Chapter 242: Madly in Love (Part 2)
“Okay, I’ll listen to you, Alison.” Aidan smiled.
The doctor arrived and began a thorough examination. After listening to Aidan’s heart and lungs, he smiled.
“Mr. Winston, it’s nothing short of a miracle,” the doctor said. “With injuries this severe, most patients would still be unconscious.”
“What about my legs?” Aidan asked, puzzled.
“Have you had any previous injuries to your leg, Mr. Winston?” the doctor inquired.
“Yes,” Aidan replied.
“Your previous injury hasn’t fully healed, and now you’ve sustained a new one. Recovery will likely take some time—roughly a month before you can stand,” the doctor estimated.
“So do I need a wheelchair after I recover?” Aidan asked.
“Yes,” the doctor confirmed.
“Alison,” Aidan sighed, “our trip to San Francisco will have to wait.”
“That’s all right,” she replied softly, forcing a smile.
“For the next day or two, you should stick to liquids and low-fat foods. Do some gentle leg exercises, like stretching, but avoid big movements to prevent straining the bones,” the doctor advised.
“All right, thank you, Doctor.” Aidan was easily reassured with Alison beside him.
As the doctor prepared to leave, Alison hurriedly said, “Doctor, let me walk you out.”
She quickly followed him into the corridor.
Outside stood the bodyguards Jack had sent to watch over Aidan and Alison.
“Doctor, please wait a moment,” Alison called out.
“Yes, Miss Fairchild?” the doctor replied.
Alison glanced around uneasily. The men stationed outside might have been from the Rolland family.
After a moment’s thought, she said, “Doctor, let’s discuss this further in your office.”
Once they reached the doctor’s office, he gestured for her to sit.
Alison leaned forward, her voice low. “Doctor, did you notice anything strange during your exam?”
“Nothing unusual. Aside from his physical injuries, the wound on his head is healing better than expected.”
“Aidan seems to have amnesia. He’s forgotten events from a certain period,” she said anxiously.
“Is that so? His brain suffered a violent impact during the collision. Localized blood clots can compress the cerebellar nerves—such cases can cause temporary amnesia. But they’re rare, perhaps one in ten thousand,” the doctor explained.
“Miss Fairchild, are you certain Mr. Winston’s memory has been affected?”
Alison nodded. “Yes. He can’t recall anything that’s happened recently.”
“This could be problematic. Given his condition, don’t stress him. Once the clot dissipates naturally, his memory may return,” the doctor said.
“Really?” Alison asked, her voice trembling. A faint spark of hope lit her weary eyes.
“Yes. During this period, spend more time talking to him. A positive mood aids recovery,” the doctor advised.
“I understand. Thank you, Doctor.” Alison nodded.
It seemed she would have to stay in the hospital for now.
But she missed Sophia and Ethan terribly—it had already been two days since she last saw them.
With mixed emotions, she returned to the ward.
At the door, she heard Aidan shouting, “Take it away! I don’t want to eat. Where is Alison?”
“Miss Fairchild will be back shortly. Please, eat something first, Mr. Winston,” the nurse urged.
“No!” Aidan snapped stubbornly.
Alison sighed and slipped out onto the balcony, calling Jack.
After the call connected, Jack asked, “Alison, how’s Aidan?”
“Already awake, but—” she hesitated.
“What’s wrong with him?” Jack asked, alarmed by her tone.
“Aidan’s lost his memory,” Alison whispered. “He’s forgotten everything since San Francisco. He still thinks I’m his secretary, his—” Her throat closed around the rest.
“Alison, hold on. I’ll head to the hospital right away. Would you like to see Sophia and Ethan?” Jack asked.
“Of course I do. I miss them so much.” Alison’s eyes reddened as she spoke.
“Mom finally came around. She wanted to bring the kids to see you this morning, but I got tied up. I’ll pick them up now. See you in half an hour,” Jack said, already preparing to leave.
“Wait…” Alison murmured.
“What is it?” Jack asked.
“Jack… the doctor warned me not to let Aidan face any emotional shock. It could worsen his condition,” she said. “So please—don’t bring the kids into his ward. I’ll meet them outside, on the lawn. I just want to hold them for a bit. If they call you ‘Daddy’ in front of him, he might…” she hesitated, voice quivering, “he might not take it well.”
Jack fell silent, torn between concern and guilt.
“Jack, I’m sorry. If not for me, he wouldn’t have lost his memory. Please…”