Chapter 2 Two

Lily's heart dropped as her mother's words sank in. The room seemed to close in around her, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. Amelia reached out, grabbing Lily's hand, her own face pale with concern.

"W-What do you mean? An accident?"

"Y...yeah".

"Oh my God! How bad is it?" Lily stammered, clutching the phone tightly as if it could somehow provide more answers.

"They're taking him to St. Mary's Hospital. It was a head-on collision. The doctors... they said it doesn't look good," Elena's voice wavered, heavy with fear and grief. "I've already called your sister, Arianna. She'll be here soon".

Lily felt a sharp pang of guilt cut through her anger and frustration. Just moments ago, she had stormed out on her father, wishing to never speak to him again. Now, the thought that she might lose him forever was unbearable.

"I'm coming, Mom. I'll be there as soon as I can," Lily said, her voice trembling.

"Hurry, Liliana... please," Elena whispered before the call ended.

Lily stood up abruptly, nearly spilling her tea. "I need to go, Ams. My dad... he's in the hospital".

Amelia immediately rose to her feet. "What happened?"

"A car accident. I'll get the Chauffeur".

"Let's go".

The urgency of the situation erased any remaining frustration Lily felt. She nodded, grateful for Amelia's support. As they hurried out of the cottage, Lily's mind raced with a jumble of thoughts and emotions. She had spent so long resisting her father's demands, but now all she wanted was to see him, to make sure he was okay.

The drive to the hospital was a blur. The Chauffeur drove as quickly as he could, weaving through traffic with a determined focus. Lily sat in the passenger seat, wringing her hands and staring blankly out the window. The guilt gnawed at her insides. She couldn't shake the memory of their last argument, the harsh words that had been exchanged. What if those were the last words she ever spoke to him?

When they finally arrived at St. Mary's, Lily practically leaped out of the car before it had even come to a complete stop. Amelia hurried after her as they rushed into the hospital, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling their nostrils.

"Where is he?" Lily demanded breathlessly at the front desk. "William Hart- my father". He was in a car accident".

The nurse looked up at Lily with a sympathetic expression. "He's in surgery right now. The doctors are doing everything they can".

Lily felt her knees weaken, and she grabbed onto the counter for support. Surgery. That meant it was serious-more serious than she had let herself imagine.

"Is my mom here? Elena Hart?"

"Yes, she's in the waiting room just down the hall".

And my sister, Arianna Hart?"

"I think she's with your mom too".

Lily nodded and, with Amelia by her side, walked down the corridor to the waiting room. When she entered, she saw her mother sitting alone, hunched over with her head in her hands. The sight of her so defeated broke Lily's heart.

"Mom," Lily whispered, rushing over and wrapping her arms around her. Elena looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Oh, Lily," she sobbed, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. "I'm so scared. I don't know what to do. I'm literally losing my mind".

"I'm here now, Mom. I'm here," Lily said, holding her mother close. Tears streamed down her face as the reality of the situation hit her. For all her anger and defiance, she loved her father deeply, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

They sat together in silence, clinging to each other as they waited for any news. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, each minute feeling like an hour. Amelia sat nearby, quietly offering her support.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a doctor in scrubs entered the waiting room. His expression was grave, and Lily's heart skipped a beat.

"Mrs. Hart?" the doctor said, looking at Elena.

"Yes, that's me," Elena replied, her voice shaking as she stood up, still holding onto Lily for support.

The doctor took a deep breath before speaking. "Your husband is out of surgery. He's stable for now, but he's in critical condition. The impact from the crash caused significant internal injuries. We've done everything we can, but the next 24 hours are crucial".

Lily felt her mother's grip tighten on her arm. "Can we see him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded. "You can, but he's in the ICU. He won't be able to respond, but he might be able to hear you".

Elena nodded and turned to Lily and Arianna. "Come with me?"

"Of course, Mom," they said in unison.

"Let's go".

"Okay". Lily said, her voice steady even though her heart was pounding in her chest.

They followed the doctor down the sterile, white corridors to the ICU. When they entered the room, the sight of William lying unconscious, surrounded by beeping machines and tubes, made Lily's breath catch in her throat. He looked so fragile, so different from the strong, imposing figure she was used to.

Elena approached the bed and gently took William's hand in hers. "I'm here, William. I'm right here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Lily stood beside her mother, feeling a deep sense of remorse. "Dad... I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Please... please fight through this. I'm not ready to lose you".

"Excuse me, Mrs. Hart, Miss Hart..." the doctor said, as he walked in on them. "I'm sorry to interrupt".

A young man stood beside him, looking all tattered and unkempt.

"This is Mr. Evan".

Arianna stared at him with an irritable look.

"And, who is he?" She asked.

"He saved your father, Miss. He was there at the accident scene. He called an ambulance, and that's how your father was rushed to this hospital".

Lily stared at this man intently. Although he looked tattered and unkempt, she admired him.

"Anyone could've done that..."

"Ari!" Lily yelled, shunning her. "That's rude". She whispered.

She turned to face Evan.

"Thank you Mr. Evan. We're forever indebted to you". LIly said, smiling.

"Yes. Thank you so much for saving my husband". Elena acknowledged.

Arianna just rolled her eyes.

"It's no problem, Ma'am, Miss". Evan said with a warm smile. "I'll take my leave now". He said, and left the room together with the doctor.

"Ari, that was rude". Lily whispered again after the doctor and Evan were no longer in sight.

"He's too poor. I can't stand poor people".

"He saved Dad..."

"Whatever".

Just then, William coughed a little, before opening his eyes slowly.

"W...where am I?" He muttered weakly.

"Doctor!! He's awake!!"