The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 84

“Mrs. Kim’s surgery was successful, the doctor announced with a small smile. “We were able to replace the valve and clear the blockage. She’s being moved to recovery now.”

Sofia’s knees nearly buckled with relief. “When can I see her?”

“In about thirty minutes. But I should warn you–while he surgery went well, her heart has sustained significant damage over the years. Going forward, she’ll need to be on a strict regimen of medication, and her diet and lifestyle will require significant changes.”

I watched as Sofia nodded seriously, absorbing every word. When the doctor left, I hugged her tightly.

“She’s okay,” Sofia whispered against my shoulder. “She really okay.”

An hour later, we stood beside Mrs. Kim’s bed in the recovery room. Her face was pale against the white hospital linens, and various tubes and monitors created a technological cocoon around her frail form. Despite this, when she opened her eyes and saw Sofia, a weak smile transformed her features.

“My beautiful girl,” she murmured in a voice barely above a whisper.

Sofia immediately began fussing, adjusting her mother’s blankets and offering water. I stood back, watching their interaction with a strange hollow feeling in my chest. Seeing them together–the fierce protective love in Sofia’s eyes, the tender pride in her mother’s–made my own loss feel raw all over again.

Four years ago, I’d stood in a room just like this one, watching my own mother fade away day by day. But there had been no successful surgery, no relieved doctor bearing good news. Just a series of worsening

symptoms, mysterious complications, and finally, the flatline of the monitor that signaled the end of

Elizabeth Harper’s life.

And Victoria had been there through it all, gradually inserting herself into my father’s life while my

mother’s light dimmed.

“Aria?” Sofia’s voice pulled me from my dark memories. Are you okay?”

I blinked rapidly. “Yes, sorry. Just got lost in thought. I should probably head out and let you two have

some time together.”

Mrs. Kim reached out her hand to me. “Thank you for coming, Aria. Sofia tells me your company is doing

very well.”

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74

1 squeezed her thin fingers gently. “We’re getting there. And Sofia is a huge part of that success.”

“I know,” she said with maternal pride. “My daughter has always had an eye for beauty.”

After promising Sofia I’d check in later and making Mrs. Kim swear she’d follow doctor’s orders, I left the recovery room. As the door closed behind me, I leaned against the wall for a moment, gathering my

composure.

I headed toward the elevators, eager to escape the antiseptic air and beeping machines. As I rounded the

corner, a flash of familiar platinum blonde hair caught my eye. Scarlett was hurrying into a door marked “Obstetrics & Gynecology,” her movements furtive, her designer handbag clutched tightly against her white

sundress.

Interesting. Very interesting.

I checked my watch. I had nowhere urgent to be, and suddenly, waiting seemed like the most natural thing

in the world. I found a seat in the hallway with a clear view of the department entrance and pulled out my

phone, pretending to be absorbed in emails while keeping the door in my peripheral vision.

Fifteen minutes later, Scarlett emerged, her face pinched with worry. She was holding what looked like

medical documents, which she quickly stuffed into her handbag when she spotted me sitting there. Her

perfectly made–up face transformed from anxiety to alarm in an instant.

“Aria!” she gasped, one hand flying to her throat in that theatrical way she had. “What a coincidence! What

are you doing here?”

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