BILLIONAIRES DIRTY GAME

"Until now, your chemotherapy has been going quite well, Miss Evelyn," Doctor Steven said as he read her medical file.

Hearing Doctor Steven's words made Evelyn smile widely. The black-haired girl turned her head to the side, and her brown eyes immediately met those of her husband, Tristan. He was looking back at her with sparkling eyes and a bright smile.

The man tightened his grip on Evelyn's fingers. "I'm so proud of you, Wife," he said softly, kissing her forehead.

Doctor Steven looked up and couldn't help but smile at the scene before him-two people in love. "Regarding the surgery schedule..." Doctor Steven's words trailed off as Tristan and Evelyn stared at him with suddenly tense expressions.

"We've scheduled the surgery for next month," he continued.

"Next month, Doc?" Evelyn asked, her expression nervous.

"Isn't that too soon?" Tristan interjected, glancing between Evelyn and Doctor Steven with a furrowed brow. His face was filled with concern.

"There's no need to be anxious, Evelyn and Tristan," Doctor Steven replied in his trademark low voice, meant to calm patients and families. "The chemotherapy has gone well. Your lab results are also positive. Miss Evelyn's condition is currently at its most stable."

Tristan focused intently on Doctor Steven. "The sooner, the better, right Doc?"

Doctor Steven nodded. "Until then, please take good care of your wife's health, Mr. Tristan. She will need a lot of support to keep fighting."

"You always know best, Doctor," Evelyn said, looking at Tristan and Doctor Steven in turn with a reassuring smile. She felt more confident than ever that she could get through this.

Doctor Steven nodded politely. "Then I'll take my leave," he said before turning and disappearing behind the door.

"Doctor Steven is my father's trusted physician too, Tristan. You don't need to worry," Evelyn said, still trying to reassure her husband.

"I know, Eve, but-"

"Hii!"

Tristan's words were cut short by a woman entering Evelyn's hospital room. The woman wore a blazer that hugged her slim figure, paired with a knee-length skirt and ten-centimeter heels that made her legs look even longer.

"Sorry I'm late, Eve," the woman said.

"No, you're not, Marie," Evelyn replied.

Marie had been her best friend since middle school, ever since Evelyn joined the broadcasting club. She carried three shopping bags in each hand, clearly souvenirs for Evelyn. Marie placed the bags carelessly on the guest table and cheerfully rushed to sit on the edge of Evelyn's bed, hugging her best friend.

"I heard it outside," Marie whispered in Evelyn's ear. Releasing the hug, she leaned back slightly, her eyes shining with pride. "Look, I'm sure you can do it, baby! You are a strong woman!" Marie exclaimed.

Evelyn chuckled. Unlike her, Marie was overflowing with cheer. "Thanks a lot, Marie!"

Marie frowned, not pleased with Evelyn's response. She placed her hands on her hips. "Why are you thanking me? You should thank yourself for making it this far," she said, her eyes misty.

Evelyn smiled softly. "I wouldn't have gotten this far without you guys."

"You can do it, Evelyn!" Marie hugged her again. "You must appreciate your efforts."

"Ekhem!" Tristan suddenly cleared his throat loudly. "Don't mind me; I'm just a mosquito here."

Evelyn and Marie laughed together.

"I brought your favorite cake, Eve. Let's eat it together!" Marie said excitedly as she reached for her shopping bag.

***

Tristan and Marie had left an hour ago because they had to work, and now Evelyn was alone in the hospital, quietly preparing to go home. Quietly, because this was a surprise.

"Miss, I've cleaned up your things. Are you ready to go home?" Nina, the maid, said as she pushed a wheelchair.

Nina was one of the longest-serving staff members with the Armani family, having started working at twelve years old, following her mother, who also worked for Evelyn's family. Now at twenty-five, she had spent thirteen years with them.

Evelyn smiled weakly. Her body still ached in places due to the effects of chemotherapy, but she had been deliberately hiding it from Tristan and Marie so they wouldn't worry. If only she hadn't hidden it, they would have been apprehensive and might have scolded Doctor Steven.

"I told you, I can walk on my own, Nina. No need for a wheelchair," Evelyn insisted, rising to her feet.

As she did, she again hid her weakened condition from everyone, including her staff. The moment both feet hit the floor, Evelyn lost her balance. Fortunately, Nina was quick to catch her, or her skull would have met the floor with a nasty thud.

"You like giving me heart palpitations, huh?!" Nina exclaimed, her face a mask of fear, tears welling in her eyes. "Please, stop being so stubborn, Miss. Let me help you," she pleaded.

Nina guided Evelyn carefully, holding back her tears as best she could. She was genuinely worried about Evelyn's well-being.

In that moment, Evelyn felt a deep gratitude for being surrounded by people who loved her-Tristan, Marie, her parents, her in-laws, and Nina. Not everyone had this privilege, and she knew she had to thank them.

"Thank you, Nina. Sorry for troubling you all this time," Evelyn said gently.

Nina looked up, her eyes still glistening. "Why did you say that?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I just wanted to say it."

Nina took a moment before helping Evelyn sit in the wheelchair slowly, covering her legs with a blanket. Then she walked around and began pushing the chair.

"You are too kind," Nina murmured under her breath.

Evelyn turned slightly, her eyes searching Nina's face in confusion. "Sorry, what? I didn't hear you."

Nina chuckled softly. "You don't need to say that. This is my job, madam. I don't mind working for the Armani family at all."

"Still, I want to keep thanking you." Evelyn's gaze dropped to her legs in the wheelchair. They looked fragile and helpless. "Without all of you, I would have given up five years ago," she admitted.

Nina smiled in response, her heart warmed as Evelyn looked up with sparkling eyes.

"Oh, yes! My return has been kept a secret from the people at home, right?"

Nina nodded quickly. "Of course, Miss. As per your orders."

"Alright!" Evelyn turned her attention back to the hospital hallway, excitement bubbling inside her. She couldn't wait to get out and breathe fresh air. She had even made a note of the things she wanted to do when she left the hospital.

"Be careful, Evelyn!"

"Take care of your health!"

"We'll meet again next month!"

"Don't give up!"

"You've fought so well!"

The voices of doctors and nurses echoed along the hallway, filling Evelyn with joy. She returned their positive affirmations with the biggest smile she could muster and a wave of her hand.

"Nina?" she called as the hubbub began to settle.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Since my return is a surprise, I should prepare well, right?"

Nina chuckled. "Of course! So we'll stop by a few places first before heading home?"

Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "Three places only. I'm still too weak to go around for long."

"Ready, go!"

Evelyn and Nina laughed together.