Marry To My Arch-nemesis

Chapter18

"Your father is temporarily out of danger," Dr. John removed his mask, speaking gently.

The weight on Isabella's chest lifted, and she returned to her original position, thanking him with teary eyes.

"Thank you, thank you so much!"

A girl not only dealing with a family crisis but also facing it alone, Dr. John couldn't help but feel pity for her.

Patting her shoulder, Dr. John introduced the person beside him. "This is Professor Hans. Your father is fortunate; our department heads and Professor Hans happened to be in a hospital consultation together. It was him who assisted us in the rescue, contributing to saving your father's life in time."

"Thank you!" Isabella clasped Professor Hans's hands with both of hers.

"Please, I implore all of you, save my dad. I... I really can't bear to lose him again."

Professor Hans smiled reassuringly at her. "We will do our best, Isabella."

"Isabella," Dr. John handed a tissue packet to Isabella, "Let's discuss in my office!"

"Okay, okay!" Isabella controlled her emotions. "Please, after you."

They all went to the consultation room, where Dr. John briefly explained the situation to her.

"Your father has a severe cerebral edema, and you witnessed how critical it was just now. If we delay further, in the event of bleeding, the consequences would be unimaginable. After our consultation, we unanimously believe that prompt surgery is the best option. Of course... there are risks involved, but Professor Hans is an expert in this field with extensive clinical experience. With him, we can minimize the risks."

Dr. John took a cup of water and handed it to Isabella.

"Of course, whether to proceed with the surgery is your decision."

Isabella held the paper cup with trembling hands.

"What if?" suggested an elderly doctor compassionately. "You discuss it with your family or friends?"

"I..." Isabella lowered her eyelashes. "There's only me left in my family."

Her brother, Dylan, was in prison, and he could only be visited once a month. He wasn't even aware of their father's current condition.

The room fell into silence. A young girl, so alone in bearing all of this, was truly pitiable.

Taking a deep breath, Isabella bravely resisted her tears and stood up. Placing the cup on the table, she bent down and bowed to everyone.

"Proceed with the surgery. Please... do your best to keep him alive."

Dr. John's intention was clear – an immediate operation could give Richard Hartwell a chance to survive. If they waited, she might lose her father at any moment. Between life and death, she had no other choice.

All the doctors stood up. Dr. John approached and helped her up.

"Isabella, rest assured. This is our duty, and we will do our utmost. So...," he turned to Professor Hans, "Professor Hans, let's schedule the surgery."

"This is a major surgery. I need to adjust my jet lag and ensure I'm at my best during the operation. The patient also needs a 24-hour stable period," Professor Hans thought carefully. "The day after tomorrow at 8 AM, the surgery will take place."

"Good," Dr. John nodded. "Thank you all for your hard work today."

The doctors who came for the consultation bid farewell and left. Isabella followed Dr. John and Professor Hans out of the consultation room.

"Isabella!"

In the corridor, Maximilian walked over with a smile.

Isabella turned her face defensively, about to speak, but Professor Hans, standing beside them, spoke first.

"Max, why are you here?"

"I forgot to introduce you," Maximilian reached out and embraced Isabella's shoulder. "This is my girlfriend, as I mentioned to you before."

Isabella originally wanted to avoid his arm, but hearing their conversation, she froze like a sculpture.

Maximilian knew Professor Hans?

"So, that's how it is. What a coincidence," Professor Hans praised, "Miss Hartwell is a very strong girl."

"Do you two know each other?" Dr. John asked curiously.

"Oh, my mentor, who studied abroad, is a good friend of Professor Hans." Maximilian tightened his hand on Isabella's shoulder. "This time, Professor Hans came to Meadowbrook, and we happened to be on the same flight."

Listening to his voice, Isabella's fingers hanging by her side trembled involuntarily.

"By the way, Professor Hans, is the surgery time for Isabella's father set?" Maximilian looked concerned.

"The day after tomorrow at 8 AM," Professor Hans sympathetically glanced at Isabella. "Take good care of her; she was really scared just now."

"Okay." Maximilian raised his hand to the assistant. "You can send Professor Hans back to the hotel."

Isabella wanted to object, but Maximilian's hand on her shoulder tightened threateningly.

The assistant escorted Professor Hans away, and Dr. John nodded at the two before going to attend to other patients.

With no one around, Isabella raised her hand and shook off Maximilian.

"I told you, you're not allowed to harm my dad!"

"How could I harm Uncle Hartwell!" Maximilian smiled lightly. "I arranged all of Professor Hans's itinerary, including the hotel he's staying in. I'm helping you!"

"Beast!"

Isabella raised her hand to slap him.

Maximilian grabbed her wrist, pulling her in front of him.

"I can find ten thousand ways to make Professor Hans absent from your dad's surgery if I want to."

Raising his right hand, he hooked her waist and pulled her into his arms.

Maximilian lowered his head, approaching her face.

"At that time, your dad will have to wait for death on the operating table!"

The man's breath, tinged with the scent of alcohol, entered her nostrils.

Isabella trembled all over, her stomach churning, almost nauseous.

"What do you want?"

"I've said it; I genuinely want to be with you. As long as you obediently listen to me, I'll make sure Professor Hans cures your dad."

Staring at Isabella's delicate face, Maximilian leaned in greedily, sniffing the scent on her body.

"Isabella, I miss you so much... Do you know... how much I've wanted you all these years..."

He leaned in, trying to kiss her.

Feeling the man's sweaty palm brushing over her skin, memories of her youth surfaced once again.

Isabella couldn't hold back anymore; she pushed him away and rushed to the corner, crouching down and retching into the trash bin.

Even as Maximilian attempted to pull her back, the cleaner hurried over, supporting Isabella's shoulders.

"Young girl, are you okay? Come, I will help you to the restroom."

Assisted by the cleaner, Isabella stumbled into the restroom. After vomiting until there was nothing left in her stomach, she straightened up, splashing cold water on her face. Accepting the tissues offered by the cleaner, she wiped her lips.

"Thank you, I... I just need to rest for a bit."

"Should I help you go to the emergency room?"

"I'm fine, I... I just got car sick."

Isabella fabricated an excuse. The cleaner, seeing that she seemed okay, left with her mop.

Rinsing her mouth with cold water, Isabella patted her face. Thinking of her father, she walked unsteadily out of the restroom, rushing to the ICU door. The nurse recognized her and came forward.

"Don't worry; your father's condition has stabilized. You can go back for now; we'll contact you if anything comes up."

"Thank you. I want... to stay with him for a while."

Thanking the nurse, Isabella took a few steps back and sat on a chair. Staring at the ICU door not far away, she raised her hands to cover her face.

"Dad! What should I do? Life is too difficult."

No matter how hard she struggled, in the end, she couldn't escape the little joke Fate played on her.

Nurses and doctors walked back and forth in front of the ICU door. Time never paused for anyone. Lights dimmed, and the sun rose. A new day arrived. Some families joyfully transferred their loved ones to regular wards, while others left the hospital in tears.

The cleaner's mop erased the dried tear stains on the floor. No one paid attention to Isabella sitting on the chair. Here, besides life and death, everything else was trivial.

Isabella stood up, glanced at the ICU door.

"Dad, I won't let you die."

Turning around, she walked briskly towards the exit.