Louis didn’t want to go to the hospital. It would take too much time, and he had so much to handle. What would he say if he ran into his parents? But if he didn’t go, and if it got worse as the assistant said, it would be even more unacceptable. If he fell ill, who would support the White family? Who would protect Elisa? He carried burdens on both shoulders that he couldn’t set down.
After a brief mental struggle, he ultimately chose to go to the hospital with his assistant for a check-up. Once in the car, Louis forced himself to send a text to Elisa, informing her that he wouldn’t be coming home tonight due to overtime. He didn’t want to tell Elisa that he was sick and in the hospital, fearing she would worry. However, Elisa was always perceptive. Normally, he would call, but at this time, with his hoarse voice and lack of strength, he was afraid she would call if he sent a text. Anxiously, he emphasized again with his assistant, “Don’t tell Elisa that I’m going to the hospital. Keep my phone, and if she calls or texts, tell her I’m in a meeting.”
At the hospital, he went directly to the emergency room. The results showed acute gastroenteritis, irregular eating habits, combined with recent late nights, which had taken a toll on his already weakened body. Additionally, a drug was found in his bloodstream. This drug was the type that would make anyone drowsy, making them sleep for an entire day. It was truly unclear how Louis had managed to persevere, or rather, how he had managed to stay awake until now.
The doctor asked, “What have you been eating recently? Why are you malnourished, with low blood sugar?” Louis remained silent with his eyes closed. His assistant, thinking he was asleep, answered on his behalf, “His eating habits have been irregular recently, mainly due to Mr. White’s excessive workload.”
“Excessive work shouldn’t lead to starving your body. If you continue like this, it could lead to vomiting blood. It won’t just be a simple check-up; it could lead to hospitalization, possibly for a month. I’ve already prescribed medication, which the nurse will bring over shortly. Additionally, you should look up a nutritious diet online. Avoid taboo foods for a while, rest well for a day, and also…” After saying so much, the doctor nearly forgot the most important thing.
While Louis was resting, the doctor could only talk to the assistant, “We discovered that there are traces of a sedative in your boss’s bloodstream. This is the main reason he came to the hospital today.”
To endure the effects of such a drug, not eating and drinking only stimulating black coffee, would inevitably lead to vomiting. “A sedative? Who would casually consume this? Most likely, someone drugged him,” the assistant thought cautiously. His first suspicion was someone within the company, perhaps bribed to steal sensitive documents. However, upon further thought, the only ones who had access to Louis were those who brought him food and coffee. But the fact remained: who would have had the opportunity to drug him?
Louis hadn’t even drunk much water today, except for lunch and coffee. The assistant’s mind raced, considering that it could have happened before Louis came to the company. The most likely scenario was at home, and there, only Elisa was present. The assistant became increasingly anxious as he glanced at Louis sleeping on the bed, then saw the doctor out the door.
Louis had given him his phone, with Elisa’s photo as the wallpaper. He didn’t know the password and couldn’t unlock it, nor could he intrude and check his boss’s phone, even if he knew the password. Aside from a few junk messages, there was nothing on the phone. It had been an hour since the text was sent; surprisingly, Elisa hadn’t replied. When Louis woke up, it was already five o’clock, having slept for nearly three hours. He was still groggy, dehydrated, unable to speak, with a dry mouth and a burning chest. The assistant quickly brought him a cup of water, attempting to help Louis drink, but he pushed the assistant’s hand away. He wasn’t so weak that he needed help drinking water.
He propped himself up against the headboard, breathing gently. “Mr. White, water,” the assistant asked.
Louis took the cup and began to drink. It was a small cup, and he finished it in a few sips. “Do you want more?” the assistant asked. Louis nodded and handed the cup back. After a few sips to moisten his throat, he felt more comfortable speaking. He watched the assistant’s back as he poured water and the first thing that came to his mind was Elisa.
“Has Elisa sent a text? Has she called? Does she know I’m sick and in the hospital?” He bombarded the assistant with three questions in a row, leaving the assistant bewildered. Instead of answering, the assistant handed the water to Louis, who, after drinking it and setting the glass down, asked urgently, “Has my wife sent any texts or called? Does she know I’m sick and in the hospital?”
The assistant took a breath. “Madam hasn’t sent any texts or called. She’s probably busy right now and doesn’t know that you’re in the hospital.”
Louis breathed a sigh of relief at first, but when he saw the darkening sky outside, he suddenly felt something was wrong. “How long have I been asleep?”
“More than three hours. It’s already half-past five.”
“Give me the phone,” Louis demanded impatiently.
The assistant quickly handed the phone to Louis, who opened it and swiped through. Just as the assistant had said, there were no replies, which was unlike Elisa. Without hesitation, Louis made a call.