Chapter 8 Thaly alia's Pov Unlike him, who had busted out laughing after my narration, I just starred at him, speechless. Despite the fact that he was a stranger, his narrative had a profound effect on me. I reached out and took his hand; he was a man who was betrayed by time, and neither money nor power could save him. Ished a tear for him, and I strangely forgot about my sh*tty existence. I had all the time in the world, but as he stated, I lacked the brain in cells to make the most of it. He shoved my hand away and began yelling obscenities at me, demanding to know what was wrong with me. He was a jerk and a very wealthy jerk at that. "This is not a group therapy session for you to feel sorry for me; I do not want your sympathy," he said before rising and causing the bridge to sway slightly. He began staring down the bridge saying. "Your silly sympathy will not fix or modify my predicament; keep it for hell; remember, we have suicides to conduct." he coldly stated. 1 figured he didn't want to talk about his condition. He didn't want my compassion; yes, we were complete strangers. but his story was heartbreaking, I could not wish it on anyone except for Josh of course. Yes Brandon lived a life of immorality but he never hurt one, it was another case of good people getting their lives sh*tted on. "So you have cancer?" I cleared my throat. "It could be cancer, autoimmune disease, anemia, or a combination of the above. At one point the doctors thought it was AIDS. In a nutshell, I have all the diseases in the world, it's a miracle I'm standing next to you," he joked. I stared at him speechless. He turned to face me and remarked, "You see how I could do anything to switch with you?" I maintained my silence. "Yes, you are a m*ron, but I would relocate to a small town and apply for a restaurant job, allowing time to heal my insanity," he continued. "It's not that simple," I said, which elicited a chuckle from him as he turned away. "Anyway, you're correct, so let's vote who gets to jump first," he suggested. I quickly walked to where he was standing and joined him, "but wait a minute, I haven't asked you any questions?" He responded. "Because you were too busy feeling sorry for me and getting all emotional." "Okay, where is your money, and did you hand over your company?" I asked. "Are you interested in it? Would you reconsider committing suicide if I gave you my wealth?" he inquired, a genuine smile on his face. As I stammered, I stepped back a little, nearly chewing off my tongue. "I…you…just didn't say what you did… with your company, I'm only curious" I responded. "And why didn't the board outsit you or something?" He laughed and told me to relax. "Clauses, Thalia, clauses," he said as he pulled out his phone he said. "I'm taking my companies to my grave, or should I say down the bridge." I drew closer to him, startled. "My money will be locked away in various countries overseas, where no one will be able to get their filthy paws on it," he added. "Why?" I inquired. "Because it's my f**king money? he said. I stared at him, my mouth wide open, "What about charitable organizations that help a lot of kids, or donating to a research facility in your honor to find a cure or treatment for whatever it is you have?" I proposed while clinging to his arm. "You have the potential to save a lot of lives in the future," I cried out Irritated, he shoved me away. "my money, my choice. The world is a bleak place, and the next victim of this scourge should seek financial assistance elsewhere," He responded, "It is not my obligation to save anyone when one saved me or cared about me," he added, his voice sad. I couldn't help but feel sad for him. I attempted to persuade him, but he was adamant. He had made up his mind; he had been planning his suicide and collapsing of his company for almost a year, and there was no way he could change this mind. It appeared he had a lot of sweets in his pockets. "Do you mind if I have one?" I inquired. "Yes I mind," he replied. I took a seat next to him and attempted to grab it, thinking he was joking. "Thalia, No, and what kind of a name is Thalia?" He inquired. I sighed and turned away, my arms folded in frustration. "Just grab my money," he said emphatically. "Is that why you're not sharing the bar with me?" "Yes," he replied. "Why do you want to give me your money when you were adamant about taking it to your grave just a minute ago?" I inquired He requested me to gaze into his eyes as he turned to face me. I hesitated before turning. He said, "I don't think I'm going to jump today 1 los ked my gaze on him, he was expecting me to affirm that I, too, had backed out, but I remained silent. He had made me reconsider my decision already, of the two of us, he had every right to jump, and even if he didn't, he would die anyhow On the other hand, I had time. I was healthy, and I could put myself together and rehabilitate, but he had nothing. He jolted me out of my reverie by suggesting. "Let's postpone the suicide." "How to when How many days do you have?" With a smirk, he said. "When the sun rises, I'll have exactly 29 days." "Oooh okay, what do you want us to do. I'm not sleeping with you if it's your sex parties," I muttered, hiding my chest. 1 had earlier noted his focus on my chest area on a few occasions sit ce I stepped on the bridge but I had ignored it.