My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 43

The sky had completely darkened. Evelyn looked at Alexander and said, "Alexander, waiting here isn’t helping. Vivienne still has a head injury. Why don’t you two go back? Once your grandfather comes out of surgery, Sebastian can call you."

I immediately shook my head. "No, I’m not leaving. I want to stay here with you and wait." I tightly linked my arm with Evelyn’s. "Nana, I have to be here when Pop-Pop comes out of the operating room. No matter what happens, I want to be the first to see him."

"Nana, we’ll stay here with you," Alexander added.

Evelyn saw our determination and didn’t argue further.

Another two hours passed before the door to the operating room finally opened.

I, Alexander, Sebastian, and Grandmother Hawthorne all stood up, gathering near the door, anxiously waiting for the doctor’s update.

"Dr. Whitaker, how’s my grandfather?" Alexander asked immediately. His voice was hoarse, with a barely noticeable tremor.

My eyes were red, staring at Dr. Whitaker. My hands were subconsciously clasped in front of my chest as I silently prayed.

Dr. Whitaker removed his mask and spoke slowly. "The surgery was successful. The patient will need to be monitored in the ICU for the next two days. If everything goes well, he’ll be transferred to a general ward."

Hearing this, the heavy weight in my chest finally lifted. A smile spread across my face, and tears began to fall without me even realizing it.

"Thank you, thank you, Dr. Whitaker."

Pop-Pop was then wheeled into the intensive care unit.

I looked at my grandfather, lying in the bed, my heart aching. He looked so frail, as if life itself had drained from him. Just a few days ago, he had been playing chess with me, smiling like he always did. How had things gotten so bad in such a short time?

We followed him into the ICU.

The doctor reminded us, "The patient needs rest. Please keep your voices down and avoid making any noise."

"Thank you, doctor," Evelyn said gratefully.

"It’s no trouble. If you need anything, just let us know. I’ll leave you to it," the doctor said before walking out.

Evelyn turned to us. "He’s stable now. You can rest easy. After waiting for so long, you should eat something."

"Nana, you’ve been waiting here all this time. Please, take a break. Now that Pop-Pop’s stable, don’t wear yourself out. You need to be in good shape when he wakes up," I gently reminded her.

"Vivienne’s right, Nana," Alexander said. "How about I take you home to rest? Pop-Pop probably won’t wake up for a while. You need to get some rest so you’re ready when he does."

"Yes, Nana. Pop-Pop’s still asleep, and we’ll stay here with him. Once he wakes up, we’ll come and get you," Sebastian added.

"Alright," Evelyn nodded.

"Then Nana, I’ll take you home. Alexander, you and Vivienne stay here with Pop-Pop. I’ll come back as soon as I can," Sebastian said as he helped Evelyn to her feet.

"Thank you, Sebastian."

With only Alexander and me left in the room, a quiet tension settled between us.

"You haven’t eaten yet, have you?" Alexander asked. "After waiting all this time, let me have something brought to you. Just a quick bite."

"Mm."

Alexander walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing.

He went straight to Dr. Whitaker’s office.

Dr. Whitaker, who was older and exhausted after the long surgery, had just settled into his chair when the knock on his door came.

"Come in."

Dr. Whitaker rubbed his forehead. "Alexander, it’s you. What can I do for you?"

"Dr. Whitaker, I need to ask about my grandfather’s condition. Don’t worry, I’m alone. You don’t have to hide anything from me. Just tell me straight."

Dr. Whitaker sat up straight, his expression turning serious. He sighed before speaking. "To be honest, Chairman Hawthorne’s health has been deteriorating for years due to neglect. Even in his younger days, his health wasn’t great. Despite taking care of himself, his body simply can’t handle it anymore. The surgery was successful, but his condition is still very concerning."

"How much time does he have?" Alexander asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Whitaker looked at him, then raised three fingers. "I can only do my best to keep him for another three months. Anything beyond that is out of my hands. It’s a matter of fate."

Alexander’s body stiffened, as if a heavy blow had struck his chest. A dull ache spread through him.

Three months.

Only three months left for Grandpa.

Alexander desperately wished this was some cruel joke, but deep down, he knew it wasn’t.

Dr. Whitaker was a leading expert in this field, and even he was at a loss...

"Alexander, I know this is hard to accept. The truth is, Chairman Hawthorne has already come to terms with his condition. What worries him most is you. I’ve been following the news—" Dr. Whitaker paused, then continued gently, "Is it true that you and Vivienne are getting a divorce?"

Dr. Whitaker stepped closer and placed a hand on Alexander’s shoulder. "She’s the one you’re meant to spend your life with. If things truly can’t be fixed, I can’t stop you from divorcing her. But Chairman Hawthorne doesn’t have much time left. Wouldn’t it be better to let him go in peace?"

Alexander’s eyes reddened, and he swallowed hard. "I understand, Dr. Whitaker. Thank you."

With a heavy heart, Alexander turned and left the office.

He found a quiet spot, sat down, and stared blankly ahead, like a statue, frozen and lifeless.

"Miss Vivienne, Mr. Hawthorne asked me to bring you some food," James said as he entered, holding a lunchbox and helping me open it.

I looked up. "Where is he?"

"I’m not sure. His car is still downstairs, so he’s probably still here at the hospital," James replied.

I nodded, knowing that with Grandpa’s condition worsening, Alexander’s sorrow was just as heavy as mine. He was probably alone right now, needing some time to himself.

I had little appetite, but thinking of the child growing inside me, I forced myself to eat a few more bites.

When Alexander returned, his face seemed calm, but his eyes were hollow, betraying no hint of emotion.

"You’re back. Come, eat something," I said.

"Mm." Alexander sat down, picked up his chopsticks, ate a few bites, then quickly cleaned up and threw the trash away.

"You’re still not fully recovered. Don’t stay here. Go back to your room and rest. I’ll stay here tonight. If Pop-Pop wakes up, I’ll come get you."

I nodded. "Don’t stay up too late. Call Sebastian to take over if you need to."

"I know."

Alexander walked me to the door of my room before heading back to Pop-Pop’s room to keep watch.

Once I was in my room, I washed up quickly and climbed into bed to rest.

I wasn’t sure how long I had been asleep when a sharp knock on the door woke me up.

I rubbed my eyes instinctively, but everything was still blurry.

From the window, I could tell it was still pitch black outside.

"Who is it?" I asked, getting out of bed and quickly putting on my clothes.

Outside, I heard Alexander’s voice. "Vivienne, Pop-Pop’s awake. He wants to see you."

"I’m coming." I hurriedly finished dressing, opened the door, and said, "Let’s go."

"Wait."

"What’s wrong?" I stopped in my tracks.

Alexander approached me, and under my gaze, began undoing the buttons on my shirt one by one, then rebuttoned them. "You were in such a rush, you got them wrong."

If one button was off, they all would be.

"Oh, I didn’t notice. What time is it?"

"Two ten in the morning."

We walked side by side to Pop-Pop’s room.

Grandpa was sitting up in bed, his face pale, his energy drained.

I rushed forward, took his hand, sniffing back tears. "Pop-Pop, you’re awake! You scared me to death."