Regretfully, she thought, ‘I shouldn’t have revealed the hospital’s name to Dr. Carrey. How will I explain our relationship to Cristofer if he shows up? But Christina’s surgery is the top priority now. I shouldn’t dwell on other matters.’
After a quick shower and changing clothes, she checked on the children. Christina was already dressed, and they headed downstairs together. Upon their arrival, Luke informed them, “Estelle, Mr. Hans left early this morning. He asked me to convey that he’ll meet you at the hospital.”
Estelle nodded in acknowledgment and replied, “Alright, Uncle Luke. We’re heading to the hospital now.”
“You haven’t had breakfast yet. Grab a bite before you go,” Luke suggested.
“No, thanks, Uncle Luke. I’m not hungry, and Christina needs to keep her stomach empty before the surgery. We should get to the hospital early,” Estelle explained, leading Christina out the door.
****
Christina’s surgery was scheduled for the morning. As they prepared to enter the operating room, she trembled with fear and asked, “Mom, am I going to die during the surgery?”
Witnessing her daughter’s anxiety, Estelle gently kissed her cheek and comforted her, “No, sweetheart, you won’t. The doctor is highly skilled and will make you better. Once you’re in the operating room, you’ll drift off to sleep. You’ll be just fine when you wake up, and your Dad and I will be right here.”
Christina’s eyes searched for Cristofer, and she asked, “Why hasn’t Dad arrived yet? I’m so scared.”
“Dad might be tied up with something at the moment. But don’t worry, I’m here with you,” Estelle consoled.
“But I really want to see Dad,” Christina admitted, her voice quivering. “We’ve only been together for a few days. What if I don’t wake up after falling asleep? I want to say goodbye to him.”
“You will wake up, and you’ll grow up healthy,” Estelle offered soothing words.
“Mom…”
“I’m here, Christina.”
With a hint of secrecy in her voice, Christina whispered, “I have a secret. I’ll share it with you when I wake up.”
Smiling warmly, Estelle replied, “Alright, sweetheart. I’ll be eagerly waiting to hear it.”
As they talked, a spark of excitement suddenly lit up in Christina’s eyes. She pointed excitedly in a direction and exclaimed, “It’s Dad! Dad is coming!”
Estelle turned around to see a man not far away approaching them.
“Miss Hudson, am I late?” Derrick trotted over in a hurry. He was all in black today, just like what Cristofer did these days. Moreover, his side face looked like Cristofer’s, so Christina mistook him for Cristofer.
With a smile, Estelle said, “Thank you for coming, Dr. Carrey. Actually, you don’t have to come. I’ve arranged everything well.”
“I was worried about you, so I came,” Derrick explained. “You’re a single mother, and taking care of a child by yourself can’t be easy.”
A little upset, Christina retorted, “My Dad will be here soon!”
Derrick was taken aback by her response and asked, “Will Mr. Hans be coming too?”
Estelle replied uncertainly, “He said he would come, but he hasn’t arrived yet. He’s always busy, and maybe something came up.”
Derrick nodded with concern in his voice, “Being the wife of a successful man isn’t easy. Their careers often consume them, and they may not have much time for you. They might even face temptations from others. Choosing a reliable husband is crucial for a woman. If he’s frequently absent when you need him, maybe he’s not the right choice. If I were you, I’d prefer a less successful but caring man.”
Estelle smiled in response to his advice but remained silent. Christina, however, was clearly displeased. She scowled and addressed Derrick with a strong tone, “Don’t speak ill of my Dad!”
Derrick hurriedly clarified, “I didn’t…”
“Yes, you did! You called my Dad a bad husband! You slandered him! My Dad is the best man in the world and the bravest superhero. He’s busy because he’s out there saving lives and fighting villains. He will definitely come here today!” Christina declared passionately.
Estelle felt a bit embarrassed and apologized, “I’m sorry, Dr. Carrey. She didn’t mean to speak to you like that.”
Derrick reassured her, “It’s alright. She’s still young, and she naturally has deep affection for her biological father. She’ll understand what I meant as she grows up.”
“Understand what?” A familiar, deep voice suddenly emerged from behind. Estelle turned around to find Cristofer standing there.
Cristofer’s face darkened as he stared at Derrick, clearly displeased. He questioned with a furrowed brow, “Dr. Carrey, are you the surgeon who will be operating on my daughter today?”
Derrick, looking somewhat uncomfortable, replied, “Hi, Mr. Hans… I… I’m not the surgeon.”
Cristofer continued his inquiry, “Do you work at this hospital? Why aren’t you wearing your lab coat?”
Derrick clarified, “No, I work at a different hospital in the east of the city. I have a meeting, so I’m dressed in a suit…”
Cristofer remained stern, “Since you’re not the surgeon and you don’t work at this hospital, I can’t think of any reason for your presence here.”
Upon spotting her father, Christina immediately vented her frustration, exclaiming angrily, “Dad, Uncle Derrick wants to chase after Mom!” Her words intensified Estelle’s embarrassment.
Without hesitation, Derrick admitted candidly, “I do want to pursue Miss Hudson. Mr. Hans, as far as I know, you and Miss Hudson are divorced now. She’s single, and any man has a chance to pursue her.”
Christina vehemently objected, shouting, “You don’t have a chance! My Dad and Mom love each other very much!”
Cristofer took a few steps forward, positioning himself before Estelle, effectively blocking Derrick’s view. He remarked, “Dr. Carrey, you must be quite busy these days, correct?”
Looking somewhat irritated, Derrick responded, “Yes, I am very busy. But that has nothing to do with my interest in pursuing Miss Hudson.”
“It makes sense now. You must not have been following the news,” Cristofer commented.
Derrick frowned, asking, “What do you mean?”
“Keep up with the local news, and you’ll understand,” Cristofer advised.
Estelle, at this moment, gently tugged at Cristofer’s sleeve and whispered softly, “Uncle Luke mentioned that you left early this morning. Was there an issue at your company? You should go back and handle it. I’ll take care of Christina.”
Cristofer turned to her, his eyes filled with affection, and reassured her, “There’s nothing urgent at the company. I left early because York ran away, and I had to go find him.”
“York ran away?!” Estelle exclaimed in surprise.
“I’ve found him and brought him back. He’s currently in the operating room. Don’t worry.”
Estelle was relieved and asked, “He… He didn’t change his mind about donating his liver, did he?”