You love me (BETRAYAL)

Mr. Elizur had left, leaving only Beatrice, Hosea, and Moses in the room. Moses was having a hard time cutting his vegetables, so Hosea took the knife from him to help out. Moses gratefully acknowledged Hosea's willingness to assist. Beatrice, sitting on the other side of the table, smiled at Hosea. After cutting the vegetables, Hosea passed the plate to Moses, who received it with a grateful smile. 

"Thank you, brother," Moses said. Hosea turned to him and replied, "You can just call me by my name." 

"Okay, Hosea, since you say so," Moses responded. Hosea smiled, amused by the boy; he found him charming and interesting. "You know, it would be a happy family, just the three of us," Hosea said. Upon hearing Beatrice's voice, he raised his head, realizing he had lost focus on her, as she had remained silent until now. Without telling her, Hosea got up from his seat. 

"Bye, Moses. I need to go to work now," he said as he started to leave. Moses called out, "Hosea, isn't Mommy going with you?" Hosea stopped and turned around. Beatrice got up and started walking toward him. 

"Let's go, Hosea," she said, passing by him without making eye contact.

---

Menalla walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Her friend, Saira, was busy with her laptop, seemingly writing an article to be published online. Menalla said to her, "Let's go." 

Saira was so focused on her work that she didn't notice her friend had entered the room. Finally, when Menalla spoke again while walking away, Saira quickly raised her laptop and continued typing. 

"Is that a new job?" Menalla asked, eager to know more. 

"Yes, it's the latest news in the media right now, and everyone wants to know what will happen next," Saira replied. They both walked out of the hospital and hailed a taxi, with Saira still busy on her laptop. 

Inside the taxi, she finally pressed the enter button and published the article. "Finally, I'm done!" she exclaimed as she shut down her laptop. Smiling, she turned to Menalla. "How did it go?" 

"Fine," Menalla said, glancing away out the window. "Every time I go tomorrow to see my father, even in a vegetative state (PVS), I still find comfort. It's like he's there, telling me what to do and offering guidance. I know what to do now." 

Saira leaned closer, eager to hear more. "Which is?" 

"Well, first, I need to find a way to pay my dad's bills so that the surgery can take place. I believe he will wake up soon; there's a conviction in me that I know is right. Then, I'll look for a better job. I've been wanting someone to read my writing, and maybe, just maybe, it will catch the attention of a big TV channel, and they will reach out to me for my skills. But maybe I was wrong. From today, I will apply for all job offers with major TV channels, using an eye-catching application. They will surely respond to me, and when they do, I will ask for an advance to pay for the bill." 

She paused, and Saira found her words interesting and clapped for her. "Bravo, girl! That's the Menalla I know—the one who never gives up no matter what life throws at her! (in a humorous voice) You know, that was an excellent speech; you would do well in public speaking. I thought you had lost it after breaking up with that jerk, Chris."

Menalla's expression suddenly changed at the mention of Chris. "Well, I still want to see him. My heart longs for him… for his words…"

Saira cut her off. "What, Menalla? What else do you want from that womanizer, Chris? Do you want him to fool you again, or do you just want to give him what he wants?" 

She shook her head at her friend.

---

Beatrice and Hosea entered the same limousine, a black one, the same that Hosea had arrived in when he was released from prison. The same driver was there. As the vehicle moved, Hosea and Beatrice sat on either side of the limousine. The partition between them and the driver was open, revealing Simon in the front seat. 

Simon looked through the side mirror and nodded at Hosea. "Good morning, sir." 

Hosea responded at the same time, "How have you been? I dropped a message; I wanted to see you." 

"I got the message, sir. The reason I didn't respond is that I took a leave because my mother was sick. I had to go stay with her." 

"Oh, how is she now?" Hosea asked. 

"Better, sir. She's still in treatment, but her health is recovering," Simon replied. 

Hosea nodded. "I see, I'm glad to hear that. Anyway, I will need you to do something for me." 

At this, Beatrice pressed the lock button, closing off the space between the driver and them. 

"Finally, we are alone," Beatrice said. Hosea looked at her, confused. "Why did you do that?" 

Beatrice left her seat and sat next to Hosea. "I know you are angry with me. The way you left last time confirmed it, but I need to talk to you, Hosea."

"I have nothing to say to you, Beatrice. If not for Dad, we wouldn't even be in this vehicle together. I made it clear last time that I want nothing to do with you."

Beatrice responded, "I have respect for my father, and I love him. After the IPO, it will all be over..."

As Hosea spoke with anger, Beatrice drew him close and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips touched, and she adjusted herself while they were still connected. She kissed him passionately, pouring all her emotions into the moment. I'm expectedly, Hosea kissed her back, drawing her closer as their hearts raced in unison.