Single Heart Novels & Stories

Noemi assured her with a gentle smile. The doctor entered with a calm, professional demeanor, and after some preliminary tests, they were finally ready to discuss Scarlett’s health. The first piece of news came as a complete shock. “Scarlett,” the doctor began, her voice careful, “after reviewing your tests, I noticed something concerning your heart. You have a condition called an atrial septal defect—a hole in your heart. It’s the same condition that your mother has, and while it’s usually manageable, we need to monitor it closely.”

But I saw his jaw tighten again. Dr. Hayes finally turned back to us. “We suspect a congenital rhythm disorder,” he said gently. “We can’t confirm it yet, but it would explain the instability.” “Disorder?” I echoed. “It means his heart's electrical system may not be regulating properly on its own,” he explained. “Some cases resolve. Some require medication. Rarely…” He hesitated. “Say it,” Luca said. He met Luca’s gaze directly. “Rarely, they require surgical intervention.”

Six replied. Heart problems were Melanie's expertise. Not only had she been chronically ill since childhood, but she had also paid attention to heart diseases since she started studying medicine. But judging by her understanding of pulse patterns and heart diseases, Six's heart was very healthy!

The heartbeat was heavier than he had anticipated, each beat distinct and palpable. Was her heartbeat this strong right now? He didn't know the answer. He had never seen her in person, only her data. But that data showed her heart was resilient. Ever since the arena that day, her heart rate curve had persisted, steady, continuous, like an unbreakable thread.

"I don’t understand... What caused his heart to weaken? I mean... I grew up with him, I know him well—he’s healthy. My brother is healthy! And isn’t it impossible for his heart to just weaken all of a sudden?" "Miss Hart, Noel’s condition is congenital. He was born with a weak heart.” I felt my entire body freeze. My breath hitched as I processed what the doctor just said. “Inborn?” I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper. I felt my entire body freeze. My breath hitched as I processed what the doctor just said. Inborn? What the hell… The doctor pulled out a file from his desk, flipping through the pages before placing it in front of me.

He trailed his azure eyes at her face and then remembered something. “Yeah ... .she had some kind of heart disease in her childhood but her aunt had operated on her and the surgery proved to be successful, so she is fine now,” he revealed to Kester, recalling his conversation with her where she told him that she had some kind of heart defect since her birth but when she was 3 years old, her aunty Bellyana performed her heart's surgery as she was one of the best cardiologist in that time and her heart condition completely recovered with her help.

After around an hour and a half, Noah’s surgery was over, and he was shifted to the post-anaesthesia care unit for observation. Thankfully, his surgery was successful, making Anthea finally take a breath of relief. Even though it was a minor surgery with a 99% success rate, she was still afraid because of Noah’s heart condition. He was born with heart arrhythmia. A condition that causes irregular heartbeats.

As he gazed at his reflection, he saw a restless soul, a lone wolf filled with dissatisfaction and inner turmoil. Taking a seat on the toilet, he reached for his phone and messaged a friend overseas. Bradley: [When will you be returning to the country?] Kevin: [?] Bradley: [I need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination.] Kevin: [Why?] Bradley: [Lately, my heart has been beating fast, and I've had two nosebleeds. I suspect it might be a heart condition or even leukemia.] Kevin: [...] Kevin: [A fast heartbeat could be attributed to infatuation. But you, perpetually single, can't possibly be infatuated with another woman!]

Isla handed me the clipboard with his paperwork "He already has a pacemaker implanted, but apparently even that doesn't keep him from getting sick from time to time..." "He has the same type of heart defect as Theodore. Strange. That's quite rare..." I quickly scanned the papers "Well, at least it looks like he's going to be okay. I mean, these numbers probably indicate that he's not taking his meds as he should, but that can be easily resolved if he commits to taking better care of himself." I handed her clipboard back "Here. And thanks again for leaving the pediatric ward just for him. You really didn't have to do that..."

But wedged into a booth between Jen and Adrian, listening to Brian and David's continued argument about pizza toppings, I find I don't mind. “So Cassie.” Riley leans across the table. “What made you choose cardiology?” The question catches me off guard. Most people don't ask about the why. “The heart is complicated,” I say slowly. “It has to work perfectly, constantly, or everything fails. And when it breaks…” I trace patterns on the condensation of my water glass. “When it breaks, sometimes you can fix it. Sometimes you can't. But you have to try anyway.” The table goes quiet for a moment.