CHAPTER 48 - THE CLINIC'S VISITOR'S

Courtney was just wrapping up her last patient's file when she saw a familiar car outside the parking lot that she knew by heart. She made sure that the Clinic is presentable and there is no single rash can be seen.

“Nat, someone is going to look for me so please buzz them in okay?” She informed her secretary currently tapping on her keyboard.

“Who are they?” Nathalia stopped what she was doing and faced her Boss.

“It’s the Venoso’s.” She knew Nathalia immediately recognized the names.

“Oh… all right. I’ll make some coffee then and I’ll send it in.” Her secretary offered.

“Nice idea, thanks Nat.” Courtney agreed.

She returned to her desk while waiting for the expected visitors to come in. After few minutes, Nathalia notified her through intercom so she instructed to get the refreshment ready.

“Hi Eric and Liliana, come in.” Courtney stood up on her chair.

"Courtney I hope you don't mind we came unannounced." Eric seems to be embarrassed with his low tone of voice.

“Its okay, please have seat." Courtney offered them the long couch.

"How are you dear and my grandchild doing?" Liliana gave her biggest smile.

"Aside from getting exhausted easily I'm okay Liliana same with il bambino (the baby).” Her hand moved on its own accord touching her stomach.

"Believe it will gets harder as the months progress but don’t worry we are here to guide you." Liliana held my hand with care.

“Thank you I appreciate that so much.” She smiled warmly.

“Have you gone to your check-up already?” Mrs. Venoso probed.

“Not yet Liliana, but I’ll find time on that I promise.” She shook her head lightly.

“Good just tell me if you need accompany I’ll gladly come with you.” Liliana offered freely.

“I will but I think I can handle this little peanut for now.” She declined nicely.

“Speaking of the little peanut, when are you going to telling him about it my dear?” Mrs. Venoso anticipated the answer will be pleasant to her ears.

“I will talk to him once I got everything settle here today.” Courtney can't help but think of Ben’s possible reaction.

“You better make it fast before he makes a move with Nicolo.” Eric butts in.

“What does Nicolo have to do on it?” Her eyebrows knitted after hearing her friend’s name.

“Since my brother is clueless with the plan, he hired a private Investigator to investigate Nicolo." Eric notified her.

"He did what?! Is he crazy or what?!” Courtney rose from the seat.

“Please calm down dear.” Liliana moved towards Courtney.

"I can’t calm down Liliana, first he hit Nicolo and now he got him investigated. What will come next?" Courtney started to get aggravated.

“Enrico can you please get her some water.” Liliana can tell Courtney is going to hyperventilate.

Enrico immediately rushed out of the room to find the secretary to help him out find the hospital’s pantry easy. Nathalia showed up in time carrying a brown tray with coffee and milk.

“Thank God I found you, can you please get me some bottled water for Courtney.” Eric felt relief seeing the assistant.

“Sure, is everything all right with her?” Nathalia asked full of concern.

“She just didn’t take the news lightly about my brother; anyway can we talk later and get the water first before I get killed by my mother?” Eric seems to be more frightened with his mother.

“Yeah of course, I’ll be back.” She laughed softly seeing the guy’s contorted face.

After a while Nathalia gets back with the water on her hand while Eric took the tray with coffee with him as they both entered the door. “That’s it Courtney calm down it’s not going to be good for you and il bambino.” Mrs. Venoso kept her voice smooth.

“Here, drink this Boss.” Nathalia opened the bottle before giving it to Courtney.

“Thank you… now please continue telling me about this whole investigation Eric.” Courtney faced them in cooler state.

“Enrico please try to talk about it slowly as you know how sensitive woman can be when they are pregnant.” Liliana told her son.

“As I was saying my brother is doing an investigation to find out anything about Nicolo and --” Eric was interrupted.

“My brother?” Nathalia gasped.

“He is your brother?” Liliana intervene.

“Yeah, he is.” Nathalia confirmed.

“That makes it easier then to notify your brother about it so he will be aware on what to expect. ” Eric warned Nathalia.

“If I knew this is going to happen, I could’ve have convinced Nicolo to stop this plan instantly.” Nathalia is now worried for his brother and the secret that she’s been concealing too with their parents

“Don’t worry Nathalia, I already talked to my amica and she is taking care of media.” Liliana assured the woman.

“We will try to block each media articles or news that will ruin your brother’s reputation I promised you that Nathalia.” Eric consoled her.

“Thank you I guess I better go and call him now.” Nathalia seek their permission to go.

“You may dear, it was nice meeting you.” Ms. Venoso smiled at her genuinely.

“Courtney, I know my son well and he won't stop until he knows the truth so we need to act fast. You need to tell him as soon as possible about your pregnancy.” Mrs. Venoso started talking again when Nathalia left.

"Your son is one sided mind and doesn't listen to anyone but himself. I'm tired of defending myself and ending getting hurt Liliana." Courtney was in the verge of crying.

"I know Ben is really stubborn and too proud sometimes but I know this time he really cares for you. I can see and feel it believe me." Liliana comforts her.

“If both of you are going to let your pride then your issues will not be resolved. I know the baby is important to you now and so as my brother so I beg you to set your anger aside for the sake of the child.” Eric convinced her.

"Enrico is right my dear if you can't do it for yourself please think of il mio nipote (my grandchild)." Mrs. Venoso placed her hand on top of her stomach.

“I will just give me a little more time.” Courtney pleaded.

"Mamà I need to get back to office before brother noticed I'm gone." Eric checked his watch.

"I guess we better get going dear please take care of yourself and the baby okay?" Liliana hugged Courtney tight.

"I will thank you for dropping by." Courtney hugged them back.

"I'll see you soon." Mrs. Venoso kissed both her cheeks.