Chapter 201 Lifeline
Victoria guided Ava on a leisurely stroll around the park that encased the villa. When their legs began to tire, they sought respite on a nearby bench.
"Ava," Victoria began, her voice laced with curiosity, "my brother mentioned that you're married, correct?"
Ava responded with a simple nod. "Yes, that's accurate."
"And you're with child."
"Um, yes."
"Who is your husband?" Victoria's curiosity was piqued.
The mere mention of her husband caused a sudden constriction in Ava's chest.
"Is something amiss? Are you not feeling well?" Victoria's gaze softened as she observed Ava's frail demeanor. She hoped Ava wouldn't faint unexpectedly; she didn't want to incur her brother's wrath when he awoke.
"I'm... I'm somewhat fatigued. I'd prefer to return and rest for a bit."
"Very well." Victoria couldn't help but notice the shift in Ava's mood. It was rather disheartening.
Yet, it seemed her brother had a penchant for the melancholic type.
As they retraced their steps back to the villa, Victoria looped her arm through Ava's. "You've yet to reveal the identity of your husband. You're carrying his child, surely you're not too embarrassed to share?"
"He's just an ordinary man, there's not much to tell," Ava responded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Is that so?" Victoria replied, not a hint of suspicion in her voice.
However, she couldn't help but recall her brother's fervent attention towards Ava. It didn't seem purely platonic.
"Does my brother know your husband?"
"They're not particularly close," Ava replied, a silent addition echoing in her heart, 'They've merely had a disagreement.'
"Ah, I see," Victoria conceded, deciding to drop the subject.
Upon their return, Ava retreated to her room for some much-needed rest. She was still recovering from a fever from the previous night and felt a bit light-headed. Victoria, finding herself with idle time, decided to venture out alone.
...
Meanwhile, at the hospital.
Isabella awoke feeling weak, but the sight of Alexander by her side offered her a sense of relief.
"Alex."
"Isabella, you’re awake."
"Alex, I can't believe I'm still here. I thought I was done for."
"You're not going anywhere. I will find you a suitable heart, no matter the cost."
"What?" Isabella's eyes widened at the mention of "a heart." "Why do I need a new heart? Does this mean…"
Alexander sighed, gently taking her hand. "The doctor says you need a heart transplant, and I'll make sure to find you one as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Isabella fell silent, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Alex, why is my life so difficult? First a lung transplant, and now a heart transplant? What am I supposed to do?"
"Don’t cry, you can't cry now." Alexander regretted revealing the truth, but she deserved to know.
"Don't worry, I will find you a heart, no matter the cost. You'll be okay."
Isabella closed her eyes, a pained expression etched on her face. "But what if... what if you can't find one? Does that mean I don’t have much time left?"
"That won't happen. We will find one," Alexander assured her, his voice steady.
"Alex, do you remember? You promised that if I made it out of the OR, you'd marry me. I'm out now, but my heart is failing. Will you still marry me?"
Alexander was taken aback, rendered speechless for a moment.
"Alex," Isabella clutched his hand with a newfound fervor, "are you going to back out on me again? If that's the case, then stop looking for a heart for me. I'd rather die!"
Alexander was her only lifeline, the one she couldn't afford to lose. Without him, she would rather face death. She had no desire to live without being his wife.
