Chapter 189: More Deaths

Words : 1249 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 189: More Deaths "Athena, what’s the problem? Why are you frowning?" Aiden asked worriedly, stepping closer to Athena in the elevator, trying to peer down at her phone, which she was frowning at intently. When Athena said nothing in response, he leaned down further, his eyes scanning the screen for any clues. However, due to the dim light illuminating the phone’s screen, all he could make out was that it was on, and that was about it. Aiden paused, his lips parted in concern, and decided to wait. He didn’t have to wait long, because just then, Athena let out a deep sigh of frustration and pocketed her phone, stepping backward and relaxing tiredly against the elevator wall. The sound of her sigh seemed to fill the small space, and Aiden’s concern grew. He wanted to reach out to her, to comfort her, but he waited for her to open up to him. He needed to know what was troubling her first. "What’s the problem? Who sent the message?" He pressed again, maintaining his position this time, his eyes locked on hers. "It’s from Doctor Finn. There’s an emergency at the hospital. He didn’t specify what, but I was able to glean some details from the doctors’ group chat. I think patient 409 is dead." Aiden’s brows furrowed immediately, his mind racing with questions. He knew how much Athena cared about her patients, and the thought of losing one was always devastating for her. "What are you talking about? I thought you gave him the newly improved drug! So how can he be dead?" His voice was laced with confusion and concern. Athena had been working tirelessly to perfect the new drug, and the thought of it failing was unbearable. How could it? "I don’t know, Aiden. I just don’t know," Athena replied, shutting her eyes wearily, her hands falling limp by her sides. She looked like someone who had given up, and Aiden didn’t like that. He hated this image of her, the one that made her seem defeated. He wanted to see the fire in her eyes, the determination that drove her to be the best doctor she could be. "Athena..." He paused, struggling with how to continue. He knew firsthand how much she loathed losing patients to the grip of death. It made her feel inadequate, as if she weren’t doing enough. Even though, sometimes, one can’t do anything when it’s someone’s time to die. But Athena never seemed to grasp that reality. She always took it personally, always wondered if there was something more she could have done. He sighed when he noticed a trail of tears slip down her cheeks. "Athena, please... Did you know the patient?" He asked, his voice soft and gentle, trying to coax her into talking. She nodded, her eyes still closed. "We talked about a few things. I kept her company sometimes. She wasn’t supposed to die. The drug was supposed to heal her." Her voice was barely above a whisper, and Aiden had to lean in to hear her. Suddenly, Athena’s eyes flew open, glinting with determination and an immediate realization. "What if the drug had been tampered with? Remember that Heronica mentioned gang members having someone in the hospital? What if it has been tampered with?" She wiped her eyes as she stared at Aiden, her gaze intense and searching, but the latter was speechless. Yet, for the love of his life, he didn’t negate the statement at least. "It’s a possibility." He ventured, grasping her arm when she attempted to stop the elevator. "Wait! You have to see the kids first. I know you’re in a hurry to check out the hospital emergency, but let’s see the kids. They have been waiting the longest." He knew that the kids would be a welcome distraction for Athena, a chance for her to clear her mind and focus on something other than the hospital. Athena sighed, retracting her hands. "But they would want to hear about the funeral service, and I don’t have the luxury of time. Gianna too." She looked at him, her eyes pleading for understanding. "I’ll handle that. Don’t worry," Aiden assured her gently, his smile reassuring. Just then, the elevator beeped, and the doors opened. A smile crept onto Athena’s lips when she saw her children already waiting in the corridor, with a grinning Gianna behind them. The kids looked happy and excited, and for a moment, Athena forgot about the hospital and the emergency. She forgot about the patient and the drug, and all she saw was her family, waiting for her with open arms. "Mom!" The twins screamed, rushing toward Athena, who quickly placed the bag she was holding on the ground. She squatted to their height and opened her arms to welcome them, enveloping them in a warm hug. "My darlings! I’ve missed you so much!" She exclaimed, showering kisses on their necks and inhaling their familiar scents, which calmed her racing heart. "We missed you two, mom!" The twins echoed, disengaging from the hug. "Mom, come, we prepared a large meal for you and Uncle Aiden!" They spoke, after greeting Aiden, dragging Athena by her hand toward the apartment. But Athena darted a glance at Aiden, and he immediately sighed and moved into play. "Kate and Nate, Momma has an emergency at the hospital. She will join us later. But I’m eager to taste your food. I’m absolutely famished!" He spoke with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. But the twins weren’t moved. They rather turned to their mother, with Gianna in tow, their eyes asking a lot of questions. "What’s the problem, Aiden?" Gianna asked finally, noting for the first time, the tiredness on Athena’s face. "Some issues at the hospital came up; she has to be present to resolve them. Don’t worry, I’ll give you the gist of the funeral service..." Kathleen and Nathaniel exchanged furtive glances, and then embraced their mother’s legs. "We’ll see you later, mom." Athena, emotionally moved at their display of tender maturity and understanding, bent down and dropped a kiss on their foreheads. "I’ll be back as soon as I can." She said, before walking up to Gianna and giving her a hug. "I’ll be back for the meal. Please wait up!" Gianna chuckled. "Of course, I’ll see you later." Athena nodded, gave Aiden a side glance and hurried to the elevator. Downstairs, Jake was already waiting with the immaculate car. Aiden must have contacted him, Athena thought as she stepped closer to the vehicle. "Good afternoon, boss. Where to?" Jake inquired, his voice low and smooth. "The hospital," Athena responded, taking a seat in the car. Ten minutes later, she arrived at the hospital. The first thing she noticed was a throng of people surrounding the entrance, while security personnel struggled to keep them at bay. The scene was chaotic, with people shouting and screaming, and Athena’s heart sank. She knew that something was terribly wrong. Jake turned, confusion evident in his expression. "What should I do, ma’am? Should I park and call one of the doctors?" "No need," Athena muttered, pulling out her phone to call Finn. "Finn, what is going on? Why are people clogging the hospital entrance?" She demanded, her gaze still focused on the chaotic scene outside. A heavy sigh echoed on the other end, a sound laden with evil foreboding. "Doctor Athena, all the returning patients you administered the new drugs to are dead."

Chapter 189: More Deaths

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