Chapter 3 The Chance

"Are you kidding me? How are you not reacting to that?" Wilbur said, eyeing Elias, who looked completely unbothered.

After all, Asclepius was the only doctor with a real chance of healing Elias's legs.

The truth was, Elias only looked composed on the outside. Inside, he was anything but calm. Beneath the surface, his thoughts churned.

Wilbur shrugged. "You're no fun at all." He didn't bother dragging it out any longer. "Here's the story: Asclepius has finally resurfaced. The catch is, he's going to choose a random patient with a complicated case from the biggest racetrack in Oticester. Only one person will get treatment. Just imagine how many desperate people will show up. The odds of you being picked are slim at best..."

Wilbur cast a sideways look at Elias and let out a long sigh.

With chances that low, it was hard to stay optimistic-bad news indeed.

"Better to have a slim chance than none at all," Elias replied, his voice cold and even.

Wilbur nodded, trying to sound upbeat. "You're right. We'll just have to hope for the best when the day comes. Maybe you'll get lucky." He started pushing the wheelchair down the hall. "He's got a nerve, naming himself Asclepius..."

A distant look settled on Elias's face. "Do you think he's earned that title?"

"If anyone has, it's him. The man's skills are the stuff of legend, especially with tough cases." Wilbur's voice picked up energy, eyes shining with admiration. "I mean it, he's in a league of his own."

A slight crease appeared between Elias's brows, almost unnoticeable, as Emilia's determined, frosty face flashed through his mind. Whatever else Wilbur said faded into the background.

...

Meanwhile, in a private hospital suite, Rodger stood at Violet's bedside, worry clouding his expression as he took in her pale features.

Suddenly, Sebastian burst through the door, frustration etched on his face. "Rodger! Emilia has gone too far this time! Where is she? Hasn't she already started making trouble?"

Rodger shot him a sharp glare, silencing him in an instant. "Enough, Sebastian."

Sebastian recoiled, but couldn't help muttering, "She's the reason Violet's like this, and you're still defending her?"

"I'm not defending her. I just want you to keep quiet so Violet can rest!" Rodger's patience wore thin, veins pulsing at his temples.

Realization hit Sebastian, and his tone softened. "Oh, sorry, Rodger. I got the wrong idea."

Right then, Violet's eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened slowly.

The first thing she did was clutch Rodger's arm, panic in her voice. "Rodger, where's Emilia? I slipped and ended up in the pool, and she had nothing to do with it..."

Lowering her gaze, Violet chewed her lip, painting a picture of innocence and hurt.

Sebastian's frustration exploded. "Violet! I saw her push you! You almost died because of her. Why are you still making excuses for Emilia?"

Words caught in her throat, Violet looked like she wanted to defend Emilia, but all she did was bite her lip and pretend to look heartbreakingly fragile.

Rodger's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "As long as I'm around, nothing bad will happen to you. I'll track down the miracle doctor and get you cured. I promise."

A tearful smile trembled on Violet's lips. "You've always been so good to me, Rodger. I never wanted to leave you, I just..." Her voice faltered as if her emotion overwhelmed her, the memories almost too much to bear.

Back then, Rodger might have been a vegetable for life, so she had abandoned him and gone abroad.

Her time overseas started out carefree, but a year ago, her life turned upside down. A rare illness plagued her, leaving her in agony every time it flared.

Doctor after doctor failed her, until she heard whispers that Asclepius was the only one who could help.

Hoping for a cure, Violet came home, the last rumors of the miracle doctor placed him in this city.

Along the way, she decided she could also win back the now-recovered Rodger and use him to find Asclepius.

"You don't have to explain. I never held any of that against you." Rodger brushed away her tears.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Irritated, Rodger answered, but as he listened, his frustration vanished, replaced by a burst of hope.

Sebastian leaned in, eager. "What is it, Rodger? Did something happen?"

Grinning, Rodger held Violet's hand. "Asclepius resurfaces! Violet, we finally have a real chance. I won't let you suffer anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to save you."