Faith [Donati Clan #1] [Complete]

Chapter 22

DAHLIA

"This looks good, and this..."

A warm voice followed around the room, while my eyes heavy and shut. Taking slow and steady breaths, I finally opened my lids gradually. My head drummed with a massive headache as I looked to my left steadily.

The image in front of me started hazily but eventually, I saw a sweet old lady in a blue tunic with white buttons taking notes on her tablet.

I asked with a hoarse voice, "Where am I?"

Her reaction was filled with shock as she looked at me, but it was quickly replaced with a dazzling smile, even if her features mirrored of a tired person.

She finally said, "Hello. I am Nurse Patricia. You are in a hospital and you just had surgery. Can you please tell me your name?"

I answered after few heartbeats, difficult a little, "Dahlia."

Her smile remained and said, "Good. I will let the doctor know, okay?"

I nodded, but as soon as I did that, I regretted it as my head started to hurt double. My eyes search for the nurse, but she was already out of the door. Alone, I looked at the ceiling and smelled the chemical air.

However, it was filled with another voice, "Dahlia, hello."

Moving my head slightly, I looked at the blonde-haired man with a smirk and continued, "I am Doctor Augustus. I did your surgery, how are you feeling?"

Clearing my throat, I said, "Okay. Is it gone?"

Doctor Augustus nodded and remarked, "Of course. It was a difficult procedure, but nothing is impossible for me."

Taking a relieved breath with closed eyes. My heart calming down by little as I remembered the doctor's words. Opening my orbs again, I said with endless happiness, "Thank you so much."

Doctor Augustus was about to say something but stopped himself. He smiled warmly and accepted, "Your welcome, Dahlia." Looking slightly away and back, he continued, "Your family wants to see you, but I am suggesting you take some rest, and then you will be able to meet them. Is that alright?"

Instead of nodding, I confirmed, "Yes."

****

AFTER SOME TIME

Drowsiness hit me like a train as my consciousness returned. I opened my orbs once again and looked at the white ceiling. A warm hold was felt on my hand, and I squeezed a little to see if it was real.

In the next moment, Matteo came into view and my arm was lifted from the soft surface. He had been holding my hand tightly as if not let this moment slip. He uttered, more to himself, "You are alright... You are alright..."

I nodded, but my throbbing head did not hit like a ton of bricks.

Matteo continued, "Dahlia, Dahlia, can you hear me? Say something."

I said with all my strength, "I am here."

Tears streamed from his handsome face as he uttered like tomorrow didn't exist, "I am never going to let you go. I will die without you."

Bewildered by his declaration, my heart skipped a beat. However, Matteo continued, "Finding out was so painful. Nobody was---"

I intervened, "It is okay, Matteo."

He started, "I have something to say."

I asked in a little voice, "What?"

The door opened with a loud bang and the moment shattered. Matteo looked behind alarmed and stared at the individual in the white coat with his signature narrowed eyes.

Doctor Augustus began, "Hello, Dahlia."

Matteo turned around and wiped his tears, but once he recovered rudely interrupted, "What are you still doing here?"

Augustus rolled his eyes and continued, "I don't need your permission. She is my patient, and I am her doctor."

I decided to interrupt them, "Hi, Doctor Augustus."

He began laughing and said happily, "Please call me Gus."

Matteo asked disgustedly, "Gus?"

Augustus uttered, "Just because you don't want to my friend, doesn't mean that Dahlia can't. Isn't that right, Dahlia?"

I was speechless and wasn't sure what I could say. I barely knew this man, but he had been kind. However, the way that Matteo was looking at him with so much made me think twice.

Matteo shouted, "Shut it."

Augustus said, "No need to get vicious. I---"

Three individuals entered the room with their signature power. They made the large room look smaller. Luciano said first, "Still here?"

Augustus made a face and said, "Maybe should leave. It is getting crowded." But before leaving, he told me, "Oh and Dahlia, good luck with the Donati boys."

Unsure, I voiced, "Thanks?"

The confusion lasted for a second more, until Zack came next to me and held my other hand. He smiled and said, "Glad you are better."

I remarked, "Me too, but what are you all doing here?"

Luciano leaned against the wall near the window said, "You are family, always and forever."

I took a deep breath and looked away. Matteo and his family had given me more than a house or family. They had given me hope, then why it feels like I am robbing them of something? Before was of my short lifespan, but why am I still afraid?

I suppose that this is just a dream.

Castillo broke my bubble when he uttered, "I think we should let Dahlia rest."

Looking back at Zack, he said, "Yes, you are right. Dahlia take some rest because after you are fully recovered ---"

Matteo intervened, "You should go home."

Scrunching my eyebrows, I asked, "What will it happen after I recover?"

They would leave me. That dreadful thought crossed my mind.

They all hurried out of the room, leaving Matteo behind. I looked back at him, and his eyes never left me. He smiled while I asked, "What are you hiding?"

I frowned and was about to press when he added, "I am not hiding anything. It is a surprise."

I remarked, not sure if it was true, "I don't like surprises."

He assured, "It is a good surprise, I promise."

I wanted to press further, but I stopped in my tracks. I believed in his promises with all my heart.

Matteo continued with an innocent smile, "Now, rest and get better for me, for us."

I returned a smile, and he kissed my hand lightly. He put my hand back to the soft surface of the bed and left. The smile fell as soon as the door closed, a feeling of emptiness filled. 

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Author's note:

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