Chapter 3

KAI'S POV

The room was dim, illuminated only by the glow of my laptop screen. I sat at my desk surrounded by piles of medical journals and printed articles. I stared at the email from Dr. Richardson in London, my pulse quickened as I read the words again.

** Mr Adler, the surgery has a 30% chance

of success. However, if you don't undergo

the procedure soon, it will be too late. The

tumour is aggressive, and immediate

action is required. Please consider the

risk and make your decision swiftly.**

My phone rang. It was my friend and the managing director of my company, Ethan.

“Hello,” I said, answering the call calmly.

“I just found out that you didn't come to your office today. Did something happen?” Ethan asked, his voice laced with concern.

“No, everything's fine, I just needed some rest,” I responded soothingly, trying to ease his worry.

“All right. I have some reports to hand over to you personally. So, I'll see you at your house later today,” Ethan said, with his tone firm.

“Uhm, Ethan, I might fly to London soon,” I ventured, my voice hesitant.

“Don't tell me you are going for the surgery,” Ethan exclaimed, alarm creeping into his voice.

“I am. Dr Richardson sent another email, stating that if I don't make my decision swiftly, it will be too late to undergo any surgery,” I explained, my tone resolute

“Kai, this is too risky, you still have two months left. What if the surgery fails and you die?” Ethan warned, his voice stern.

“And what if it's a success and I survive?” I countered, my voice firm.

“We'll never know if I don't give it a trial. My death is inevitable anyway, so it wouldn't make any difference if I died from the surgery or died in the next two months. Zara just has to get pregnant before I leave; it's the only way to secure my family's future,” I said with a determined tone.

“Please, think about this again, before making any impulsive choices.” Ethan urged, his voice softening before he hung up the call.

A 30% chance, it wasn't much, but it was all I had. I knew the odds and understood the risks, but the thought of leaving everything behind, especially now, was unbearable. I had spent all my life holding up my father's legacy in the business world and never gave relationships or marriage a chance. As the only child, I needed to secure an heir, a part of me who would live on if the worst happened.

I glanced at the wedding photo on my desk, a grim reminder of the circumstances that brought Zara and me together. She despised me, and I couldn't blame her; I had treated her cruelly. But it was needed; I had to maintain control and not let her see my condition as a weakness or else she might take advantage of it.

“Kai, we have news.” My mum's voice, filled with unusual excitement, reached my ears, followed by the sound of footsteps in the hallway.

I quickly closed my laptop and hurried to the door as it swung open. I met my mother and Zara at the entrance; I walked out and closed the door behind me to prevent them from entering the room.

“Kai,” my mother began. “We just got back from the hospital and Zara is two weeks pregnant.”

For a moment, relief flooded through me, but it was quickly replaced by urgency. The doctor's words echoed in my mind. ‘Immediate action is required.’

“That's wonderful news,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Zara looked at me, her expression void of any emotion. “Congratulations,” she said flatly.

I turned and walked back into the room. “Excuse me, I need to make a phone call,” I said over my shoulders and headed to my desk.

Back at my desk, I dialled Dr Richardson's number; it rang twice before he answered.

“Dr Richardson, it's Kai Adler. I want to schedule the surgery for tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” He repeated, sounding taken aback. “Are you sure, Mr Adler? This is a major decision.”

“I'm sure. I'll be on a flight to London tonight.”

There was a pause. “Very well, I'll inform the team. And Mr Adler, please remember the risks.”

“I understand,” I replied curtly before hanging up.

I quickly booked the flight and then called for the family lawyer to come over immediately.

Some documents need to be signed and things to be put in order. If anything happened to me, I needed to ensure that my family wouldn't take any legal action against the hospital or Dr Richardson.

By the time everything was set, it was already sunset. I packed a small bag, with just my essentials. I went downstairs to meet my mother, talking to Zara and Madam Tess, and they were listening to her quietly. They looked up as I approached.

“I have to leave for London,” I announced, keeping my tone casual. “Business meeting. I'll be back in a few days.”

Zara's eyes lit up for the first time in weeks, but not with concern—she was happy.

“So suddenly?” she said, barely concealing her relief. “You just found out about the pregnancy.”

I forced a smile. “The timing isn't ideal, but the meeting is crucial.”

My mother nodded. “Take care, Kai. And hurry back.” She moved close to me and held my hand. “Always remember to take your medications. Dr Carter is trying his best to find a cure for your illness, and I also won't stop praying for a miracle.”

My gaze shifted to Zara and I caught her rolling her eyes at my mother's words. ‘She would probably be the happiest person in the world if I don't make it back.’

Acting unbothered by Zara's actions. I kissed my mother on the cheek. “I'll be back soon,” I reassured her.

I turned to Zara, my voice softening for a moment. “Take care of yourself and the baby.”

Zara didn't bother to hide her indifference. “Sure, whatever you say.”

With that, I left the house and headed to the airport. As the plane took off, I stared out the window, the city lights below growing smaller. I had done what I needed to do, now it was up to fate.

In the quiet of the flight, I allowed myself to hope for survival. But deep down, I knew I had made my peace with whatever outcome awaited me in London.