As James stepped out of the hospital, his footsteps carried a strange heaviness. He headed straight to the car park where he had parked his car, but something caught his attention, footsteps behind him.
When he turned around, it was Bernard. James halted, his face calm but curious.
"James," Bernard started, his voice firm, "I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point. What exactly is your relationship with Maria, and why did you come here?"
There was a sharp edge to Bernard's voice, laced with a jealousy he could no longer hide.
James looked at him, completely unbothered. "Bernard, I don't owe you any explanation. I came to see a sick friend, and thankfully, she's fine now."
His words were firm, unapologetic, and they hung in the air, challenging Bernard's authority.
Bernard clenched his jaw, his fists tight at his sides. "Let me make this very clear. Whatever you have going on with Maria ends now. I won't warn you again."
