Written in the Stars

Chapter1

Joelien POV

The distance of the phones ringing and people talking softly play at the back ground as Joelien sit and waited in the waiting room of the hospital in the earlier of the morning waiting to go in to the doctor office room.

The doctor would soon call her in with the results of her blood test — results that could change everything.

The soft shuffle of nurses' shoes filled the air with the noises of the hospital, but to her, it all blended into a distant murmur.

Her palms were slick with sweat, and she rubbed them together in her lap, trying to steady her trembling hands. She could feel it , something was wrong .

There was reason why the doctor need to see her .

She was afraid.

Afraid that her anemia had worsened.

Afraid of more bad news.

With this chronic disease she has taken a tall in her life. And she could feel that her symptoms have worst in time.

Ever since she have found out she have Anemia it haven’t got better it just got worst and she could feel that something was wrong.

Her gaze drifted aimlessly around the room until it landed on a young mother sitting across from her in the waiting room.

The woman was cradling a newborn baby girl in her arms, gently rocking her as she hummed a soft lullaby. The sight of new born baby make Joelien first smile but it soon fated when something inside Joelien twisted painfully.

A beautiful picture soon become painful as she watch the woman with the newborn.

Her throat tightened as she watched the mother’s tender smile. A wave of memories crashed over her, and she blinked hard, trying to stop the tears that welled up in her eyes.

The mother glanced up and caught her staring, offering a kind, understanding smile. Joelien forced a faint smile back, then quickly looked away, her heart aching.

The sight of that baby had opened an old wound — one she tried so hard to keep buried. It still hurt deeply .

The loss of both her daughters.

A tear rolled down Joelien’s cheek. She quickly wiped it away just as the receptionist’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“Miss Bentley?”

Joelien blinked and lifted her gaze. The receptionist smiled gently. “You may go in now. The doctor is waiting for you.”

With a quiet nod, Joelien rose from her chair. Her legs felt heavy, her heart heavier still. Taking a deep breath, she walked toward the doctor’s office, hoping — and fearing — what she might hear next.

As she entered the doctor room was she meet with large brown wooden oak desk in the middle of the room, with the doctor rising from his leather black office chair slightly.

It was her doctor, they have come a long way back now .

A mid man in his 50 with gray white hair of al the years he have taken and with thick reading glasses resting on his wide nose and his white clean long coat.

“ Miss Bentley “ greeted doctor Luther friendly.

Joelien tried to offer a small smile as she stepped into the doctor’s office and approached the chair across from his desk.

The afternoon warm what break in from the window was meet with her skin.

“Doctor, you wanted to see me about the blood test,” she said quietly.

“Yes,” the doctor replied, gesturing toward the black cushioned chair. “Please, have a seat.”

Joelien sat down, sinking into the soft cushion of the chair. It should have been comfortable, but the heaviness in her chest only grew.

She clasped her trembling hands in her lap, waiting.

The doctor returned to his seat, adjusting his glasses before opening a thick, cream-colored file — her file. She noticed how many pages it contained and felt a cold wave wash over her.

Clearing his throat, the doctor spoke carefully. “The blood test results came back… and I’m afraid they aren’t good.”

Her eyes widened.

“What do you mean, Doctor?” she asked, her voice thin and uncertain.

She leaned forward, bracing herself.

She knew there was something wrong, her body become more painful and some days she would sleep most of the days and when she was awake she would still be tired as hell.

He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Your red blood cells are very low ,below the count…. and so are your white cells.

But the main concern is your iron levels has dropped too.”

Joelien swallowed hard. “Does that mean my anemia has gotten worse?”

The doctor’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Yes. You’re severely iron deficient, and despite your supplements and strict diet, your body hasn’t improved. It seems your system simply isn’t absorbing the iron anymore.”

She sank back into her chair, the weight of his words settling over her like a dark cloud. “That explains why I’ve been so tired… dizzy… and in pain lately,” she murmured softly.

“I’m afraid so,” the doctor continued. “Even if you continue with your diet and medication, it won’t be enough. So we’ve been considering another solution. It would help to rise the iron levels in your body and to help with the blood cells”

Her gaze lifted, meeting the doctor’s pale blue eyes behind his glasses. “Another solution?” she asked carefully.

The doctor nodded, leaned back, and opened the drawer beside him. He pulled out a pamphlet and handed it to her.

Joelien took it, her eyes falling instantly to the image of a man lying in a hospital bed, a tube connected to a blood bag. The title read: Blood Infusion Therapy.

Her brows furrowed as she looked back up at him confused. What does this mean she thought to herself and muttered. “Blood infusion?”

“There’s an option,” the doctor explained gently. “Your body keeps losing cells and isn’t producing enough new ones. A blood infusion can give you healthy red cells — fresh blood to help your body function properly again.”

She shifted in her seat, confusion flickering in her eyes. “I don’t quite understand… Is this like getting someone else’s blood?”

“Yes… we would officially give you blood what match with yours ” he said with a slow nod. “That’s exactly what it is. The transfused blood provides your body with new, healthy cells. At this point, it’s the best option we have. Your body isn’t absorbing the iron from food or medication, and without intervention, it will only get worse…… If we don’t act quick your body would get worst and this would lead more complication”

Joelien sat in silence, letting it all sink in.

It finally made sense — the exhaustion, the faint spells, the constant weakness.

She thought of everything her anemia had already taken from her — her strength, her peace, even her chance at motherhood.

Because of her anemia it was hard to be become mother because of her body did not make enough cells.

She could even feel the pain in her as she sat there , the tiredness taken tall on her body again. And because of it she struggle to do her daily work at the farm some days.

Her first pregnancy had ended in miscarriage because her blood hadn’t been strong enough to support the baby in her wound. It would have being a girl her first child and they was going to name her Mila.

It was a miracle she had conceived her second time with Mia after 5 year of marriage , another girl. But even then, her fragile body had betrayed her; Mia only lived view hours and her heart stopped complete.

If this treatment could help her — even just to feel normal again — she knew what she had to do. She would give anything to feel like normal woman again.

The last time she felt normal without tiredness of pain was when she was in her teens.

“I’ll do it,” she said finally, her voice steady though her eyes shimmered. “If this will help me feel normal again… I’ll do it.”

The doctor nodded, leaning back in his chair with a look of quiet approval. “All right, Miss Bentley. I’ll start arranging everything. You’re making the right choice.”

Joelien exhaled slowly and looked down at the pamphlet in her hands.

Maybe this was her second chance, she thought.

Maybe this time, her body would finally let her live. If she don’t do it she might end up losing her life. She rather took this blood infusion then risk her life with and keep living like this.

Mathew POV

On the other side of the world, in the heart of bustling New York City, the skyline shimmered beneath the midday afternoon sun.

Inside one of the tallest buildings, the air buzzed with energy. Meetings, phone calls, and footsteps echoed through glass halls — but inside the top-floor conference room, everything came down to one man and one moment. A business opportunity was busy to being seal.

Mathew stood at the head of a large glass table, the blueprints of a new project spread wide before him. His sleeves were rolled up, his focus sharp.

He was at the top of his game as he explained to one of the best client what he have planned. Today could be the deal of a lifetime , or at least, another one added to his long list of successful ventures.

He have being sealing big deal in his years and this one was one of them .

His client, Mr. Luther, a well-known businessman in his mid-forties, stood beside him.

Mr. Luther wasn’t just any client; he was one of their most valued partners. Over the years, Mathew’s construction company had built several of Mr. Luther’s projects — from sleek offices in France to modern towers in Los Angeles and New York. But today’s meeting was different.

This new project would rise far beyond American soil — in Africa.

“As you can see here,” Mathew said, his voice steady as he pointed to the blueprint showing MR Luther his plan .

“if we adjust this wall and extend this section here, the building will have a cleaner line from this angle. It will enhance the symmetry while giving it a modern edge.” Explained Mathew.

Mr. Luther nodded approvingly, his expression thoughtful.

His assistant stood nearby, taking notes in a small black notebook.

“The plans look excellent…. I love the design of the building ” Mr. Luther said finally, his voice deep and confident. “But this building — it has to look exceptional. It’s for my daughter. It’ll be her company, and I want it to be perfect.”

Mathew smiled, though his pulse quickened. “We won’t let you down,” he assured. “We’ll make sure the design is exactly what you envision — and more.”

Mr. Luther’s brown eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Mathew, testing his confidence. “Just to confirm ….. this will be built in Africa, correct? As we discussed over the phone?”

Mathew nodded smoothly, though the thought of another overseas project made his mind race with logistics. “Yes, sir. I’m aware,” he said calmly. “And it won’t be a problem. I’ve led several international builds before.”

Mr. Luther’s stern face softened into a faint smile.

To lighten the mood, Mathew added with a hint of warmth, “Besides, I have an old friend in Africa I’ve been meaning to visit. It’ll be good to see him again. I’m familiar with the country — I’ve been there before.”

Mr. Luther’s eyes lit up with interest. “That’s good to hear,” he said. “Connections are always valuable. Then it’s settled. If possible, I’d like the project to start next Monday. The sooner we begin, the better.”

Mathew drew a deep breath, concealing his nerves behind a professional smile. “Of course,” he replied. “We just need to finalize the paperwork, and we’ll be ready to start.”

“Excellent,” Mr. Luther said, his expression brightening. “Where do I sign?”

Mathew assistant took out a file what have document of papers in and walked over to MR Luther that he could go through the papers .

While MR Luther was busy with the paper work took Mathew the blue print on the table and rolled it up need and then walked over to MR Luther, see if he have any questions or help need.

After MR Luther was gone ,return Mathew back to his office again. Once he stepped in to his office was he meet with the warm afternoon sunlight what break through his tall big windows of his office. He could finally breath again once he was inside the officer .

Mathew drew a big breath in and loose his dark blue tie around his neck then walked over to his office desk.

As he sat down could he feel the warm black leather seat what being heated of the sun . It was already at four .

And he have to make calls now before the workers went of shift. He have to make a call to his one dear friend to get some workers together for him to go with him to Africa on Monday . Without wasting time Mathew picked up the phone and start to call.

Time past by as he make some calls and when he was done , he quickly went through some filing work what he have to sign and see if it was right before he sent it to his assistant.

Mathew did not mind to work late ,ever since he break things off with his ex fiancé Kaylee Ward . He took more hold with his work . Everything to avoid going home alone. His own house was like a haunted place a reminder of his ex fiancé.

It have being months but it still hurt what the woman he loved have done to him. Mathew fingers tight around the pen as he drew big breath in.

He hated if his mind drift back to the painful memory of his life.

Somehow it always come back to him and haunt him .

What his ex fiancé did to him. He have to removed his bed from his bedroom and through it out. Because it was one afternoon he went earlier home and caught her with other man in they bedroom having s*x.

Mathew was so grade full he never got to married that woman.

Thank full he have found out before the wedding what kind of person she was.

She even lied about her pregnancy telling him that it was his until the DNA test confirm it was the man who she cheated on child.

Mathew was never the same after that , he went in to deep depression after that and become nun to finding any one after her.

But it was now in the past and Mathew tried to put it aside as he try to focus on the work before him. He tried not go back on the one thing what have destroy his life. It was hard time for him to deal with it afterwards and he don’t want to go ever back to that place.

Mathew drew his focus to the papers in front him again and start to read the document