The Royal Mark-Chapter 392: Sweet and Painful

As promised, Marina went early to the shopping mall near the hospital to buy pet supplies for Yakobo. She filled the trunk of her car with different dog beds, dog food, treats, toys, accessories, and even supplements.

She also bought gifts for Elsa’s kids and some snacks that she knows they love. She had given up the idea of ever getting married and having her own kids someday so she treated Elsa’s children as her own.

After leaving Qiryn, she swore to herself to never fall in love again so she wouldn’t get hurt and feel miserable once more. She dedicated her life to flourishing her several businesses and focused on helping people in need, especially abandoned or sick children.

That was the reason why she got interested in investing in hospitals so she could support poor children who need medical treatment.

After shopping, she indulged in an expensive restaurant for lunch while checking her emails on her phone. She was skimming through them but one email caught her attention. It was for the board of directors, informing them of the agenda of the board meeting.

It was the same email that her secretary told her last night but she did not ask for more details. She opened the email and read through it. It informed them that the hospital’s owners would take over the Chairman and CEO positions after the current Chairman and CEO announced their retirement.

The hospital owners still hold a huge portion of the share so the board members cannot really have a say in it. But that’s not what caught Marina’s attention. It was the names of the owners. Her hands trembled and she turned pale. Beads of cold sweat started forming on her temples and forehead.

"Miss," Marina called out to one of the waiters. "Here’s my card, no need to give me the receipt just charge my card, I am in a hurry, so please make it fast."

The waitress nodded and immediately obeyed. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

As she drove towards the hospital, her thoughts wandered. The car was filled with the scent of the new pet supplies and the gifts she had carefully chosen for Elsa’s kids. However, all she could think about was the email that she received.

But as she approached the hospital, a familiar figure holding a coffee cup, stepping outside a coffee shop in her peripheral vision, caught her attention and made her heart skip a beat.

Walking out of the shop, unmistakably, was Elendir Verdant, the man she ran away from and the reason why she is in Novus right now. The sight of him brought back a rush of memories, both sweet and painful. In her moment of distraction, she didn’t notice the red light ahead or the bus turning into the intersection.

With a loud screech, her car collided with the bus full of passengers. The impact was tremendous, and Marina felt a searing pain as a piece of metal pierced her abdomen. Her vision blurred, and the sounds of chaos and screaming filled her ears before everything went dark.

In Elsa’s home...

Elsa was washing the dishes while her children were helping her unpack their own things in their rooms. Her phone won’t stop ringing so she stopped what she was doing and saw Jai’s name on the screen.

"Hey, what’s up, Jai?"

"Elsa, you need to come to the hospital right away. I know that the deal is for you not to take any VIP patients but it’s Marina. She’s been in a serious accident and she’s refusing to let anyone else operate on her except for you."

Elsa’s heart sank and her face went pale after hearing Jai. Then her head started aching after realizing that she had no nanny yet plus she just moved in and she doesn’t know any babysitter in the area.

"Have you tried to talk to her and offer yourself instead? I just moved in and no one will watch my kids. You’re more skilled than me, you even have a background in anesthetics. I am supposed to start next week, not today. I don’t even have my badge yet!"

"I already tried that, but she’s stubborn. We have stabilized her bleeding but she can’t wait all day, Elsa. There’s a daycare in the hospital for the kids of the employees, you can bring your children there. I will call them and the front lobby now so you don’t need to sign or explain anything, just make sure you bring snacks."

Elsa didn’t protest anymore for that’s all that she needed. "Alright, I’ll go now."

Elsa halted halfway on the stairs upon realizing what she must do to get to the hospital. ’Fuck! I need to drive, fuck this!’ But she has no choice, a life is on the line and it’s her best friend’s life.

With no other choice, she hurriedly gathered her children and brought them to the hospital, leaving them in the daycare.

Rushing into the operating room, Elsa found Marina in a critical state. The sight of her friend, pale and in pain, broke her heart, but she steeled herself. Marina needed her to be strong and capable now more than ever.

"What the hell did you get yourself into this time?" Elsa yelled upon entering the operating room as the nurses helped her put on the surgical gloves and gown.

Marina smiled, barely conscious. "Stitch me beautifully ok? I still want to wear my bikinis after this."

Elsa scoffed and ordered the anesthesiologist to start the sedation so they could begin the operation right away.

The operation was delicate and challenging. Elsa worked with precision, her hands steady and her mind focused. Hours passed, and finally, she removed the piece of metal and stabilized Marina. Exhausted but relieved, Elsa exited the operating room to find Jai waiting anxiously.

"She’s stable now," Elsa said, her voice shaking with emotion. "But the next 24 hours are critical. What happened anyway?"

"I think she was on her way to the board meeting when her car collided with a bus in the intersection near here," Jai replied.

"Oh my, and how are the passengers of the bus and the driver?"

"They are fine, no major injury. Everyone is being treated in the E.R. now. Apparently, Marina was able to stir away from the bus but the bar of her car still hit it causing her vehicle to spin and eventually hit the metal railings in the sidewalk."

Elsa shook her head and commented, "I wonder what distracted her. She’s always careful. By the way, can I get a badge now so I can check on her tomorrow?"

"Yes, I was going to tell you that after the operation. I’ll come with you to the HR. Let’s go, so you can pick up the kids and go back home."

*********

Hello readers! Elsa and Chris’ story is ending soon and I just want to remind you to check the tagging of the book first before buying the privilege in August. The book might end this month or around 1st week of August. Once it’s completed, privilege Chapters will be released by 2’s daily as a regular premium Chapter until nothing is left. Thank you so much for your support!