BEFORE YOU REMEMBER

The weather outside Cooper Royal Medical Center was looming with heavy rain and distant thunder. Inside, the minds and hearts of the senior medical staff were weighted with the exact same agony.

They were waiting for the final results of an exhaustive assessment-an evaluation of research and medical cases that dozens of doctors had labored over for more than two long years. From this assessment, two prestigious announcements would be made: the Cooper family was opening two new subsidiary medical branches, placing them under the direct management and names of the winning doctors. One branch was dedicated to general medical practice, and the other to advanced psychoanalysis.

Asher Miller was desperately praying for the latter.

At thirty-five, Asher was a brilliant therapist whose delicate features earned him constant attention. Standing at 5'10" with a petite frame, pale skin, soft blonde hair, and striking blue eyes, he stood out effortlessly among both staff and patients. But it was his razor-sharp mind and fierce dedication that truly set him apart.

Ever since he earned a position at CRM Center in his early twenties, Asher had poured his life into his work with a single goal driving him forward. He needed the Coopers to open a branch under his name. Only then could he permanently lift his family of eight out of the misery of poverty. Only then could he finally pause, breathe, and maybe look for the kind of fierce, true love he had spent his whole life longing for.

Now, the moment of truth had arrived.

A massive electronic display board mounted in the main hall held the attention of forty anxious doctors, all staring up with bated breath.

One... two... three... Asher counted under his breath, trying to match his rapid heartbeat to the rhythm of the ticking seconds just to stay grounded.

Suddenly, a loud shout erupted from the crowd.

Asher snapped his eyes open and locked his gaze on the glowing screen. There, printed in bold, unmistakable letters, was the second winner:

ASHER MILLER - NEW HEAD OF PSYCHOANALYTIC BRANCH

A raw, gasping scream escaped Asher's throat. Nearby, a crowd had gathered around the first winner-an elderly professor who had achieved his dream branch after twenty years of trying, accepting his victory with quiet, refined composure.

Asher, on the other hand, didn't care about playing it cool. He jumped into the air, his blue eyes wide with disbelieving joy. "Oh my fucking God, I made it!"

Beside him, his close friends-a head nurse and an assistant doctor-screamed along with him, wrapping him in a tight group hug and jumping like excited children. While the veteran professor acted with dignified grace, Asher let his pure, unfiltered happiness shine, celebrating like a child who had just received the gift of a lifetime on Christmas morning.

After the office celebration wound down, everyone returned to their dutiful routines. Asher spent the rest of his shift floating on a cloud, eagerly anticipating his meeting with upper management at the end of the week. In just two days, he would sit down with the legal team to sign his contract and receive the full briefing on his new subsidiary hospital.

When his shift finally ended, Asher walked out to the parking lot and climbed into his second-hand Toyota Lexus-an older model he had bought from a yard three years ago. Settling into the driver's seat, he dialed his mother's number, his heart brimming with excitement.

"Mom! I'm coming home for dinner tonight. I have huge news to share!" he said, his voice bubbling over with joy.

A heavy silence stretched across the line before his mother replied, her voice distant and thoroughly drained. "Oh. Okay... Just so you know, we weren't expecting you tonight. Ashton and his children are here, and your twin sisters, Ashery and Asnat, are over as well. It's going to be crowded."

Asher's smile faltered slightly. He went quiet, contemplating whether going home tonight was actually a good idea. His older brother Ashton and the twins only ever visited their parents when they wanted something-and somehow, Asher was always expected to be the one to give in and fix their problems.

On second thought, he realized this might be a blessing in disguise. If everyone was already gathered under one roof, he could share his life-changing news all at once without having to organize a separate dinner.

"That's fine, Mom. I'll be there soon," he agreed softly.

Before putting the car in drive, Asher made one more call-to his younger brother, Ashford. "Hey, Ash. Can you make it to the house for dinner tonight? I have big news to share."

Ashford hesitated on the other end. He despised going back to their parents' house; the blunt favoritism their mother showed toward Ashton drove him crazy. Ashford had clashed with Ashton for years, openly admitting he couldn't stand his brother's entitlement or his sister-in-law's constant demands. But Asher was his favorite sibling, the only person in the family who truly looked out for him.

"Look, I'm working the late shift at the warehouse near the house," Ashford sighed over the receiver. "I usually hate going over there, but since it's you... yeah, I'll make time to drop by."

"Thanks, Ash. See you soon."

As Asher hung up the phone, the excitement in his chest dulled into a quiet, familiar knot. He started the engine and drove through the rain toward his parents' home, surrounded by a silence as heavy as the storm outside.

When he pulled up to the driveway, he spotted Ashford parking his work motorbike off to the side. The two brothers shared a warm hug, standing by the bikes for a few quiet moments catching up on life. That was when Asher discovered Ashford was actually dating someone-though he wasn't quite ready to introduce her to the chaos waiting inside their parents' house.

Asher laughed, his eyes crinkling. "Can I at least see a picture of her? I need to give her the big brother talk. You know, 'don't break my brother's heart or else.'"

Ashford burst out laughing and slapped Asher's shoulder. "Asher, she's the head manager at my warehouse, and she teaches evening classes at a children's martial arts school. That 'big brother talk' is going to leave you with a black eye, Doctor."

Asher bent over, laughing loud enough to echo in the driveway. "You always had a type for strong women, didn't you? Do you remember your very first ex back in grade school?"

Ashford dissolved into chuckles as the memory flooded back. He had dated a girl who was the local bully. She kept stealing his lunch money, and when Ashford finally tried to stand up for himself, the chubby girl beat him to a pulp. Asher, being two years older, had marched over to break things off on Ashford's behalf-only for the girl and her crew to beat him up, too. The two brothers had sprinted all the way home, collapse-laughing on the front porch as soon as they made it to safety.

Wiping a tear of laughter from his eye, Asher teased, "That romance only ended because her family moved away. Otherwise, she probably would've been your wife by now."

Ashford smiled fondly, a soft look in his eyes. "Well... she actually moved back to town recently. She lost a lot of weight and turned into this really cute, tiny thing."

Asher stopped in his tracks, his sharp, professional mind instantly putting the pieces together. He looked at his younger brother. "She's the girl you're dating right now, isn't she?"

Ashford's cheeks turned bright red. "Well... she's grown up now!"

"And she teaches martial arts now! She added professionalism to her beatdowns," Asher teased, shaking his head. "She's going to break you in half."

"She was just a kid back then! She doesn't do that stuff anymore, plus-"

Asher was laughing so hard his sides hurt. "Oh my God, Ashford!"

Rolling his eyes, Ashford muttered, "She actually said she wants to meet you."

"Hell no! What if she beats me up for old time's sake?"

"She won't! She isn't going around beating people up, Asher. She was ten!"

"Eleven," Asher corrected with a smirk.

"Same thing," Ashford grumbled.

Asher's smile widened, his deep dimples showing clearly as he hummed, "Mmm... okay, but let me take a few classes first."

"What classes?" Ashford asked, instantly regretting the question.

"Self-defense," Asher grinned, ducking just in time to dodge his brother's playful swing. "I'll meet her," he added, holding his hands up as Ashford relaxed.

Then Asher smirked. "Besides, she has an overdue medical bill to pay. She nearly snapped my arm back in the day."

"Fucker," Ashford snorted.

Both brothers were still laughing, the warm humor easing the heavy tension of the evening as they pushed open the front door and stepped inside.

They walked into the dining room to find the family already eating. Ashton was sitting peacefully, receiving generous extra portions from their mother while his wife, Mercy, struggled to feed her three children. An infant slept on her lap, her three-year-old sat on the floor beside her legs making a mess as Mercy bent down to feed him, and the eldest-only five years old-sat on a high stool beside Ashery.

Ashery was busy showing her twin, Asnat, trending new dresses they could try. Even at twenty-seven years old, the twins still dressed in matching clothes. Their father sat solemnly at the head of the table.

Ashford frowned, looking at the scene. "Didn't they know we were coming?"

"They knew," Asher whispered softly. "Mom said they didn't plan our portions since I gave short notice. Don't mind it too much. We'll grab something together after this."

Ashford mumbled under his breath, "I know they're my family, but I can't stand how they act."

"That's a valid feeling," Asher replied gently.

Their father looked up from his plate. "Well, you can pick up a plate and try to see what you can scrape together to eat."

Ashford looked at the empty serving dishes on the table, a bitter edge to his voice. "There's nothing left on those plates, Dad. Or are you welcoming us to eat your leftovers?"

Their mother immediately snapped, "Ashford, don't start! No one asked you to be here anyway. Why did you even come?"

"I invited him," Asher said firmly, stepping in.

Their father groaned, shaking his head. "Mmm... fucking disappointing."

Asher placed a firm hand on his brother's arm, a quiet plea to just let it go until the night was over.

After dinner, the family moved to the sitting room. Their sister-in-law brought out tea for everyone. As soon as they settled, Ashery spoke up without hesitation. "We need more money for rent."

Asher blinked, confused. "I gave you rent money just a few weeks ago."

Asnat crossed her arms. "We needed money for some other stuff, so we took some from the rent fund. Now our rent is due and we need you to top it up."

"Then look for a job and pay it yourselves," Ashford said, his temper flaring.

"They are still children!" their mother interjected, her voice rising into a scolding tone.

"Twenty-seven isn't a child, Mom," Asher said quietly.

"They are still in school, and that is what's important," their dad added, shutting down the argument.

Ashton cleared his throat, adjusting his posture. "It's the end of the month anyway. Aren't you supposed to help us with some household stuff? My kids need money for daycare. I'm still in between jobs, and Mercy is still on maternity leave..."

Asher took a slow breath, rubbing his temples. "For now, it's going to be hard. I need money to get the new hospital branch operational."

The room fell completely silent. Everyone stared at him.

When Asher had imagined sharing his life-changing news, he thought it would be as loud and joyful as the moment he first saw his name on the display board. But sitting in his parents' living room, all his joy was drowned out, replaced by the heavy, familiar exhaustion that always consumed him around his family.

Ashford turned to him, his eyes lighting up. "You got the chance to own your own branch?"

Asher turned and gave his younger brother a weary smile. "Yes. CRM Center will cover eighty percent of what's needed to open, but I need cash to keep it floating. I only have a few months while they handle the legal documents, construction, and equipment. Every single cent counts right now. I came here today to ask you guys to stand on your own feet for just a few months until I gain momentum."

Ashton's face twisted in anger. "Are you cutting us off just so you can play doctor in your shiny new office? I literally just told you my kids are starting daycare-that's a thousand a month-and you're talking about cutting us off?!"

"This is unacceptable!" their mother cried, her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes. "What about your father and me? Who is going to take care of us? We're older now and can't work. Are you really going to abandon us? Is this how you repay us?" She began to weep loudly. "I know we're just a burden to you now, but this is so hurtful..."

Asnat glared at Asher as she rushed over to hold her mother. "Mom, don't cry. You guys aren't a burden. He's just an ungrateful snob. Just because he's a big doctor now, he thinks he can treat us however he wants!"

"Enough!" their father commanded, slamming his hand down.

Asher let out a long, heavy sigh. "Guys, I am trying to build something that can pull our entire family out of poverty forever. If you keep anchoring me down, how am I supposed to carry us and lift us out of this deep ditch?"

Ashford stepped forward. "You don't need to carry us, Ash. We should all be holding our own weight! Dad has his retirement pension coming in every month, and so does Mom. They can manage on that! Plus, you guys are using Asher's medical insurance, so it's not like you're left without care."

Ashton sneered at him. "What do you know? You work a low-wage warehouse job!"

"At least I haven't been 'in between jobs' for four years straight!" Ashford shot back.

"Ashford! That is no way to talk to your elder brother," their father barked. He turned his stern gaze onto Asher. "You are the only one with a great career, and this family needs your help. Help Ashton with his children's school money, and pay the difference for the twins' rent. After that, we will give you a few months to make your hospital stand. That is final."

Everyone nodded in pleased agreement with their father's verdict. Ashford looked at Asher with deep sadness and burning frustration.

Asher felt tired-so deeply, painfully tired. Whenever it came to the Miller family, he was always left powerless. Being the second born, with three siblings under him and one above him, he had been forced into the role of a second parent. Ashton was older, but because he had been a sick child, their parents had doted on him like a baby his entire life, leaving Asher to shoulder the responsibility. Ashford was the only sibling who had grown up mature and independent, helping Asher carry the family burden despite his lower wage.

"I'll... see what I can do," Asher said softly. He turned to his younger brother. "I think we should call it a night."

"Take us home too," the twins demanded instantly.

"You live in the opposite direction," Asher said quietly. "I'll call you a cab."

"Just take them, Asher!" their mother ordered.

Mercy chimed in, holding her infant. "We're tagging along too, brother-in-law. Taking a cab with three kids will be a struggle."

Ashford looked at them in total disbelief. "How is he supposed to carry four adults and three whole children in a four-seater sedan?!"

"We'll squeeze in just fine," Mercy said dismissively.

Ashford groaned. "I'll take one of the twins on my bike-"

"In this rain? On a motorbike?" Asnat scoffed. "No fucking way. Not me."

Asher looked at Ashford and offered a weak, tired smile. "Drop it, Ash. They're not worth the energy."

Ashford stared at his brother, his heart breaking for him. "For a therapist, you seriously need a session yourself just to deal with the shit you call a family. Text me when you get home," he said, turning toward the door. As he stepped out into the rain, he looked back one last time. "And by the way... congratulations, Big Boss."

Asher's smile finally reached his eyes for a brief second as he waved him off. "Thanks, Fordy."

It took another ten minutes just to cram everyone into Asher's old sedan. Ashton ended up in the front passenger seat holding two of his kids, while Mercy, Asnat, and Ashery squeezed into the back seat with the eldest child perched on their laps.

It took Asher three agonizing hours in the heavy rain to drop everyone off at their respective places before he could finally drive back to his own small, quiet apartment.