[linkons pov continuation]
As the minutes slipped by, I found myself drawn closer to Mrs. Banks. Carmella carried herself with the calm poise of a British aristocrat, every gesture measured, every smile practiced yet genuine.
The reunion ended smoothly, laughter and polite farewells echoing through the grand hall. Within two hours, the mansion had emptied, leaving only silence, shadows, and the Banks family.
"Lincoln, aren't you leaving tonight?" Carmella asked, stepping toward me with a porcelain cup of coffee in hand.
I accepted it, my eyes lingering on hers. "Hmm. No, Mrs. Banks. I suppose I'll be spending the night with your family."
Her lips curved faintly. "That's good to hear. Let me prepare the guest room, then." She disappeared upstairs, her presence still lingering like perfume in the air.
The moment she was gone, Mr. Banks closed in. His voice dropped, his words sharp as a knife hidden in velvet. "Lincoln, we can settle this tonight. Name your price."
I leaned back, savoring the bitter heat of the coffee. "I don't think you understand, Mr. Banks. I'm not here for a deal."
His face darkened. For the first time, the mansion didn't feel like his kingdom—it felt like a cage tightening around him.
[Narrator's POV]
[The following morning]
The morning was bright and wild. Mr. Banks woke up with a severe headache. Samson, Lincoln is not in his room. Camilla said as she entered their bedroom. He left during the night, Samson said with an undescripting tone. Samson skipped breakfast and headed straight to Lincoln's residence. Big Boss, I can't accept your proposal. This is my dear wife we are talking about. Samson lashed out as soon as he entered the office. Big Boss still maintained his nonchalant expression as he sipped his expired whiskey. You have a goddess in your house, Samson, and you can't let her go. It's either you lose your assets or you let me have her. Samson was devastated. He always saw his wife only with him, and now he's about to share her with Lincoln. The guards escorted Samson out of his office, leaving him with a note that says, Come see me when you are ready.
[Carmela's POV]
Today began like any other day. Being an event planner, I spent my mornings watching people light up with joy over their upcoming celebrations. Yet beneath the smiles, my mind was elsewhere—on my mother, who had fallen sick again.
I boarded my private jet bound for Dreamville, where my parents lived. As the plane descended, my phone buzzed. I picked up briefly.
"I'm fine. Take care," I murmured before hanging up.
The moment I arrived, Alex came rushing toward me.
"Big sis, thank God you're here. Mom's blood pressure shot up—we had to bring her to the hospital. It's been so long, but the doctors haven't said a word. Will she even make it?" His voice cracked, and he slumped into his seat, lost in despair.
I forced myself to stay calm. Over a quick dinner, I tried to reassure him. "We'll fly Mom abroad for treatment if we must." But my words brought him no peace.
Moments later, I caught sight of a doctor and hurried over. "Doctor, how is my mother?"
He hesitated, then said gravely, "She's undergoing treatment. But… she's in a coma."
The words echoed in my head like a death knell. My chest tightened. Without another word, I rushed out of the hospital.
"Mrs. Banks, what's wrong?" my driver asked as I flung open the car door.
"Drive!" I snapped, my tone sharper than intended.
In less than thirty minutes, my jet carried me back home. Yet no matter how fast I flew, the weight of that single word—coma—followed me, pressing into my soul.