The Royal Mark-Chapter 387: Farewell Party

The warm glow of fairy lights draped across the backyard of Ambros’ home in Santa Fe, set a festive atmosphere. Elsa’s hospital co-workers, along with her friends Marina and Jai, mingled and laughed, their voices blending with the soft hum of music playing in the background.

Tables were filled with different variety of dishes, and a large banner reading Congratulations Dr. Morgan!" hung above the back porch of the house.

Elsa, dressed in a simple yet classy casual dress, moved through the crowd with a smile that was both excited and laced with sadness. She stopped to chat with her colleagues, each exchange filled with well-wishes and heartfelt goodbyes.

Marina, stood near the drinks table, chatting animatedly with a group of Elsa’s co-workers. She caught Elsa’s eye and raised her glass in a toast, causing Elsa to chuckle and return the gesture.

Jai, dressed casually but impeccably, was deep in conversation with Ambros near the grill. He had been instrumental in Elsa’s move to the city, recruiting her for a prestigious position at the largest hospital where he worked.

Elsa made her way to Marina, who greeted her with a warm hug. "This is quite the party, Elsa," Marina said, her eyes twinkling. "But then again, you deserve nothing less."

"Thanks, Marina," Elsa replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "And thank you for investing in the hospital. It’s reassuring to know I’ll be working somewhere with such strong support."

Marina waved her hand dismissively. "It’s a great opportunity, and I’m glad to be part of something that will benefit so many. Plus, knowing you’re there makes it even better."

Marina then whispered playfully, "I am their biggest investor, so if anyone gives you a hard time there, let me know. I’ll make sure they’ll regret messing with my best friend."

The two ladies laughed heartily catching Jai’s attention and joined them, clinking his glass gently against Elsa’s. "To new beginnings! You two look happy, what are you laughing about?" he said, his smile genuine.

"Well, Dr. Chaudhary, I just informed my best friend that I am the Hartlife Hospital’s biggest investor. So, if anyone bullies this general surgeon best friend of mine, I got her back. You better tell everyone that," Marina boasted and winked at Jai before chuckling once again.

"Yes, boss!" Jai playfully saluted to Marina before turning to Elsa. "The hospital is lucky to have you. The famous ’Phoenix Doctor’ will surely bring lots of patients and of course, income."

"Hey, you know I am not like that. I don’t charge much and the only reason I accepted their offer is because they agreed to keep my pro bono patients and that I will not handle any VIP patients," Elsa responded.

"Right, I still don’t understand why are you refusing the VIP patients. It will give you more money and will help you pay for your kid’s tuition. Your children’s school is as expensive as a diamond, I also don’t understand what is so special about that school," Jai replied.

"Don’t bad-mouth my godchildren’s school, I sponsor that school as well. It’s a school for the gifted. You are not gifted so you wouldn’t understand!" Marina bantered.

Jai grasped his left chest and acted as if he was physically hurt. "Ouch! That hurts! If being the Head of the Department of Surgery is not a gift, then I don’t know what is."

Marina placed a reassuring hand on Elsa’s shoulder. "Are you ready for tomorrow, Bestie?"

Elsa smiled back, a mixture of excitement and nerves flickering across her face. "I’m looking forward to it, but I’ll miss this place. The people here, the memories... It’s hard to leave."

Jai nodded and said, "I bet it is. It’s been seven years or eight if I remember correctly."

"Just five, Jai. I can only recall the last five years. I tried everything to remember the past two years that I was with my children’s father, but I can’t. I don’t even remember that I ran away from home just to be with him. I can never imagine myself leaving my dad just to be with a guy.

Look at me now, the prodigal daughter who came back without her memories of the past. I’m lucky my father still accepted me with open arms even though I am not her real daughter," Elsa uttered.

"What are you talking about? Ambros loves you more than a biological father could ever love his children. Don’t ever think that you are not his real daughter. He was the happiest grandfather that I met! He wanted to take care of his grandkids than run his own hospital. You are one lucky daughter," Marina asserted.

"You’re right, I am lucky to have him. I wouldn’t know what to do after I lost my memories if I didn’t have him by my side..."

Their little chit-chat was interrupted when Ambros approached them. "Elsa, some guests are looking for you. It’s late and they wanted to say goodbye to you."

Elsa nodded, took another glass of champagne, and walked to the center of the party. She raised her glass, her voice strong and clear despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm her.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," she began. "This isn’t goodbye, just a new Chapter. I’m so grateful for the support and love you’ve all shown me. Here’s to new adventures and to the incredible memories we’ve made together."

As glasses clinked and cheers filled the air, Elsa felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. Surrounded by those she cared about, she knew that it was for the better. Rocco is six years old now and he was lucky to be accepted into the school they applied for since they only accept students with special skills and geniuses.

Her twins will start in kindergarten and she wanted them to have the best education as well and perhaps enter the same school as their big brother.

The night wore on with laughter, dancing, and stories shared under the stars. As Elsa looked around at the faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lights, she knew that no matter where life took her, she was truly blessed.

Her eyes suddenly landed on the path that led to the old cabin where his father kept all of their old belongings. It was a weird feeling but something inside urged her to go there, and so she did.

She left her own party and headed towards the dark path in the woods to follow her heart. But suddenly he stopped when she heard something move in the bushes.

"Who’s there?" she called out but no one answered.

She was about to take another step when she heard the noise again but this time it was a high-pitched whine as if some animal was hurt. Elsa bends over to see what is under the bush. It was dark so she couldn’t see anything.

She took her phone from her pocket and turned on the flashlight to have a better view of what was under the bush.

"AHH!!!" Elsa screamed her lungs out as soon as the light from her phone landed on the creature with red eyes under the bush.

Her scream was so loud that people from the party heard her voice and immediately went to rescue her.