Chapter - 5 Meeting my Ex

*Bianca's POV*

My mind buzzed with my grandfather's plea as I continued to work through the rest of the day. 

"Doctor Bianca… Doctor BIANCA?" I snapped out of my thoughts, and told her about the report, as I tried hard to focus on my work.

Guilt gnawed at my conscience, tugging at my heartstrings. How could I refuse to help someone in need, especially after all that my grandfather had done for me? I can't believe, I am being so selfish, shameless, and heartless, after all this. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the compassion and kindness he had shown me over the years.

I heaved a sigh. I couldn't let something personal hold me back from fulfilling my duty as a doctor. After all, what were the chances of running into Damon in such a vast city like Los Angeles? It was a bustling metropolis, teeming with countless faces and stories. It would only be one in a million chances! Surely, the universe wouldn't conspire to bring him into my path again! With a newfound determination, I reluctantly made up my mind to assist my grandfather's friend as his attending doctor.

I called my grandfather to let him know about my decision, "Grandfather, I have decided. I will go. Please arrange the flight for next week."

"Thank you, Bianca. I knew you weren't just going to watch… I know it must be hard for you to decide this…" his voice exuded relief and gratitude, yet his voice was filled with worry for me.

"Don't worry, I am okay. I have to go there one day, anyway. I can't always avoid it." I said, reassuring him. 

"Thank you again, Bianca." He exclaimed, and continued, "What about Dion? Is he coming with you?"

"Dion… I haven't thought about him yet." I didn't know what to do with my son. He was my only concern. Bringing him along was a risk I wasn't sure I was willing to take. The possibility of him encountering his father, the man who had abandoned us, sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't bear the thought of Dion being exposed to the pain and disappointment that Damon had brought into our lives. I can't let him get hurt. I alone am enough for this.

He had always wanted a father after he started speaking. If he found out about Damon, I don't know how much he would hurt, after knowing that his father never wanted him. He was just a mistake, from our one-night fling.

Yet, the idea of leaving my son behind, even temporarily, felt equally unbearable. I couldn't bear to be separated from him, not when he was the source of my strength and the light in my darkest moments. His health hasn't been good either. How could I leave him with his babysitter, when I am not even aware how many weeks or months it would take for the treatment to be finished? The only thing I knew was that it was going to take a long time for the treatment to be finished. I can't leave him alone for such a long time. Reluctantly, I decided to bring Dion with me, along with his babysitter. 

"Please book Dion and Mia's tickets, and arrange my transfer to the Serenity Hospital in the Los Angeles branch."

"Oh, I will handle them. But, are you bringing Mia with you?"

"Yes. I guess I will be busy upon reaching there. Taking Mia would be the best option. After all, Dion needs someone with him every moment."

"Yes…" grandfather said worriedly, as he sighed.

After work, I packed my bags as I broke the news to Mia and Dion. It was going to be Dion's first long trip. So, he was excited. I was happy yet worries shook me over thinking about the littlest possibility. Thankfully, with other's help, I finished all the leftover work, before I finally left for Los Angeles.

Upon reaching the vibrant city, I felt a mixture of trepidation and determination. The Serenity Hospital branch in Los Angeles awaited me, and it was time to face my fears head-on. 

"Mia, there will be a driver. Please take Dion to the apartment first. I will go there after I check up on the patient." I entrusted Dion to the care of his babysitter, as he was sleeping, watching them disappear into the bustling streets before I took another cab, and reached the Serenity Hospital.

As I made my way to the patient's room, I braced myself to meet my grandfather's friend. He got many friends, but he seemed especially worried and caring toward him. I wanted to meet who this stranger was. But as I pushed open the door, my breath hitched in my throat. There, lying in the hospital bed, was none other than Mr. Derek, my ex-father-in-law.

Shock coursed through my veins, freezing me in place. I couldn't believe the twist of fate that had brought me face-to-face with the man who had once been a part of my life.

Mr. Derek's weary eyes met mine, surprise flickering across his face. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence that hung heavily in the room. "Bianca," he rasped, his voice laced with both astonishment and vulnerability.

I took a moment to steady myself, to process the emotions surging within me. Gathering my composure, I approached Mr. Derek's bedside with a professional smile, burying the past beneath layers of professionalism. "Good afternoon, Mr. Derek," I greeted him, my voice steady and composed. "I'm Dr. Bianca, and I'll be overseeing your treatment from today here at Serenity Hospital. Let's focus on getting you back to good health, shall we?"

I gave off the impression that I was relaxed, but anxiety was rapidly increasing in my chest. Being his doctor meant that there was a chance that I would have to meet and interact with Damon, the same person I had been trying to avoid and escape from. Nevertheless, I can't go back on my words again. In the end, he was not only a friend of my grandfather's, but he was also the only person in this city who was good to me, this place which only gave me pain. 

“Father.” The next voice I heard frightened me as a bolt of shock coursed through my spine. My hands trembled, as I desperately felt the urge to hide from him. This voice was too familiar to me, yet it was the same person’s voice that I desperately wanted to avoid. I wanted to run away now. I knew that seeing Mr. Derek meant I was going to meet Damon too, but why today of all days? What should I do now? Run or Stayed?