CHAPTER 311: THE SURGERY

Augustine had been rushed to the hospital, and the emergency room was in full motion, doctors and nurses swarming around him, working quickly to stabilize his condition.

Outside, Anne sat on a chair, her hands still shaking. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the terror of what had just happened played over and over in her mind. But more than the accident, it was the thought of Augustine battling for his life inside that tore her apart.

"Anne, please," Nathan said gently, sitting beside her. "You need to calm down. The doctors are doing everything they can. He is going to be alright."

But Anne couldn’t hear reason. "He was so happy. He came to pick me up... said we’d have dinner together." Her words came out between sobs. "And then—everything changed in a second. He got hurt to save me."

She sobbed harder, burying her face into her palms.

Nathan didn’t know what to say. The sight of her breaking down like this crushed him. Silently, he draped his arm around her and let her cry on his shoulder.

Just then, a nurse appeared, holding a clipboard. She approached them quickly. "Ma’am," she addressed Anne, "the patient needs immediate surgery. We need your signature on the consent form."

Anne lifted her tear-streaked face, alarm flashing in her eyes. "Surgery?" She shot up from her seat. "Why? What happened? Is he... is he okay?"

"He has a blood clot in his brain," the nurse explained. "We must operate immediately. Please, sign this form."

Anne’s hands trembled even more as she took the clipboard. "Blood clot...?" She struggled to grip the pen. Looking up at the nurse with glassy eyes, she asked in a broken voice, "Will he be okay? Is the surgery safe?"

"He is in good hands," the nurse assured her. "But we need to act fast. Please."

Anne bit her lip, trying to steady her hand. But for Augustine’s sake, she forced herself to hold the pen steady and signed.

Handing the clipboard back to the nurse, she asked, "Can I see him?"

"I’m sorry, madam. The patient is unconscious and will be taken to the operating room immediately. You can’t see him now. Please wait here. The doctor will update you as soon as possible."

The nurse turned and disappeared through the double doors, leaving Anne frozen in place.

Her knees gave way, and she sank back into the chair like all the strength had been drained from her. Her face had turned ashen, her eyes wide and haunted with fear.

Nathan reached out, wrapping his hand around hers. "You have to stay calm," he said softly. "He is in good hands. The doctors will do everything they can."

But Anne wasn’t listening. Her mind was spinning, locked onto Augustine’s face, his final words before losing consciousness, echoing in her head. ’I am right here. You are safe.’

Even in that agonizing moment, when he could barely stay awake, his only concern had been her safety. That thought crushed her.

"He said... he was with me," Anne choked out. "And then... he passed out. He was still thinking about me, even then."

Nathan’s eyes softened. Something inside him shifted. He had always been cautious about Augustine, doubting him, questioning if he was suitable for Anne. But now, seeing the depth of his love for Anne, the doubts faded away.

"He is with you," Nathan murmured, gently squeezing her hand reassuringly. "In your heart. And in your thoughts. And... a part of him is growing inside you."

Fresh tears welled up in her eyes. Her lips trembled as she spoke. "I’m scared, Nathan..."

"I am, too," he admitted, wrapping his arms around her. "But we have to hold on. For him. For your baby. We have to believe everything will be alright."

The doors swung open once more, and this time, Augustine was wheeled out on a stretcher. His face was pale, almost lifeless, his body unmoving beneath the thin hospital sheet.

Anne and Nathan sprang to their feet, instinctively trying to rush toward him. But a nurse stepped in, blocking their path. Helpless, they stood frozen, eyes fixed on the stretcher as it disappeared down the corridor.

The doctor turned toward them, his expression serious. "The injury is quite severe," he began grimly. "It looks like he struck his head on a sharp object. There is a skull rupture, internal bleeding, and a blood clot that needs immediate removal. Thankfully, we haven’t found signs of major brain damage yet, but we’ll need further tests to be certain."

Anne took a shaky step forward, eyes glistening with desperation. "Doctor, please," she pleaded. "Please save him."

"We are doing everything we can," the doctor assured her with a firm nod before following the stretcher down the hall.

Anne swayed on her feet, her strength leaving her all at once.

"Anne—" Nathan caught her just in time, steadying her trembling frame with both arms.

Her vision blurred, and the walls around her seemed to spin.

"Sit down." Nathan guided her to the nearest chair. He sat down beside her, searching her face anxiously. "Are you alright? Do you need a doctor?"

Anne shook her head weakly, brushing his concern away. "No... just water."

Nathan quickly handed her the water bottle he had bought earlier. She took it with unsteady hands and sipped slowly.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked, still worried. "Should I talk to a doctor? Maybe get you a room to rest in?"

"I’m fine," she whispered.

But Nathan wasn’t convinced. "Anne, you can hardly keep your eyes open. Let me take you home. You need to rest."

"No," Anne said firmly. "I’m not going anywhere."

"Anne," Nathan tried to reason with her, "don’t be reckless. You are pregnant. You need to think about yourself and the baby."

"I want to be near him. I want to stay here." Her heart was set, even if her body was frail.

Nathan let out a resigned sigh. "Alright," he said quietly, "but if you want to stay, you have to promise you’ll do as I say. No arguments."

Anne nodded, knowing he wouldn’t listen.

"Come on. You need to be checked." He gently helped Anne to her feet and guided her down the corridor to a consultation room.

Inside the doctor’s chamber...

A calm-faced lady doctor began her examination. After a few moments, she sat down on her chair and jotted down something in her prescription pad.

"She and the baby are fine," she said reassuringly, looking up at Nathan. "She is just overwhelmed. She needs proper rest."

She tore up the page and handed it to him.

"Thank you," Nathan said as he took the prescription, visibly relieved. Gently, he led Anne out of the doctor’s chamber.

"You heard her," he said once they were out. "You have to think about the baby, too. Augustine wouldn’t want you putting yourself through this. You need to go home. I’ll stay here and update you on everything."

Anne’s lips parted to argue, but then she paused. A conflicted look crossed her face. She placed a protective hand over her belly and drew in a shaky breath. "Fine," she relented finally. "I’ll go home... but only after the surgery."

Nathan frowned. "Anne—"

"Please," she interrupted, determined. "I just need to know he is going to make it. After that, I promise I’ll leave."

Nathan gave a reluctant nod. There was no changing her mind when it came to Augustine. "Okay. I won’t push you. But you are going to rest, at least."

He led her to a bench outside the doctor’s chamber and eased her down into the seat.

"Stay right here. Don’t move," he instructed. "I’ll go and book a room for you."

Anne nodded obediently.

Nathan exhaled heavily, casting her one last look before turning and walking away.

Left alone, Anne felt the weight of everything settle in her chest like a stone. She felt chills all over her body as memories of the accident flashed before her eyes. It wasn’t an accident. Someone had meant to kill them.

Her fingers curled into her lap.

Who would do this? Was it one of Augustine’s business enemies? Or maybe someone connected to the island attack?

The questions clawed at her, relentless and terrifying.

Her thoughts ran toward Gustave. If anyone knew what was going on behind the scenes, it was him.

Without wasting another second, she reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and quickly found his contact. She tapped the screen, holding the phone to her ear.

The call didn’t connect.

She pulled the phone away and stared at the screen with disbelief. "Switched off? Why would his phone be off now of all times?"

Her thoughts raced, a frown creeping on her brow. "Where is he? He should be here. Why would he disappear when Augustine is in the hospital?"

Worry and suspicion began to swirl in her mind. She dialed Sam.

The call connected after just a few rings.

"Sam, where are you?" she asked urgently.

"I’m just outside the hospital," came his steady reply. "Arranging security."

"I need to speak with you. Come here."

"I’m coming," he assured her.

Anne ended the call, her thoughts clouded by uncertainty. Something wasn’t right, and she needed answers fast.