The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Jasmine had never envisioned that his camping adventure in the mountains of the southern province would lead him to two young souls trapped in the terrible clutches of cancer. What’s more, he was surprised to find that both were longing to be part of a clinical trial at Oracle Pharmaceutical in Aurous Hill, only to have their hopes shattered with rejection.

But what astonished him the most was an unexpected connection between Hector, one of the young cancer patients, and James Smith. The very James Smith who had once wielded immense power over the entire FDA, resigning voluntarily to embark on philanthropic endeavors in Aurous Hill. Such a thing was hard for anyone to believe.

Jasmine feigned curiosity and looked at Hector, asking, “Hector, how well do you know this James Smith?”

Hector’s honesty rang in his reply, “I can’t say we’re close. After all, before his resignation, he was a towering figure in the U.S., mingling with the world’s top biomedicals and entrepreneurs. James Smith’s name held weight even among the elite, a world far removed from common, poor folks like me.”

He paused, then continued, “I did meet him at Oracle Pharmaceutical’s registration site, though. He was signing up his child, appearing quite ordinary, unrecognized by those around. But I recognized him. I studied biological sciences in the U.S., you see. There aren’t many in the fields of biological sciences, genetic technology, and chemical pharmaceuticals who wouldn’t know the great James Smith.”

Jasmine’s surprise was evident as he asked, “What’s the main thrust of your biological studies? Is it the creation of biomedicine?”

“Yes,” Hector affirmed, nodding. “My primary focus was biochemistry, and I planned to join a pharmaceutical company after graduation. I wanted to help develop a new generation of chemotherapy drugs, never thinking I’d become a terminal cancer patient before the drug came to be.”

With a smile tinged with sorrow, Hector mused, “It’s like dying before birth. Like a hero, weeping with anticipation of the battlefield, only to perish before even donning the uniform.”

Shiann, sitting nearby, smiled and added, “We all have our destinies. Since we’re here for a visit, we must live happily before returning home. That’s what matters most.”

Hector softly agreed, embracing Shiann gently and smiling, “Fate has been kind, allowing me to find love before I die. Life hasn’t been in vain.”

scolded him playfully, “Oh, you’re so

time left for grace and reserve, I must be as unbound

Shiann, his smile bright and

age exclaimed, laughing, “Damn, Hector,

yet smiling, Hector replied, “Yes, though I admit

Shiann, sincerity in his

a thoughtful expression as she responded, “Marriage is complex. There are parents to meet, dresses to pick, hotels to book. Instead of wasting precious

I want to live all I can. If possible, I’d love to take you to live in the

travel may

we survive this year and are still here next year, you can meet my parents

above a whisper, “In four months’ time, even if I’m alive, I might not be able to come to

we can video call. Even courts hold sessions online

Hector agreed, smiling, “Let’s do that. I’ll find a priest when I return to the U.S. We’ll host an online wedding on the first day of the

gravity of their conversation

Ishac, whispering, “My Omas, doesn’t Oracle Pharmaceutical belong

mine,” Jasmine affirmed,

Hector and Shiann, her voice trailing off,

“Yes, but not now. I’ll arrange it when