บท 7: Meeting Someone in the Hospital

"Stress-induced vomiting is one of the main causes of her symptoms, added to this her lack of food consumption and proper sleep greatly contributed to her weakened immunity. I suggest keeping her away from future stressful situations that might cause her anxiety level to increase."

Keira had been administered general anesthetics to calm her panic and anxiety. She was currently asleep, unaware of the chaos her sudden visit to the hospital had caused.

"I would also refrain from saying or doing things that might cause the patient to overthink. Although I can't say for certain, any more stress can lead to the patient developing all kinds of issues, including insomnia." The Doctor's gaze lingered on Selene, wanting to remind the family to be more careful.

The Castillos were no strangers to this hospital. They were one of the main investors and leading medical software developers.

The Doctor glanced toward the patient, sighing silently in his heart as he had come to pity the child.

Clips of Selene's Q&A section on the live program had gone viral, sparking many online discussions of the truth behind her birth. The Doctor and nurses attributed her condition to this incident. Her birth is not something she should be responsible for, thought the medical professionals as they cared for her.

"What issue could Keira have that caused stress? Perhaps the upcoming exam? It's in a few days, what should we do!?" Selene didn't seem bothered in the slightest. Her words were pure and innocent, looking worried for Keira. "Brother, we should withdraw Sister from the exam for now. If Keira really wants to go to school, we can always ask them for a favor and let her join later."

It wasn't unusual for wealthy families to buy their children's way into University, Selene's words were clear to everyone in the room, she wanted Keira to skip her exam and pay her way in later when she was ready.

Lucas's gaze was complicated as he stared at Keira. Selene's words were not entirely wrong, but if the public were to find out Keira paid her way into College, she would be forever labeled as such, a person who only knew how to get something with money.

"Ahem! If I may suggest, the Young Miss should awake soon, why not ask Miss for her opinion?" At June's suggestion, the Doctor also quickly chimed in.

"Yes, that would be the best option. The issue of the University is related to the patient's future, we should ask for her opinion, lest she wakes up even more stressed."

"Let's have her skip school entirely, there is no need to add stress to her weakened state." The sound of Rania stirring her tea echoed in the silent room. "Since she wants to pursue acting, we'll just sign her to our label and push her as much as possible. Regarding the misspoken words on the program, I have discussed a plan to salvage it with my friends at brunch."

"Does that mean Keira and I will both be acting together? How exciting!" Selene excitedly squealed, hugging Rania tightly. "But Mom, will the people like Keira? What if they only focus on comparing the two of us?"

Aren't you lovely?

Bits and pieces of the conversations occasionally drifted into her ears. Keira had been in and out of consciousness for a while now, not having any strength or reason to open her eyes.

The discussion continued for a while, somehow ending with Selene as the main focus.

"We should head out to eat" William glanced at the time, announcing it to be a little past dinner time.

"I will stay here and watch the Miss." June felt uncomfortable leaving the unconscious lady alone.

"But when will you be eating?" Selene hooks her arms around June's, pulling her along. "Come June! The Doctor already said that Keira would take a while to wake up. We can have the nurses give us a call when Sister wakes up!"

June didn't have the heart to protest.

Once the room fell silent again, Keira opened her heavy eyes.

The world spun as she tried to focus her gaze on the ceiling of the VIP recovery room.

"This is terrible…" Her throat was sore and parch. She felt her lips chapped from the dryness, making her frown in annoyance.

Not finding any water, Keira made up her mind to call for assistance.

"You have awakened, Miss. How are you feeling?" The nurse kindly helped her sit up.

"I need some water, please…"

"Oh! Definitely! If you're feeling nauseous, I have with me a medication to help that. Would you like to take some?"

"Yes, thank you." The water was warm and comfortable for her throat.

"Your family had just left moments ago, would you like me to give them a call?"

"No, I'd like to be alone for a bit longer…"

"Of course! I have some crackers and juice to help with hunger. There is also a private garden for VIPs, would you like to have your snacks there?" The nurse didn't ask why Keira wanted to be alone instead of with her family.

Her understanding tone gave Keira much relief. She nodded, wanting to leave this cold isolated room for something much greener.

The nurse called for a wheelchair and wheeled her up to the rooftop garden.

"I forgot to mention earlier, but we have another VIP patient who's currently in the garden as well."

"Thank you."

Although the nurse had mentioned another person in the garden, Keira had yet to meet them. She sat there quietly enjoying the lush smell of wood and dirt.

The rooftop garden was enclosed in a large greenhouse. The glass structure was tall and open, not in the slightest bit claustrophobic. There were multiple benches and tables for one to sit and enjoy nature. The VIP garden alone was enough proof of the status of the hospital.

The rustling of the bushes nearby woke her from her daze. An older lady was strolling towards her with cautious steps. She wore a matching hospital gown with her hands gracefully placed behind her back.

"I see that you've also taken an interest in the Apple Blossoms, Young Lady." Her voice was calming to the ears. She smiled gently, lifting the corners of her lips slightly as she spoke with ease. "They're blooming early this year. It's quite magical if you think about it."

"Do you consider that a good thing? Blooming early when no one is there to notice?" Keira felt like she had made the situation awkward with her random question. "I don't know why I asked such a mood-killer question, my apologies."

"OH! No, no, you're fine." Her lips were still curved in a smile as she waved away Keira's concerns. "Some flowers only need one person to appreciate them. That is what I believe."

Only one person…

"I see. I've never thought of it like that before."

"Do you mind sharing how you usually think?" Something about the lady gave Keira the confidence to speak her mind.

"I've always thought that flowers are only valuable if viewed and loved by many. Perhaps my thinking still needs some growth."

"It would be weird for people to never grow. Your way of thinking is not wrong, Dear." She took a seat next to Keira's wheelchair, groaning as she bent down. "It's usually just me up here, so having a person to talk to about flowers is a welcomed change."

"Are you not feeling well?" Seeing her rub her knees made Keira curious.

"An injured knee is hard to treat. I see that you injured your foot." Her boot was removed by the doctor, replacing it with a tightly wrapped brace instead.

"Are you here alone?"

"Yes, for now. My good Grandson will be here with some dinner soon." Having her stare intensely made Keira shift awkwardly in her seat. "Are you alone?"

"My family went out for dinner a little before I woke up." After a slight pause, Keira continued, "They should send someone over after the dinner."

"You should join me for dinner. That Grandson of mine is too cunning to be around. Although a good child, he's very hard to get along with."

"Would it be rude if I asked why you consider him a good Grandson still?"

"You'll see during dinner." She let out a lighthearted chuckle, eyes crinkling at the thought of her Grandson.

Is it too late to reject?

"It's my first time seeing you make friends, Lady." The voice of a stranger interrupted the comfortable mood. Heavy steps echoed within the quiet dome, causing Keira to become alert.

"Speak of the devil! How many times do I have to tell you to call me Grandma?"

"You should thank this handsome devil for bringing you some of your favorites."

Keira could hear the sound of her heart beating loudly in her ears. Blood rushes to her head, causing her ears to burn a bright red.

"Don't embarrass me in front of this lovely Lady!"

Keira felt his eyes lingering on her. The chuckles that escaped his lips tickled her nerves. She would be able to recognize this person anywhere.

"Oh…my apologies." Seeing her flinch when he attempted to turn her chair around was humorous to the man. The corner of his lips was lifted, causing him to look mischievous. "It seems you didn't take Grace's concerns to your heart. Your ankle is still in such a condition, Miss Future Actress."

"You know each other already—."

"No."

"Yes."

Keira eyed him suspiciously, unsure of why he would lie about such a simple thing.

"Grace mentioned that she will be signing with Pierce."

"Who's this Grace person?"

"The one that gave you a makeover."

"Oh…"

"It would be interesting to have a Castillo signed to our company." Keira found his grin uncomfortable. His eyes shimmered as he helped the lady up from her seat.

"Indeed. Come, my dear, we will eat dinner."

Keira didn't have a choice but to follow, since the man pushing her was determined to bring her along.

The smell of ginger steamed fish assaulted her senses. The salty and spicy of the recipe seduced her greatly. She could feel the wetness starting to form in her mouth as it watered, lusting over the assortment of foods that were being placed on the table.

"Austin, give some fish to our guest." Seeing her stare unblinkingly at the dish, the lady couldn't help but smile.

"Oh! I can get some myself."

SMACK

"Sit still." Keira felt like a burdened, not wanting the other to serve her, she attempted to serve herself first. Austin smacked the back of her hands gently, pushing it away. "Try it."

At their nudging, she ate the fish, feeling it melt in her mouth as the ginger warmed up her tongue. It wasn't until eating this that Keira realized how much she missed food.

"It's good, right?" The lady asked her with eyes sparkling like the stars. "It's from my favorite restaurant, The Apricot, near Lakeside. I'm sure you've been there often since the Castillos also like that place."

"It is very good." Keira felt the corner of her lips rise slightly. Her eyes glanced at the plate that gradually became full of different sides and dishes, thinking deeply of something. "I don't often go anywhere other than to school, so I can't say that I've been there before."

The slight pause in their movements went unnoticed by Keira.

"After your foot heals, I insist that you join me for another meal." Not wanting the situation to become awkward, the lady spoke with some good humor in her voice. "Your mom had come to me the other day, asking for a favor."

"Yes?"

"She wanted me to bear witness to your mysterious birth. Becoming pregnant with twins, yet one came out too early, having to be incubated, while the other was born naturally. This is why you two have different birth dates, and the tale of two mothers can be explained by hiring a wet nurse."

"I see…"

"You're not one to gossip, are you Dear?"

Keira wasn't sure how to answer that question. She had spent her adult life suffering as the main subject of gossipers.

"Not really…"

"Eat, don't just talk to the old lady."

"As you can see, my Grandson is a good child with actions, but the moment he speaks, devil's incarnation."

Keira looked at her plate, which was full of food, unsure what to say. This devil's incarnation was the inspiration for wanting to act, and his shows and movies were a safe space she retreated to.

"Hahaha…I can see that." Keira couldn't help but giggle a little at their interactions. His personality was different than she had imagined, making the contrast somewhat funny to her. "You two get along well for a family."

Keira wasn't sure what she had said wrong, but the drop in their smiles was alarming.

"The issue regarding your birth will be solved smoothly, so don't worry about public opinion. You have to sign with our label as soon as your foot heals. I will make sure you become one of the brightest stars."

"I can't sign with Pierce Entertainment anymore. My mother wants me to sign with our family's Giganta Corporations. I feel like they have already prepared the contracts."

At the moment, Keira could not see an alternative other than obeying what her family wanted for now. Her foot was injured, and she had her bank account disabled by Lucas, stating 'If you need something, let me know and I'll get it for you.'

She was locked in this predicament of uncertainty, only able to follow along with what others wanted of her.

Hearing the lady's sincere words made her feel odd in her heart. She didn't have the conscious to lie about her situation to someone so good to her.

Keira understood where her family stood in the world of business. The Castillos were nearly untouchable, a fearsome enemy if anyone dared to go against.

The Pierces were a lot more centered, only focusing on the showbiz industry rather than venturing off into other businesses. Their circles of power were limited to public relations, but that didn't mean they held no influence at all.

They were information holders, greatly controlling public opinions in relation to one's reputation. If celebrities wanted to change public opinion or control gossip and scandals, they would most likely talk with the lady who sat in front of Keira, Hillary Pierce.

"We'll see about that, Dear. Your mom owes me a favor after all."