Chapter 155
Chapter 155:
In the midst of Hailee’s emotional breakdown, the full scope of her troubles finally became clear to Elliana.
Throughout the last week, Hailee’s boyfriend had collapsed from a sudden heart attack and had been immediately taken to the emergency room for urgent care. The cost of that single life-saving procedure had drained the entirety of the 230,000 prize money she had won from the Starry Oil painting competition.
With her finances completely wiped out and more hospital bills piling up, Hailee had been pushing herself beyond her limits. She’d spent her days working at a publishing company and juggled three more part-time jobs after hours. In her desperation, she’d even accepted a job serving at the Imperial Lounge just to get fast cash.
Her daily routine had become a constant whirlwind of fatigue, leaving her no time to eat properly. She often managed only a quick piece of bread between job shifts. Even though she had a solid educational background and a stable full-time position, her world had spiraled into chaos, all because of her boyfriend, who had become both a financial burden and an emotional weight.
Hailee had always been a woman of fierce resilience. No matter how overwhelming life became, she kept going, driven by sheer willpower. But today, she had finally reached her breaking point. Her boyfriend had once again fallen critically ill and was back in the emergency room. His condition was still hanging in the balance.
Once Elliana ended the call, she wasted no time and hurried straight to Skyflower Hospital.
Upon arrival, Elliana spotted Hailee curled up just outside the emergency doors, her arms wrapped around her knees and her face hidden against them. Her slight frame trembled with uncontrollable sobs.
“Hailee,” Elliana called out softly.
Hailee froze for a second and abruptly raised her head, her face tear-smeared. Agony rendered her momentarily mute.
𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 — 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝘁
Elliana walked over, helped Hailee up carefully, and guided her toward a bench nearby. “Can you tell me what’s happening?” she asked with quiet concern.
With a shaky voice, Hailee responded, “The doctor said my boyfriend’s heart isn’t the only problem. His kidneys are shutting down, too. They said he needs a p>
“Transplant right away. I happen to be a compatible match, and I want to donate one of mine to him. But I’m terrified my dad won’t accept my decision p>
A slight frown tugged at Elliana’s expression. How had the situation taken such a devastating turn so quickly? She stated, “Hailee, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask. Are you truly that emotionally tied to your boyfriend? You’ve endured so much suffering for him, and now you’re ready to give up a kidney? Is he genuinely worth everything you’re sacrificing p>
Elliana remembered Hailee once mentioning how long she had known her boyfriend. By her calculations, their relationship had lasted no more than a year. From what Hailee had said before, her boyfriend had been hospitalized just three months into their relationship due to a recurrence of his heart condition. That didn’t leave much time for blissful memories. Could a connection formed in such a brief time run that deep?
“My boyfriend came into my life because of a car crash,” Hailee replied with a strained smile. “I was walking along the street when a speeding car swerved out of control and came straight at me. At the last possible second, he threw himself forward and pulled me out of the way. He ended up seriously hurt while saving me p>
Elliana gave a slow nod, piecing it all together. “So part of the reason you’ve stayed by his side is because you feel you owe him your life p>
“That’s right,” Hailee answered. “He was already living with a congenital heart defect, and the injuries he took on that day worsened his condition. I just can’t leave him behind. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself p>
After a moment of silence, Hailee added, “He’s also the first man I’d ever loved. Back when he was still healthy, we’d go shopping, enjoy meals together, watch the ocean waves, and admire blooming gardens. Those were some of the most joyful moments I’ve ever known. Even if I wasn’t driven by gratitude, I could never turn away from someone who gave me such unforgettable memories p>
Elliana quietly sighed, thinking how Hailee’s kindness was both a gift and a curse.
Right then, the emergency room doors burst open.
Hailee sprang up from her seat and darted toward the doctor leading the team. “How is my boyfriend doing?” she asked, her voice tight with anxiety.
The doctor exhaled wearily. “Ms. Loftus, your boyfriend’s situation remains critical. Although we’ve been able to stabilize him temporarily, his kidneys are failing. Without a transplant soon, his condition could worsen again at any moment p>
Hailee’s complexion drained of all color, and her head drooped in despair.
At that moment, a group of nurses wheeled a hospital bed out of the emergency room.
Without hesitation, Hailee rushed toward the bed to check on her boyfriend, while Elliana stayed close behind her.
Lying atop the bed was a young man dressed in standard hospital attire. His eyes remained shut, an oxygen mask covering the lower half of his face, and his tousled hair added to his fragile appearance. His skin looked ghostly pale, and each breath he took was faint and labored.
Elliana examined him with a careful eye, her brows pulling together. With her years of medical experience, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this young man didn’t look like someone who had just survived a life-or-death emergency. Instead, his appearance reminded her of an actor, styled to perfection by a professional makeup team just to appear fragile.
The doctor spoke up. “Ms. Loftus, your boyfriend should wake up shortly. You’ll be able to talk to him once he’s in the ward p>
Hailee gave a quick nod and immediately stepped aside to allow the nurses room to pass.
The nurses pushed the bed toward the ward, and Hailee followed closely, never leaving the bedside. After a moment’s hesitation, Elliana trailed after them.
After Hailee’s boyfriend was settled into the ward, the doctor turned back to Hailee. “Ms. Loftus, please decide soon regarding the kidney transplant. There isn’t much time left p>
With those words, the doctor and the nurses quietly exited, leaving the room engulfed in stillness.
Elliana’s eyes remained on Hailee’s boyfriend. There was something uncannily familiar about him.