Chapter 10 Five Years Later
Ariadne sat in the receiving chair of Dr. Cook's room at Kind Hospital in Purple City.
She held a report card that the doctor had given her. Tension was written all over her face as she reviewed the report. It was her son, Alexander's report card.
"Don't we have other hospitals that can perform this surgery?" Ariadne asked the doctor, after reviewing the report.
"The surgery is quite complicated. Only a few hospitals around the world have the resources to perform this surgery, and Grace Children's Hospital has the highest success rate. They have risen to become the world's best pediatric hospital, in recent years. It will be the best option for your son." the doctor explained.
"How much time will it take for his surgery and recovery?"
"It will take around a year if the surgery is successful."
"One year!" Ariadne panicked.
"Yes, after being admitted to the hospital, he will be monitored for a few days before undergoing surgery. He will need to stay about two months in the hospital following the surgery for additional treatment. He will no longer need to stay in the hospital after that time period. He can receive treatment at home under close supervision." The doctor explained.
"If everything goes well, then he will be able to walk within a year. However, the procedure will be difficult and painful for the child. You all need to be strong and patient."
The doctor's words brought tears to Ariadne's eyes as she imagined the pain her son would go through.
"Okay, Mr. Cook, I will let you know my decision by tomorrow."
"Of course, take your time. I personally know Mr. Wright, the head of Grace Children's Hospital. If you decide to go with Grace Children's Hospital, I will inform him about your son. You will have no problems there."
"Thank you, Doctor. I will take my leave now." Ariadne left the hospital and got into her car.
"Where to?" a girl sitting in the driver's seat asked her.
"Home." Ariadne answered but her mind was deep in thought.
She recalled the moment she learned about her son's disability, and it was because of her fall all those years ago, when Xander harshly pushed her to the floor of Grace Hospital.
'This is all because of you, Xander.' Ariadne's eyes welled up with rage.
"Hey, what happened, Aria? Are you alright?" The girl pulled over on the side of the road and grabbed Ariadne's arm.
"Nothing." Ariadne wiped the tears.
"Is there any problem with the surgery?"
"No, Tiara, It's just..." she broke down in tears as she explained everything to the girl.
"It's all because of them that my son will have to go through so much pain." Ariadne gritted her teeth. "And he.... he is enjoying his life with Crystal. They might also have kids... A perfect life."
"Don't think about them, Aria." Tiara comforted her.
"No child should go through this. My Alex deserves better. He shouldn't suffer because of the wrongdoings of others. I hate them, Tiara. I hate each of them." Ariadne let out all of her rage.
"Don't worry. Alex deserves better, and he will get it. We will get through this difficult time, and everything will be perfect." Tiara assured her.
.....
A white SUV pulled up in front of a beautiful modern villa. Ariadne got out of the car and entered the villa, followed by Tiara.
"Good evening, Miss." a maid greeted her.
"Good evening, Shally." Ariadne smiled.
As soon as she walked into the living area, she heard children's giggles and laughter.
"Mommy, you are back." a cute girl around four years old came running up to her and jumped into her lap.
"Be careful, Autumn." Mary shouted from the couch she was sitting on.
"Easy there, baby." Ariadne caught the little girl safely.
The little girl appeared to be very excited.
"I beat Adrian in ludo, Mommy." she declared proudly.
"No, you cheated." remarked a childish voice.
It was Adrian. His cute face turned red with anger.
"Mommy, Autumn cheated and Alex helped her." he complained to his mother.
"What's going on, Autumn? Is this true?" Ariadne looked at her daughter. Autumn lowered her gaze.
"Alex?" Ariadne called out.
There was no sign of the boy.
"He is hiding behind the couch, Mommy." Adrian informed.
"Alex, come out right now." Ariadne said aloud, and a boy in a wheelchair emerged from behind the couch.
"Oh, common Mommy, it's just a game. Adrian always wins. How much will it cost him if he loses once? You are making such a fuss, Adrian." Alex looked at Adrian and stuck out his tongue.
"Alex." Ariadne tried to remain cold, but she couldn't, particularly with Alex.
He was becoming more naughty by the day.
"It's not about losing, she will never learn from cheating. She should win by herself." Adrian said, and Ariadne smiled at her most matured kid.
Autumn, on the other hand, stuck her tongue out at Adrian, causing him to shake his head.
"Your brother is right, Autumn. You should learn to win on your own. Cheating is bad."
"And alex, let her do the tasks herself so that she can learn. Help her when she needs it. Never encourage her to cheat. Am I clear?"
"Sorry, Mommy." the two siblings said, lowering their heads. "Sorry, Adrian."
"It's ok." Adrian smiled.
"Dinner is ready; go wash your hands. I will have the table ready by then." a maid informed them.
"Yeeyyy." exclaimed the three children excitedly.
Adrian and Autumn dashed towards the basin. Ariadne looked at Alex with a pained expression as Jasmine, the maid, wheeled his chair behind his siblings.
Five years had passed since Ariadne divorced Xander and escaped her miserable life. Her life had completely changed after moving to this city.
Four years ago, she gave birth to her triplets, two boys and one girl. Adrian was the oldest child, followed by her daughter, Autumn. And the youngest was Alexander, who was an exact replica of his father. Adrian and Autumn were born healthy, with no complications. However, Alexander was unlucky. He was born with defective legs, so he couldn't walk.
Ariadne was devastated when she learned about it. Her heart ached at Alex's inability to do the things that a normal child could. But there was a hope as the doctor said he might be able to walk like his siblings after treatment. They needed to do surgery on him. Since then, the child had been under medical supervision. He needed to reach a certain age before undergoing the surgery. They were waiting untill now.
But the thing that had been bothering Ariadne since the appointment with the doctor was Grace Children's Hospital. It was the same Grace Hospital in Zavion City, that was owned by Xander Blake and his family. She never wanted to go back to that city again. However, she couldn't compromise with Alex's legs. He was the most energetic and naughty of her three children. He believed that one day he would be able to walk. She wouldn't be able to see him like this any longer.
..........
The house fell silent as the children fell asleep in their rooms and the maids also returned to their places after dinner.
Ariadne was deep in thought while drinking coffee on the balcony.
"What the doctor said? Is there any problem?" Mary had noticed earlier that Ariadne appeared distressed for some reason. She knew the doctor had summoned her to discuss Alex's surgery.
"No, there are no issues with the surgery. The problem is that Kind Hospital is not well-equipped to perform this surgery, so Alex will have to be transferred to another hospital. Dr. Cook has recommended a hospital that will be the best option for Alex." Ariadne explained.
"Which hospital?" Mary asked.
"Grace Children's Hospital." Ariadne sighed.
"Grace Children's Hospital?" Mary repeated the name as her eyes widened with realization.
Ariadne was now head of Watson Group's Construction Department . However, her biggest achievement was Autumn Collection, a jewelry brand, that had become one of the most well-known and expensive brands in the world. She had come a long way. She had fulfilled all of her dreams. However, she was still unable to feel completely satisfied. She felt like something was still missing. She knew very well that it was related to her past, a certain person she had not seen for five years, not even on TV. She had also not heard anything about him. They had made it a point not to talk about Zavion City for the past five years. She knew that any news about him would cause her pain. So she closed that chapter of her life.
But after five years, she found herself in a dilemma as she needed to go back to that city again for her son's treatment.
"It seems like destiny has other plans for you." Mary stated.
.......
Within two days, all the arrangements were done. Ariadne informed Dr. Cook about her decision, the very next day. Ariadne was surprised when her boss at Watson Group offered her a job in Zavion City, after she told him everything.
Watson Group recently expanded their business into new markets, including Zavion City. Ariadne had already learned that Watson Group had launched a new construction company in Zavion City. Her son would be admitted to Grace Children's Hospital, so she would have to stay there throughout his treatment. Zidane Watson offered her the position of CEO in Zavion City which Ariadne gladly accepted.
"Will you let him know about the kids if you encounter him in the city?" Mary asked Ariadne while they were packing their bags.
"I haven't decided yet. It will depend on the situation, but I know he will never accept them." Ariadne said.
"What if he wants them? They are the Blake Family's heirs."
"I don't think so, Mama Mary. He and Crystal must have their own children by now, and I know he will never prefer my children over Crystal's. He can mostly acknowledge them, but I want nothing from him. We are fine without him. I don't want my kids to have to deal with their cruel behavior." Mary nodded in understanding as Ariadne recalled her own father.
He never treated her well or supported her in anything after he married Emma. His presence had little meaning in Ariadne's life. She was worried that Xander would be the same or even worse, than her own father.
Her kids once asked her about their father. Ariadne told them the truth, revealing that they were divorced and lived in different cities. They didn't ask further. It broke her heart to think that her children would grow up with out a father figure whereas Xander and Crystal had their own happy family with adorable kids. The image hurt her, but she had learned to cope with it. She had already accepted her fate. But She had not dated anyone in five years. She had considered dating someone several times, but couldn't bring herself to do so.
"Let's not think about those things. We, 'the family of six' will face every challenge together, as always." Tiara used Alex's dialogue to lighten the mood and everyone smiled.
'So, I am coming back, Zavion City.' Ariadne said in her mind, as the three ladies hugged each other.