Chapter 7 Chapter 7
Trying to forget about him and his offer, I drove straight to my peace.
My Aurora.
My heart sank, and a breath of relief left me at the same time when I saw my baby sleeping peacefully on the bed.
The hospital bed.
Quietly, I stepped inside to find Adrian sitting beside her. He was holding Aurora’s storybook. His eyes were closed, and his head was resting against the headboard.
He must have fallen asleep while telling her a story.
A small smile made its way to my lips. I could never be thankful enough for Adrian’s selfless love.
Slowly, I walked to him and tried to pull the book out of his grasp.
Bad idea.
He flinched and woke up. His eyes were red with exhaustion. For a moment, he looked disoriented until he saw me.
“Cynthia,” he whispered.
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
“Oh, no.” He waved his hand and slowly stood up, making sure he didn’t wake Aurora. “I didn’t even realise when I fell asleep.”
His job is tiring, yet he never hesitates in looking after Aurora.
“I understand,” I smiled weakly. “You can leave now. Go get some rest. I’ll stay with her.”
He looked back at my angel for a second before turning to me.
“Three hours ago, the doctor came,” he said. “Her symptoms are getting worse. Most likely, she’ll need the surgery within two days.”
My heart clenched. I had only managed to collect half the amount.
“I…” I let out a shaky breath, not knowing what to say.
“I’ve decided something,” Adrian said, taking a small step toward me.
I just cocked my head. My throat was choked with emotions.
"I have already talked to the broker. He has promised to sell the house within two days."
My eyes burned with tears as I looked at him. My body was shaking. I didn't want him to do this for me, but my daughter...
"It's va... Value." I somehow managed to say
“I don’t care about the value,” he said instantly. “We’ll get enough for the surgery.”
My head shook faintly. My heart still refused to accept such a sacrifice.
“I won’t be able to live with the guilt, Cynthia,” he added. “We can build another house… but Aurora…” His voice cracked. “She is our daughter.”
My shoulders slumped. My throat was too tight to speak. My eyes drifted to my baby, and slowly my feet carried me to her.
Without a word, I sat beside her and gently stroked her hair.
Adrian kept watching me while my entire world stayed fixed on my daughter.
My lifeline.
I can’t survive a single day without her.
Suddenly, Aurora's tiny finger moved, and she stirred slightly. Her eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes.
“Mama…” she murmured in her small and sleepy voice.
My heart melted at the way she looked at me, as if I were her world, her only safe place.
"Yes, baby," I stroked her head. "I am right here."
A smile curved on her lips, the same smile that could make the whole world feel lighter.
“You came,” she said softly.
"Where will I go without my princess?" I asked her softly
Suddenly, her lips pouted, and a flash of sadness passed through her eyes.
"Mumma, when will we go home?" She asked innocently, “Hospitals are boring.”
My heart clenched.
“I know,” I said softly. “But we’ll go home soon, and I’ll make you pancakes.”
“With extra syrup?”
“With extra everything.”
She smiled, and her little hand slipped into mine. Her grip was so weak it terrified me.
But then her face suddenly tightened. A tiny frown appeared between her brows.
“Mama…” Her fingers squeezed mine. “My chest hurts.”
My breath caught in my throat. Adrian's body stiffened, too.
She let out a cry of pain that ripped my heart apart. I held onto her tightly.
“Aurora, look at me. Take slow breaths, okay? Just like I taught you.”
Her breathing started to get shallow and uneven. Her smile got replaced by fear.
Adrian rushed out, calling for the doctor.
“Mama, I don’t like this…”
“I know,” I said, fighting the panic rising in my throat. “But you’re okay. You’re strong. You hear me?”
Her lips started to tremble. “Mama…”
“Shh,” I whispered, holding her tiny face. “I’m right here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
The door flew open as the doctor, along with nurses, rushed in.
“Her vitals are dropping,” the doctor said sharply. “We need to prep her for surgery. Now.”
My heart dropped.
“We can’t wait anymore,” he added. “Fill the forms and clear the bill. Every second matters.”
My legs nearly gave out. A loud ringing filled my ears, and my vision blurred. All I could see was my daughter’s frightened eyes looking up at me. They were full of hope, the kind that believed her mother would save her from everything.
I forced myself to move.
“I… I don’t have the full amount yet,” I said, my voice shaking. “But I have half. Please… start the surgery. I swear I’ll bring the rest by morning.”
The doctor hesitated. He shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.
“Please,” I literally begged, “I’ll bring the remaining amount before the surgery is even done. I swear.”
“Half the amount is not how this works,” he said firmly. “This is a major procedure.”
“I know,” I whispered, swallowing hard. “But she’s my child. I will do anything to bring money. You were there when she was born. "Please, for the sake of it," I breathed heavily, "just save her."
I once again looked down at my baby. Her eyes were closed now, and her face was scrunched up in immense pain.
Why, God, why?
“Fine." I looked up at the doctor. "We’ll start with the amount you have."
I let out a breath of relief.
"But..." I froze. “If the remaining payment is not cleared, we won’t be able to keep her admitted after the surgery. Without aftercare and surgery monitoring, the surgery means nothing.”
My chest tightened.
“Do you understand what that means?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said immediately. “I’ll pay. I will.”
He gave a sharp nod.
“Get the paperwork done. We’re taking her in.”
They wheeled Aurora away before I could even say anything more. Her small hand slipped out of mine as the stretcher moved.
“Mama…” she whispered weakly.
“I’m right here,” I said, walking beside her until the doors closed. “I’ll be back before you wake up.”
I rushed to the counter and completed all the formalities before running out of the hospital.
“Cynthia.”
Adrian caught my wrist.
I turned to look at him. “Where are you going? What are you going to do?”
Fear was written all over his face. He didn’t want me to do anything reckless.
"I will bring the money by morning." I pulled my wrist out of his grasp. "Just stay with Aurora. Please."
Before he could stop me, I was already running. I could hear him calling my name from behind, but I didn’t stop.
I pulled out my phone and dialled the number burnt into my memory.
"Where do I need to come?"