Chapter 002

Ava’s POV

I run a shaky hand through my hair, trying to steady myself It’s just a door.

Just one door.

But for some reason, it feels heavier than anything I’ve ever faced.

Taking a deep breath, I gather what little courage I have left and push it open without knocking.

The moment I step inside, my world stops.

Dad.

He’s lying on the hospital bed, eyes closed, completely still.

Too still.

“No…” The word slips out before I can stop it.

My chest tightens painfully as I take a few steps forward. He looks so weak… so fragile… like all the strength in him has been drained away.

This isn’t the man I know. This isn’t my dad, tears blur my vision instantly as I break down, a quiet sob escaping my lips.

“I’m sorry…” I whisper, though I don’t even know what I’m apologizing for.

A gentle hand touches my shoulder.

I flinch slightly before turning to see a woman in a white coat standing beside me, a notepad still in her hand. Her expression is calm, kind reassuring in a way I didn’t realize I needed.

The nurses in the room exchange quick glances before quietly stepping out, giving us space.

“Your father is going to be alright,” she says softly, her voice steady. “I’m Doctor Mary. I spoke with you earlier.”

I nod quickly, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

“Thank you… thank you so much, Doctor,” I say, my voice trembling. “For everything.”

And I mean it.

She didn’t just treat him…she called me, stayed calm, helped me hold myself together when I was falling apart.

She gives me a small smile, but then gently shakes her head.

“I don’t think I should be the one you’re thanking,” she says.

I pause, confused.

“What do you mean?”

“You should be thanking the young man who brought your father here.”

I frown slightly, trying to process that.

“A… young man?”

She nods.

“Yes. According to what he told us, your father collapsed while getting out of a cab right in front of his car. He brought him here immediately and made sure everything was taken care of.”

I blink, stunned.

“He… paid for everything?”

“Yes,” she confirms. “All the necessary bills were settled before he left.”

For a moment, I’m speechless.

A stranger.

A complete stranger did all that?

“…Why would he do that?” I ask quietly, more to myself than to her.

Doctor Mary gives a small shrug.

“Not everyone turns away when they see someone in trouble.”

I let out a slow breath, still trying to take it all in but something about this doesn’t sit right.

Why was Dad even here?

This area… this hospital… it’s far from where we live. Places like this are meant for people with money people nothing like us.

So why would he come all the way here?

My thoughts spiral until her voice pulls me back.

“The young man’s name is Dominic Hale,” she adds.

I look up sharply.

“A… billionaire?” I ask, disbelief clear in my voice.

She nods again.

“Yes. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”

Of course I have.Everyone has.

And yet… someone like him helped my father?

It doesn’t make sense.

“He left his card,” Doctor Mary continues, reaching into her pocket. “He asked to be informed about your father’s condition. If you’d like, I can give you his contact details so you can thank him yourself.”

I hesitate for only a second before nodding.

“Yes… I’d like that. Thank you, Doctor.”

She hands it to me, and I hold the card carefully, as if it might disappear.

Dominic Hale.

The name alone feels heavy.

After a moment, I step away from her and slowly walk toward the bed.

Toward my father.

Up close, it’s even worse.

His face looks pale, his body weak, surrounded by tubes and drips that seem to be the only thing keeping him alive.

Dad would hate this If he wakes up and sees himself lying here weak, helpless, surrounded by machines he would be furious with himself. He has always called himself the strongest man alive.

He hates looking weak.

My chest tightens at the thought.

I take a slow breath before turning slightly toward the doctor.

“Doctor… what exactly is wrong with him?” I ask softly. “Is he going to be okay?”

My voice is barely above a whisper, but she hears me.

“Would you prefer we discuss this here,” she asks gently, “or in my office?”

I shake my head immediately.

What difference would it make?

“I’m fine,” I say, even though I’m not. “You can tell me here.”

She studies me for a moment, then nods.

After clearing her throat, she speaks calm, professional, but careful.

“Ava… your father’s kidneys are failing.”

For a second, I don’t understand.

Kidneys?

Plural?

Not one… both?

My breath catches painfully in my throat.

No.

No, that can’t be right.

My hand flies to my mouth, trying to stop the sob that threatens to escape. My entire body feels like it’s collapsing from the inside, but I force myself to stay still.

I can’t cry.Not here.

Not in front of him.

What if he wakes up and sees me like this?

He wouldn’t be able to take it.

We only have each other.

After Mom died, it’s always just been the two of us. And when my sister left… she didn’t just leave..she cut us off completely.

She we were holding her back that she wanted a new life.

A new family.

I swallow hard, blinking away tears, Dad has no one but me.And I have no one but him.

I can’t lose him.

I won’t.

“Ava,” Doctor Mary’s voice pulls me back, softer now. “This isn’t the end. You understand that, right?”

I nod quickly, wiping my face as I try to compose myself.

“I understand…”

Even if I don’t fully believe it.

“What happens next?” I ask, my voice trembling again. “Please… I don’t care about anything else. Just save him. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The words spill out faster now, desperation taking over.

“I know we’re strangers, but please… the receptionist said you’re one of the best. I’m begging you… save my dad.”

Tears slip down my cheeks despite my efforts.

Doctor Mary sighs softly but nods, her expression firm.

“I can help him,” she says. “And I will. But you need to listen carefully.”

I nod again, holding onto every word like it’s the only thing keeping me standing.

“We don’t have much time,” she continues. “If we act quickly, there’s a good chance your father can recover and return to a normal life.”

Hope flickers weakly in my chest.

“Ava, your father has developed a severe kidney condition. The only effective treatment at this stage is a transplant.”

A transplant.

The word echoes in my mind.

“He will need a kidney donor,” she adds, “and the surgery must be done as soon as possible.”

I grip the edge of the bed, bracing myself.

“How much…?” I ask quietly.

There’s a brief pause then she answers.

“The total cost for the procedure will be ten million dollars.”

Everything inside me goes still.

Ten million.

It might as well be impossible.

My fingers tighten around the bedsheet as reality crashes down on me all at once.

How am I supposed to save him… when his life comes with a price I can never afford?