CHAPTER 22: CHAPTER 22: NEAR THE HEART

Just as Dr. Bennett and Professor Hans had predicted, Theodore Thorne’s condition stabilized rapidly after surgery.

Three days later, after an assessment by the consultation team, he was smoothly transferred to a general ward.

What followed was rehabilitative treatment, not technically difficult, requiring only time and Theodore’s own recovery.

On Friday morning, with Dr. Bennett’s consent, Ethan Sterling helped arrange Theodore Thorne’s hospital transfer.

He moved him to a private hospital in Galecrest, where there were personal patient rooms and dedicated nursing care.

With round-the-clock caregivers, Theodore could receive even more attentive treatment and care.

After settling Theodore into the room, Seraphina Thorne took the initiative to prepay the hospital fees at admissions.

When Sean Hale finished the related procedures and returned to the ward, he realized she had already settled the bill.

Sean looked troubled. "President Sterling instructed me to handle everything."

"It’s alright, I’ll talk to him." Seraphina smiled at him. "We’re two separate people, even married couples keep accounts clear."

Seraphina was clear-headed about this.

She and Ethan Sterling weren’t truly married, and he had no obligation to pay for her.

She still had about ten thousand left from the fifty thousand she got selling her violin, after surgery and other expenses.

Now that Theodore was just receiving treatment in a regular ward, the expenses were much lower than in the ICU. That money would last another two or three months.

Plus, she was earning extra from tutoring, so she could save for future treatments as well.

"But..."

Sean was about to say more when Ethan entered the ward with the attending physician.

"Let’s do as Mrs. Sterling says."

At that moment, the male nurse that the hospital had arranged for Theodore arrived at the ward.

Seraphina briefly explained her father’s condition to the caregiver, and left her phone number.

There were a few forms that needed her signature, so Seraphina went with the attending physician to the office to handle them.

Ethan handed his business card to the caregiver.

"I’m her husband. If you can’t reach her or it’s inconvenient, call me."

When Seraphina finished the paperwork and returned, Ethan was already waiting outside the ward.

Seraphina hurried inside to check on her father, then headed downstairs with Ethan.

The official performance was tonight; she still needed to get to the venue for rehearsal.

The car pulled out of the hospital gate, heading for Seraphina’s concert at the Jadeston Concert Hall.

Seraphina took out an envelope from her bag, holding it out with both hands to Ethan.

Ethan glanced at the envelope but didn’t take it.

"What’s this?"

"Tickets for tonight’s concert. Several talented classical musicians are performing. If you’re free, you can come listen." Seraphina shrugged. "I can’t afford VIP seats, this is just a complimentary ticket. If you don’t have time, give it to someone else."

As performers, each musician received one complimentary ticket.

Ethan had helped her with so much, and right now, this was the only token of gratitude Seraphina could offer.

Ethan took the envelope but said neither yes nor no about coming.

Seraphina didn’t press him.

Giving the ticket sent her message; whether he went or not was his choice.

She’d only gotten the ticket yesterday, and Ethan had come home very late last night—she’d already been asleep.

A man like Ethan Sterling hardly had any free time.

With such a last-minute invite, there was no guarantee he’d make it.

The car stopped near Jadeston Concert Hall, and Seraphina waved to him, hurrying up the stairs with her violin case.

Ethan opened the envelope and looked at the plain ticket—seat somewhere toward the back.

He raised his right hand and carefully tucked the envelope into the inside pocket of his suit—right by his heart.

The deep blue luxury sedan pulled away from the concert hall, while Seraphina ascended the steps and entered the venue.

Director Bennett, who was both department chair and orchestra director, saw her and motioned her over quickly.

"Seraphina, hurry up, you’re the last one we need!"

Inside the hall, everyone was already in place.

In the center seat sat Julia Chamberlain, who was temporarily filling in for Seraphina during rehearsals.

Seraphina approached, and Julia stood up, begrudgingly surrendering the lead violinist’s seat to her.

After endless days and nights of rigorous practice and two weeks rehearsing with the orchestra, Seraphina was thoroughly confident in the piece.

This event was hosted by the city’s Department of Culture.

That afternoon, a few of the event organizers came by for an early inspection.

During the formal rehearsal, Seraphina’s performance was outstanding as always.

Standing as lead, she naturally became the center of attention.

After rehearsal, Director Bennett called Seraphina over specially to introduce her to a few of the officials.

Seraphina had always accompanied her father in such situations.

She was skilled and comfortable with these kinds of formalities.

Composed, poised, neither arrogant nor servile.

The officials from the city were very impressed.

"Seraphina, right? Young lady, you’ve got a bright future, keep it up."

"Yes, your skills at such a young age—Galecrest might just have a future music star!"

...

Julia Chamberlain stood in the corner, gripping her hand so tightly her palm turned red with jealousy.

All these praises, all this glory...

Should have been hers!

Once the officials had left, Director Bennett clapped his hands.

"Alright, everyone take a break and have dinner. When the performance begins tonight, I want you all at your best."

Everyone headed backstage for the meal, Seraphina included.

After a quick dinner, she sat in a corner, chatting with her roommate, the cellist Tano, while carefully adding rosin to her bow.

Tano pulled out a box of tea from her bag.

"This is tea from my hometown. Let me brew you a cup to try."

Seraphina felt awkward letting her do all the work, so she got up and joined Tano to fetch disposable cups and make tea in the break room.

The two emerged with their cups of tea, when suddenly someone rushed over and collided with Seraphina.

With Tano’s startled cry, a cup of scalding water spilled all over Seraphina’s hand.

Her fair hand turned bright red instantly from the burn.

"Quick, cold water!"

Tano grabbed Seraphina’s arm and rushed back into the break room, turning on the cold tap.

Julia Chamberlain stood in the doorway, wearing a fake expression of apology and concern.

"Sorry, Seraphina, I didn’t see you there. I’m really sorry, is your hand okay?"

"Julia!" Tano spun around and snapped, "You did that on purpose, didn’t you?"

Nearby classmates gathered around, and Director Bennett came over to ask what happened.

Seeing the blisters forming on Seraphina’s burned hand, Director Bennett frowned in distress.

"The show’s about to start—what on earth happened here?"

"Director Bennett, I swear it wasn’t deliberate." Julia launched into fake sobs, looking innocent. "Seraphina, if you’re angry, go ahead and pour a cup over me too!"

Seraphina turned, raised her hand, and slapped Julia’s tear-streaked face hard.

"Now we’re even."

Julia clutched her face, her fake tears shifting into real ones.

"Director Bennett, she—she’s gone too far. Aren’t you going to say anything?"

Director Bennett wasn’t fooled; he’d already guessed the truth.

"Didn’t you bring this on yourself?" He shot Julia a glare, then looked at Seraphina’s blistered hand and waved to two teachers, "You two, take Seraphina to the hospital for emergency care, quick."

A burn could be minor or severe—for a violinist, her hands were her most precious asset.

Julia stopped crying, quietly sneering to herself.

Once Seraphina left, she could take her place onstage.

As long as she got to perform, getting slapped was worth it.

"It’s alright, Director Bennett." Seraphina squeezed her fingers, biting back the pain. "I don’t need to go to the hospital."

Director Bennett looked pained. "But..."

"I can handle it. Nothing will keep me from performing tonight."

This was exactly what Julia wanted—to stop her from getting on stage.

Ethan Sterling had told her, the best way to get back at someone is to live better than they do, stand taller than they do, and smile brighter than they ever could! Seraphina lowered her stinging left hand, gazed at Julia holding her face, and smiled coolly and composed.

Julia didn’t want to see her onstage, so she would smile and stand on that stage, and play even more brilliantly than ever before.