Beep… Beep…
The surgery continued relentlessly on Kassiel's blood-soaked body. One arm was connected to a serum infusing blood, the other to a serum sustaining her frail body.
"Blue… 0.1 ml," Velit instructed. Lenverlize followed without hesitation. Velit no longer dictated every step; he entrusted Lenverlize to make decisions, observing his every move with keen eyes. Undeniably, Velit's opinion of Lenverlize had shifted. This kid would make an exceptional doctor, he thought. If he chose that path, he'd surely be one of the best. But Lenverlize's choice wasn't medicine. Velit realized he shouldn't underestimate this young man.
Time marched forward without pause. Lenverlize's gaze alternated between his wife and the heart monitor, its weak pulses echoing her fragile state.
"Kassiel… you have to hold on," he whispered, not just to her but as a prayer in his heart.
Half an Hour Later
Pop! The green light above the emergency room door flickered off. The family members waiting outside felt their hands and feet go cold. The extinguished light signaled the surgery's end. Just over thirty minutes ago, a female doctor had emerged to inform them that the baby, born prematurely, was frail and required incubation. Visitors weren't yet allowed due to the risk of infection. As for the mother, her condition remained unstable, with no guarantees.
Creak!
Tap… The moment the door opened, Kassiel's parents rushed toward the doctor. Kherik, who had just donated blood for his daughter, joined them, equally anxious.
"Doctor… my daughter…"
Pop! The question faltered as Velit removed his mask. The room collectively exhaled in relief. They recognized him instantly—the doctor who had saved Kassiel on her wedding day.
"Doctor… Doctor!"
"She's safe," Velit said, cutting through their fears.
"Ugh…"
Whoosh! Enyong and Monika turned to each other, smiling through tears—a smile of joy that their daughter had survived this ordeal.
"But you can't approach the mother yet. As for the child, you'll be allowed to visit once all preparations are complete, per protocol."
"Ugh… Thank you so much, Doctor!"
"But where's Lenverlize?" Monika asked, noticing her son's absence. Velit's eyes flicked briefly behind him at the question.
Beep… Beep!
The sound of the machine hummed near his ear. Lenverlize sat, staring at Kassiel, who lay pale and unconscious. Clearly, she hadn't yet regained awareness. Estimates suggested she might wake by tomorrow evening or perhaps the day after. But he was deeply worried. He didn't want to be even an inch away from her. His mind was consumed by her, especially after Velit's parting words before leaving the room:
"She's passed the life-or-death stage… but this could be her last."
"What do you mean?"
"Her body can't withstand another surgery. In the future, you need to be extremely careful."
Whoosh! Lenverlize gazed at Kassiel, his heart shattered. The pain of watching the woman he loved, knowing what she'd endured—barely able to breathe—tore him apart.
"I understand… I won't let anything happen to her again," Lenverlize said, his voice hoarse. His eyes, raw with emotion, locked onto her, revealing without restraint that she was his everything.
Velit let out a long breath before responding.
"Good."
Lenverlize turned to Velit, who stood by the bed.
"Thank you, Doctor."
"Hmph! I only did what I wanted to do. Don't think I was trying to help you. Honestly, I've disliked you from the start."
"Your eyes say enough," Lenverlize shot back. Velit fell silent, then smirked.
"Hmph… I've never seen anyone as brazen as you." Velit took a deep breath before continuing. "In exchange for this surgery, I have a question. You will answer."
"What is it?"
"The person you mentioned during the surgery—who are they?"
Thud! Lenverlize froze, his gaze hardening as he stared at Velit. But then…
"I never knew their name. I only met them four years ago."
"Where? Are they a doctor?"
"In a rural area with poor, displaced patients. They were a volunteer caring for the sick. They said they weren't a doctor, just someone who once wanted to be."
Velit furrowed his brow.
"You're not telling me you trusted some unverified person and risked your wife's life for an experiment, are you?" Thud! Lenverlize stiffened, but he countered:
"Still not as reckless as the experiment you ran on me earlier, right?"
Snap! Their eyes locked in a tense standoff for several seconds. Then…
"Fine, I won't press you."
Dodging the question, or finding an escape?
"Can I ask why you're looking for them?"
"My business," Velit replied curtly. Lenverlize lowered his gaze, seemingly deep in thought, before repeating, despite Velit's dismissal:
"Thank you, Doctor."
"I already said—"
"Thank you for doing what you wanted, which always saves lives that deserve to live. I know you're not as harsh as you seem."
"What do you know?" Velit frowned, displeased with Lenverlize's words. But…
"Ayli told me."
Thud! Velit froze at Lenverlize's words. Though Ayli hadn't attended their wedding, the couple had sent a congratulatory letter. Clearly, they knew Velit well and were grateful he'd helped Lenverlize.
"You've got too many connections. I hate people who rely on them," Velit said, his face souring. Lenverlize gave a faint, bittersweet smile, his hand gently resting on Kassiel's head, stroking it softly.
"Is that why you were so hard on me?" Lenverlize teased. Velit let out a laugh—a genuine one, filled with admiration, though he didn't voice it.
"Don't get cocky."
"I'm not. Arrogant people don't know how to be grateful. Am I right?"
Snap! Velit stared at Lenverlize, not with hostility, but with satisfaction.
"Hmph… Fine, you've said something I can agree with. If anything happens, Velo will inform me directly. I'm tired of your thanks—don't overdo it." Velit cut him off, anticipating Lenverlize's next words.
Pop! After their back-and-forth, Lenverlize raised both hands, staring at them. A memory surfaced—a man he'd met four years ago:
"You're not saying you did all this because of liking it?"
"Because of liking it, and thinking of a patient who matters."
"Hmph… Good answer. I'll give you a few books—rare ones. Keep them safe."
"Thank you, sir… but I'm not a doctor. You should give them to a better doctor, not waste them on me."
Crunch! Lenverlize spoke with certainty, prompting the man to laugh. His expression showed clear approval, especially after seeing Lenverlize care for a blind friend.
"I wrote those books, don't worry. When I meet someone worthy, I know if they're suitable. You're capable, kid. Why not become a doctor?"
The question made Lenverlize pause for a breath.
"A doctor? The ethics of a doctor are to save lives. But if I became one, I'd be a selfish doctor."
"Why?" The man frowned.
"Because my goal in learning was only for someone important to me, not for every patient." Thud! Lenverlize's answer stunned the listener.
"That person must be very important to make you do all this."
Crunch! Lenverlize fell silent. That person? A figment of his imagination, not someone in this world or his reality. He was mad…
"Why so quiet?" the man asked, noticing his prolonged silence.
"Hmph… Nothing." Lenverlize gave a faint smile. His refusal was futile. Someone like Narvik Feraf, when determined to give something, ensured it was received—and kept well. Those books were the ones Kassiel had seen.
Three Days Later
"Aha… Nguak!"
A soft sound came from tiny pink lips, small hands grasping tightly. Round, sparkling eyes resembled his mother's, while his face mirrored his father's. He lay, gazing at the adults around him. His two grandmothers stood watching their grandson in the protective glass incubator, their hearts swelling with joy and tenderness.
"Vencheffer" was still under observation. Visitors were limited to strict schedules to prioritize prevention over treatment. The family took turns supporting Lenverlize, who would've collapsed from exhaustion otherwise. Thankfully, Velo arrived, allowing Lenverlize brief moments to rest, though he was reluctant. He shuttled between checking on his son and his still-unconscious wife, listening to his parents' concerned advice but never straying far from Kassiel. Velo explained that Kassiel's weakness caused her prolonged unconsciousness, but reassured Lenverlize not to worry excessively. As for Vencheffer, his tiny body required breast milk to grow, but with Kassiel unconscious, complications loomed—respiratory risks and potential developmental delays. Velo's meticulous care for his nephew eased some worries. Lenverlize's claims of resting were mere reassurances; he sat vigilantly by Kassiel, terrified she'd wake and need him.
Pop… His strong hand grasped hers, pressing it to his lips.
"Wake up, silly girl… Our son needs you. How can his mother sleep so long?" he murmured softly. His eyes, shadowed with exhaustion, watched her with longing.
Fares, guarding outside, peered in with pity. Lenverlize had instructed him to alert him if his mother arrived.
Lenverlize propped his elbow on the bed's edge, hands clasped against his forehead—a makeshift rest. But it didn't last. A faint groan from Kassiel snapped him alert, his body lurching toward her.
"Kassiel…" His hand touched her forehead, his lips curling into a relieved smile.
"…" Her brow furrowed, pain registering across her body. Her eyes struggled open, meeting his anxious, hopeful face.
"Len… verlize."
"You're awake… Wait a moment." He turned to fetch water, noticing her hoarse voice. But Kassiel, glancing at her stomach, bolted upright.
"Ugh, Lenverlize… the baby… my baby!" She remembered the blood, her fall. Lenverlize turned back to her.
"Drink some water first. You've been out for two days."
Pop… She swatted his hand away.
"No, ugh!"
Seeing her panic and tears, he spoke quickly.
"Our baby's fine. He's born. He's come to us."
"You're not lying, are you?"
"No… I'm not lying."
"Then I want to see him… I want to find him, Lenverlize, ugh!" She moved to get off the bed, ignoring her pain, but Lenverlize grabbed her arm.
"Kassiel."
"Take me to him!"
Creak!
"Master… Madam…" The door opened. Fares reported that Monika had arrived but froze upon seeing Kassiel awake.
"Madam…"
"Ugh, Lenverlize…"
"What's wrong?" Monika and Enyong, entering after visiting their grandson, were stunned to see Kassiel awake.
"Kassiel/Darling!"
"Mom… I want to see my son." Kassiel turned from her husband, pleading with both mothers.
"Well…" Enyong glanced at Lenverlize.
"Please…" Kassiel insisted, until…
"Wait for the doctor, dear. They're checking Vencheffer's condition," Enyong said.
"Exactly. Wait for Velo, okay?" Lenverlize held her hand, speaking soothingly.
Kassiel looked at her husband, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Why? Is something wrong with our son? Because of me, right? Ugh…"
"No, it's not like that. He's fine, just undergoing routine checks for newborns."
"Ugh…" She clutched her chest, sobbing.
"Exactly. You just woke up; you're weak. If you're not strong, the doctors won't allow it. Listen to Mom, Kassiel. You need to nurse him. Rest first," Enyong added.
"Ugh…" Kassiel had no words to protest, only staring at everyone.
That Evening
Kassiel was permitted to be near her son. She sat in a wheelchair, pushed by Lenverlize, with Velo accompanying them.
"Ugh… my darling." Kassiel gazed at her son, wiggling his tiny limbs in the clear box. She stepped down, intending to approach him.
"Kassiel, slowly," Lenverlize cautioned, supporting her.
"Right, you're not fully recovered," Velo added. Kassiel glanced at her husband and Velo before turning back to her son. Her hand pressed against the glass. Her boy was smaller than average, as expected. It was her fault, hers alone.
"Ak… uh." The little boy looked at his mother, making soft baby sounds.
"Ugh… my darling."
Whoosh! Kassiel turned to Velo.
"Doctor… can I touch him? Ugh." Velo hesitated, glancing at Lenverlize. Fortunately, Vencheffer's IVs had been removed. If Kassiel had seen him earlier, tethered to tubes, her heart would've broken even more.
"Yes… but be careful," Velo allowed.
"Uhm!" She nodded eagerly, lifting her son to her chest. Her lips kissed his forehead. She loved him so much.
"Ugh, my darling, it's Mommy, ugh, it's Mommy." She cried and smiled, overjoyed that her son was safe. Lenverlize, seeing her like this, felt a wave of relief. Velo tapped his shoulder lightly.
After being allowed to hold her son, Kassiel could breastfeed him. Vencheffer was calm, rarely crying. Velo explained that her milk was vital for his growth, so Kassiel stayed close, refusing to leave him. The three grandfathers, thrilled by the news, were on their way. Lenverlize was overwhelmed, so Theago stepped in to help, as did Kherik and William.
As dusk painted the sky…
Kassiel nursed until Vencheffer slept, then placed him in his designated spot per Velo's instructions. She watched him constantly, ignoring calls to rest. Feeding strengthened the boy significantly, prompting Velo to allow Kassiel to stay near him.
Tap…
"Kassiel… rest and eat something," Enyong urged again. The food on the table had gone cold; Kassiel hadn't touched it.
"I want to stay with him. I'm afraid he'll wake up hungry and cry, Mom."
"But you need rest and food too. If you don't, you won't have milk for him."
Crunch! Enyong's words struck Kassiel. She turned to her mother, then realized she hadn't seen Lenverlize since he'd brought her to her son and vanished. She'd been so focused on Vencheffer that she overlooked her husband's own exhaustion.
"Mom…" Kassiel looked up, confused.
"Yes?"
"Where's Lenverlize?" Enyong glanced at the door before responding.
"Earlier, he was guarding your room. Then Fares had something urgent to discuss. He's probably nearby with Fares."
"Ugh…"
"Kassiel, what's wrong?"
"I'm leaving Vencheffer with you, Mom."
"Okay… but where are you going? Let me call someone—"
"No, I can walk. I'm not in pain."
"Oh, slowly, be careful."
"…" Kassiel nodded, stepping out cautiously. Still in her patient gown, her arms bandaged, she moved slowly, her eyes searching.
At a quiet corridor corner, she stopped, spotting Lenverlize's back.
"Let Sarita handle it for us… Kassiel's not well yet… cough, cough."
"Ugh."
Lenverlize's words were cut off by a cough. Fares looked worried, as did Kassiel, watching her husband with a trembling heart.
"Master… let a doctor check you," Fares urged.
"I'm fine. Go."
"Y-Yes, sir." Fares lowered his gaze, turning to leave, only to freeze upon seeing Kassiel standing there, crying. He hesitated.
"Madam." Fares bowed respectfully. Lenverlize turned, his face paling. She walked here?
Tap… He rushed to her as Fares departed.
"Kassiel… why are you walking?"
Seeing his concern, her tears fell harder.
"Ugh… I'm fine. I can walk."
"No, wait, I'll get—"
"Lenverlize, ugh." She cut him off.
"Kassiel…"
"I'm sorry… Lenverlize, I'm sorry, ugh." She rushed into his arms, sobbing into his chest.
"Why are you sorry?" he asked gently, stroking her hair.
"Because of me… you're struggling like this, ugh."
"Silly girl… how could caring for my wife and child be a struggle?"
"But I—"
Pop… He pulled back slightly.
"You did so well." Crunch! His words made her cry harder.
"…"
"Coming back to me… that's more than enough. You did so well, you know?"
"Ugh… Lenverlize." She knew how much he loved her. His eyes showed his joy.
Whoosh! Kassiel cupped his face, pulling him down. She kissed his forehead tenderly, then hugged him tightly. He returned the embrace, missing her warmth.
"Ugh, I heard every word during the surgery."
Crunch! He smiled faintly at her words.
"Good that you could hear."
"If I hadn't, how would I know how amazing my husband is?"
"…"
"Thank you, Lenverlize… thank you for finding me, for loving me, for sacrificing so much for me, ugh. In this lifetime, I'll repay your love fully. I'll listen to you in everything. I love you, my darling husband, ugh."
"…" A tear rolled down his cheek. She wiped it away, smiling.
"…"
"I'm the one who should thank you. You sacrificed so much, even your life, for our child—"
Pop… She pressed her hand to his mouth.
"Don't say that… I did it because I love you, because he's our son. If I didn't carry him, who would? Don't talk like that."
"But…" He gently moved her hand.
"Your happiness is what I want, just as you always protect me with your love, Lenverlize. I was wrong, I admit it, but my choices don't mean I love you less than you love me. I love you so much. You're the one who helps me overcome everything. You're my everything, ugh."
"…" He fell silent.
"Why'd you stop talking, ugh?"
"I'm… just too happy. I don't know what to say."
"Hmph." She laughed through her tears. "Sorry for leaving you to care for our son alone these past days."
"Exactly. Without you, it was tough," he teased, feigning a pout. She smiled brightly, then playfully kissed his chin.
"I'm back now. That helps, right?"
"Absolutely. A lot."
"I know."
"Promise me you won't go anywhere again."
"Uhm, I promise."
"You promised. I'm holding you to it. If you slack off later, I'll follow your lead."
Thud! His words sounded simple, even playful, but she understood their weight. She nodded, tears falling.
"Uhm."
"…" Lenverlize lowered his gaze, closing his eyes as he held her tightly. He'd tied his life to hers, and he wanted her to know.
"Ugh…"
"Madam." Meva, standing near Monika, called to her mistress, who was wiping tears, watching her children embrace. Earlier, Monika had gone to see her grandson, found only Enyong, and learned Kassiel had gone after Lenverlize. Fearing trouble, she followed, only to witness this scene, crying with emotion.
"Ugh." Monika wiped her cheeks clean.
"Enough crying."
"Yes, ugh." Meva wiped her own tears, hurrying back to the grandson.
Pop!
"Ugh?" Kassiel gasped as Lenverlize lifted her off the ground.
"You're not allowed to walk yet."
"But—"
"You said you'd listen to me." He used her words against her, making her smile.
"Hmph… look at you." She clung to his neck. "Fine, your long legs make you fast, so it's a good thing. I'm starving, husband. Feed your wife."
"Alright… I'm hungry too." He pouted playfully.
"Hehe." She giggled in his arms as he carried her to their son's room. He knew his mother had arrived, and food was likely ready. Soon, Vencheffer's three grandfathers would arrive too.
"When will Don arrive?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because I know Don wants to see Vencheffer too."
"Hmph, you're right. That old man's impatient. He's seen him already, probably returning tomorrow or tonight."
"Oh? I'm jealous of everyone."
"Who told you to sleep so long?"
"Fine, my fault then, hehe." She laughed brightly in his arms.
In South Korea
At Night
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking drew the attention of a man engrossed in work. He looked up to see a small girl enter with a glass of milk. His face softened into a smile, his eyes never leaving his daughter.
Plop! She set the glass on the table, and her father swiveled his chair.
"Not asleep yet, darling?" He not only asked but leaned down to kiss her forehead, lifting her onto his lap.
Pop…
"Not yet. I brought milk for Daddy and came to tell Daddy to sleep. Mommy said so," Elise said, staring at her father's face.
Mark Flynn hugged his daughter, his eyes filled with immense love.
Smack! He kissed her hair, then pulled back.
"Daddy's almost done."
"Then I'll wait for Daddy." Snap! Elise's determined expression told Mark she meant it. He knew his wife had sent their daughter to coax him to bed, and as always, he surrendered to his princess and queen.
"Hmph, fine, Daddy's done working." His strong hands reluctantly closed his work, but Elise stared at him blankly, showing no reaction.
"Why are you looking at Daddy like that?" he asked, sensing something odd.
"Daddy, I have a question." Mark raised an eyebrow, giving her his full attention.
"Of course. Ask away."
"Um… is sending a letter overseas hard?"
Crunch! He furrowed his brow.
"Not hard. Who do you want to send it to?"
"A friend."
"Who? Does Daddy know them?"
"Daddy doesn't, but Daddy Willy does." Crunch! Her words instantly told him it was a child of Willy's friend. His mischievous brother-in-law had introduced Elise to some interesting connections. Mark still hadn't settled the score for taking Elizabeth out without his permission.
Mark nodded slightly, then asked, "Tell me, what's their name?"
"Clayser."
"A boy?"
"Yes."
"Do you like this friend a lot?"
"A lot. Clayser's smart and talented like Demonik. I saw Demonik get along with him so well."
"So you want to be friends with him, like your brother?"
"Hehe, Daddy, bingo!" Elise beamed, thrilled her father understood. Besides Demonik and the twins, she'd never shown interest in befriending anyone. She was like Mark as a child.
"Alright, Daddy will send it for you. Write what you want, and we'll need the address. But why not call?"
"Daddy Willy said some things can be done but shouldn't be rushed."
Thud! Mark realized Willy's advice had a reason. Just then, the door opened again, revealing his wife, who'd lost both her husband and daughter after sending Elise to fetch him. She approached, glaring from a distance.
"Mommy's here," Mark told Elise.
"Daddy…" Elise urged.
"Daddy promises." Mark gave his word, and Elise smiled, satisfied, turning to her mother.
"Mommy!"
"Yes," Lim replied sweetly to her daughter, though her glance at her husband was sharper.
"What are you and Daddy doing?"
"I was taking her to bed," Mark replied.
"Exactly. Daddy stopped working, Mommy," Elise added, sliding off her father's lap to hug her mother. Mark stood, following.
"To bed, little one. It's late," Lim said, stroking Elise's head.
"Yes, Mommy. Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Mommy."
Smack, smack. Elise kissed her parents' cheeks as they leaned down, then scampered off.
Lim turned to her husband once Elise was gone.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Are you and Elise hiding something from me?"
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"Not lying. I was about to tell you."
"What?"
"Elizabeth seems to have a new friend."
"Really?"
"She asked about sending a letter. That family seems quite mysterious."
"Probably fine… friends of Will and Kherin?"
"Hmm." He hummed, pulling his wife into an embrace.
"It's good she has friends, right?" Lim asked, not wanting her daughter to feel alone.
"Exactly," he agreed. She pulled back.
"If Lodan were alive, Elise wouldn't be lonely. Alright, bed. Look at you, so busy. If you don't rest, I'll drag you to Luster myself."
"Hmph, you've been fierce lately. Let's sleep. I'm tired, and seeing your face makes me sleepy." He teased, earning a playful glare from Lim.