302: A Dear Brother’s Concern

Alex, worn from the emotional toll of his recent health scare, found no solace in the empty hospital room, its silence punctuated only by the quiet beep of the heart monitor. The truth was, he hadn't only been neglecting his physical health but his mental peace too, caught between his personal failings and the family dramas that never seemed to end. When Emma had left the hospital room, the air had shifted, filling Alex with a profound loneliness that seemed to echo off the sterile walls. Nazboi, noticing the palpable shift in atmosphere, lingered at the doorway, his expression fraught with concern. "Boss, I understand you're telling us not to bother Emma anymore. I get it, she has her own life... her family to think about." Nazboi hesitated, the words catching in his throat as he considered his next words carefully. Alex, his gaze distant, nodded slowly. "Yes, her family... Her brothers especially wouldn't take kindly to us dragging her back into our mess. I've imposed on her enough." Nazboi frowned, deeply troubled by the resignation in Alex's voice. "It’s not just about imposing, sir. If anything more happens to you, and it affects her, her brothers would not just stand by. They’ve got a reputation, and they protect their own fiercely." Alex sighed, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I suppose you’re right. We’ve got to handle our own issues." Nazboi agreed quietly, leaving Alex to rest, promising to return with his dinner and to manage the company affairs in his stead. The assistant’s departure left Alex to his thoughts, which were soon interrupted by the arrival of unexpected visitors. Downstairs, Emma, after ensuring Alex was stable, had run into her brother, Gable. Gable, the respected doctor and researcher, had performed surgery on Alex years ago and had a complicated professional courtesy towards him. Seeing Emma emerge from visiting Alex stirred a mixture of concern and irritation in him. "Gable, it’s not what you think. I was just ensuring he was okay," Emma explained quickly, sensing her brother’s rising anger. Gable’s voice was low but filled with tension. "Emma, why involve yourself again with Alex? After everything, why put yourself in a position where you’re caught in their family drama again? You know the strain it's caused before." Emma looked down, her voice a whisper. "I know, Gable. But seeing him like that... I couldn’t just walk away. Not when Nazboi seemed so desperate." Gable shook his head, his disappointment evident. "You’re too compassionate for your own good, Emma. Remember, compassion in the wrong place can lead to more pain. I don’t want to see you hurt because of Alex again." The siblings’ conversation grew heated, with Gable reminding Emma of the past pains and the potential dangers of rekindling any form of relationship with Alex. "Listen, Emma, you need to steer clear. We, your brothers, we can't keep picking up the pieces. If he’s in trouble, let him handle it. You’re not his keeper." Emma nodded, her expression somber. "I understand, Gable. It won’t happen again. I promise." As they left the hospital, Emma’s phone buzzed with a message from Alex. She hesitated but decided against opening it, a decision that didn't go unnoticed by Gable. In the car, the ride was silent, each lost in their thoughts. Emma’s mind was a whirl of emotions—guilt for possibly upsetting her brother and a lingering worry for Alex. Gable, driving, was deep in thought about how to protect his sister from future emotional turmoil caused by Alex. He knew he would have to discuss this with their other brothers, to ensure Emma remained distanced from Alex’s chaotic life. As the city lights passed by, Emma stared out the window, her heart heavy with unspoken words and decisions made. Gable’s voice eventually broke the silence. "We’ll figure this out, Emma. As a family. You’re not alone in this." Emma nodded, her eyes not leaving the passing cityscape. She knew her brothers were right, but part of her still ached for the friend she once knew in Alex. The road ahead was uncertain, but with her family’s support, she hoped to navigate it without losing herself again.