Chapter 4: A Heart Problem

I quickly got changed, picked up my bag, and left the house.

I was worried sick. No one knew Edward Aesthete, the rich and powerful person who appeared at my wedding, was my only family. A couple of years ago, he was hospitalized due to a heart disease and had undergone countless operations.

I had always been worried about his condition.

The night breeze caused me to shiver. I quickened my pace and prayed that Grandpa would be fine.

After arriving at the hospital, I went straight to Grandpa's ward. Through the window, I could see him lying weakly on the bed. He was connected to a respirator, his eyes were closed, and his face was pale.

Ryan, who had always been Grandpa's attending doctor, was the one I relied on for reassurance. But with Ryan away, the emergency was now my responsibility.

Entering the ward, I checked on Grandpa and asked the nurse, "How's he doing?"

"The wound is bleeding, and his blood pressure suddenly dropped. We managed to stabilize him with fluids and a blood transfusion, but he's still barely conscious."

"Has his creatinine level been checked?" I asked.

"We're waiting for the results."

"Give him diuretics," I instructed, raising his legs slightly. "The swelling is too much. Treat it like acute kidney failure and avoid any harmful meds."

As the nurse replied, "Okay," the report came in. Handing it to me, she said, "His creatinine levels are high. Your diagnosis was right on point, Dr. Hailey!"

Bending down to check Grandpa's pupils, I softly asked, "Can you hear me? Do you recognize me?"

His responses were minimal.

"Get an MRI, prep for clot-busting treatment, and inform the neurologist on call. We need to protect his brain," I said.

The nurses followed my orders diligently. Initially in chaos when I arrived, the team was now organized thanks to my clear instructions.

With Grandpa's condition stable, a wave of relief washed over me. A nurse, relieved from the tension, hugged me. "I was afraid things might go wrong, but you've shown your expertise to everyone, Dr. Hailey!"

I phoned Ryan, who praised my quick diagnosis and professional management of acute kidney failure and stroke.

A lawyer to whom Edward had given full authority was waiting for me. Grandpa always called him Tommy, so that was what I called him as well.

"Uncle Tommy, Grandpa is fine," I said.

"I trust in your care for Mr. Aesthete and your medical skills."

Adjusting my collar, the middle-aged man in the suit calmed my anxious heart. Seeing Uncle Tommy eased my worries.

"I knew you were the one who had been handling the family's assets. I thought..."

"You thought I was here to confirm the will?"

With Tommy's professionalism, he wouldn't have said such words to his client's daughter, but he had been working with our family for almost 30 years and saw me grow up. Therefore, he wouldn't worry about too many things.

Seeing that I forced myself to turn around, Uncle Tommy quickly tried to attract my attention.

"Mr. Edward's awake. Do you want to go see him?"

I quickly turned around and saw Grandpa looking at me. The two of us locked gazes. I then pushed open the door and went inside.

Grandpa's gaze was getting cloudy, but I could still make out the love in his eyes. When he saw me come in, he smiled and reached out to grab my hand. His hands were warm but dry, and I could feel the warmth that he was trying to convey.

"Hailey, you're here." His voice was hoarse but warm. I could tell the concern in his every word.

"I'm here, Grandpa." I grabbed his hand, and my eyes were filled with worry and concern. Grandpa's hands felt especially weak in my hands, but I was still comforted by the warmth coming from it.

Grandpa gently patted my hand, worry etched on his face. "I made a mistake," he said, his voice strained. "To protect our family, I kept your parents and you hidden from the world. You're the sole heir to the Aesthete family, my granddaughter, yet you're just a medical intern here..."

I was rendered speechless. Tears welled up in my eyes.

"You've always been protecting me, Grandpa."

Grandpa sighed and continued, "I believe you can handle things with Leo. If you're hesitant due to Ryan's influence or a sense of debt for saving me, let Tommy take care of it. You don't owe them anything. And there's something else I need from you."

Concerned as he coughed from speaking so much, I agreed quickly.

After a brief pause, he spoke softly. "Hailey, the annual Aesthete family Gala is nearing."

I glanced down, biting my lip. "Yes."

"You used to love going with your friends when you were young. You mentioned the great food and how kind the guests were," he mentioned.

"I've grown up, Grandpa..." I muttered.

He sighed, his gaze full of love and worry. "Hailey, I know you fear another health scare for me. Don't worry. I want you to have fun. By then, Ryan will be back, probably he'll complain about you at the hospital."

Touched and saddened, I nodded. "I'll attend it, Grandpa."

Just as I was leaving to discuss Grandpa's condition with the neurology team, he called me back.

"Your birthday is coming, dear."

He mentioned something that I had forgotten. "If my condition improves, I'll bring a gift for you in person. If my condition doesn't improve, Tommy will give you the gift on my behalf. I hope you'll like it."

I turned and looked at Uncle Tommy, who was standing outside the ward. He nodded at me as well.

While walking in the corridor, I heard news about the upcoming Aesthete family Gala on television. Only the elite received invites, and the guest list was a closely guarded secret each year. It was known as a socialite's dream—a sanctuary of wealth and influence built on the Aesthete family's legacy.

Feeling disconnected, I remembered how as a child, I dragged my friends to that glittery event. All I cared about back then was the delicious food and the kind people there. Nothing more.

Tommy walked me to the doctor's office and suddenly asked, "Miss, have you met Mr. Ethan?"

I didn't understand what that meant. Why would Tommy know who my neighbor was? Seeing that I was puzzled, Tommy's smile widened.

"It seems you don't remember the things from when you were little."

With that said, he accompanied me into the office.