C3 Don't be scare

Brianne took pride in her work, making sure every floor shone and every surface sparkled.

As she emptied the trash cans on the top floor, she glanced out the window, her mind drifting to her family's troubles.

A familiar figure caught her attention, Nate, the company's CEO, walking down the hall. His eyes seemed fixed on her for a moment, before he turned into his office.

“Mr. Nicholson, what can I get for you?” his assistant asked, entering the room.

Just then, Brianne's phone rang. That was from her mom, she hastily answered it.

“Brianne…honey…the doctor called. Your father needs an operation or…"

Her voice trailed off, muffled sobs audible through the line.

“Oh no, Mom, how much is it going to cost? We don't have that kind of money…" Her voice trembles as you try to hold back tears.

Before she knows it, Nate has approached her, having heard her distressed tone. He looks at her expectantly, awaiting an explanation for her sudden anguish.

“Is everything okay, Brianne?”

''I…my father…he needs an operation,'' you stammer.

“How much time do we have? Let me drive you to the hospital.” His expression turns sympathetic.

“The operation…it's scheduled for tomorrow morning. And I'm supposed to pay…oh god…" She chokes on her words as a sob threatens to break free.

Without hesitation, he gently places a hand on his shoulder. “Don't worry about the payment right now. Let's get you to the hospital so you can be with your mom. Okay?”

His touch sends an unexpected jolt through her body. Nobody at work has ever shown such concern for her wellbeing, least of all the usually aloof CEO.

She finds herself nodding silently, unsure how to process this strange new dynamic.

“Let's go,” he urges softly. “My car is parked downstairs.”

“I…thank you,” she whispered shakily, wiping away stray tears before turning to follow him to the elevator.

In the confined space of the elevator, he stands beside her, respecting her silence. She can feel his gaze upon her, but don't dare look up, fearful of breaking down completely.

When the doors open on the first floor, he guides her to the parking garage, his hand still resting lightly on your lower back.

His sleek black SUV gleams nearby. He unlocks it with a press of his keys and opens the passenger door for her, his usual cool professionalism softened by genuine concern etched across his features.

“Thank you,” she murmured again, sinking into the seat and hiding her face in her hands.

“No need to thank me, Brianne. Buckle up,” he instructs softly before closing her door. Within moments, he's sliding into the driver's seat.

As he starts the engine and begins navigating through traffic, he asks gently, “Which hospital are we headed to?”

“Alpen Hospital,” she sniffled, feeling embarrassed for falling apart in front of her boss.

“Tell me more.”

“It's downtown,” she replied hoarsely, swiping at lingering tears. “Near the city center.”

“Okay,” he nods. After a pause, he adds, “If you're comfortable telling me, what happened to your dad?”

His tone is warm and inviting, putting her somewhat at ease.

Taking a shaky breath, she begins recounting the whole ordeal, from her dad's diagnosis to the astronomical costs of treatment.

Through the rearview mirror, she notices Nate's knuckles whiten as he grips the steering wheel tighter, his jaw clenched in suppressed anger.

“And they need half upfront, or they won't perform the surgery…and Mom couldn't…so it fell to me…" She trails off miserably.

“You've been carrying this burden alone, haven't you?” His fingers brush her arm reassuringly. “You didn't need to hide this, you know.”

“I was too ashamed…too scared…what if I fail…what if I lose him…" Her voice quivers as another wave of sobs shakes her.

“Hey…" He reaches across the console and envelops her trembling hands with his warm ones. “You aren't alone anymore. I'll help, okay?”

The sincerity in his voice chokes her up further, overwhelmed by this unexpected show of support.

“We'll figure something out together. Alright?” He gives her hands a gentle squeeze.

“Oh god, Nate…this isn't just about money…all these years, every sacrifice…was it worth it?” She whimpered, feeling utterly defeated.

Rain drums relentlessly on the car as she breaks down completely. Sobs wracked her body, tearing deep, gut-wrenching cries from her throat.

He pulls over to the curb, shifting into park. He frees his seatbelt and slides closer to her.

“Come here,” he says softly, opening his arms.

With a shuddering sigh, she leaned forward, seeking comfort. Nate wraps his arms around her securely, holding her close as stormy darkness presses in outside.

His fresh cologne mingles with the scent of rain-soaked earth, creating a strangely grounding sensation amidst turmoil.

“Shhh, everything will be alright. I promise,” he murmurs, stroking her hair soothingly. “You did everything you could. That's nothing to be ashamed of.”

Pulling slightly away from the intimate embrace, he cups her tear-stained cheeks tenderly.

“I mean it, you didn't deserve any of this. But you…your strength…it inspires me.” There's raw honesty in his gaze, vulnerability he only reveals in this private moment.

His thumb brushes over her bottom lip absently as he continues, “Tell me what you need…anything…just ask.”

“Oh, Nate…I just want…want my daddy back,” she sniffled, my voice trembling as our lips nearly brushed.

His eyes flutter closed briefly, pain crossing his features before resolve solidifies there.

“Then we'll make sure he gets the best care possible, whatever the cost.” He caresses her hair.

“Thanks for anything, I will do anything to pay all of your kindness no matter what.”