Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

The next day, Gordon wanted to visit Jeremy's mother and Jerlina took him to the clinic. Gordon was visibly impressed seeing different kinds of people getting benefitted from there. 

With more employees hired, they planned on doing some renovations and expansion to add more departments like cardiology and neurology to help the vulnerable. And they are looking for places to start a rehabilitation center. The drug trade has been abolished and that leaves a lot of addicts who would be suffering and homeless. They needed rehabilitation and help to get their life together. They need a chance at life.

As Jerlina was showing around, they were told that the healthcare architect was there. Jerlina was the one supervising the expansion work and so she needed to meet the architect. 

Leaving Gordon in Dr. Kruger's office, Jerlina excused herself. Gordon smiled proudly seeing Jerlina's back. She looked very regal and it made him proud.

"Some people are meant to shine. I guess, it is in their DNA. Don't you think so, Dr.Kruger?" he turned to look at her and she nodded with a smile.

"Not everything can be attributed to genetics, Mr. Faraday. Some credit should be given to hard work too," she pointed at the chair asking him to sit.

"True.." Gordon nodded. "But they shine regardless of where they are, don't they?" he was proud. 

He thought Lady Jerlina's capabilities would be hindered if she stayed in a small town living among middle-class people. But she is shining brighter here. Not to mention, her husband is not a bad man. He knows how to support his wife. He is smart and he has a good reputation that helps with the lady too.

"So…" Gordon's smile vanished and his eyes turned serious. "Are you going to speak up?"

Dr.Kruger took in a deep breath leaning at her seat. "About what?"

She didn't know why he wanted to meet her. He found her number by some means and told her that he is going to meet her and asked her to be ready to tell him the truth.

But what truth? Did he get information about that secret I hid?

"The truth I wanted,"  Gordon said tapping his fingers on the armrest of the chair. 

"I don't know what you are talking about," Dr. Kruger refused to speak about it.

She had doubts that Daisy's death might be connected to it but till now there are no proofs. And still, she didn't want to mess around. She didn't care if she lived or died. All he cared about was Jeremy's happiness. She will not become the reason for his unhappiness.

Gordon chuckled. "I like you, doctor. I really do. And I like your son for my Lady too. And that is why I am being patient with you," he pressed his lips and stood up. "Please don't test my patience…"

He placed his phone in front of Dr. Kruger. 'Watch this… And tell me the truth…" he pressed the play button on the screen.

Dr. Kruger was a little scared of Gordon. Jeremy told her what kind of guy he is. But still, she wasn't willing to do anything that would hurt Jeremy.  All his life, Jeremy made her happy. And she wanted to return him the favor.

But as the video played, she felt a shiver passing through her spine. She picked a napkin and wiped the perspiration formed on her forehead.

"Jeremy tried to investigate but-"

"These are satellite images, Doctor. We paid millions to your government for these clear images they take of everyone without your knowledge…" Gordon let out a sigh. "Do you still want to keep the secret?" he asked.

"It was her..?" she looked at Gordon. Her heart was beating fast and she opened the pill bottle to get her blood pressure controlling pills. 

Gordon poured water for her. "Thank you," Dr. Kruger popped in the pills and drank the water. 

She said nothing and opened the drawer. She picked the report and passed it to Gordon. Gordon read the report silently and then took pictures of it.

"So this is her," he asked as he already had the answers. 

Considering everything that was transcribed afterward there is only one possibility. 

"And Jeremy?" he asked. "It couldn't have happened without his knowledge-"

"No!" Dr. Kruger stood up, banging the table. "He has nothing to do with it. No way! Don't you dare-"

"How could this happen without his knowledge when-" Gordon gritted his teeth. "Lives are lost, Doctor. And my Lady got hurt. How can I let this go?" 

"Yes, I agree Jerlina was hurt because of this. But she doesn't know it till now. What will happen if you reveal it to her now? Won't she get more hurt? She is a lot happier these days and what will happen to her once she knows this? She will sink to despair." Dr. Kruger tried to reason with Gordon.

"You don't know how she was before… that day… I wouldn't want to see her in a similar position once more…" She added seeing Gordon not relenting. 

"But I have to tell her. Otherwise-" Gordon turned to leave. 

He felt a little bad seeing this old lady in tears and distress. He doesn't get sorry for a lot of people. Ut that doesn't mean this matter could be left as it is.

"She will leave him!" Dr. Kruger shouted and Gordon paused by the door.

"If she knows the truth, she will leave him. Do you really want that to happen?" she asked.

Pressing his lips Gordon stood rooted to his spot. She is right. But…

"She might not leave him. She loves him so much," Gordon said. He got that feeling.

"Are you sure? Are you willing to take this chance, Gordon? They are planning on going on a honeymoon next month. Did she tell you about this? They are trying for a baby. They are happy with each other. And I hear your boss is very old..? I bet like any elder he would want to see his next generation flourish. Should you take a chance on his wish?"

Dr. Kruger's words made Gordon's hands tremble. 

Am I willing to take this chance?