Billionaire's Secret Baby

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The following day, Stephan, Ruby and Naomi waited by Ethan’s bedside in the hospital room while a staff of medical professionals carefully prepared him for the transfer. The air was charged with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Stephan looked on watchfully as they placed Ethan onto a stretcher, attaching tubes and monitors to his tiny body.

Dr. Evans walked up to them; his face dimmed with sorrow and understanding. He was honestly wishing Stephan, and Ruby good luck in this new journey of Ethan’s treatment. I know for a fact that St. Luke Hospital will offer him the specialized treatment he needs.

Stephan inclined his head gratefully as the doctor spoke. “Thank you, Dr. Evans, we thank you for all that you have done for Ethan.”

Naomi put her hand on Ruby’s shoulder, her eyes ignited with a determination meant to encourage Ruby. “We shall do everything possible to make sure that Ethan gets well, he well well-being is our priority and if transferring him to St Luke would help then we should be glad he is been transferred there.” They waited and watched as the medical team carefully wheeled Ethan out of the hospital

The journey to the hospital was a very long trip, every second passing with horrific anticipation. On their arrival, they were welcomed by a group of experts, all of them standing by to share their knowledge in support of Ethan.

Ethan’s case was handled by Dr Mitchell, a reputed paediatric oncologist. Naomi and Ruby instantly felt relaxed when they saw her calmness and her gentle touch. “We know how tough this must be for all of you.” “However, I promise you we will do everything possible to support Ethan in this battle.” Ruby nodded, her eyes brimming with unreleased tears. “Thank you, Dr. Mitchell. We are in your hands,”

Over the next few weeks, Ethan began a gruelling treatment schedule, enduring several rounds of chemo and radiation therapy. Dr. Mitchell paid close attention to how Ethan progressed, altering his treatment accordingly. His strength and determination amazed her, and she began to hope more and more for his recovery every day. The medical staff at St. Luke Hospital did their best to make the best out of the situation, taking no chance to ignore Ethan to regain his health.

Gradually, Ethan began to respond to treatment, his blood counts improved, and he regained his appetite and also the weight he had lost during the initial stage of the treatment. On one occasion when Dr. Mitchell walked into Ethan’s room with a smile on her face. ‘I have incredible news,’ she said, her tone full of sincere delight. While the latest blood test and biopsy show that Ethan is improving, the treatment seems to be effective.

Tears of joy and relief streamed down Ruby’s cheek, she was excited that her baby boy would be able to lead a normal life again. She turned to Naomi and hugged her with gratitude and love. She turned to face the doctor who still stood in the room.

“Thank you, doctor,” She said wiping her face

“No need to thank me, Ruby, I’m only doing my job.” She understood Ruby’s action, it was a tough journey for any mother. “Before I forget, a nurse will be here later to take samples for the DNA test” Dr Mitchell said to Stephan who stood silent since she broke the news of Ethan’s recovery.

“O-okay” Stephan managed to reply. He was happy that Ethan was getting better and soon he would be sure if the child was his. Although he was already emotionally attached to the boy he still wants to be certain.

The nurse came on the same day to collect the samples for the DNA test. Stephan looked on apprehensively as she swabbed Ethan’s cheek and meticulously packed the samples in a secure bag. Time seemed to stand still as they waited for the results to become available. Days became weeks and still, there was no information.

The longer Stephan waited, the more nervous he became, his mind trembling in anticipation of the answers. Would Ethan be his biological son? Would he have to confront the painful truth that he was not?

Finally, one afternoon Dr. Mitchell walked into the room smiling. ‘I have the DNA test results here,’ she said, holding an envelope in her hand. Stephan and Ruby held their breaths, their hearts beating with feverish anticipation. “You are Ethan’s biological father,” said Dr. Mitchell with audible excitement and relief. ‘The test proves it.’ A wave of emotions swept over Stephan – reassurance, jubilation, then an overwhelming love for Ethan. It has been an emotional whirlwind over the past few weeks, and finally, he had the confirmation that he hoped for.

Stephan excused himself from the room, wanting a brief moment to gather my thoughts after the news. He walked into the corridor of the hospital and leaned on the cold wall as he breathed deeply. His eyes became teary as a wave of happiness and relief passed over him.

After a while, it dawned on Stephan that he had to tell Amelia and his family about Ethan especially now that Ethan is been treated in their family hospital, his father could easily find out. After much consideration, he decided to tell Amelia first before his family. Returning to Ethan’s room, Stephan overheard Ruby telling Naomi about the DNA result and Stephan’s reaction. She felt Stephan wasn’t happy that Ethan was his because he walked away when he got the news.

“Ruby cheer up, as far as the test proves you weren’t lying and also provides some clarity on Ethan’s root, you don’t need to care if he is happy or not besides he could just be shocked. Ruby thought about what Naomi said for a while and realised that she might be right. Stephan just went from being a single guy to a single daddy overnight so maybe he needs time to process everything.

Stephan decided not to intrude in their conversation so he just left the hospital to handle the situation with Amelia. Immediately he got into his car, he dialled Amelia’s number and waited impatiently for it to ring. When she eventually responded, her voice somewhat exhausted, “Hello”

“Hi Amelia, are you busy tonight” Stephan asked immediately after he heard Amelia’s voice

“No, I’m not, why did you ask”

“I would like us to have dinner, just the two of us”

“Really, what’s the occasion” Amelia was feeling excited about eating privately with Stephan

“I need to talk to you about something very important”