November 22, 2023. Chapter 1-2. Sorry to keep you waiting. Updating time for me can vary, depending on my situation at home.
Three and a half hours later, the surgery was completed. Kaleb Wright had a new ascending aorta. After an operation, Lucas would generally leave the rest of the work to a resident surgeon. However, Lucas wanted to do everything for Kaleb. "Doctor, I can close the chest," Doctor Brown offered. "No," Lucas plainly said. "I'll do everything. Everyone can assist and learn." What Lucas really wanted to say was that he could not afford any mistakes during that surgery. This was his first step in redeeming himself. So, he would instead do everything with many eyes watching him. One by one, Lucas inserted the sternal wires, his eyes barely blinking, focused on Kaleb's open chest. After closing Kaleb's sternum, he also personally stitched the wound. Lucas observed Kaleb for a few minutes longer before finally giving the order, "We can move him to the ICU." The surgical team clapped their hands. One by one, they praised Lucas. "You did a fantastic job, Doctor Thompson," the cardiol
"Here?" Lily was stunned. Lucas brought her to a small Chinese eatery downtown. He asked the owner to close the store only for his late dinner. While Lucas sat before the table and ordered food, Ryan and one bodyguard watched from outside. Another private car from Lucas' men also arrived to stand watch. "It's two in the morning. The fancy restaurants are closed," Lucas reminded. "I mean, I don't mind," Lily said while sitting in front of Lucas. "I sometimes get sent to places that aren't on the map, and even casual dining isn't available, but you? You are not used to this." Lucas' brows met. While taking off his coat, he answered, "You'd be surprised." "Then." Lily paused and urged, "Surprise me!" Unfortunately for her, Lucas did not explain himself. He only said, "I'm famished. I don't usually eat before surgery." Lily watched as Lucas rolled up his sleeves. She did not miss the scars that were on his forearms. She counted around five. Two of them were very deeply inflicted.
"Dad!" Lily exclaimed, seeing her father being moved to the private room. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she embraced him tightly. "Ouch! Lily, you sure can hug," Kaleb remarked. "Careful now. I can still feel those surgical wires pricking my flesh." Two days had passed since the operation. Lily had been at the heart and lung center with her parents. Her brother Liam occasionally left to see his wife and kids, but often, he flew in a private plane to see Kaleb, even just for a few hours. As Lucas had promised, he came to see Kaleb longer than he should have. Lucas would spend at least an hour checking Kaleb's vitals when asleep. Lucas also stayed throughout Kaleb's extubation. Naturally, since Kaleb was put to sleep, he was on a ventilator. After Lucas had confirmed that Kaleb's vitals were stable, he ordered him off the machine, and now, Lily's father was back in a standard room. "How are you feeling, Tiger?" Lily's mother asked Kaleb. That was how Scarlett called Lily's fat
"Lily?" Lucas asked. "Who is Aiden?" Lucas saw the signs. Lily's eyes widened in sheer fright. The color drained from her face, leaving behind a ghostly hue. Not only that but frantic movements accompanied her reaction. Aiden was clearly important to Lily. "Lucas, we don't have time," Lily said. Tears streamed down her face as she begged, "We need to use your private jet. We have to go back to Braeton -" "So it's true. Something happened," Lucas confirmed, and he gritted his teeth upon realizing the threat was real. Lily nodded and said, "Lewis and - and -" Lily could not finish her words. Instead, she said, "We need to find them! There is no time to explain. We need your jet now!" Lucas understood the urgency. He immediately made the call without thinking or asking for more details. Once he confirmed the pilot's availability, he ordered Ryan to bring them to the airport. In the car, Ryan was driving. Liam was seated next to Ryan. It was from there that Lucas was briefed o
"We spotted a black van speeding north of Braeton. They broke traffic lights and evaded police officers. Clearly, they had something to hide. Our officers are already chasing them, Sergeant," a local police officer updated Lily upon arrival at Braeton International Airport. "Our brothers, Levin, Kristoff, and Kayden, are also pursuing that van. They drove with the police officers that left an hour ago," Liam said. He immediately got the call the moment they landed on Braeton. Lily's colleagues from Black Hawk also arrived at the same time as them. Gunner, who led the team, said their company hacker had a lead on the black van. Major Patton was also there. He was speaking to Lucas and his men. From where Lily stood, she could tell the major was upset about Lucas' decision to fly into Braeton. "Mister Thompson, my direct order is to send you back to Rose Hills. Braeton is not prepared for your arrival. We can't risk you getting attacked here," Lily heard the major said. "If you g
Lily was relieved to see Lucas. He quickly put her down and turned to Lewis, "Keep Aiden safe!" Lewis swiftly secured Aiden to the side. Meanwhile, Lucas advanced at the two men standing there, stunned by his arrival. The kidnappers clearly knew Lucas, for one said, "Get him! He is the real target!" Lucas engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the two and managed to kick one to the ground. Of course, Lily could not just leave Lucas alone! Just as Lucas tried to immobilize one adversary with his arms, she ran and thrust her knee into the opponent's stomach! Then, Lucas used all his strength to throw the man to the ground, and the latter rolled uncontrollably. "Duck!" Lucas ordered, and Lily followed. An opponent was about to hit Lily from behind, but instead, the unknown man faced Lucas' sturdy kick. To Lily's dismay, some of the kidnappers from inside the warehouse managed to get out and launch an assault. Lily and Lucas fought together, their movements in synch. When Lily would
Lucas was blown away. He chuckled at the boy's request and approached him. He asked, "What? You want me to marry your mom?" "I'm serious, Mister!" Aiden said. "I think you'll be a better husband for my mom!" "You fight well. When you and Mommy were fighting earlier, it was like a synchronized dance, like you knew her well enough to predict her moves!" Aiden complimented. "Plus, you are smart and -" Aiden's grin grew wider as he described, "You are half as handsome as I am, so you'll do." Lucas, "..." "Half as handsome?" Lucas clarified. He was about ready to burst into laughter at his son's suggestion. He mused, 'Couldn't he see that we looked very much alike?' "Yeah," Aiden said. "Jake thought he was more handsome than me. Are you going to be the same? Choose your reply wisely, Mister." Lucas, "..." "You certainly are... more handsome than me," Lucas confirmed. Tears welled in his eyes, but he chuckled, thoroughly amused. He was amazed by his son's character. "You - you hav
"Now, how about marrying my mommy this time?" Lucas did not know whether to laugh or cry at his son's actions. 'Did he just handcuff me?' His son was sure possessive! Aiden did not need to cuff him. Lucas meant to stay for good. However, Lucas would do anything to give his son assurance. Finally, Lucas chuckled and replied, "Fine by me. It makes me happier that you will stay by my side." "Good," Aiden answered. "But, to make all those claims legal, you must marry my Mommy. Words don't mean a thing." Another laugh escaped Lucas' lips. He gasped and said, "Aiden, can you keep a secret? Because your uncles cannot know of this for now. They are still mad at me." Aiden contemplated and then nodded. He answered, "Yeah. I can keep a secret." "What if I told you that I already married your mommy," Lucas revealed. "What?" Aiden asked, utterly bemused. "Your mom and I got legally married two days ago," Lucas admitted. Silence fell upon them. Aiden's eyes panned from left to right