The Old Diagnosis Returns

The emergency room lights were far too bright.

White.

Sterile.

Cruel.

Ailine lay on the hospital bed, a thin blanket covering her body. Her face was still pale despite the oxygen tube resting beneath her nose. The pain in her abdomen had slightly eased after the painkillers were administered, yet the strange pressure remained—like something inside her was pushing outward, slowly but relentlessly.

Owen stood closest to the bed.

Too close to look calm.

His posture was composed, his expression controlled, but his jaw was tight and his fingers curled faintly into his palms. He was restraining himself—holding back the urge to demand answers immediately.

Layla paced near the wall, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her face was tense, her breathing uneven.

Emma stood beside Ailine’s parents. Her complexion was pale, her usual smile nowhere to be found. Her gaze flicked repeatedly toward the closed door, as if willing the doctor to come out faster.

Ailine’s mother sat beside the bed, holding her daughter’s hand with both of hers. Her grip was tight—too tight—but she did not let go.

“Does it still hurt?” her mother asked, her voice trembling.

“A little…” Ailine replied softly. “I can still bear it.”

Her father stood at the foot of the bed. He had been mostly silent since they arrived, but the deep crease in his brow and the restless look in his eyes said everything.

Finally, the door opened.

A doctor entered, followed by a nurse carrying a tablet.

Everyone turned at once.

“Mrs. Su,” the doctor said gently, “we’ve completed the initial examinations. Blood tests, ultrasound, and a CT scan.”

It was Dr. Lisa—Ailine’s primary physician.

Ailine swallowed.

“That was fast,” she murmured.

“We prioritized your case due to your symptoms and previous medical history,” Dr. Lisa explained.

Owen’s gaze sharpened immediately. “The results?”

Dr. Lisa took a brief breath before continuing. “The tumor that was previously detected—”

Ailine’s fingers tightened around her mother’s hand.

“—has increased in size.”

The air in the room seemed to vanish.

Not silent.

But suffocating.

“How… big?” Ailine asked faintly.

Dr. Lisa angled the tablet slightly. “It was small and stable before. Now, it has grown significantly and has begun pressing against surrounding tissue. That’s what caused the severe pain and the sudden collapse.”

Emma stifled a sob.

Layla stopped pacing.

Ailine’s parents looked no better.

“But you said before it wasn’t dangerous,” her mother’s voice shook. “It wasn’t urgent.”

“That was true at the time,” Dr. Lisa replied calmly. “However, tumor growth can be influenced by many factors.”

“Like what?” Layla cut in sharply.

Dr. Lisa hesitated for a moment. “Prolonged stress, lack of rest, irregular eating habits, hormonal imbalance, and an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Emma closed her eyes.

Layla let out a rough breath.

They remembered.

Too clearly.

Sleepless nights.

Meals skipped.

A chaotic schedule.

Ailine’s life had spiraled out of control ever since things fell apart between her and Owen.

“She was reckless,” Emma said quietly, guilt heavy in her voice. “Especially after that.”

Ailine turned her face away. Owen looked at her.

“Reckless how?” her mother said quickly, shaking her head. “As far as I knew—or maybe I was just too trusting—you always took good care of yourself, Ai.”

Ailine looked back at her mother. “Mom… I’m a busy artist. I can’t always maintain a perfect lifestyle. Sometimes… I was careless.”

Her mother’s voice rose. “That’s why I told you not to become an artist! If you had stayed home, as my daughter, none of this would’ve happened!”

“I’m sorry…” Ailine lowered her head.

Her father gently held his wife’s hand, signaling her to calm down. Truth be told, he had once opposed Ailine’s decision to become an artist as well.

“So what happens now?” he asked quietly.

Dr. Lisa looked at each of them in turn. “We recommend surgery. As soon as possible.”

Ailine’s chest seemed to cave in.

“Surgery?” Her voice trembled.

“Yes. The rate of growth is concerning. Delaying it would increase the risk of complications.”

“How soon?” her mother asked, breathless.

“Within the next twenty-four hours.”

Ailine shook her head quickly. “That’s too fast…”

Her hands trembled.

“I don’t want surgery,” she whispered. “I hate hospitals. I hate operating rooms. I—”

Her voice broke.

“I’m scared.”

The word fell naked and honest between them.

Her mother immediately leaned forward, gently stroking her hair. “My dear…”

Layla turned away, eyes reddening.

Emma bit her lip hard.

Owen didn’t speak right away.

He stepped closer, lowering himself until he was level with Ailine’s face.

“Ailine,” he said softly.

Her gaze wavered. “I’m scared something will happen.”

“I’ll be there,” Owen said firmly but gently. “Before. During. After.”

“You can’t promise that,” Ailine whispered. “If something goes wrong—”

“I’ll stay until they drag me out,” Owen replied without hesitation.

Dr. Lisa cleared her throat softly. She sensed something different in their closeness—but she set it aside. She had to remain professional.

“Medically speaking, the chances are very good if the surgery is done promptly.”

Ailine closed her eyes.

Surgery.

The word echoed endlessly in her mind.

Finally, her father spoke, his voice heavy yet steady. “You’re not alone. We’re all here.”

Ailine opened her eyes and looked at them one by one.

Her parents.

Layla.

Emma.

Owen.

The people who had been standing around her all this time—while she slowly destroyed herself.

Tears slid down her cheeks.

“I was foolish,” she whispered. “I thought I could carry everything alone.”

Owen inhaled slowly. “You don’t have to do that anymore.”

Ailine sobbed.

“I’m still scared.”

Her mother pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “That’s okay. Being scared is human.”

Dr. Lisa gave them a moment before saying, “We’ll prepare the consent forms. Please don’t take too long to decide.”

When she left, the room felt heavier than before.

Ailine stared at the white ceiling, her vision blurred by tears.

Something inside her knew.

This was no longer a choice.

And this time, she wasn’t pretending to be strong.

---

Owen went to see Dr. Lisa. He needed to be sure—absolutely sure—about Ailine’s condition.

He stood outside the doctor’s office, his hands clasped behind his back. The corridor lights reflected a face that looked more exhausted than usual.

“Come in,” a voice called.

He opened the door to find Dr. Lisa studying scans on a monitor. She turned and smiled faintly.

“I want to confirm Ailine Su’s condition once more,” Owen said formally.

“You switched straight into professional mode right after returning from disaster relief, huh?” Lisa teased lightly. “You haven’t even gone home. Doctor, your schedule doesn’t resume until the day after tomorrow. You’re technically still on leave.”

“Ailine Su is still my patient,” Owen said sharply. “Tell me how bad it is.”

Lisa clicked her tongue. “There it is. Finally talking like yourself. Stubborn surgeon.”

She sighed. “The situation is clear. The tumor cannot be delayed.”

Owen nodded slowly. “I’ve heard the initial explanation. I just needed to make sure—there’s no safer option than surgery?”

Lisa turned off the monitor and faced him fully. “If this were any other patient, my answer would be the same. Surgery is the best route. The fastest. And the success rate is high.”

Owen lowered his head briefly, then took a deep breath. “Then… I agree with your decision. It’s the best possible choice.”

Lisa studied him for a moment before smiling faintly. “You stood beside her bed like a shadow. I think you already knew the answer before I spoke.”

Owen didn’t deny it.

There was a short pause before Lisa spoke again, her tone lighter—yet sharp.

“Owen,” she said quietly, “is she the winner of your heart?”

Owen fell silent.

The answer came without hesitation.

“She’s been in my heart for a long time,” he said softly but firmly. “Since we were in school. And she’s never been replaced. Not once.”

Lisa laughed softly—not bitterly, but with late acceptance.

“So that’s why,” she said, shaking her head lightly. “No wonder you rejected me.”

Owen looked up.

“My rival was too strong,” Lisa continued with a warm smile. “Not just a superstar… but a first love.”

She exhaled slowly, tapping the file in her hand. “I truly pray for your happiness.”

Owen bowed slightly. “Thank you, Dr. Lisa.”

“And you,” she added gently but firmly, “should convince her soon. You know it’s the best path. And she’s more likely to listen to you.”

“I will,” Owen answered without hesitation.

He turned and walked out quickly.

Before the door closed, Lisa watched his retreating figure—her gaze wistful, but without regret.

“She’s lucky,” she murmured. “And so are you.”

The corridor fell silent once more.

While Owen was already hurrying toward the only place he wanted to be now—

Ailine’s side.