Chapter 529 Hope the Medicine Works
Both Aurelia and Joe fell into a prolonged silence, blindsided by the test results that neither had anticipated.
Aurelia had been maintaining early bedtimes and rising with the dawn, carefully regulating her sleep schedule in preparation for the compatibility testing. The sudden news left her reeling, struggling to process the devastating outcome.
Burry's condition couldn't afford delays—searching for another donor match elsewhere would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
"How is Burry holding up?" Aurelia finally asked.
"We haven't broken the news to her yet," Joe replied quietly.
Aurelia drew in a shaky breath. "Joe, please don't say anything just yet. Are there any other options we haven't explored?"
"I've entered her information into the donor registry, but now it's a waiting game—we're at the mercy of chance."
A crushing weight settled in Aurelia's chest. Nothing had gone right lately—first Nathaniel's injury, then Reed's passing, and now this compatibility failure. Each blow felt more devastating than the last.
After ending the call, Aurelia sat lost in troubled thoughts. Amber noticed her distress and inquired gently, "What's wrong?"
"My sister needs a bone marrow transplant, but we're not compatible. Now we have to wait for a match from the registry, and there's no guarantee we'll find one in time."
Amber offered what comfort she could. "Try not to panic. You never know—a match might turn up tomorrow."
Aurelia clutched her phone, sensing with growing dread that everything now hinged on fate. The prospects seemed increasingly bleak. She couldn't bear the thought of delivering this crushing news to Burry, who had been so hopeful, eagerly awaiting the transplant that would restore her health.
This would be nothing short of catastrophic for her sister—a complete shattering of the family's hopes and dreams.
Sensing Aurelia's despair, Amber deliberately shifted the conversation. "Where are Dorothy and Jacob? I'm surprised they didn't come with you."
"They went back to the Heilbronn Villa with Nathaniel. They called just a while ago."
At the mention of Nathaniel, Amber's expression grew thoughtful. Working at the hospital, she had connections at the facility where Nathaniel had undergone surgery, and she'd heard whispers about how touch-and-go the operation had been. She probed carefully, "How is Nathaniel's recovery progressing?"
"He was doing reasonably well initially, but Reed's death hit him hard. He needs extended rest."
Amber paused, understanding dawning in her eyes. Clearly, Nathaniel had concealed the full extent of his condition from Aurelia, mentioning only the leg injury while keeping the more serious complications to himself.
She didn't dare bring up the bullet extraction surgery, instead offering a heartfelt observation. "I never imagined Mr. Heilbronn would go to such lengths for you—that he'd risk everything without hesitation. I misjudged him completely. Aurelia, I wish you both nothing but happiness. After everything you've endured together, you've finally weathered the storm. Your family of four deserves all the joy in the world."
Aurelia's voice grew soft. "My sister's safe return home is largely thanks to Nathaniel. As for us..." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "There shouldn't be any obstacles between us now. If my grandmother continues her opposition, I won't let it sway me anymore. I refuse to be ungrateful to someone who's sacrificed so much."
"You must treasure each other. If you're considering remarriage, I'll send you the most extravagant gift."
For the first time, Aurelia managed a small smile. "You'd better start saving for that little one you're carrying."
Then, leaning in conspiratorially, she whispered, "Do you know if it's a boy or girl? Surely you can tell from your own ultrasounds?"
Amber's eyes crinkled with joy. "It's a girl. I'm hoping she'll be as beautiful as Dorothy."
"With your fair complexion and bright eyes, plus your husband's strong features, she's bound to be gorgeous. Looks like I'll be shopping for baby gifts before wedding presents."
Amber laughed warmly. "Then I'll be eagerly awaiting your generous offering."
Meanwhile, at the Heilbronn Villa, Nathaniel gripped the bedsheets with white-knuckled intensity, veins bulging along his forearms as cold sweat soaked through his cotton pajamas. He'd survived another episode, though he had no idea when the next one might strike.
At least he'd managed to keep this hidden from Aurelia and the children.
Zack methodically cleaned up the aftermath, carefully collecting the used medication vials to dispose of later. Witnessing his boss's agony had left his heart in his throat.
He'd always admired Nathaniel's cool-headed decision-making and sharp business acumen, but this display of sheer endurance was something else entirely. Zack doubted he could have withstood such torment himself.
"Mr. Heilbronn, are you truly determined to handle this recovery alone, keeping everyone in the dark?"
Nathaniel slumped against the headboard, utterly drained from his internal battle. "You're the only one who knows. It stays that way."
Zack's heart ached for his employer. "But what happens if you have another episode when I'm not here? Can you manage the injections yourself?"
"The attacks shouldn't be this frequent."
Zack's worry was palpable. "Let me stay close for the next few weeks. Hopefully, the medication will take effect and get you through this."
Though he spoke optimistically, Zack knew the harsh reality. Many people couldn't control themselves during such episodes, requiring assistance along with pharmaceutical intervention. Recovery demanded not just willpower but often took months, if not longer.
Nathaniel looked utterly depleted. "Focus on your other responsibilities. I can manage alone."
Zack stood firm. "At least for now, let me keep watch. Besides me, who else can you rely on?"
His words carried weight—apart from his loyal assistant, Nathaniel had chosen to shoulder this burden in complete isolation.
Nathaniel offered no response, knowing he needed to remain in Imperick until he was stable enough to return to Coral Bay without arousing Aurelia's suspicions.
A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts. Jacob and Dorothy stood outside, arms full of vintage toys—remnants from Nathaniel and Ashley's childhood.
Zack quickly straightened the room before opening the door. The children burst in excitedly.
"Daddy, look what we found! These were yours and Aunt Ashley's toys when you were little!"
Despite his pallor and bloodless lips, Nathaniel had regained enough composure to be grateful the children hadn't arrived earlier. He would never let them witness him in such a vulnerable state.
Mustering his energy, he asked, "Are you two having fun exploring?"
"So much fun! Great-grandpa's puppies are adorable—their little ears are so fluffy!"
The mention of their great-grandfather cast a shadow over their excitement, the joy fading from their faces as they remembered his absence.
Nathaniel adjusted his pajamas and sat up straighter. "This is where Daddy grew up. Your grandparents and aunt are all part of your family. You can visit here often with me."
Dorothy's wide eyes held a pointed question. "Will Mommy come too?"
Nathaniel fell silent.
He knew Aurelia had no desire to set foot in the Heilbronn Villa. If not for Reed's memorial service being held here, she wouldn't have returned at all.
The relationship between his mother and Aurelia had deteriorated beyond easy repair.
He had no right to demand that she unconditionally embrace his family—especially those who had treated her so poorly in the past.
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