Chapter 54: Who is this man?

Monday morning,

Sonya fluttered her eyes open, staring at the white ceiling for a really long time. Today is her 17th birthday, time does fly so fast. With a sigh, she sat up running her fingers through her messy hair, she opened her phone just to be blasted with a bunch of texts from her family and friends _ wishing her a happy birthday. She opened her camera taking a cute picture and posting it on her social, even with her messy hair, she still looked out of this world. It got tons of likes, comments and shares within minutes. A knock echoed inside her huge room.

" Come in."

She answered, her grandparents and Aunt Hana entered the room with gifts and a beautiful delicious cake. While singing her a birthday song.

' happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Sonya. Happy birthday to you."

" Make a wish."

Her grandmother handed her a creamy cake, Sonya closed her eyes blowing off the candles.

" Thank you, I love you guys." She smiled. " Why are you shading tears grandma and grandpa?." Sonya frowned.

" Oh it's nothing, you're just growing up so fast."

" Indeed, knowing you're a grown up teenager saddens us a bit." Her grandfather said.

" Ohh grandpa and grandma, I will always be your little granddaughter, even if I turn 30 years old." Sonya said. They all laughed pleased by her, the house hasn't felt so lively ever since Emma left to live on her own, but now after so long it felt lively again. It felt like a home again, filled with warmth and laughter.

" You should get ready now, everyone will start arriving soon."

" Yes grandma."

They left her alone closing the door behind them, Sonya got out of bed going to the bathroom to shower.

She wore a glamorous pitch dress that her mother got for her the day before. Beautiful white heels that matched her dress and ear rings, her beautiful hair was tied up into a bun leaving two curly strings hanging on each side. She took a selfie before heading downstairs where everyone was waiting for her.

As she was descending the stairs, balloons fell from above the ceiling along with white and red rose petals, with swirling music that made, Sonya feel like she was in a fairly tale movie. This was the most beautiful thing she has ever experienced, it didn't match up to her every extravagant parties her Dad throws for her. This party was simple with a touch of warmth and beauty to it's touch, all the people she loves and care about were all there, looking happy and greatful. What more can she ask for?.

" Happy birthday sweetheart." Ava kissed her cheeks.

" Thanks, mom."

" Happy birthday." Zain wished her as he handed Sonya a velvet red box, it looked like their was a necklace inside.

" Thank you, you'll make a pretty cool stepdad."

" Sonya."

Ava narrowed her brows, Zain chuckled gently squeezing Ava's waist. She felt really embarrassed and shy. She received gifts from Emma and Alec, Lucas and Trixie, and a few from other guests. Since she was new to this city, Sonya didn't have friends or hadn't had time to make friends in New York City. She was the only kid at her own birthday party.

" Happy birthday, Sonya."

Sonya turned around and was shocked to see, thee Darcy Miller. Her idol and role model of all time, Sonya's eyes widened with surprise and excitement. She couldn't help it but squeal with excitement and thrill.

" Oh my god, you're, Darcy Miller. Thee Darcy Miller!."

" So nice to meet you, Sonya, your mother told me a lot about you. I was curious to meet you, but...oh my gosh, look at you - you're just like your mother, beautiful and breathtaking. So much resemblance it's crazy."

" I had no idea you and my mom knew each other?."

" Oh, we actually met through, Zain. She's really cool."

Darcy leaned in to whisper.

" Can I take a picture?."

" I would love to." Darcy and Sonya, took a couple of pictures together. Laughing and enjoying themselves.

" Oh, sorry that I have to cut this short but I have to take my leave."

" So soon, you just got here." Sonya gave a pouting face.

" I know, but I have an important shoot that I have to be at on the other side of town, I'm already running late."

Darcy gave a warm smile, cupping Sonya's face.

" Thank you for coming, hope to see you around soon."

" Take care." Darcy glanced over to Zain before leaving.

" Darcy! A moment please."

Ava followed after Darcy to the front door, they stood facing each other. Both in a bold confident posture, upholding the will and power they both carried in terms of their status and role.

" Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule."

" I always keep my promise, you have a beautiful daughter."

" Thank you."

" Enjoy the rest of your day, Ava."

" Likewise."

Darcy opened the door walking out towards her car, Ava watched her drive off before making her way back.

****

LONDON: CITY HOSPITAL.

" What do we have?."

Laura walked through the halls of the hospital dressed in her doctor uniform and a white coat, her long blonde hair tied up in a tight ponytail. The nurse behind her tried to keep up with her pace as she filled Laura in on the next surgery she has in a couple of minutes.

" Well Doctor, the patient is 10 years of age, she surfers from a heart failure. She traveled all this way from Norway."

Laura came to a halt turning to the nurse.

" And do we have a new heart?."

" Yes, it arrived last night, doctor."

" Alright." Laura proceeded to the operating room, the doors closed shut, the red light outside the operating room turning on, indicating the operation is in process. The girls parents anxiously sat just outside the operating room, praying for their daughters life and that the surgery is a success. This hospital was their last chance for their daughters survival. It felt like many hours had gone by, the operation was still in session, the girls mother couldn't control her tears from streaming down her face anymore.

In an hour or so, the doors to the operating room finally opened, with Laura walking out. The girls parents walked up to her nervously asking about their daughters state.

" Doctor, how is our little girl doing?."

Laura took off her gloves and face mask, staring at the girls parents for a while before speaking.

" Your daughters surgery, was a success."

" Ah, thank you so much doctor, you're a life saver."

" She will need to get enough rest for her wounds to heal quickly, she will have to stay here a bit more under observation, see how her new heart is functioning in a new surrounding."

" Thank you doctor."

" She's a strong girl," Laura gave a slight smile. " Excuse me." She excused herself going to her office. She took off her coat hanging it to the coat hanger in the corner of her office, she sat down on the chair behind her desk, opening her phone and going through some of her emails and texts.

Her phone buzzed in her hand, with a bit of hesitation... she eventually answered.

' you finally answered my calls, Laura. Have been trying to get hold of you for a while now.'

' what do you want, Nick?.'

' that's all you have to say? You left for London and you didn't think to tell me.'

' it was sudden, besides, there wasn't a reason for me to stay there for another day...or stay in New York City for that matter.'

' I was worried when I couldn't get through to you.'

' what, you thought I would commit suicide or something? I'm not going down that easily... you're stuck with me.'

Laura smiled, Nick chuckled on the other end. ' I have to return to my work.' she added.

' talk later then, take care.'

Nick said, Laura put down her phone... leaning back in her chair.

****

Lisa, walked into her favorite fashionable clothing store, she gets most of her custom made outfits In this store. Only a few people shopped here, let's just say ' the rich and wealthy people ' shopped here. Cause the store was damn expensive.

" Welcome, Ms Qinn, I was wondering when you yourself would visit our store again." The store manager welcomed her.

" Well, being a full time wife, mother, and grandma is a lot of work. But today I just thought to have time for myself."

" Well, your designer clothes are all lined up for you to try on, in the meantime... take a seat and have a sip on our finest wine, while the assistant brings the clothes."

He gave a slight bow walking away, Lisa sat on the couch while an assistant poured a glass of wine in her glass. Lisa twirled her glass taking a sip.

" Ms Qinn, the dressing room is ready for you."

The store assistant informed, Lisa stood making her way to the changing room. She unzipped her dress letting it slide down to the marble floor, remaining with only lace black lingerie on. Lisa turned to the clothes lined up for her in a corner, going through each piece as she wondered which one she should try on first. She spotted a dark green vintage dress, with pretty white buttons in the middle of the breast area.

She was about to grab it when Lisa felt a strong hand slam her mouth and tightly held her both hands behind her back. Her eyes widened with fear and anxiety, she couldn't scream or move, she couldn't call for help. ' what now, who is this man? And what does he want from me?.'

Lisa panicked. Her heart pounding inside her chest.