Chap 45
Days passed, and so far, no one outside Antony’s household, including Abigail, Gladwin, and Eijaz, was aware of what had happened to Flavia. They took turns checking on her.
Gladwin sat in a chair beside Flavia’s bed, his entire body wrapped in sterile clothing. It had been six hours since the girl came out of surgery. According to standard operating procedures (SOP), if Flavia didn’t regain consciousness within two days, she would be categorized as being in a coma.
Gladwin held Flavia’s right hand. The girl’s index finger was attached to a Pulse Oximeter, while an IV was set up on her left hand. A tube delivered oxygen to her nose, and electrodes were attached to her chest. Her normally rosy skin now appeared pale, and even her lips were starting to dry. Dark circles were forming under her eyes. Flavia had used up two blood bags after her operation, yet she still hadn’t opened her eyes.
“Love, can you hear me?” Gladwin stroked Flavia’s temple and occasionally kissed the back of her hand. “Wake up. Don’t make us wait too long. You know, we’re waiting for you.” Gladwin smiled, gently caressing Flavia’s cheek with the back of his hand.
“You’re beautiful, always beautiful in my eyes. But you’ll probably look even more beautiful when you wear a wedding dress at our wedding.” He said with a hopeful tone, a smile etched on his face. Imagining what Flavia would look like in a white wedding gown complete with a tiara.
“Wake up, and let’s prepare everything. We can order the dress from the boutique together. Then arrange catering and design our wedding invitations. I can’t wait to see the house we’ll live in.” Gladwin tried to hold back his tears from overflowing. “Ah, you probably want to buy land and design our own house, right?
“After that, you’ll design the rooms according to what you want. And I’ll make the furniture you describe. You know, I’m already skilled at making cabinets and tables. I can even make a multifunctional bed with drawers underneath.” He said proudly.
“I miss you,” he whispered, placing the back of Flavia’s hand on his cheek. “Wasn’t the sad five years we had together enough? Shouldn’t we be together now? Happy together, weaving our future together?” He said again. He looked at Flavia’s face once more, but the girl still didn’t respond. Gladwin stood up, half-bowing towards Flavia’s body, and whispered, “Now, I have to go. Many patients are waiting for me. You know, I’m quite a popular doctor, right?” Gladwin kissed Flavia’s forehead and gently stroked it. “I’ll be back later; I hope you’ll be awake by then.” Once again, Gladwin kissed Flavia’s forehead before leaving the High Care Unit (HCU).
Gladwin was in the process of taking off the special clothing he wore when he heard a rustling sound from the other side of the door. “So, who is the patient’s boyfriend actually?” The voice was a mere whisper, but Gladwin could hear it clearly.
“I don’t know. I’m confused too. Isn’t she Doctor Dominic’s girlfriend?”
“She’s Doctor Hampton’s niece.” The third voice whispered. “Didn’t you know?”
“I’m not sure. Yes, I know she’s Doctor Hampton’s niece. But Doctor Hampton’s attention isn’t like an ordinary uncle. The Emergency Department said yesterday that Doctor Hampton looked more frustrated than anyone waiting for that girl.”
“If she’s really Doctor Hampton’s girlfriend, what about Doctor Dominic and Doctor Madsen? Isn’t she Doctor Dominic’s girlfriend? And isn’t Doctor Madsen currently in a relationship with Doctor Hampton?”
“Well, how should I know? Besides, why should we bother with their affairs? Whoever is getting married, we just need to wait for the invitation. That is, if we’re invited.”
“That’s right. If she’s really Doctor Hampton’s girlfriend, Doctor Madsen would be pitiful. Hasn’t she been flaunting to everyone that she’s Doctor Hampton’s potential match?”NôvelDrama.Org owns this.
“It’s her fault for being shameless. Dreaming of being with someone who hasn’t paid any attention to her. Their relationship is still unclear, but she confidently announces to the whole world that she’s a worthy candidate for Doctor Hampton. Enough, stop discussing them; we might get scolded. Besides, isn’t it time for you to go home now?” Then the conversation disappeared, and Gladwin emerged from his hiding place.
“What’s up with Phoebe? If what the staff said is true, she won’t stay quiet. She’s just casually associating her name. In a thousand years, Gladwin isn’t sure he would fall for Phoebe. But for now, Gladwin chooses to ignore it.
The patients are not too busy at the moment. There are only a few people registering for examinations. So Jonas and Gladwin have more free time, and currently, they are reviewing patient reports. “I saw Abigail here earlier. Does the doctor have an appointment with her?” Jonas asked curiously.
Gladwin just nodded in response, but then he raised his head and stared at Jonas sharply. “Jonas, there’s something I want to ask.” He said with uncertain tone. “Have there been rumors about me and Phoebe among the staff all this time?”
Gladwin’s question made Jonas furrow his brow. “Why, Doctor?”
“Can you just answer?” Gladwin didn’t want to give reasons.
Jonas nodded in agreement. His eyebrows knitted, thinking. “It seems like the rumors started when we had lunch together.” Jonas tried to remind Gladwin. “Doctor remembers, right? During lunch with Doctor Dominic and Abigail.” Now it was Gladwin’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “It seems that the gossip started since then. I myself don’t know who started it. Then they saw Doctor Madsen and her mother visit your room, and well… The more mouths, the more versions, and the longer the story. So, nothing can be trusted.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Gladwin scolded.
Jonas shrugged with an indifferent expression. “If I tell the Doctor, what will the Doctor do? Hold a press conference like celebrities and say that you don’t have any relationship? Who would want to believe the Doctor? Netizens? Instead of getting tired of receiving snide remarks and gossip, it’s better to close your ears. They will stop on their own. They will know the truth someday. Let them assume. As long as the person you love believes in you, knows your feelings, that’s enough, Doctor.” Jonas’s answer sounded reasonable.
Gladwin nodded. Okay, from now on, he would shower Flavia with words of love and expressions of his feelings. So that she would no longer doubt Gladwin’s feelings and ignore all the disgusting rumors circulating. “But I hope, next time, you can confirm if there is any unpleasant news about me.” He ordered.
Jonas nodded his head, agreeing with his boss’s request. “I will do that, Doc. You just relax.” Jonas’s casual response made Gladwin frown.
“Is there something I don’t know? Why do I feel like you’re being too casual about the gossip that’s happening to me?”
Jonas widened his eyes, smiled while shrugging. “I’m casual because I know the actual reality.” He replied casually. “I know that there is nothing between you and Dr. Madsen. In case the Doctor forgot, I’ve been helping the doctor keep a distance from Dr. Phoebe. And I also know what kind of gaze you give every time Flavia is near you. If I were to describe it, you look at her like a hungry wolf looking at its prey. If you open your mouth, your saliva won’t be contained anymore.”
“Is it really like that?” He asked incredulously.
Jonas nodded again. “Yes. Even worse than that.” Jonas answered casually, and Gladwin laughed at it. “You’re ruining our reputation as men. You should be more calm. Cooler, instead of showing that you’re a love slave.” Well, at least Jonas’s words somewhat eased his feelings. Forgetting his concerns about Flavia’s condition for a moment, Gladwin laughed. Jonas was right; Gladwin was now a slave to Flavia’s love.
After lunch, Gladwin chose to spend time in the HCU. There were no signs that Flavia would wake up. Gladwin didn’t stop talking to her until his break time was over, and he returned to his room to work. After his working hours ended, once again, Gladwin spent his time in Flavia’s room.
Three days passed, although Flavia’s vital signs were declared normal, she still hadn’t opened her eyes. And now she had been moved to a treatment room.
Antony remained faithfully by his daughter’s side. Abigail was also always there. The girl chose to reject impromptu contracts because she wanted to focus her attention on Flavia. As for Gladwin, he never went home or to his apartment. His days were now spent in the hospital. Sleeping, eating, and everything else he did there. Abigail was the one kindly bringing all his necessities, including spare clothes and food.
Gladwin’s phone rang, and the name ‘Mom’ filled the square screen. Gladwin slid the green button and answered her call.
“Yes, Ma?” Gladwin asked.
“Gladwin, I’m feeling unwell. Can you come home and check on me?” There was a coughing sound from there. Gladwin looked at Flavia and Abigail alternately.
“Gladwin, go there, Ma.” He agreed and then hung up the phone. “Your grandmother says she’s not feeling well. I will go home to check on her condition,” Gladwin informed Abigail.
Abigail responded to her uncle’s statement with a smirk. “Grandma seemed fine when I went home.”
“So, you think your grandma is trying to deceive me?” Gladwin looked at Abigail cynically. He was tired, frustrated, and reluctant to assume. If it’s true that his mother is also lying to him about her health now, Gladwin feels like he’ll truly explode.
“I didn’t say that. I’m just saying what I saw earlier.” Abigail glanced at the watch on her left wrist. It was half-past six. “This is just my assumption. Whether Uncle calls me having a high imagination or whatever. But it seems like grandma is planning something for you.” Abigail looked at her uncle intently. “Just let me know if you need my help.” Her offer was sincere.
Gladwin just nodded. “Take care of Via, and if anything happens, contact me directly.” He instructed, and Abigail responded with a nod.