Chapter 36: Chapter 36

R I O N A

What did Keith mean by that?

Was it Keith that made my mom find us?

Is he in cahoots with that woman?

These were the questions running through my head all day at school.

Maybe I could tell Boss about what happened with Keith and he can help.

Yes, I'll go there after I leave the hospital.

"Hey!" I heard Leonardo's voice call as I approached my car.

"Hey." I greeted with a quick smile.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a concerned look.

"Um..." I tried to understand what he meant by that question.

"You looked really worried today whenever I saw you like something was always on your mind, do you want to talk about it over coffee or something?"

"Oh," I realized. "I'm going to the hospital right now so I don't think I have time for coffee." I honestly told him.

"Is it about your dad? Can I come with you?" He asked with wide eyes.

How can I possibly say no to that?!

"No." I deadpanned and he scoffed.

"You must be really cold hearted to say no to that." He joked.

"You have no idea."

"Come on!" He dragged. "I just want you to have a friend waiting for you when you are done talking to the doctor, and besides I really care about what happens to your father."

"You just want to come with me right?" I blurted out and he nodded. "Fine!" I sighed. "But you drive and meet me there." I gave a condition.

"That's fine." He smiled.

"Let's go then." I urged him to go get into his car.

On the whole drive to the hospital, I couldn't help but think how much I misunderstood Leonardo but he still cares about me.

I will never doubt him for anything anymore.

When I got to the hospital and parked my car, Leonardo parked his car right next to mine and followed behind me to the reception.

We walked up to the receptionist and with a smile on my face I decided to ask about my dad. "Hey, I'm he-"

"Riona."

A familiar voice called from behind making me freeze.

"Riona," Someone grabbed my arm. "Why won't they let me see your father?!" She screamed at me.

"Let me go." I shook my arm away from her grip.

"Why won't they let me see your father? I demand to see your father!" She caused a scene attracting a lot of attention.

"No, get out!" I ordered her but she only scoffed.

"I'm going to see him Riona, I let the scene with the girls go because I was feeling really bad but please let me see your father once, I miss him and I miss you," she caressed my cheek.

"Get out!" I slapped her hand away.

"Ma'am I think you should leave for now, she's upset." Leonardo advised her.

"Ma'am can you please not scream, this is a hospital and there are patients here." The nurse at the desk cautioned us.

"I'm sorry," I apologized then turned to face the woman who always provoked me. "Leave."

"I'll return again Riona." She voiced out before leaving the reception.

Why is she showing up like this?! She should stay where she has been for the past twelve years.

"I'm Riona Davis and I have an appointment with the doctor Rathore who's in charge of my father's surgery and I have brought the deposit payment for his operation." I informed the nurse as she typed away on the computer in front of her.

"I know who you are Miss Davis and about the money, you should just go up to her office."

Why did I need to speak to doctor Krishna first? Could my dad have passed away? Is that why she rejected the money?

All my chaotic calmed down as Leonardo held my hand and gave a warm reassuring smile as we approached the elevator.

"It's alright." He told me like he was certain of what he was saying and for some reason I felt reassured.

The elevator door opened up to a fancy hallway where doctor Krishna's name card was place on one of the doors.

"Go in, I'll be here waiting for you." He gave me a warm smile one more time and urged me to go inside.

After taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open.

Doctor Krishna was dressed in a blue and white saree while her hair was tied up while her white jacket rested on her body.

"Miss Davis! It's been a while, how have you been?" She asked with a smile.

"I've been good doc, how's my dad?" I returned the question.

"Take a seat then." She directed me and looked through a large heap of files before bringing it out to the surface.

"I'll need you to just sign this and we can perform the operation tomorrow, the neurosurgeon has arrived and so all that we need is your approval to go ahead with it." She passed a piece of paper to me.

I looked through the paper and it stated that I had already paid for the operation. How?

"Hey um I only brought the deposit amount here but the nurse at the reception asked me to speak to you first before I can pay." I told her and she looked confused.

"That's probably because the full amount was paid by cheque some days ago." She informed me.

What? How? Was it the insurance company? No, they stopped paying when I couldn't meet up with the payment, then who?

"Ahah here it is!" The doctor brought up another piece of paper and handed it over to me.

This read paid by Lisandra Castro. Castro? Why does that name sound familiar? Castro? Leonardo's mom? Did Leonardo tell his mom to pay that huge amount of money?!

"Now please sign so I can get a team of doctors ready for the surgery." She pointed towards the paper.

"Yes..." I nodded slowly as I took a pen from her desk and signed.

"Thank you." She smiled. "Your father will be in good hands." She assured me and a smile covered my face.

For the first time in years I have hope and that's thanks to Leonardo.

**