Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Six

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Six
Valerie's POV

"Good day, ladies," the doctor greeted politely. "I'll advise you all not to go in at the same time. He is in a delicate state, and I'll have the nurses wheel him to the theater shortly."

I and Gina exchanged looks.

"Thank you for that information, doc," my sister said.

The doctor nodded politely and excused himself.

"Go ahead," Gina offered. "I'll stay back with Jayden."

With that, she took Jayden and headed towards the reception room.

I did a mental countdown from five to one before opening the door.

Laying before me was my father—a frail-looking version, wrinkles etched on his face making him older than he was. His eyelids were closed. A beeping sound came from the machine where a drip was connected to his hand.

I closed the door behind me slowly, careful not to wake him.

I walked closer to his bedside and stood watching him.

My father had become a shadow of himself. The once lively man that turned heads whenever he walked into a room was laying almost lifeless.

Gina had informed me it was stage three prostate cancer, and the doctor said chances were slim he would survive it.

Suddenly, Dad's eyes fluttered open. "Val...is that really you?" His voice came out broken.

I could feel tears gathering in my eyes. "Yes, Dad," I sniffled.

He tried to sit up, and I rushed to stop him. "Take it easy. You don't want to hurt yourself because of me."

"I...I didn't think you were going to make it," a weak smile forming on his lips.

I returned the smile. "Well, here we are."

"Thank you," his eyes held mine. "I didn't want to go into that operating room without making things right with you. I wasn't the father you deserved."

By now, tears flowed freely down my cheeks. "It's okay, Dad. That's all in the past now," I wiped my face with the back of my palm. "Don't worry. You'll be out of here in no time. But you have to stay strong for us."

"I will try," he shut his eyes tightly, holding back the pain and tears.

We remained in comfortable silence. A father and his prodigal daughter who finally returned home.

All the anger and resentment I'd built over the last five years dissipated into thin air. I just wanted my father back.

A soft knock came on the door, and I saw my mom standing in the doorway. Her face looked worse than Gina's. She opened her arms, and I leaned into her warmth. No words needed to be spoken. We remained locked in an embrace until a voice came from behind her.

"It's time, ma'am," the doctor from earlier announced.

We shifted from the entrance, making way for a throng of nurses that trooped inside.

I watched my dad, helpless, being wheeled out of the hospital room, and it left me broken. The sadness wasn't lost in Mother's eyes. We clasped our hands together until they were out of sight.

Moments later, Gina walked in with Jayden. Her husband trailed behind her with a takeaway package.

"Mummy," Jayden squealed, rushing me in a hug.

"Jayden, this is your grandma," I gestured towards my mom. "Say hi to her."

Jayden's grin stretched wide, exposing his teeth. "Hi, Grandma."

At this, my mother's eyes sparkled, and she pulled him into a hug. Now I was grateful Jayden came along; at least he would be a little distraction for her from Dad's health crisis.

I offered to stay while my family went home, but they refused. Instead, Gina insisted I go home to drop our travel bags and belongings and give Jayden a change of clothes.

I would've booked a hotel room, but my mom insisted we stay close to family.

The vehicle navigated through the busy streets of New York until the driver halted in front of the familiar building. As the driver finished bringing out our boxes, a call came in from Chad.

"Hello, gorgeous," his rich voice vibrated from my speaker. "How's everything going?"

A smile I didn't permit crept onto my lips at the sound of his endearment.

"I'm good. I think," the worry wasn't lost in my tone.

He encouraged me and asked to speak with Jayden, who was elated to hear from his big friend.

The conversation between these two took longer than I expected, and I was beginning to question who was the real owner of my phone.

After a long moment, Jayden returned my device. "Chad said he's going to join us soon and come along with plenty of gifts," he gestured dramatically with his hands.

A laugh bubbled from my chest, and I shook my head at him.

The family housekeeper welcomed me in and helped take my boxes to my room—the very same room I grew up in. There was a spare room for Jayden. I quickly freshened up, had a quick lunch, and headed back to the hospital, leaving Jayden in the care of the housekeeper. I know he might be bored, but he was the one who wanted to come along in the first place.

After waiting for several long hours, my father was finally rolled out of the operating room—alive. Our joy knew no bounds. Hugs and smiles filled the atmosphere as we celebrated the successful surgery.

However, the doctor suggested he remain admitted for a few weeks so they could monitor him closely and ensure the cancer doesn't return.

Jayden and my dad bonded pretty quickly. I was at peace knowing that my son was accepted by my family without anyone raising questions about who his father was.

I sat across from my dad's hospital bed, chatting with Mom while Dad's soft snores breathed in the room.

All of a sudden, the door creaked open, and Gina walked in holding flowers. "This came for you, sis. A handsome visitor is here to see you," she wiggled her brows.

I rolled my eyes. "Did he give a name?"

"He prefers to remain anonymous."

That's strange. I shook the unease in my chest. It could be Chad, for all I care.

I followed her as she led the way, but my breath caught when my eyes landed on the man standing before me