A New Social Circle

Chapter 20

The hospital where Ethan was recuperating was a beacon of hope amidst the throes of his recovery. Its pristine corridors exuded an aura of tranquility, offering solace to his weary mind and body. The dedicated staff, with their gentle touch and unwavering compassion, created a nurturing environment where healing could flourish. Every corner seemed to whisper encouragement, instilling in him a sense of optimism and purpose. The state-of-the-art facilities and the latest medical advancements provided him with the best possible care, accelerating his progress towards recovery. From the moment he was admitted, Ethan felt a profound sense of belonging and support that surpassed any physical ailment.

Within 3 days he was able to fully heal and regain his strength. The staff of the hospital treated him like a king and served him with the utmost respect. On the day he was about to get discharged, a few nurses and even his attending were able to be friends with him and gain a little insight into what kind of person he was.

Ethan was grateful for the care he received and the relationships he formed during his stay. He left the hospital feeling not only physically healed but emotionally uplifted as well. He was having his last breakfast that morning, morning the nurse who was attending to his needs was casually talking to him. Her her eye were hinting that she liked Ethan and was assuming he was actually a rich and successful man.

Ethan appreciated her kindness and professionalism, but he was not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with someone he had just met. He politely thanked her for her care and left the hospital feeling grateful for the positive experience overall.

When suddenly Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert entered the VIP room and with her was her assistant Krauss carrying a few shopping bags with him, Helena asked the nurse to give them privacy as she already knew this nurse and those who were attending this his saviors medical care were already conducting their own personal assumptions and theories on who this young man might be, so she decided to end their pursuit.

"Miss, would you mind giving me and my grandson-in-law. some privacy?"

Ethan wanted to react, but Helena looked at him and gave him a wink, signaling that it was a misdirection to keep the nurse from prying further. Ethan nodded in understanding, grateful for Helena's quick thinking. She knew the nurse and others were already speculating about their relationship, so she decided to put an end to their curiosity.

Soon as the nurse left the room, Butler Krauss went toward the door and made sure to check if it was safe and secure, then turned back to Ethan and whispered, "We need to be more careful moving forward." Ethan nodded in agreement, realizing the importance of maintaining secrecy in their situation. Helena gave him a reassuring smile before they continued their conversation in hushed tones.

"Sorry about that; the days you spent here were accumulating a lot of unwanted gossip."

"So that's the only thing that came to mind."

"It's perfectly ok ma'am, but I was just wondering, why tell them I am your son-in law?"

"You are a smart fellow; by this time, you are aware that I have already taken the liberty of investigating your personal background."

"I know, ma'am, and I don't mind at all."

"My father once told me that the inner workings of society are based on loyalty and who to trust."

"I never understood this before , but after experiencing it personally as soon as I step foot into this city , I realize the importance of being transparent and honest in all interactions. It's a lesson I won't soon forget."

"I appreciate your understanding and willingness to uphold those values."

"And within those days recuperating here , I also took the liberty to investigate my benefactor,"

" I know, madam, and I know you have your own reasons for not introducing yourself to me until now."

"And don't worry about your boss and your job as the warehouse; my assistant, Mr. Krauss also has the liberty to inform you boss, Mr. Ross, he wanted to visit you but he was feeling under the weather too."

"The old man was really worried, but he really can't even step outside his house, so please understand him."

"I assure you, your job is secure and Mr. Ross is understanding of the situation. Your boss appreciates your hard work and dedication, despite the circumstances. "

"No worries, madam; he actually sent me a message through the phone he gave me. recently."

"The same nurse who was here a moment ago was the same person who gave me my cell phone."

"So I was able to call the warehouse and let them know what happened to me."

" that's good to hear Ethan,"

"I genuinely comprehend this circumstance. Numerous unpredictable and coincidental events are transpiring in front of me."

"I was wondering why this is happening to me, but no matter how hard I try to avoid , fate and destiny keep pushing me in this direction. It's as if there is a greater force at play, guiding us towards a specific path that we may not fully understand yet."

"Perhaps there is a reason for all of this unfolding before you, Ethan, a purpose that will eventually become clear as you continue and fully accept this journey."

"Remember, Ethan, among the thousands of places you could have gone and the thousands of choices you could have made, you are exactly where you are meant to be at this moment in time. Trust in the process and have faith that everything will fall into place as it should."

"Yes, I was having a hard time accepting this as if my life has a laid out plan for me and I was just a passenger along for the ride. But now, I realize that each step I take is leading me towards my true purpose, and I am grateful for the journey ahead. Trusting in the process has given me a sense of peace and clarity that I never thought possible.

"Are you sure?"

"Actually, no !"

" I still have moments of doubt and uncertainty."

" I am still learning to fully trust in the process, but I am confident that with time and patience, I will get there."

" Good lad,"

"So I won't waste time any longer; I want you to keep doing what you are doing and trust that everything will fall into place when the time is right."

" Thank you Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert."

"Now see that Krauss, the young lad, is truly outstanding."

"My simple request can still wait; you have all the time in the world."

"Madam, I think your request is connected with your granddaughter, right?"

"That is correct. But Ethan, I trust that the right moment will present itself when it's meant to be."

"Then I will continue to wait patiently for that moment to come, Grand Matriarch."

"I really like the way you think, and I hope you will truly become my grandson-in-law. "

"Your patience and understanding are truly commendable, Ethan. I have high hopes for you."

" I am being myself, and honestly the chances that were given to me concerning your granddaughter were truly unpredicted and unforeseeable ."

"Meeting her once would be a gift; seeing her again was a coincidence, but meeting her the third time was a sign that our paths were meant to cross. I believe fate has brought us together for a reason."

" I have tried my best not to derail this serendipitous connection, but look what fate gave me this time."

"Again, I will try my best."

"That is all I can promise—to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. "

"Fate works in mysterious ways, and I am grateful for the chance to know you, Ethan."

"Like wise , Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert"

"Huh! Just call me grandmother, ok?"

"yes grandmother."

Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert handed Ethan a few items, like additional clothing and supplies, to help him on his journey. She smiled warmly, knowing that fate had brought them together for a reason. She even wanted to give Ethan a new place to stay and some extra pocket money, but he regretfully declined, saying he needed to continue on his path alone. Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert understood and respected his decision, but nevertheless wanted to help him and told Ethan that if she could contact him through her assistant Krauss,

After this, they continue to have meaningful conversations about life, fate, and the power of connections. Ethan thanked her for her kindness and promised to keep in touch through her assistant. As it was nearing noon, Ethan took the opportunity to pack the gift given to him, stood up, and hugged his benefactor. As the time came, it was time for him to leave and continue his life back in the comfort of his temporary living quarter at the warehouse.

as the hospital staff came and brought all his personals items, as Ethan excused himself and got dress with his own clothing and secured all the small important items on him like the keys of the warehouse and small personal item, and just took the time to get ready, 

as he left the hospital after being released and returned to the warehouse. Ethan was appreciative of the assistance he had received during his recuperation. He told Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert that he was created and molded in this manner and begged her to accept his choice to be strong and independent. He told her how much he appreciated her help and thanked her for her kindness, but he would take care of himself.

After a few minutes of commuting travel from the hospital to the subway bound for the industrial district and walking a few more minutes on the fourth street westward, going to the first street where the warehouse building was located , while walking Ethan saw a familiar person sitting in front of the Mr. Ping convenience store. She was reading a pocket book and was focused on it, Ethan noticed it was still lunch break. Ethan waved to the woman, who looked up and smiled before waving back at him and signaling to join her, and pointed at the juice she was drinking.

Ethan, with the backpack he got as a gift, casually walked toward Nicole Herrnandez and greeted him.

"Hey Ethan , it's been a while since we last caught up," Nicole said as she asked him to sit down next to her. Ethan nodded in agreement, and she offered him a sip of her juice. "You look thirsty. Here, don't worry I haven't touched it with my lips." Ethan gratefully accepted the drink and took a sip, feeling refreshed by the cool liquid on the warm day.

"Where have you been??" Nicole inquired, genuinely curious about Ethan's whereabouts. Ethan smiled and began to recount his recent adventures, eager to catch up with a new friend.

As he shared some details , Nicole listened intently, nodding and occasionally interjecting with questions or comments to show her interest in his stories. The conversation flowed easily between them, as they both enjoyed reconnecting and sharing their experiences since they last saw each other. But Ethan wasn't about to tell her everything; he withheld some major details from his story.

He just said he was sick and had to stay at the hospital for a few days to recover, leaving Nicole curious about what else he may be keeping from her. Despite the gaps in his story, she appreciated his honesty and vulnerability in sharing that much with her.

Ethan thanked Nicole and told her he would repay her kindness. She just smiled and said, "It's perfectly fine." Ethan got up, went across the street, and went inside the warehouse. Nicole's smile was filled with relief that he was okay. She watched him disappear into the warehouse, feeling grateful for their friendship and hoping he would confide in her when he was ready. She took the juice container and carefully placed it inside a zip-top bag. And she stared at it and uttered the word " you will soon be mine my love," before Nicole headed back to her apartment.

Nicole couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Ethan's behavior. She made a mental note to check in on him later, wanting to make sure.