HIS REGRETS

When I arrived at the hospital the next morning, Doctor Zane, Matt, and his mother, along with my parents, were already waiting for me in the hallway.

“Good morning, Doctor Meadow. Your new office is ready, and the files of Mr. Anderson’s medical history are also ready,” Doctor Zane said smiling.

My mother rushed to hug me, but the bodyguards stopped her just in time.

“Step aside, she’s my daughter,” my mother said angrily. “Meadow, tell them I'm your mom.”

“Sorry, ma’am, we are following Mr. Enrique’s orders to keep Doctor Meadow safe,” the bodyguard said, still blocking her path.

My mother did not argue further. My father just stood in a corner looking at me.

“Meadow, it’s so nice to see you again,” Mrs. Anderson said smiling.

“It’s Doctor Meadow,” I corrected her. “And please, you all don’t need to be here. I only need one relative of the patient who knows about his medical history.”

“I will stay, Mom, and you and Dad can go home,” Matt said, patting his mother’s shoulder.

There’s no way I’m allowing Matt to stay in the hospital, especially after last night's call. “Mrs. Anderson, I think it will be better for your mother to stay.”

“My mom is not strong enough to handle any stress. I will stay. Mom, you can go back home now. I will keep you updated on Dad.”

“Fine, if you want to stay, you know the rules,” I said, looking at him. He nodded. I turned to Doctor Zane. “Please lead me to the office.” I did not bother to look at my parents one more time as Doctor Zane led me to my new office, and Matt followed closely behind.

The office was well furnished—it was exactly the way I had requested it. It was also on the top floor. There was an X-ray machine, and two interns were on standby.

“Here are the files,” Doctor Zane said, placing two folders on the desk.

I glanced through the file. I kept the questions brief with Matt, whose eyes hadn’t left my body. If he took too long to answer a question, I just cut him off.

The bad news is that the cancer has already spread to half of his brain. The good news is, I can perform the surgery.

I saw the relief on Doctor Zane and Matt’s faces. “It’s a difficult surgery, and recovery takes time. But the most important thing right now is that the surgery needs to be done tomorrow morning.”

“Why tomorrow? I thought you were carrying out the surgery today? It’s just a simple surgery,” Matt asked, looking worried.

“Mr. Anderson, it’s not a simple procedure like you just said. The cancer has already spread to half of his brain. His chances of survival are now 60/40. And I need to examine the patient too.”

“Then get to it. Why are you still wasting time? We already paid you more than enough,” Matt yelled.

“Doctor Zane, please get him out of here, or else I don’t mind flying back to New York today,” I said angrily, glaring at Matt.

“Mr. Anderson, please wait outside. She’s the only doctor that can perform the surgery on your dad. If she gets angry and leaves, your father will die,” Doctor Zane said, pulling Matt’s hand.

“Fine, I will go out on my own,” Matt said, looking at me one last time before leaving.

After talking to Doctor Zane for almost two hours, we finally came out of the office. Matt was still pacing outside the door restlessly. I almost felt sorry for him.

“Take me to Mr. Anderson’s ward. I want to examine him and prepare him for the surgery tomorrow,” I said, looking at Matt.

He led me to a private ward. Mr. Anderson was breathing through oxygen. Several machines were hooked to his head and body. I examined him. Though he was unconscious, he was stable enough for the surgery.

“I will be back by 6 a.m. tomorrow and have him prepared for surgery by then. That will be all for today,” I said, walking out of the room.

“Thanks, Doctor Enrique. I will walk you outside,” Doctor Zane offered.

“No need. I already have my bodyguards with me. It’s not like anybody would want to kidnap me,” I joked, smiling at Doctor Zane. “I will see you tomorrow.”

My bodyguards escorted me out of the hospital. Interns and other doctors were lined up along the corridor, trying to take pictures with me. I stopped and allowed a few of them before the bodyguards led me out.

“Meadow, please wait!” Matt called, running after me.

“Mr. Anderson, I thought I made myself clear last night?”

“I know, but please, can we talk? Maybe have lunch somewhere—it’s almost lunchtime.”

Before I could answer him, two kids—a boy and a girl—ran to Matt. They should be about the same age as Fiona.

“Daddy!” they yelled as Matt hugged them.

“Daddy!” I looked at Matt in surprise, and that was when I realized he was wearing a ring on his finger. “I thought you never wanted kids, and you’re married too?” I asked, trying to hide the shock in my voice.

A woman in a very tight red gown walked to Matt and gave him a kiss on his cheek. I looked at her closely. “Annabel? Matt was married to my bully? And they even had two kids?”

Annabel turned to me. “Ain’t you going to introduce me to your wife and your cute kids?” I asked Matt, smiling. He looked surprised but quickly snapped out of it.

“Ah, yes. Baby, this is Doctor Meadow Enrique. She’s the doctor that will perform Dad’s surgery,” he said in a calm voice. “And Doctor Meadow, this is my wife, Annabel.”

Annabel’s eyes lit up as she recognized me. “So you’re that bitch, Meadow the pornstar? I should have recognized you sooner. And do you want to create a new porn video with two?” she asked, pointing at my bodyguards.

“Ouch, your joke is so funny, but I don’t see anyone laughing. I see you’re still a bitch. Anyway, I don’t have time for your rubbish.” I turned to Matt. “Now that your wife and kids are here, you can take them to have lunch.”

“You bitch! What lunch are you talking about? Are you trying to seduce my husband?” Annabel asked furiously.

“Oh please, it’s only you that would want a trash like Matt. Not everyone is like you, and besides, I’m engaged.” I flashed my 24-carat diamond in her face, smiling. “So I don’t need your dear husband.”