Chapter 7

"Kylie, what's wrong?"

Lana's voice pulled Kylie out of her thoughts.

"It's nothing."

Kylie brushed the stray hairs from her forehead and forced a faint smile before adding, "Oh, by the way, I have something to take care of at noon, so I won't be joining you for lunch."

Lana nodded. "Alright, but make sure you come back early. I heard the new CEO is coming for an inspection this afternoon."

Kylie's eyes flickered slightly, and she only murmured a quiet acknowledgment before falling silent.

-

Kylie took a cab to the hospital.

Kevin lay quietly on the bed, as peaceful as ever. His eyes were closed, and the light cast a soft shadow on his lashes. Aside from the prominent scars from the burns, he looked just like someone who was merely asleep.

"Ms. Cooper, your brother's condition is very stable, don't worry," the nurse said, offering reassurance.

Kylie came to the hospital every week, and every time, the doctors and nurses would say the same thing: "He's stable."

She knew that these words were meant to comfort. However, they also seemed to extinguish the flickering hope that Kevin would wake up, just a little bit more each time.

But Kylie believed, deep down, that her brother would wake up one day.

He had to.

She leaned down, gently stroking his hand, again and again, her eyes welling up with tears.

Seeing her in this state, the nurse hesitated for a moment before gently interrupting, "Ms. Cooper, I'm sorry to bother you, but please don't forget to pay the fees before you leave."

"Oh, right. I'll do that now."

After paying, Kylie went to find her brother's attending doctor for an update. But when she opened the door to the doctor's office, she was taken aback.

Sitting in the office was a face that was both familiar and foreign at the same time.

Before Kylie could process it, the person spoke first.

"Kylie."

Kylie blinked, shocked and a bit in disbelief. "Nathan?"

The man's delicate features held a youthful, innocent light, and he smiled warmly. "It's been a long time."

"What are you doing here?"

Nathan Kingsley pointed to the white coat he was wearing.

"Maybe... I work here as a doctor?"

Kylie froze for a moment, then quickly processed the situation.

"So, now you're my brother's attending doctor?"

"Yeah."

Nathan adjusted his glasses, his smile still as pure and untroubled as ever.

He was a star student at medical school, a year ahead of Kylie. Back in college, he was the perfect combination of handsome and brilliant.

The two of them had been in the debate club together, but after Nathan went abroad for an exchange program, they lost touch.

Later, when Kylie's family faced a crisis, she started working part-time at a nightclub and changed her phone number, severing contact with old classmates and friends. She never imagined she would run into Nathan here, of all places.

The senior she had once known had returned from his studies abroad, now a doctor and her brother's attending physician.

And here she was—having been someone else's lover for three years and achieving nothing in the end.

Nathan's appearance stirred up old memories in Kylie. Her classmates from back then must be doing well now, living happy, fulfilling lives.

As for her...

Kylie snapped out of it quickly, forcing herself not to dwell on the past. She mustered a faint smile and asked Nathan, "What's the likelihood of my brother waking up?"

Nathan adjusted his glasses, and his gaze through the lenses became somber.

"Currently, the medical technology here in the country has limitations when it comes to treating those in deep comas."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "If possible, I'd recommend considering taking your brother to the country of Altheria for treatment. Their research in neuroscience and coma recovery is much more advanced. The treatments are more cutting-edge, and he could receive a more thorough diagnosis and therapy, which would greatly improve his chances of waking up."

Nathan's words brought Kylie a glimmer of hope, but it also felt like a heavy stone pressing down on her chest.

If possible...

So, that meant money. It all came down to money.

Kylie clenched her fists, lowered her gaze, and sighed in defeat.

Just then, her phone rang—it was Lana. Her voice on the other end sounded urgent.

"Hey, Kylie, you need to come back right away. The new CEO is coming to inspect our department. Don't be late!"

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Kylie hung up, then stood up and prepared to say goodbye to Nathan.

"I have to go, Dr. Kingsley. There's something happening at the company. We'll catch up next time."

Before she could leave, Nathan grabbed her arm gently.

"Kylie, if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me."

His words were soft but sincere, his eyes locked on hers with a tenderness that made her heart flutter.

Kylie felt a bit dazed. She hummed an agreement before turning and quickly heading back to the company.

Nathan watched her hurriedly leave, his eyes filled with heartache.