Chapter 266
Melanie took a deep breath before opening the door to see Ben waiting outside, just as he had every evening to walk her down for dinner.
“Dinner’s ready. Come on, let’s go,” he said, smiling warmly. She looked at him, unsure how to begin, her mind wrestling with the words she wanted to say.
Ben noticed her hesitation, the way her mouth opened and closed as if struggling for words. “What is it?” he asked, his smile fading as concern filled his eyes. “Is something wrong? Are you in pain?” His gaze quickly scanned her from head to toe, as though he could assess whatever was bothering her just by looking.
“No, I’m not in pain,” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips at his worry. But she felt a heaviness that needed to be shared. “Ben, I… I’ve been thinking a lot, and there’s something I need to talk to you about p>
Ben nodded, his gaze steady and patient. “Tell me… do you want to talk now p>
Melanie took a deep breath and nodded. It was now or never. “I… I’ve decided to accept your proposal. I’m sorry it took me so long. I let fear get the best of me. But… would you go get the ring and put it on my finger?” she asked, her voice soft.
Ben stared at her, unblinking, as if frozen in shock. She grew concerned and waved a hand in front of his face. “Ben, are you okay p>
But he suddenly slapped himself lightly on the cheek. “That hurt… so I guess this is real, and I’m not dreaming,” he muttered, half to himself. Melanie couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction.
With a frown, he studied her face as if still unsure. “You’re saying yes? Are you really agreeing to marry me? And you want me to get the ring and put it on your finger right now p>
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” Melanie answered with a smile. Embarrassed, she leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips. “You’re not dreaming, and you’re definitely not hallucinating. And yes, I asked you to get the ring and put it on me p>
Her cheeks flushed as she pulled back. “But you don’t have to do it right this second. I’ll go down first,” she added bashfully, turning to leave.
But before she could take a step, Ben reached out, gently grabbing her arm and pulling her into a warm embrace. “Don’t even think about going anywhere,” he whispered, holding her close. “I’ve waited too long for this moment to let you just walk away p>
Melanie relaxed in his arms, smiling as she felt the certainty of her decision settle over her, warming her heart.
At Elysium Biotech Institute
Clifford smiled to himself as he walked toward Kelly’s room, carrying the pomegranate and avocado he’d promised to bring her. He was planning to pick her up for dinner too. They’d been sharing every meal together since that first conversation on the balcony.
Her company had quickly become something he looked forward to, her bubbly spirit and boundless optimism a welcome light in his days. She was even composing songs and would often ask for his opinion, something that amused and fascinated him.
He knocked on her door, balancing the bag of fruit in one hand. “Kelly, it’s me! I brought your fruit,” he called, waiting for her reply.
Silence. Clifford’s heart skipped. He knocked again, louder this time. “Kelly?” Still no answer. A feeling of dread crept up his spine as he opened the door and stepped inside.
His breath caught. Kelly was lying unconscious on the floor, her skin pale, her face damp with sweat. In a flash, he was beside her, lifting her onto the bed and pressing the emergency call button.
“Kelly, please, wake up,” he whispered, holding her hand, which was alarmingly cold. His own hands trembled as he waited for help to arrive.
Within moments, Ivan and the medical team rushed in. “What happened?” Ivan asked, immediately assessing her condition.
“I don’t know,” Clifford replied, voice tight with worry. “I found her like this… She must have been trying to press the call button but collapsed before she could p>
Clifford stepped back, allowing them to work but unable to take his eyes off her. He hadn’t realized his eyes were wet until he felt a tear slip down his cheek.
As the team began their assessments, he resisted the urge to interrupt and ask what was wrong, knowing it could wait. Right now, the only thing that mattered was figuring out what Kelly needed.
As Clifford stood by, watching the medical team work on Kelly, a sinking feeling took over him. He knew Kelly was in the trial phase of an experimental treatment, but he hadn’t anticipated things would take a turn like this.
Ivan checked her vitals, his expression tense but focused. “Her pulse is weak, but she’s stable for now,” he said, glancing at Clifford with a mix of reassurance and caution. “We’ll take her to the lab for a deeper scan to see if there’s any swelling or unexpected activity in the tumor site p>
Clifford felt his heart ache. “She’s going to be okay, right?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Ivan nodded, though his eyes hinted at worry. “We’re doing everything we can. Her body’s been handling the treatments well so far, but aggressive tumors and experimental cures are unpredictable p>
As the team prepared to move Kelly to a portable stretcher, Clifford leaned close to her, brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead. “Kelly, hang in there,” he murmured. “You’ve still got so much to show the world p>
The team wheeled her out to the lab, leaving Clifford to follow behind, worry gnawing at him. This vibrant, optimistic woman had become such a part of his life in so little time, and now the thought of losing her was a pain he couldn’t shake.
All he could do was wait and hope that the treatment would buy her more time and maybe even a second chance at life.