An Invitation
952 Words
Everyone’s expression changed. Some looked frightened, others curious, but all were clearly stunned.
They couldn’t believe what they had just heard. Even if they didn’t know Elaina, they definitely knew who Jalen was.
Jalen often appeared on television.
Looking at him, the patient’s wife finally nodded. She thought, Jalen is so powerful. If he’s willing to vouch for this doctor, then she must be trustworthy.
The patient was pushed into the operating room.
Elaina looked at Jalen and gave him a slight nod before turning and entering the OR.
She was curious why Jalen had suddenly appeared to back her up. But there was no time for questions now—the patient was her priority.
The operating light turned on, and everyone waited outside the doors—including Jalen.
Three hours passed.
The light finally went off, and the doors opened. A nurse came out first.
The patient’s wife rushed up to her, anxiously asking,
“Nurse, how’s my husband? Was the surgery successful?”
“Yes. The operation was very successful. The patient is no longer in danger,” the nurse replied.
Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief at her words. Only Jalen looked unsurprised by the result.
Soon, the patient was wheeled out by the nurses. The family followed behind and slowly dispersed, leaving Jalen standing alone at the OR door.
When Elaina stepped out, she spotted him immediately—and he saw her too.
He quickly walked over to her.
“Hello, Dr. Gainsford.”
“Hello, Mr. Halton,” she replied.
Her voice was a little weak; she had just spent three straight hours in surgery.
At first, Jalen had planned to get straight to the point—Marie’s condition couldn’t wait. But hearing Elaina’s voice made him pause and collect himself.
“May I treat you to a meal?” he asked.
Elaina frowned and instinctively refused.
“That won’t be necessary. Mr. Halton, what exactly do you want?”
She thought, We were married for two years and not once did you ask me to a meal. Now, right after our divorce, you’re making this kind of offer? Are you joking?
She knew Jalen didn’t recognize her.
He had no idea that the legendary Dr. Gainsford standing before him was actually his ex-wife—the woman he had just divorced yesterday.
Still, Elaina was irritated. She didn’t want anything to do with him.
“Alright then,” Jalen said decisively.
“I’d like you to perform a surgery.”
“Here’s the patient’s medical file,” he said, handing her the already-prepared document.
Elaina reached out to take it.
As soon as she opened it, she saw a photo. The woman in the picture was smiling—she was beautiful, with large eyes.
So she’s the reason you never looked at me during those two years, Elaina thought.
How touching, Jalen.
Well, it’s none of my business now. We’re divorced. Feel free to love whomever you like.
Elaina read through Marie Dunston’s medical history carefully. The more she read, the more serious her expression became. She gradually understood why Jalen had come to her.
After a long moment, she handed the file back.
“She’s gravely ill. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Jalen nodded solemnly—something rare for him.
“She had one surgery already but relapsed afterward. Almost every doctor has given up on her.”
He thought, But I can’t give up. Kian died saving me. How could I face him if I gave up now?
Marie had a brain tumor.
Brain tumors were difficult enough to treat—but this was a relapse.
The second operation would be even harder than the first.
Kian Dunston had been Marie’s brother.
Kian’s face flashed in Jalen’s mind, and when he saw Elaina’s hesitation, he quickly added:
“You can ask for anything. I’ll agree to whatever I can manage.”
Elaina looked at him, a bit surprised.
She hadn’t expected Jalen—the man known for being cold and ruthless—to be willing to give up everything for the woman he loved.
“Where is she? I need to see the patient first,” she said.
Even if she didn’t want anything to do with Jalen, she was still a doctor.
She couldn’t turn a blind eye to someone who was dying.
Her principles wouldn’t change—even if the dying woman happened to be Jalen’s girlfriend.
“She’s currently in a private hospital owned by Halton Group. I can take you to see her now,” Jalen said.
He was slightly surprised that Elaina had agreed so easily.
He had assumed she would demand something in return.
Elaina frowned.
“She’s not at Northwestern Memorial Hospital?”
“No. The private hospital is better in every aspect. She has a better chance if you perform the surgery there,” Jalen explained.
Halton Group’s private hospital had the most advanced equipment and best conditions. Of course Jalen would want Marie treated there.
Hearing that, Elaina shook her head and replied apologetically:
“Then I’m sorry. I can’t operate on Miss Dunston.”
“Why not?” Jalen asked, confused.
Why had she suddenly backed out?
Elaina looked helpless. Just as she was about to explain, Jalen pulled out a check and handed it to her.
“Money’s not a problem.”
Elaina looked at it—and the number written on the check would have tempted almost anyone.
But she only smiled and said:
“It’s a lot of money, indeed. But some things cost more than money.”
“Then what do you want?” Jalen asked, holding back his frustration.
He assumed she just wanted more.
- Writer
