Stomach meds, angina pills, sleeping pills... a random, colorful handful. Peter didn't bother to count, just shoved the pills into York's mouth.
After feeding him the medicine, Peter helped York back to his room.
By the time he was done, Peter was covered in sweat.
Lying on the large bed, York's forehead was beaded with a thin layer of sweat from the pain.
His eyes were red as he looked at Peter and asked, "If I love her now, is it still too late?"
Peter’s narrow, almond-shaped eyes flew open. "Love? What love? There's no such thing as love in this world. It's all just lust at first sight and weighing the pros and cons."
York lay listlessly on the bed, mumbling, "Claudia's love for me was real!"
Peter sat on the edge of the bed and patted York's shoulder. "That girl Claudia is just after your body and your money. Her family went bankrupt, and she was looking for a long-term meal ticket. She was using you. Get a grip, man, what she felt for you wasn't love!"
York turned his back to Peter, closing his eyes to hide the raw emotion in them. "Get out!"
Peter rubbed his nose, hearing the choked sob in York's voice.
He walked around to the other side of the bed. "Finally figured it out?"
When York didn't answer, Peter sighed. "York, it's too late for everything!"
"The guys chasing Claudia now... I won't list them all, but I know of at least five or six, and none of them are nobodies," Peter said.
"If you want to love her right, you'll have to wait for the next life. And remember to get in line early."
After saying his piece, Peter waited a long time, but York didn't respond. He leaned over and gave York a gentle push, causing him to roll onto his back.
Peter gasped and quickly checked for a pulse.
"Oh, for Christ's sake!"
He clutched his chest, taking a deep breath.
It turned out the sleeping pills had kicked in, and the man was fast asleep.
—
In the blink of an eye, it was September, and Eddy had started college.
Filming for the first episode of Claudia's medical science show for the TV station had also begun.
Claudia had to manage her department and set aside three days a week for her clinic hours.
She also had to make time to film the television program.
Her career was flourishing, she was making more and more friends, and every day felt full and meaningful.
When the weekend finally arrived, Claudia stayed home to spend time with her parents, a rare occasion where she didn't call anyone for a game of poker.
Late that night.
Claudia was woken from her sleep by her mother. "Claudia, someone from the Ferguson family is here."
Claudia fumbled for her phone and checked the time. It was 12:40 AM.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase!
I love this new version of this story....