Chapter 3 No One Could Have Predicted

• Ariana's POV:
• Five years had passed, and I found myself at Clarity Hospital in Florence.
• "Excuse me, Dr. Nancy, are you suggesting that this patient can avoid surgery? Instead, we could try that Eastern needle therapy?"
• "Yes, if you trust my expertise."
• I perused the medical file in my hands, wearing a smile that conveyed both confidence and politeness.
• Nancy Brown was the name I went by now.
• I didn't die five years ago in that hospital. That obstetrician performed a miracle and saved my life. Afterward, I pleaded with her not to inform Mr. Charles but to simply announce that I had passed away.
• I would rather have died than return to that household. Todd's cruelty had scarred me deeply; he had wanted to kill me and our children! I understood that even if I went back, nothing would change. Our children would grow up in a dreadful environment.
• But I also realized I couldn't take all three kids with me. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I left one behind and took two with me. After that, I came here and quickly rose in the medical field, all thanks to my father.
• When I was just ten years old, my father had rescued a woman from the East and provided her shelter. In gratitude, she taught me some medical skills—those that seemed almost magical, where a few needles could bring healing. They called it needle therapy. Surprisingly, I discovered I had a natural talent for it.
• Not everyone would believe in needle therapy, and I was aware of that. Sensing their hesitation, I exited the meeting room. I needed to pick up my beloved little ones.
• About ten minutes later, I arrived at the kindergarten.
• "Mommy, you finally made it! I've been waiting for you forever!"
• As soon as I arrived, the quiet atmosphere of the kindergarten buzzed to life. A little girl in a pink dress, her hair playfully tied in pigtails, dashed toward me with excitement.
• I stepped out of the car.
• "I'm so sorry, Sweetheart! I was late. I promise I won't keep you waiting again, okay?"
• "It's fine! Griffin was here! He brought so much food for me!"
• That made my heart swell with warmth.
• Griffin, Mirabelle's elder twin brother—he truly was a thoughtful little guy, always taking care of Mirabelle.
• I smiled. "Oh, really? Let's go find Griffin, shall we?"
• "Okay, Mommy!"
• A few moments later, I spotted my son.
• But what caught my eye was the way he was surrounded in the teacher's office; I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to.
• "Griffin, what are you doing?" I asked, stepping inside curiously, and then I noticed a small photo in his hands. It depicted a serious-faced Griffin, which surprised me because he was typically such a cheerful child.
• He bore a resemblance to that man, yet he was never as cold or unfeeling. He radiated warmth, always wearing a bright smile on his cute little face.
• "Oh, Mommy, you're here! I wasn't doing anything."
• Griffin quickly responded. The moment he heard my voice, he lit up and hopped down from the desk.
• "You didn't get into any trouble this time? Don't try to fool me. Last time, you even taught your teacher how to mess with the kindergarten's computer so everyone could have a day off! Are you sure you didn't stir anything up today?"
• "Uh ... Mommy, I promise I didn't. I just showed them a game. Alright, Mommy, I'm hungry. Can we go home now?" I wanted to see the picture he was holding, but Griffin quickly turned it over, concealing it from my view as he returned it to the teacher. Then he tugged at my hand with a look of desperation.
• I fell silent. Fine, every kid had their little secrets. Perhaps he didn't like that picture. I needed to respect his feelings. I smiled and took his hand, guiding him outside.
• Once we arrived home, I hurried into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the three of us.
• However, just as I began cooking, the hospital called.
• "Dr. Nancy, the hospital has agreed to transfer the patient to you. Could you come over now?"
• "Right now?"
• "Yes, the patient's family is here and wants to talk to you immediately."
• The nurse's voice sounded a bit stressed.
• Patients like this could be quite challenging; wealthy individuals often assume that everyone should cater to their needs as if they owned the entire world.
• After some consideration, I agreed.
• "Griffin, I have to go back to the hospital for a bit. Can you stay home and eat with Mirabelle?"
• "Of course! Don't worry, Mommy. I'll take great care of Mirabelle."
• Griffin waved his hand confidently, reassuring me that I didn't need to fret.
• With him there, I really didn't have to worry.
• So, I headed out again.
• Half an hour later, at Clarity Hospital.
• "Dr. Nancy, you made it!"
• "Yeah, where's the patient's family?"
• "In Mr. Ferrero's office. But be cautious; the family can be a bit temperamental," the nurse advised kindly.
• I smiled, donned my lab coat, pulled on my mask, and made my way to the hospital director, Mr. Ferrero's, office.
• "Hey, Mr. Ferrero."
• "Nancy, you're here! Come on in. You should meet the patient's family."
• Inside the brightly lit office, Mr. Ferrero, who was an old man appeared to be struggling to communicate with a female seated across from him, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.
• It was clear that this woman, a family member of the patient, wasn't easy to deal with.
• I glanced at her, and as soon as I recognized her face, my heart sank in disbelief!
• "Mr. Ferrero, is this the incredible doctor you were telling me about? Her?"
• The woman stood up at the sight of me.
• She was tall and graceful, her makeup impeccable. Cascading chestnut waves framed her face, and she wore an exquisite designer outfit, radiating an air of authority and confidence.
• It was Lilith!
• No one could have predicted that the first familiar face I would encounter five years later would be hers!