Chapter 3 Three

The doctor hurried back in, followed by a nurse. He quickly assessed William's condition, checking his vitals and asking him a few simple questions.

"You're in the hospital, Mr. Hart," the doctor said calmly, his tone reassuring. "You were in a car accident, but you're going to be okay. You're in good hands".

William's eyes darted around the room, his expression one of confusion and pain. "The accident..." he mumbled, his voice hoarse. "I... I remember..."

"It's okay, Dad," Lily said softly, reaching out to gently hold his hand. "You're safe now".

Elena, standing on the other side of the bed, wiped away tears of relief. "Thank God you're awake, William. We've been so worried".

"How are you feeling, Dad?" Arianna asked, her voice lacking its usual edge.

William attempted a small smile, though it was clear he was in pain. "Like I've been hit by a truck," he murmured weakly. "But... I'm glad to see you all here".

The doctor finished his examination and turned to the family.

"Mr. Hart will need to rest and recover, but it's a good sign that he's awake and responsive. We'll monitor him closely over the next 24 hours, but for now, it's important that he stays calm and doesn't exert himself".

Elena nodded gratefully, her eyes never leaving her husband's face.

"Thank you, Doctor. We'll make sure he rests".

Yes, thank you," Lily echoed, her voice full of gratitude. She then looked back at her father.

"Dad, how... How did this happen?"

"I... I wanted to go after you... so you won't hurt yourself..."

"I tried to stop him..." Elena interrupted. "But he didn't listen. The worst part is that he refused to go with any of the bodyguards".

"Well, at least... I'm alive..."

"Barely". Elena said, as she folded her arms to her chest and pouted her lips.

"Dad, did you and Lily have a fight again?" Arianna asked as she stared at Lily with a smug look on her face.

"It's about the marriage to one of the Langstons' sons, right?"

"That's none of your business, Ari!" Lily spat, almost annoyed.

"This is not the right time to talk about that".

"I knew it". Arianna scoffed. "It had to be because of that".

"Stop it!" Lily yelled this time.

"Okay, fine. But, Liliana, you know that this wouldn't have happened if you had just agreed. I mean, marrying one of the Langstons' sons is like digging into a goldmine. They're filthy rich!" Arianna exclaimed.

"Then, why don't you marry one of them instead, huh!?" Lily yelled angrily.

"I'd gladly take the opportunity. But since you're the first daughter, Dad said it had to be you".

"Girls, stop it!" Elena warned, as she tried to ease the situation.

"Calm down. This is not the right time or place for this. Look at your father's state. Do you want to worsen his condition?"

"No mom..."

"Then, stop it!"

"We're sorry mom".

"I'm out of here!" Lily scoffed, and walked angrily out of the room.

"Why does she always run or walk away?" Elena asked, and Arianna shrugged her shoulders.

"Just... take some rest honey. I'll go home to prepare something for you to eat. Specially made by me".

"You know how your cooking is, Elena". William said with a faint smile.

"Well, I can try". Elena said, and they both laughed.

William chuckled softly, though it was cut short by a wince of pain. "I'll take whatever you make, Elena. Just... nothing too adventurous, alright?"

Elena rolled her eyes playfully. "I promise to keep it simple, Mr. Picky".

Arianna, still standing by the bed, crossed her arms and sighed.

"Lovebirds".

William gave her a weak smile. "Arianna, don't be too hard on your mother. She tries".

"I'll keep that in mind, Dad," Arianna replied, though her tone held a hint of sarcasm.

"Are you okay here alone for a bit?" Elena asked, smoothing out the blankets on William's bed.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just... don't take too long. I don't want to be here by myself for too long".

Elena leaned down to kiss his forehead. "I won't be gone long. Rest, and we'll be back before you know it".

As Elena and Arianna turned to leave, Arianna paused at the door, glancing back at her father.

"Dad... I'm glad you're okay. Just... try not to scare us like that again."William's expression softened. "I'll do my best, kiddo. Now go help your mother"

Arianna nodded and followed Elena out of the room, leaving William alone with his thoughts.

*********

Lily paced up and down the hospital corridor, her mind racing with a mix of anger and guilt. The confrontation with Arianna had left her seething, but her father's condition weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn't believe how quickly things had spiraled out of control.

"Lily," a familiar voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Amelia approaching, concern etched on her face.

"I thought I'd find you out here. Are you okay?"

"Not really. But, I'll be fine".

"How is your Dad doing?"

"He's okay".

"You don't look too good. Come. I'll take you home".

"Okay". Lily said, and started to follow Amelia, but she stopped abruptly.

"Is something wrong?"

"Sh*t! I forgot my phone in my Dad's ward".

"I can go pick it up for you".

"No. That's fine. I'll get it myself".

Amelia nodded. "Okay. I'll wait here for you".

As Lily headed to her father's ward, she bumped into someone, making some prescriptions fall out from the person's hands.

"Oh I'm sorry. I'm too clumsy". Lily apologized. She picked up the prescriptions from the ground, and handed them over to the person.

She shuddered a little, when she realized who it was.

"Mr. Evan? What are you still doing here?"