Chapter 212 Thank You For Everything (CALIA)

Chapter 212 Thank You For Everything (CALIA)
The first week of treatment was grueling because Elion’s body rejected the chemotherapy drugs. He vomited repeatedly—sometimes even bringing up blood. He couldn't eat and grew dangerously thin. His muscles began to waste away. I never once left his side. Occasionally, I brought Lea to the hospital to visit him. She was his source of strength— whenever the spark in his eyes began to fade, it would reignite brightly the moment Lea was there. I lost count of how many times Elion complained and talked about giving up. He needed a solid support system to help him pull himself out of that dark place.
By the second week, things became a little easier. Only a little, but it meant the world to me. Elion began to adjust to the medication, though he still vomited after every chemotherapy session. I always tried to appear strong in front of him, but the moment I stepped out of his room, I would weep in the quiet hospital corridor. It broke my heart to see him in pain every day. Yet, I couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
“Ms. Calia, I brought you lunch.”
“Edward. Come in.”
My face lit up when I saw Edward standing at my office door.
“This is the first time you’ve come to my office.”
“I just visited Mr. Elion. But he was asleep.”
“Yeah. He just finished chemo an hour ago.”
Edward sat across from my desk, looking somber. I knew how he felt after seeing Elion lying weak on his gurney.
“What is it, Ed?”
“I didn’t expect his condition to get this bad.”
“Once he recovers, he’ll be back in shape. Don’t worry. Elion has to go through all of this to get better.”
“He was devastated when you left him. But he looked so happy when you came back into his life and gave him a sweet daughter. I’ve watched him endure such a hard life since he was young. Thank you for being by his side through thick and thin. I know none of this is easy for you, either.”
“I want Elion back the way he used to be. I’ll do everything in my power for his recovery.”
Edward’s eyes welled up as he looked at me.
“There’s nothing I can say to you other than thank you. You’re a good woman, and I’m lucky to know you.”
“I think we’re both lucky. Without you, Elion wouldn’t have made it through his rough youth.”
I squeezed Edward’s hand, which was resting on the desk.
“We have to fight this together. Because I’m sure things will get better over time.”
\-00-
My heart pounded as I awaited the results of Elion’s lab tests. After a grueling month of treatment, I was hoping for a significant change in his condition. At the very least, a twenty percent reduction in his cancer cells.
“What are the results, Dr. Aldric?”
“You can see for yourself.”
Seeing the lack of any joyful spark on his face, I could guess that the results weren't what we had hoped for. Still, I opened the white envelope and read the report.
“How is it possible there’s been no significant change after a month of intensive treatment? You even increased the dosage last week.”
“That’s beyond my control, Calia. We’ve tried everything to slow the spread of the cancer cells, but it all depends on Elion’s body.”
I rubbed my tense eye sockets. I hadn’t slept soundly in weeks, constantly worrying about Elion. Lea and I had moved into Elion’s mansion the previous week. With Edward and the maids there, someone could look after Lea if I came home late. Before that, Lea had stayed at my apartment with Vero, but whenever Vero’s shift ended, I’d have to rush home—even though I sometimes hadn't finished overseeing Elion’s chemotherapy. Jack then suggested that Lea and I move into Elion’s mansion. That way, I wouldn't have to worry when Vero’s shift ended, since Edward would be there to look after Lea.
“You look exhausted, Calia. You’ve been working so hard.”
“But it hasn’t been enough to cure Elion.”
“We’ll keep trying until Elion is fully recovered.”
“How about Elion have an MRI tomorrow? I want a thorough check-up for him. There must be a reason why the chemotherapy isn't working.”
“You’ll need to get Elion’s consent for an MRI.”
“I’ll talk to him about it.”
“Calia, I know Elion means the world to you, but don’t let yourself get sick by focusing too much on his treatment.”
“Don’t worry, Dr. Aldric. I won’t let myself get sick. I have a strong reason to stay healthy.”
I stood up and slipped Elion’s test results into the pocket of my lab coat.
“I’m going to see Elion in his treatment room. Thank you for everything, Dr. Aldric.”
“You’re welcome.”