005: Hope....

Heather's POV

I wheeled Alexander into the doctor's office with a faint smile on my face. We had been married for a week, and while it had not been a complete bliss, things weren't as bad as I had imagined. It was difficult to please Alexander, he was angry most of the time, but deep down I knew he was a good man. His attitude had merely changed because of his accident, but I was hoping things would be different after today.

It had taken me a whole week to convince him to come here. He barely left home ever since his accident, and whenever he did he always made sure to wear a disguise. He was clearly ashamed of the man he had become, but I planned to change that.

"This better work." Alexander nagged as we entered the doctor's office. Dr Harrington was one of my lecturers back at college, and he was a renowned orthopedist. Compared to the others that Alexander had probably been to, he might seem mediocre, but I was almost positive that Dr Harrington would help Alexander in a way that the other doctors hadn't.

"Ms Stone, do we have an appointment?" Dr Harrington inquired with a raised brow.

"No, not really. I just wanted to see you for something important." I replied and watched as his brows furrowed almost immediately.

"Anything regarding school should be done on campus. I won't give you any special treatment—"

"No that's not it, at all doctor." I interjected sharply before he could get the wrong idea. With my eyes, I gestured towards Alexander who sat silent the entire time.

"Ohh....this is a different matter? Have a seat then." Dr Harrington offered the moment he understood my purpose. "What's the matter?"

"His legs, I want him to walk again." I answered sharply, my eagerness slightly scaring both the doctor and Alexander who remained silent. He was skeptical about the entire thing, and believed it was all a waste of time. He had numerous doctors come and tell him that he could never walk again, doctors that he believed were leagues above Doctor Harrington. So how on earth was this supposed to help him?

Dr Harrington stood from his desk and walked over to Alexander slowly. Crouching low, he examined Alexander's lifeless limbs before turning over to me.

"Is he your brother?"

I didn't answer immediately, I merely turned to Alexander who equally turned to meet my gaze. Nobody knew about our marriage, and I was uncertain if it was okay for me to let Dr Harrington know that.

"She's my wife." Alexander answered after realizing that I was tongue-tied.

Dr Harrington glared at me with surprise written across his face, unsure if he should believe the words that had just spilled out of Alexander's mouth or not.

After a minute of silence, he cleared his throat and returned his attention to Alexander.

"We can definitely make him walk again. We will schedule the surgery for next month—"

"Can it be performed today?" Alexander interjected sharply before Dr Harrington could finish his sentence.

Dr. Harrington blinked, startled by Alexander’s abrupt interruption. He hesitated, clearly taken aback by the sudden demand. "Today?" he repeated, as if to confirm he had heard correctly. "Mr...?"

"Forger," Alexander said curtly. "Alexander Forger."

Once again, Doctor Harrington paused, stunned to hear the name. He turned to me once more, surprise clear on his face. He clearly couldn't believe that I was married, and to Alexander Forger of all people.

"Well, Mr. Forger, performing the surgery today is... possible, but highly unlikely. We’d need to coordinate with the surgical team, and ensure all preoperative tests are in order. Frankly, the doctors are booked with other patients. It’s not as simple as—"

"I’ll pay whatever it takes," Alexander interrupted, his tone cold and resolute. His sharp eyes bore into Dr. Harrington, leaving no room for negotiation. "Name your price. Whatever it takes to make this happen today."

The room fell into a tense silence. Dr. Harrington looked conflicted, his professionalism battling with the temptation of Alexander’s offer.

Alexander was clearly desperate, hearing that he could regain the use of his legs had stirred up something in him. All the doctors that had attended to him before had told him that it was impossible for him to walk again. And although I could tell he still doubted Dr Harrington's capabilities, he was willing to take any chance if it meant that he could walk again.

I inched closer to him, hoping to negotiate and make him understand that performing the surgery today was not feasible for the doctors. It was best to come prepared to avoid complications of any sort.

"Alexander," I whispered softly, just to his hearing alone. "Maybe we should wait. Let them prepare properly. Rushing into this might—"

"Stay out of this, Heather," Alexander snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. He didn’t even glance at me, his eyes were fixed firmly on Dr. Harrington's and I could tell the only thing he wanted to hear right now were the doctor's words.

It wasn't the first time he had raised his voice at me, but it was definitely the first time he had done so in public, and worst, in front of my teacher.

I lowered my head to avoid Dr Harrington's gaze. . .

Dr. Harrington sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Mr. Stone, even if money weren’t an issue, I can’t guarantee the availability of the staff or facilities on such short notice. However "If you’re serious about this, I can make a few calls. I’ll need to pull in some favors, but I’ll warn you—it won’t be cheap, and there’s a risk to rushing the procedure."

Alexander’s jaw tightened, his eyes glistening with hope as he replied. "Do it. I’ll cover whatever it costs. Just get it done.”