His Unwanted Bride

Chapter 3

Adam sat in front of the doctor, his legs bouncing as he awaited the news. It irritated him the way the man took his time, perusing through files and doing things Adam thought were ridiculous. Couldn’t the doctor sense the tension in his heart? He wanted to leave this place as soon as possible with his grandfather. Couldn’t he see that?

He cleared his throat. “Here is the report from the series of tests we ran.”

Adam didn’t think he had the patience to start going through three pages of medical terminologies. But, since the doctor’s arm was already outstretched, he took it from him.

“What does it say?” Adam asked, staring at the man pointedly.

“Your grandfather had cardiac arrest. He’s suffering from a disease to his heart.”

Adam took close to a minute to properly assimilate this. Cardiac arrest. “Okay, but he’s going to be alright, am I correct?”

The doctor inhaled a long breath and leaned back into his chair.

“What are you not saying? Spill it.” Adam said through gritted teeth.

“Adam Mayers, the disease is a rare one. It is going to continue to eat at Mr. Mayers’ heart. From the test, your grandfather has only three months to live.”

Adam was on his feet before he could finish the sentence. “What do you mean by that?”

Of course, Adam knew what he meant clearly. He knew it in the depths of his heart. His greatest fear, standing right in front of him. But, somewhere within his heart, he wished…he prayed to whomever was listening, that what he’d just heard was a mistake.

“Your grandfather faces a huge possibility of dying in the next three months, Mr. Adam.”

“The best hospital in this city. And you’re trying to tell me that you cannot save him?!”

“Please calm down, Mr. Adam. We will try our very possible best to keep him alive. But, there’s only so much we can do.”

Adam ran a frustrated hand through his hair and let out a short laugh. He’d never felt so helpless in his life. All the money he’d piled up couldn’t save him. What was the point of being a billionaire if the money couldn’t even keep the one he cherished most alive?

He slammed his fist on the table and stormed out of the office. Three months. Three months to find a solution. His grandfather would not die. He wasn’t accepting that.

He entered the hospital room and stopped in his tracks when he found his grandfather’s eyes open, staring at him. Immediately, he rushed over to his side and pulled a chair beside the bed.

“Grandpa...” He said, contemplating whether to hold his hand or keep them to himself. The tubes did worry him and he was scared he would set something off if he wasn’t careful.

As if reading his thoughts, his grandfather reached out and sandwiched Adam’s hands within his. “How are you, Adam.”

“I’m so sorry, Grandpa. I wasn’t there when you collapsed. I should’ve come home immediately after work. I wasn’t really- “

“How are you, Adam?”

He paused and looked at his grandfather. People used to say that they looked like a carbon copy of each other. The had the same strong jaw and sharp eyes that seemed to pierce even the darkest souls and the way they smiled was pretty much the same. Even when his grandpa was the one in pain, here he was, asking if Adam was doing fine.

“They said you have only three months to live.”

“I guess it’s my time.” Grandpa chuckled

He frowned. “Please don’t joke about this, it’s not funny. I need to transfer you to a better hospital. Heck, I’d fly you abroad if I have to. This disease, whatever it is, I will make sure I conquer it. I swear on my life. So please, grandpa, stay alive.”

“But, Adam, you can’t win all the time. You cannot cheat time. I am old and grey. I must leave someday.”

“Please! Stop saying things like that. I will not give up on you just yet.”

“It is the reality of life. People come and go. It is time for you to start preparing to let me go. You are now a full-grown man who has accomplished a lot in such a short time. And son, you cannot begin to imagine how much I am proud of you.”

Adam bristled against this painful reality. Who was he without his grandfather? Who did he have left? He closed his eyes and swallowed. He tried to imagine a life without his grandfather, but all he saw was darkness.

“But there is something that will make me prouder. Something I have always wished for you to have. I will definitely die smiling when I know you have achieved this.”

Adam straightened on his chair. The air had suddenly turned serious.

“Adam, I want you to find a bride. Get married. Build a family of your own and live your life to the fullest.”

“No. You know how much I am opposed to marriage or relationships for that matter. Not after what I went through when Samantha broke up with me. You were there. You saw me at my lowest. I can’t afford to be vulnerable like that ever again. I refuse to get married.”

“When I die, you will have nobody by your side. I want you to be happy and content. There are many wonderful women that would make a good companion for you. Adam, my son, this is my last wish on earth. To see you get married and be happy.”

“Grandpa please…”

“Adam, I just want you to be happy.”

Adam mulled over his words. Marriage. He never envisioned himself getting married. This was against everything he stood for. But it was his grandfather’s last wish. He couldn’t afford to let him down. He had to get married. Somehow. He would find a way. Even if it was the last thing he did.