~Charlene~
"I'm sorry, Charlene, but Damian needs a kidney transplant immediately," explained Doctor Martin, the pediatric nephrologist who had been overseeing Damian's care.
His tone was grave as he continued, "If we delay any longer, his organs could begin to fail—he could die."
"No." The word tore from me before I could stop it. My chest tightened, a cold panic creeping through my veins. Losing Damian wasn't an option—not ever.
I gripped the edge of the hospital counter, feeling it tremble under my hands. "There has to be another way," I said, forcing myself to speak steadily. "There has to be someone who can help him."
"We've already tested everyone in your family, Charlene. Unfortunately, none of you is a compatible donor. That means we can't proceed with a transplant right now. Without a private donor or a rare match from outside the family, all we can do is keep Damian stable on dialysis."
He paused, his voice lowering. "But time isn't on your side. Matches for children are tough to find, and it could take months—sometimes even years. I wish I had better news, but the reality is… Damian doesn't have that kind of time."
I pressed my palms against the cool wall, shutting my eyes as memories of Damian's birth rushed back to me. He had been the tiniest of my triplets, so fragile in my arms. Now, at only five years old, his little body had betrayed him—his kidney had failed without warning.
I had prayed endlessly that his Lycan blood would awaken early, that its power would heal him. But miracles were never promised, and he was far too young to shift, far too young to be saved by the strength that should have been his birthright.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Adrian's name lighting up the screen. "Excuse me, doctor," I said quickly before answering. "Hello?"
"Charlene, where are you?" Adrian's voice came fast, heavy with worry.
"With Damian," I responded, forcing my voice to stay calm. "Is this about the orders we took last month?"
There was a pause, then a long sigh. "Yes… We need you here."
"Alright," I breathed. "I'll be on my way to the restaurant soon." I ended the call and turned back to Dr. Martin. "I have to head back now, but please—keep me updated. I need to know if there's any other option for Damian."
Dr. Martin nodded. "I'll let you know the moment anything changes."
By the time I arrived at the restaurant, the cooks had already prepared everything I needed, and immediately, I threw myself into work beside Adrian—chopping, stirring, cooking.
I tried to force my mind to focus, but couldn't stop thinking about Damian.
How was I supposed to help him? Who was I supposed to run to?
A sharp whistle sounded opposite me, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I noticed Adrian holding up a tray.
"Charlene… Table 6. Complaints. They said the salmon wasn't cooked right, that the seasoning was off."
I froze, realizing my distraction while doing the dishes had caused the oversight. My hands were shaking with worry as I took the tray from him and placed it on the counter. "I will make it again," I informed him, signaling one of the cooks to bring me another salmon.
While cutting the fish, my shaking fingers slipped on the knife, and I sliced my palm. "Ouch," I winced in pain as blood welled up.
"Are you alright?" Adrian rushed towards me and grabbed my hand. Then he placed it under the sink and turned on the tap, washing off the blood. "Charlene, if anything is happening with you, you must tell me. I can't watch you carrying this alone!" he said softly.
"I…" I heaved a deep sigh as the tears welled up in my eyes. "It's Damian. We need a donor, and no one has been compatible. I just…" I sniffled.
Adrian said nothing as he walked to one of the cupboards and pulled out the first aid kit. After applying a plaster to the cut, he grabbed the knife and took over the salmon.
"What are you doing? I have to prepare this myself."
Adrian groaned at me. "Stop acting like this, Charlene. You just cut yourself, and we got our first complaints in years. I worry about Damian, too, and I wish I were compatible with him so I could give him my organ, but it's sad. You don't have to carry this alone."
I exhaled and rubbed my eyes. "I know. I just… I can't stop thinking about Damian."
He stepped closer, his voice softening. "Then let me worry about the restaurant. You need to focus on what matters right now. We'll handle the complaints."
I nodded, swallowing hard, trying to draw strength from his calm presence. "Thank you, Adrian. You're… the only reason this place stays running sometimes."
Adrian offered a small smile. "And you're the reason I keep showing up. Now, tell me how we fix Table 6 and also prepare other meals."
I leaned against the kitchen counter and began explaining to him and the other cooks.
During this moment, I tried to block every issue regarding the kidney transplant, but each time I was alone, I got a lot of ideas, and one of them was contacting Draven.
After the rush hour ended, I informed Adrian about my decision.
"Draven? Like your ex-husband? Are you insane? That man is why everything turned out this way for you."
"I don't have time for hesitation," I said. "Damian needs a kidney. I have to see his father. He may be the only one who can save Damian. Time is running out."
Adrian rubbed his forehead. "You swore you'd never see him again."
"I swore until my son's life depended on it," I said, straightening my back. "If he's a match… Damian survives. If not…" My throat closed, but I held my ground. "I have to try. I have to meet him again, no matter what."
"Alright. Since you are doing this for Damian, there is no reason to stop you. Do you have any idea if he's still in town?"
I nodded in response. "Yes, I do. He's in a nearby hotel provided by the king. I should head there now," I announced, removing the apron around my neck.
"Can't you wait until tomorrow?"
I shook my head. "The sooner the better," I said, walking to the changing room.
After changing to a casual outfit of blue jeans and a white top, I walked out of the restaurant with Adrian escorting me. "Tell the twins I will be back soon," I told him.
Adrian had always cared for the children whenever Margaret was unavailable or I was running late, and I have always been grateful to him for that.
He nodded in response and opened the door of my black car. "See you soon," I muttered as I entered and started the engine.