustered at his generosity and care for his so-called girlfriend. "Yes, you can Mr. Reid. Since, Ms. Quinn hasn't been here to pay the bills yet."

Later on, Hunt really paid the bills at the hospital before ending up the call with the agent. Somehow, he felt at ease and was delighted to go back to work.

at last!

---At the hospital---

"Dad!" Krizzia runs towards her dad when she gets to see him by the bench outside the O.R.

"Krizzia," Her dad then welcomed her with a hug. She hugged him back. "It's good that you're here now."

"How's mom? Any news?" She was in a hurry, that's why she's kind of regaining her breath.

They pulled themselves from the hug, and she was guided by her father to sit with him on the bench. "Still nothing, Kriz. I don't know what's going on inside, I just hope that the surgery will be doing just fine and your mom's safety."

Kriz can feel how worried her father was. So do her, she prayed the same thing. Going back with the moments she spent with her mom, each adorable smile and beautiful laugh she kept in her heart is giving her the strength that her mom could surpass it.

"Don't worry, dad. Mommy is strong, she'll survive."

"I'm sorry, Krizzia. I just can't be comfortable when she's inside hidden from my vision."

Krizzia caressed her father's back, "The surgery will be successful, and that we should hold onto her more daddy. The doctor won't fail us."

After waiting for another hour, her mom was wheeled out of the O.R together with the doctor who gives them good news. Making them sigh in relief and smiled happily.

"The surgery goes well, we are able to get the tumor without meeting any complications from the patient. Mrs. Quinn is strong, she was able to endure the pain and survived. Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you so much for saving my wife and doctor!"

"No need to thank me, Mister. I'm just doing my job." The doctor then tapped her father's shoulder. "For now, she'll be under observation. She'll be discharged soon when we situate that she's alright to be discharged."

Krizzia bowed to the doctor countless times. "We'll keep that in mind, doc. Thank you again."

"I'll get going now."

Krizzia spent her day with her parents in the hospital. Looking after her mother who's now resting. She's sitting beside the bed, while her father is sleeping on the couch in the exclusive room they booked.

She reached for her mom's hand. "Mom, how are you?" She then leans to feel its hand on her cheek. "I may not be able to familiarize myself with the pain you had right now, I believe that it's hard to conquer it. But please mom, I know you can get through it soon. Hang in there, okay?" She kissed the back of her mom's hand. "We'll be waiting for you here. Me and dad. Looking forward to your recovery. We are with you. We will not leave you and we'll also support you along the way.."

Krizzia felt at ease during her conversation with her mom. It made her feel light when she was able to utter the words she wanted to deliver.

She went out of the hospital to buy them food to eat. Especially her dad. She bet, her father skipped meals again. She went to Jollibee to take out food for them and stopped by the nearest grocery store to buy personal needs, like shampoo, towel, soap, toothbrush and etc. When done, she went back to the hospital and ate lunch with her father.

It was like a natural day, her dad seems overwhelmed too. Which makes her worry less.

"Dad, will you be okay here if I go to work tomorrow?" She thought of not wasting a single day again, even if Reid told her to not bother and stay by her mother's side.

"Can't you skip, Kriz?" Krizzia was silent, as she turned to glance at her mother.

"I want to, dad. But a day can't be a waste."

"Just for a week, Kriz. I know how much you love working. You prioritize us always, and I want you to rest even just for a while. You're working 'till morning, you don't have enough sleep. I know because I can see it in your eyes. You can't be ill, I can't handle it when you get sick too. To avoid it, stay and rest."

Her father stated. She understood him and never tried to oppose. It's for the better, at all costs they have to be careful. It'll be more difficult when one of them gets sick too.

She stayed with her parents, and for one week, her mother was able to wake up. But cannot be able to talk more because she has to save strength. She's happy that there is no bad news, and her mom's healing progress was good.

The two characters are quite busy with their lives, she went back to work, and Hunt was always devoted to his work. Busy with all the meetings, projects and site visitations.

Hunt has also been featured for the year's magazine. It was published in the second week of his stay in the country. He's quite known for being a ruthless proprietor and a competent businessman who had his real estate business on top of the most recommended houses and villages around the world.

"Son, why didn't you tell us that you were home?" It was his mom who was calling him during his break time. Monday morning.

"I'm sorry, mom. I have lots of work to handle and forgot to inform you along the way." He's like that. Always been intact cold to his parents.

"You haven't changed, Hunt. I am your mother, you should've told me about your whereabouts!" He guessed his mom was sulking. I was quite annoyed towards him. Who wouldn't be?

"I am not a kid anymore, mom. Instead of checking on me, you should have focused on Brent." He stood up from his swivel to go to the glass wall, just behind his swivel. Where he could visualize the city.

"I care, Hunt! I am your mom, and I don't fucking care if you are not a kid, a baby or an old man! Because you are my son, you grow inside me. I give birth to you, and I was the one who took care of you 'till you grow up! So watch your words very carefully Hunt, or I will punch you, myself!" Oh damn, his mom is really mad. If he's in their house right now, he might be beaten for disgracing her.

He sighs, feeling regretful. He shouldn't have said that. His mom got stressed again because of his carelessness. "I'm sorry, mom."

"Come home at twelve noon, Hunt. Or else, I'll drag you out from your office 'till we dropped home. I swear, Hunt it will happen when you don't follow my orders." Right, his mom doesn't take 'no' as an answer. Which he got from his mom too.

The connection got cut, leaving him dumbfounded and stressed. His mom... How many years has it been? And for his very first conversation with her under the same country wasn't good and displeasing.

He really doesn't have a choice but comes home, at noon.

"Okay, Brent. What is it that you want to be when you grow up?" Kriz asked the kid while he was busy coloring the sheet she asked him to color. They are on the terrace, sitting oppositely to each other. The ambiance is welcoming, refreshing especially the air.

"I just want to be a professor teacher." It made her smile.

"Can you share the reason with me?" because of what happened to her, Brent was able to behave himself around her and didn't do any trouble again. Which makes her feel secure.

"You're so good at teaching me, teacher. And I want to be like you soon." Brent's voice was emotionless, but his answer was also priceless.

"Oh.. Thank you, Brent!" She didn't know that Brent idolized her teaching skills.

Brent did not answer and focused on what he was doing. And she didn't bother asking because she is also observing him. Until Brent gets to finish the activity.

"It's done!"

Krizzia clapped her hands for Brent. "Great, what a good boy! Good job!"

"Can I go now, teacher?" Krizzia understands, so she nods to her students and lets him go. Their session just ended. It's near twelve noon, she has to be back by the hospital to deliver food for her dad too.

"How's Brent? Did he behave?" Well, Krizzia just got back to work and it was kind of a surprise to her when Brent didn't do any trouble.

"He's doing fine, Mrs. Reid. How was he when I was not around? He changed."

The woman just chuckled. "My husband turned out to be strict, and Brent was kind of having a fear of his dad. He was also the one who took your place and taught him by himself."

"Mr. Reid didn't scare Brent right?"

The woman shrugged. "After the accident you had in the pool, Brent was kind of aware of his dad's anger. My husband didn't scare him."

Krizzia slid the sheets back to the plastic envelope. Which she will check later when she has the time. "I'm happy that he changed..."

"And it was all thanks to you, Krizzia. Brent wouldn't become one when it's not because of your sacrifices and patience you lend for him."

Krizzia just smiled and stood up after keeping the things being used earlier. "I'm just doing my job very well, Mrs. Reid. And it's also my wish for Brent. I'm happy."

Mrs. Reid stood up too and went to hug her. Which surprised her. "We will forever be grateful to you. I can't wait to see him smile again!"

"It will happen, soon. Mrs. Reid. Let's just hope and have faith with him more." They then pulled out from the hug. Krizzia looked at her watch. "I have to go now, Mrs.Reid. My father should be waiting for me at this moment."

"Wait, let's have lunch altogether. My son will be home soon." It was a good idea, but Krizzia had to reject it.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Reid. I would like to, but my father is waiting for me to be back in the hospital."

Her employer would like to invite her for lunch but can't do anything for her to stay because she insisted on leaving because her father is waiting.

As Krizzia walks out from the village, Hunt enters with his expensive car Audi.

She's busy calling someone, when Hunt accidentally sees her. He minors his speed and stares at her who doesn't have any idea that someone is looking at her. She's so pretty, innocent and well-mannered with her outfit today. White polo is tucked under the skirt and flat shoes for bottoms. Her face glows even if she's just using light makeup. Her hair was rolled up into a neat bun.

She's carrying an umbrella and a tote bag.

"Why is she here?" He asked when they crossed paths, he even gazed at her in his rear view mirror. "Does she accept new steamy requests again?" he's really bothered. He couldn't think of any but that job. His village is exclusive for the riches, and her presence there made him doubt.

Should he come and Chase her? Forget it!

"Good that you're now here, son!" His mom greeted right when he went off of his car in the house's huge entrance.

Even if his mom was mad, she still welcomed him with a loving embrace. "Sorry about earlier, mom."

And his mom pinched him in his ear. Making him groaned. "I wouldn't say it's fine. Because it was not. Next time, mind your manners very carefully. Where were the lessons that I taught you before? Was staying in the states influenced you to become a heartless and disgraceful wolf?!"

"O-Ouch, mom!" Hunt groaned and was like dancing in his mom's hands. Afraid for his ear to be dislocated.

"Hey, honey." His father came out. "Hi son!" Mr. Reid greeted them with a wide smile while walking towards them.

While him? He's in hell of his mom's hand. "D-Dad.. stop mom, please."

His father just chuckled. "Nah-uh, it was your mistake, son. Take it."

"Thanks honey! Now, let's go inside Hunt." His mom didn't let go of him, so he's like a poor puppy who's being dragged mercilessly.

Sooner, his mom freed him. Which made him touch his ear and check it on the mirror. Damn, it's reddish!

"You should've come home early from the time I gave you, son. You could also have the chance to meet Brent's tutor."

Oh... my brother's tutor. "I'm not interested in meeting her, mom." He's still not into girls, he despised them.

"What's with you, son? You're nearly thirty, and you're not married just yet!" His mom hissed as they shared lunch in the dining room.

He sighs, "I love what I have now, mom. I don't need a girl to serve me."

His mom's lips parted in surprise. Pausing from eating. "I don't mean for a servant! It's a girl who you can marry and live with, for the rest of your life!"

Mr. Reid became worried so he leaned closer to his wife and caressed its back. "Don't stress yourself too much, honey. It's bad for your health."

Mrs. Reid just sighs heavily. Feeling problematic. "Well, handle your son Henry. I don't think I can push him to bring a girl here who he can marry." Then his mom stood up and left the dining room. Leaving him and his dad, alone.

He's just silent. He did not regret any.

"Me and your mom, want you to settle down Hunt. It's for your sake, we couldn't let you live alone forever. Being alone felt like you're a living dead, no one cares, no salvation, no inspiration. You might have the wealth, and fame today... I'm telling you this son, wealth won't last. But a woman? No matter how much you hurt them, abuse them... if they loved you so much... they won't leave."

He bit his lower lip, "Dad, I don't think I can do that. I don't see the woman's worth."

"Or you haven't moved on?" they're staring at each other now. His dad got him great. "Your ex-girlfriend left you because she doesn't love you enough, son. If she loves you, she should've stayed." How did his father know? Alright, he forgot that his father had eyes around him.

"It's not about her -"

"Then proved it, Hunt. Find another girl who's worth marrying. In return, I will bestow you the Reid's productions." his father had this foolish smile in the lips. "I gave you two weeks to search and show a woman to us. I'm looking forward to it, son."

"There's no way I could do that, dad!" He hissed.

His dad just chuckled and sliced some from the steak. "A man who desires things can make a man greedy. Do something, Hunt. Prove to me that you're incapable of inheriting my wealth."

Hunt was speechless, while his father was amused by his reaction.