The door to the ward creaked open as Shelly stepped inside.
The young man sitting beside her father turned at the sound. His expression softened the moment his gaze met hers.
"Shelly," he said gently, a small smile tugging at his lips, "your father will be alright. Don't worry."
She hesitated before replying, "Yes… I hope so. But… you are Mr…?"
"Oh—right," the young man said, as if realizing something. "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Vegas."
He extended his hand toward her in greeting.
"Hi… I'm Shelly," she replied, shaking it politely. "But… I don't think I know you."
Vegas chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I knew you'd forget me. And honestly, I can't blame you—it's been so many years since we last met."
He paused for a moment before adding, "I once… proposed to you back in school."
Shelly's brows lifted slightly. "Oh… I'm sorry. I… actually don't remember."
"That's fine," Vegas said easily. "You had two close friends back then, didn't you?"
Shelly smiled faintly. "Yes. And they're still in my life." She hesitated, then continued, "Yesterday… you were the one who brought my dad here, right?"
"Yes," he confirmed without hesitation. "I actually know your father. You probably never noticed me at your restaurant, but I often came there during lunch. Almost every week, in fact."
Shelly didn't speak—she simply listened, trying to piece together this stranger's connection to her life.
Vegas went on, "Your father and I… we've had a good relationship for a long time. But I suppose you never knew."
"I see…" Shelly murmured quietly.
Vegas's phone vibrated in his pocket. "Stay with your dad for now," he told her. "I just need to take this call."
She nodded, watching him step out.
Turning back to her father, Shelly took his hand in both of hers. "Daddy… please, get well soon. That's all I want. I'll do whatever you ask, but just… come back to me."
But Mr. Herlen lay still, his face calm, unmoving.
Moments later, Vegas returned—this time with the doctor at his side.
The doctor glanced at Shelly gravely. "It appears your father has developed a blood clot in part of his brain. That's why he's in a coma-like state. Starting today, I'll administer a special medication through the IV. If it works, he may regain consciousness… but one part of his body might remain paralyzed."
Shelly's throat tightened. "Isn't there… any way to make him fully recover?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Her eyes blurred with tears, and her voice broke as she whispered, "Please… just save him."
Vegas stepped forward, his tone firm. "Doctor, no matter how much it costs, I'll pay it. If we need specialists from another country, I'll make the arrangements immediately—just do everything possible to help him."
The doctor sighed. "It's not about the money. Your father's age is a factor, and in some cases, this is inevitable. You're fortunate you brought him here yesterday—any later, and he wouldn't have survived at all. Still… I'll do everything I can."
With that, the doctor quietly left the room.
Shelly turned to Vegas, emotion welling in her chest. "I… I don't even know how to thank you for what you've done."
Vegas gave her a little smile. "There's nothing to thank me for."
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Continue.....