Chapter 1

The rain was pouring down, making the gloomy night even more dark and perilous for the streets of New York. A loud shrill disrupted the quiet night as the ambulance came to a quick halt at the entrance of New York Central Hospital.

Hurried footsteps echoed and the staff rushed out. Opening the doors wide, they quickly set to work to retrieve an elderly man in his business suit, hooked to a cardiac monitor. He was immediately rolled inside followed by a medical team.

Emergency room filled with medical professionals. The old man was cared for in the best possible way. Shortly, he is stripped of his business suit and in a hospital gown. His body was connected to a dozen machines.

Who is this gentleman? What happened to him ?

He is none other than Mr. Henry Mills, owner and CEO of Mills Corporation. He is well known for his involvement in the development of the city of New York. Mills Corporation has designed and built many major buildings in the city, including multinational corporate offices, shopping malls and even exquisite restaurants for elite hotels.Having begun his career as a low-life building worker, Mr.Mills, achieved the peaks of glory one by one through hard work and dedication.

Several minutes after Mr.Mills was brought to the hospital, a black SUV pulled into the parking lot. A thin woman in her thirties exited the car. She was dressed in a simple white top and black skirt. She hurried inside on her black kitten heels with her hair in a messy ponytail and tears running down her cheeks. Following suit, a man in his early 40s did so while holding a phone to his ear. To catch up with the woman, he picked up the speed. It is obvious that they were Mr. Mills family.

Mr. Mills daughter Regina is married to Robin Locksley. For just over 7 years, Robin Locksley has been working for Mills Corporation. Mr. Mills decided to appoint him as Chief Architect due to his commitment and diligence.They have successfully executed numerous projects that have received high praise. Obviously, this had forged a connection between the two. Mr. Mills almost embraced Robin as his own son due to his politeness and zeal for the company's growth. He became a member of the family once Mr. Mills decided to wed his daughter Regina to Robin Locksley.

Back at the hospital...

The couple made their way to the emergency room down the hallway. Mr. Nolan, Mr. Mills driver, was waiting for them outside. His hand was tucked under his chin, and his head was hung low.

Regina(addressing the driver): David

Mr. Nolan: Regina. (He moved swiftly in her direction.)

Regina : What happened, David? This morning, he was fine. (As she spoke, her breath became more rapid)

David: Yes, he was alright. Even more, he requested that I drive him to work.

Robin : In the office? He showed up to the office? (Clearly perplexed)

David: Yes. He did. But he made a hasty exit. He then requested that I accompany him to Mrs. Mills grave.

Robin : But I spent the entire time in the office. I didn't notice him.

Turning to face David, Regina disregarded her husband's comment.

Regina: But why is he in the hospital David?

David : I'm not sure what happened. He said he needed something to drink after leaving the cemetery. By the time I got some juice and returned to the car I found him asleep. When...when I tried to wake him up he was unconscious. I am so...sorry...I wouldn't have left the car if I knew something like this would happen.

David was comforted by Regina as she stood next to him and put her hand on his shoulder.

Regina: David, it's not your fault. Has the doctor mentioned anything ?

David: No. Actually, I've been here waiting since they brought him into the ER. I hope there isn't anything bad.

"Let's hope David", Regina sighed.

They waited for the doctor outside the emergency department on a nearby bench. The occasional sob that escapes Regina's lips is stifled with a sigh. Robin reached for his phone and made a brief call. He took a few steps back and stood up to speak.

A few hours later, the emergency door was opened. A physician in his late 50s walked outside. He turned to face the family and made a quiet approach. Regina suddenly sprang to her feet as she noticed the doctor heading in their direction.

Regina : Dr., How's he?

She asked desperately.

Doctor : Ms. Regina Mills right ?

Regina nodded quickly.

Doctor : I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't have any positive news right now.

Regina exhaled heavily and covered her mouth with her hands.

Robin : Dr., what do you mean?

Doctor : Right now, we're doing everything we can to keep Mr. Mills stable. However, he had experienced a cardiac arrest. It appears that he has experienced something similar before. Do you know anything about earlier attacks?

The doctor enquired in an effort to learn more details.

Regina: Dad suffered a heart attack when mom passed away.But he bounced back immediately. How will things turn out this time, doctor? (She questioned with eyes full of tears.)

Doctor : The situation has gotten a little worse since this is his second time, and his advanced age isn't helping at all. Now it's a bit more complicated. We are making every effort. We shall have hope once he starts responding to the meds."

Once more, Regina sagged against the bench and began to sob so hard that she almost choked.

Robin : Do whatever you need, doctor, but please. If necessary, we could even transport him abroad. (He nearly pleaded with the doctor as he held out his hands)

Doctor: Mr.Locksley,I am aware of your current situation and assure you that we are making every effort. We are unable to transport him somewhere in this state. I hope you understand.

The doctor then left the couple outside and went back inside.

As the doctor walked away, Robin sighed loudly and stood there.

David :Mr. Locksley , please take a seat. I can bring you each a cup of coffee or maybe a glass of water.

Robin: That's alright David.

David:I'll bring the coffee right away.

Robin nods his head before returning to his wife's side of the chair. In an effort to calm her down, he drew her into his arms.