A few days after the news of what happened to Dana was leaked, business partners and other acquaintances sent their words of concern and gifts, filling and adorning the room with flowers and well-wishing cards. When the next morning came, a peaceful atmosphere enveloped the room. Marie was sitting on the couch along with Hanna and Selena, and the room held an air of quiet apprehension. As the minutes ticked away like the gentle beats of a distant drum, the three of them focused on assessing the situation in the company while continuously waiting for Dana to wake up.
As consciousness gradually seeped into her foggy awareness, the sterile scent of the hospital filled her nostrils. Blinking against the hazy disorientation, her eyes fluttered open once more, adjusting to the muted brightness of the room. The steady beep of the heart monitor provided a rhythmic backdrop, grounding her in the present. She became acutely aware of the crisp, white hospital sheets enveloping her, the sensation foreign against her skin. A dull ache resonated through her body; a symphony of discomfort conducted by the aftermath of surgery.
Dana stared at the three figures on the corner sofa, talking seriously about business without noticing her. Selena, subconsciously looking at Dana out of habit, noticed her gaze and alerted her colleagues.
"She's awake!"
The trio, suspended in a collective breath, observed the subtle movements from Dana. Hanna stepped forward to check on Dana while Selena ran outside to call some doctors, totally forgetting the call button just above Dana's bed. Marie also walked over, a mix of relief and concern etched on her face.
"Madam, you're finally awake," Marie uttered, her voice a gentle reassurance that cut through the silence. Hanna, unable to contain her emotions, let out a sigh of relief, breaking the tension that had gripped the room.
Dana's lips curled into a weak but genuine smile, a silent acknowledgement of their efforts in the past days she had been unconscious. In the meantime, the doctor, clad in a white coat, entered the room with a gentle knock along with Selena.
"How are you feeling?"
Dana's voice, fragile and raw, whispered, "I feel... different."
The doctor nodded with understanding, his eyes reflecting a reservoir of compassion. "That's completely normal. You've been through a significant procedure, and your body needs time to heal."
With clarity and empathy, he explained the details of the surgery, the steps of recovery, and the roadmap toward restored health. Marie absorbed the information like a sponge, ensuring Dana would be taken care of.
After the doctor left, Marie informed Dana of what happened while she was in surgery.
"The chairman sent Sir Martin to help you with the company as you recuperate."
"I see. Is there anything else?" Dana asked while looking around.
Marie, understanding what she was talking about, pulled a note from her planner and handed it to Dana.
"A message for you."
"Alright. Please, leave me be for the moment," Dana requested, clutching the note earnestly. Marie did not bother to question her further, helped Dana get into a comfortable position, and after making sure everything was in place, she signalled to her fellow colleagues to go outside.
After being alone in the ward, Dana didn't immediately open the note. She looked outside the window as the view of the city made her calm. Slowly, she read the note and smiled. She did not expect such words to be written inside. She then grabbed her phone from the side table and called Alexei. Seeing that the call did not go through, Dana did not call back. Thinking that he was busy, she just sent a message before calling her brother.
"Jace."
On the other end of the phone, Jace, who had gone back to his apartment in a drunken state, looked at the caller ID with an annoyed face without uttering a word. Dana, who immediately understood, only called his name once more.
"Jace…"
"Are you calling me from the afterlife?" Jace replied begrudgingly, glaring at his phone as if the other person on the line could see his face.
Dana chuckled. She more or less knew what kind of face her brother was making at the moment. After settling down, she blurted her thoughts honestly.
"I'm sorry. I knew you said to be careful, and I promised not to get hurt, but I still ended up in a hospital. I really thought I could manage it on my own."
Jace went silent. Dana's words sobered him up, and he tried to sit straight in his chair. He sighed before responding to her.
"You have me. You don't need to pretend you're alright or do things on your own. You know you can cry when you're with me."
"I know. Thanks, Jace." Dana did not need to say more to express her sincerest thanks. Both the brother and sister duo knew in their hearts what the other wished to convey.
The rest of the conversation went smoothly and warmly as they bantered with each other. Jace, being thoughtful to his recovering sister, arbitrarily ended the conversation and bid farewell for Dana to rest. Seeing his good intentions, Dana did not decline and bid him goodbye.
Dana was ever so grateful for the existence of her brother. Despite being a troublemaker in the family, she could always rely on him whenever she was sick, not feeling good, or just wanted some presence and a buddy to talk to. While laughing at her circumstances, she went to put her smartphone down on the bedside table, thinking of taking a quick nap as the call had made her tired and drowsy. Just then, she felt her phone vibrate, an indication of an incoming text message. She looked at the sender and was a bit surprised. Although she expected some kind of reply, she did not think it would be this fast. She calmly opened the message and nodded in understanding. She gave a quick reply before putting it back on the table.
On the other hand, Alexei, who could finally take a breather after a long meeting with the board, habitually looked at his mobile phone. Seeing a missed call and a message from a person he wasn't expecting, caught him by surprise.
Casting a glance at the board directors walking out of the conference room, Alexei turned his head, stared at the windows that overlooked the city, and let out a sigh. Michael noticed this from a distance and made a move. After ensuring that everyone present in the room was out, Michael handed Alexei a bottle of water from the food tray beside the door.
"You must be tired from the meeting, Sir. You can take a quick nap since you still have an hour before your arranged meet-up with the CEO of Royal Corp."
Michael pointed at his watch to indicate his intention while Alexei only nodded in acknowledgment. Accepting the water bottle, Alexei stood up and walked towards the exit door, while giving Michael some instructions.
"Let no one enter my office for an hour. I don't want to be disturbed."
Michael followed silently while affirming Alexei's request. After reaching the office, Michael did not enter with Alexei and only closed the door, instructing the other personnel to keep their voices down.