Hayden turned to Keira, his eyes brimming with a mixture of agitation and fear. Keira understood his concern. “Let’s figure out what’s going on first. We need to trust Yuna.” This was the OB-GYN department. It was unusual for a young, unmarried woman like Yuna to be here, and Hayden, as her protective older brother, had every reason to be uneasy. Hayden had visited her before in Beijing, but Keira hadn’t. Yuna didn’t particularly like her, and she wasn’t one to force her presence where it wasn’t wanted. Keira had a clear conscience in the matter. According to Hayden, Yuna had been doing well at Beijing University, excelling in her studies. Yet, here she was in a place that didn’t seem to fit. Yuna hadn’t noticed them, but her demeanor betrayed her nerves. She frequently checked her phone and stared at the call screen anxiously. After a while, she pulled out a book, seemingly trying to distract herself, but it didn’t work. With a frustrated sigh, she slapped the book over her
The doctor hesitated for a couple of seconds before asking, “Why do you want to undergo an HIV screening? Are you feeling unwell, or have you recently come into contact with someone diagnosed with the disease?” “I’ve been in contact,” Yuna said softly, her voice tinged with unease. “I didn’t know beforehand. I only found out recently, and it’s been making me really anxious.” “Is it confirmed that the person you were in contact with has this disease? And what kind of contact did you have?” the doctor asked, pausing briefly before continuing. “HIV is indeed a serious condition, but it’s not something you catch from casual contact.” After explaining the basics about HIV transmission, the doctor added, “If you tell me honestly, I can help determine if you’re at risk and whether this screening is necessary.” “The infected person is a girl. She’s from a difficult background and works in a karaoke lounge as a drinks promoter. About a month ago, she got sick, and I took care of her for
Yuna wanting to give up her heart—this was something Keira never anticipated. She had once told Keira that no matter whose heart it was, as long as it beat in her chest, it was hers. But now she had changed her mind. Why, Keira didn’t know. The thought saddened Keira. That heart was the only blood connection she had left in this world, and yet Yuna seemed unwilling to keep it. Still, it was her right. The heart was hers now, and whatever she chose to do with it was her decision. Hayden seemed to sense Keira’s emotions. He kissed the top of her head gently. “She’s just asking. She won’t give it up so easily.” He sighed softly, adding, “Maybe she’s afraid she’s truly infected and doesn’t think she’ll live long. She might want to give the heart to someone who needs it more, so Narelle can continue to live.” His words struck Keira like a wake-up call. Of course! Why hadn’t she considered that? Instead, she had assumed the worst of her. In that moment, Keira felt a sharp pang
Aaron stood in the doorway, dressed in a sleek black silk pajama set. His freshly showered hair, slightly tousled, softened his usual sharp appearance, and a pair of rimless glasses perched elegantly on his high nose bridge gave him an air of refined sophistication. Lena had always known her uncle was handsome, but at that moment, he seemed almost impossibly so. The sight stirred an impulsive, fleeting thought in her—an inexplicable urge to claim him as her own. The notion passed as quickly as it came, leaving her cheeks flushed red. She hurriedly lowered her gaze, avoiding both his eyes and her own wandering thoughts. “I saw your light was still on. Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Aaron’s voice was soft and slightly husky, magnetic and soothing in the stillness of the night. “Can’t sleep,” Lena replied as she stepped out of her bedroom and made her way to the living room sofa. He followed her without prying further, though she explained on her own. “I have surgery tomorrow—a pro
Performing heart surgery on a fetus—such a groundbreaking medical innovation drew not only the hospital’s full attention but also the media’s. Aaron was there as well. When Lena saw him standing in the center alongside the hospital director, it finally dawned on her just how significant Aaron’s position was. But why? What exactly gave him this level of influence? She made a mental note to ask him about it once the surgery was over. Lena was fully suited in surgical scrubs—deep blue isolation garments, a matching cap, and a face mask, leaving only her eyes visible. This focus on her eyes made their natural brilliance even more striking. “Good luck to all of you!” the director said as a final send-off before they entered the operating room. Nate, the lead surgeon, looked just as prepared as Lena. Both nodded briefly at the director before heading to the surgical table, exchanging a few words as they began their work. “Mr. Ace, you may not know, but this Nate and your niec
Lena’s gaze naturally found Aaron’s face. He was watching her, not saying anything, but his eyes conveyed a clear sense of pride and approval. Since she was a child, it wasn’t her parents’ reactions to her exam results that she feared—it was Aaron’s. Even now, that feeling lingered. Seeing his satisfaction, she felt a surge of joy. “Uncle, we did it!” Lena exclaimed, standing excitedly in front of him. Aaron reached out, removed her surgical cap, and gently patted her head. “Lil' Lena is the best.” “I’m so happy, Uncle,” Lena said, unable to suppress her excitement. The next second, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. It had been him who stayed by her side the night before, calming her nerves with homemade milk tea and their quiet conversation. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “Uncle, half of this success belongs to you.” A faint smile appeared on Aaron’s lips. His hovering hand rested lightly on her waist as he murmured back, “Mm, we’ll celebrate toni
This wasn’t a difficult question to answer. Either it was true, or it wasn’t. But saying “no” outright would put Nate in an awkward position, especially after he had just admitted that he brought the project to Seavora for her. On the other hand, if she didn’t deny it, the media could twist the story, turning a groundbreaking medical achievement into a narrative about Nate using a life-saving project as a romantic gesture for his supposed girlfriend. “I’ll answer this,” Lena finally spoke, taking the metaphorical grenade. “Professor Neumann and I were university classmates. He was my senior, and now he is my teacher and colleague. That is the extent of our relationship.” Her words fell like a gavel, and the journalists’ cameras clicked away more furiously than ever. Sitting beside her, Nate’s gaze dimmed as he looked at her. It was clear now—she would never come back to him. If she had even the slightest inclination, she wouldn’t have denied their connection so thoroughly
"I'm aiming to go big, to create a nationwide chain—not just fooling around," Keira was about to share her grand vision with Lena when the doorbell rang. She walked toward the door, still holding the phone, and glanced at the monitor to see who it was. The sight made her pause. “Someone’s here. I’ll call you back,” Keira said to Lena. “Who is it?” she asked, curious. “It’s Kylian!” Lena immediately recognized the name. “Is he here to see Hayden?” “Hayden isn’t home.” After a brief pause, Lena speculated, “Then he’s probably here for you.” “That’s what I think too,” Keira replied. “Call me in a bit. If I don’t answer, assume he’s killed me and report it to the police.” Lena laughed. “Pregnancy brain strikes again. If you’re that worried, why not call the police now and save yourself?” Keira chuckled. “No, I’ll report this to Hayden first.” After hanging up, Keira sent Hayden a snapshot from the surveillance feed before opening the door. “Mr. Hart,” Keira greeted
"Got it!" Lena responded cheerfully. She washed her hands before sitting back down, picking up the utensils Aaron had prepared for her, and diving into her dumpling-and-dipping-sauce breakfast combo. "Uncle, why aren’t you eating?" She had already eaten two dumplings before realizing he hadn’t touched any. "I’m not hungry." Three words. Which meant he hadn’t eaten yet. "There’s too much food. I can’t finish it all by myself. Eat some too," Lena said casually as she picked up a dumpling with her chopsticks and held it up to his mouth. She did it so naturally—until she realized what she had just done. Aaron froze for a second, surprised by her gesture. The moment of hesitation made her realize too—wasn’t this kind of inappropriate? She was just about to pull her hand back when— He leaned in and took the dumpling straight into his mouth. Lena’s face flushed red in an instant. She hurriedly withdrew her hand, lowered her head, and focused on eating. Meanwhile, Aar
She was shocked to see him here so early. Especially today—a day when everyone was celebrating the new year, spending time with their loved ones—and yet, he was here. With her. Lena wasn’t made of stone. She felt it. A warmth, an unspoken emotion that settled deep in her chest. "Uncle, why are you here so early?" She walked over, hands casually tucked into her coat pockets. "I didn’t want you to go hungry," Aaron replied simply, lifting the bag of food in his hand. He glanced at her break room. "Open the door." She unlocked the door and stepped inside, with him following close behind. Her break room was small—a single desk and chair, a narrow bed, and a tiny wardrobe. Nothing extra, nothing unnecessary. "Sit down, Uncle," she said naturally, settling onto the bed while motioning for him to take the chair. Aaron placed the food down and asked, "Did you sleep at all?" "I did," Lena replied. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she thought of that dream—and let o
"If it weren’t for my goddaughter, I wouldn’t even bother with you," Lena said, gently rocking the baby in her arms. "Right, little Aurora? Your godmother just adores you." "Come on, Aurora, it’s time to eat," Lena said as she carefully placed the baby in Keira's arms. Although it was her first time, Keira wasn’t embarrassed. She followed Lena’s instructions, trying to breastfeed for the first time. But the process was… painful. And since her posture was incorrect, neither of them got it right—Keira ended up covered in sweat from struggling, and her baby still hadn’t eaten properly. Panic set in. Anxiety crept up her spine. "What do I do?" Keira asked, her voice tight with unease. "It’s okay. This happens at first. Let’s transition with formula for now," Lena reassured Keira before glancing at Hayden, who had been standing there the whole time, watching anxiously—and sweating just as much as Keira was. "Go make your daughter a bottle," she told him. Hayden, the man wh
That conversation… Lena shuddered. Yeah, she had definitely come back too early. It was best to leave now before she ruined the mood for those two inside. Not wanting to hear any more, she quickly turned to leave—only to smack her leg against a nearby chair. The pain was real, but worse was the noise it made, drawing attention to her presence. Inside the room, Hayden—already feeling awkward from Keira's teasing—froze. The sound from outside made him even more uncomfortable. Keira couldn’t hold back her laughter. The moment Keira burst out laughing, however, pain shot through her lower abdomen. "Ah—ow!" Keira gasped. Hayden immediately panicked. "What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?" Hearing her cry, Lena rushed in as well. "What happened?" "I laughed too hard and pulled my stitches," Keira explained, gripping Hayden’s hand tightly. Lena glared at Keira. "You’re a mother now, and yet you’re still acting like a child. Do you have any idea what condition you’re in?"
"It’s fine. I can do it," Hayden said naturally as he picked up the basin and went to fetch warm water. The moment he stepped out, Lena turned to scold Keira. "You went through so much pain to give birth to his child. Why would you feel bad about letting him do something for you?" "It’s not that I feel bad—I just feel embarrassed," Keira whispered in defense. Lena rolled her eyes. "So dramatic." Keira shot her a glare in return. "Just wait until it’s your turn. When your husband has to handle your private matters, you’ll understand how awkward it is." The moment the words left Keira's mouth, she saw Lena’s face turn red. Lena quickly hugged the baby and turned away. But Keira caught it. Something was off. "Wait… why are you blushing?" Keira asked suspiciously. "I am not blushing," she denied immediately. What Keira didn’t know was that her words had triggered the memory of Lena's ridiculous dream—where she had been lying on the delivery bed, cursing Aaron while gi
The moment she finished cursing, Lena jolted awake. She sat there, dazed. What kind of ridiculous dream was that? She had assisted in delivering countless babies before, but this was the first time she had ever dreamed of giving birth herself. And not only that—she had dreamed of giving birth to Aaron’s child? That was beyond outrageous. Absolutely absurd! What a way to start the new year. That dream was anything but beautiful. Lena ran a hand down her face, shaking off the lingering unease. She quickly got up, poured herself a glass of water to calm down, and then left the break room. Back in the hospital room, Hayden was feeding Keira. Keira was perfectly capable of eating on her own, but he insisted on feeding her, saying that she was in a special period and should be treated like a queen. That this was the time to learn how to be spoiled properly. Fine. If this was how he wanted to make up for the suffering she endured giving birth to their daughter, she’d give
Keira looked at Lena and smiled as she followed up on Hayden’s words. "You’re family. It’s different." Lena shot her a subtle glare before stuffing the red envelope into her pocket and saying, "Give me the rest. I’ll hand them out for you later." Hayden passed her the prepared stack of red envelopes, and as she took them, she asked, "What about the other departments?" Hayden and Aaron exchanged a glance and chuckled. "Of course. Every medical staff member in this hospital gets one." "President Hart, you’re too generous," Lena said, giving him a thumbs-up. With that, she took the envelopes and left. Aaron glanced at the time. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back now." "Mm. Happy New Year!" Hayden said, offering his holiday wishes. "Happy New Year to your whole family," Aaron replied, adding a few extra words that made both Hayden and me instinctively turn toward the baby in the bassinet. From today onward, we were officially a family of three. Outside the h
When Keira returned to the hospital room, she was greeted by a sight that made her pause. The room was decorated with fresh flowers and balloons, and beside her bed, there was a small cart filled with various gift boxes. The atmosphere was so festive that if someone walked in, they might have thought it was a birthday party rather than a postpartum recovery room. "What’s all this?" Lena asked on Keira's behalf. "A reward for my wife," Hayden answered, his hand still holding Keira's as he gazed at her with deep affection. "She went through so much. This is my way of thanking her." Keira smiled faintly. "I don’t need any of this." "Whether you need it or not is one thing. Giving it to you is my choice," Hayden said, pressing a kiss onto Keira's fingertips. "Even if everything I have already belongs to you, I still want to give you more." "Such a loving husband—honestly, what more could a woman ask for?" Lena teased before patting Keira's hospital bed. "But if President Hart r
Elder Mitchell wasn’t buying it. "That just means you guys didn’t really want to give anything. If you truly wanted to, there’s no such thing as a gift that can’t be delivered." The two old men started bickering again, but Hayden ignored them. Instead, he kept his eyes on the infant bathing room. Before long, the nurse finished bathing the baby and carried her out. Hayden reached out to take her, but the two elders immediately moved to get closer. He blocked them without hesitation. "Don’t you know old people’s eyes are toxic? You shouldn’t be staring at her for too long." Elder Hart: "…" Elder Mitchell: "…" With that, Hayden carried the baby and walked away. The two old men trailed after him, hoping to catch another glimpse, but Hayden wasn’t about to give them the chance. "Congratulations," Aaron, who had been standing nearby, offered his well wishes. "It’s a daughter. Take a look," Hayden said, his pride practically radiating off him. Aaron lowered his gaze to the