Chapter 12

Astrid began to cough violently, her face turning pale. Damian quickly moved to support Astrid, his expression etched with deep concern. "Grandma, I'll go call a doctor." Astrid managed to calm her coughing after a few moments and gently pulled Damian back from calling for a doctor. She said weakly, "I'm fine. This is just an old ailment. A few coughs are nothing." Astrid spoke with a breathless tone. She was still struggling to recover from the intense coughing fit. Her face remained unusually pale. Damian's expression grew serious. He remembered the doctor's grim prognosis that Astrid might not live through the year. Over the years, Damian had traveled the world searching for doctors for Astrid, but the only result he had found was the grim prognosis that she had less than a year to live. Later, he heard that Sheila had been seen in Phoypolis, so he used a business trip to the city as an excuse to look for her. However, finding her was like searching for a needle in a haystack. He couldn't find any trace of her. Seeing Astrid's discomfort, Zelda stepped forward to check her pulse. It was weak and irregular, indicating long-standing health issues that would require considerable effort to fully resolve. "Your cough seems to be caused by excess heat and long-term use of supplements. A lighter diet for a few days should help improve it," Zelda said, pulling out a small vial from her pockets. "This is a traditional remedy I developed while I was living in the countryside. It's for clearing heat and detoxifying. Would you like to try it?" Astrid looked at Zelda with some surprise, then said weakly, "I didn't realize you knew medicine, Zelda." Zelda didn't hide anything and replied honestly, "I learned a bit of medicine from a mentor when I was young. But rest assured, I'm also certified." Astrid took the vial without hesitation. She poured out a small tablet that looked like candy. Damian looked at Astrid with concern and said, "Grandma…" "It's fine," Astrid said, waving him off. She placed the medicine in her mouth. It had a sweet taste, not bitter, almost like a gummy. Damian brought over a glass of water. Astrid took a few sips, and the metallic taste in her mouth was quickly subdued. The pressure in her chest eased significantly as well. After taking the medicine, Astrid experienced relief she had never felt before despite years of medication. She realized that Zelda truly had genuine skill. Seeing Astrid's complexion improve, Zelda continued, "This medicine is for clearing heat and detoxifying, but it can't cure the root of the problem. To truly address your chronic condition, it'll take some time. We'll start with acupuncture to remove the internal heat and toxins, and then proceed with surgery." Damian's expression shifted slightly upon hearing Zelda's calm explanation. "Do you think my grandma's illness can be cured?" "There's no absolute guarantee, but it's worth trying. We'll start with acupuncture and medication. This should significantly improve her cough and overall condition. The outcome of the surgery will depend on how well she responds to the initial treatment," Zelda replied earnestly. Perhaps due to her professional background, Zelda couldn't ignore a patient in need. Damian looked at her with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. He had consulted so many doctors, all of whom were top experts in their field, but none had been able to make any progress with Astrid's condition. Yet, Zelda spoke so casually about it, as if it were not a serious illness. Having spent so much time with the Munoz family, Damian found it hard to trust someone completely. He pursed his lips. His dark eyes were deep and inscrutable. "If that's the case, could you perform acupuncture on my grandma?" Zelda glanced at Damian, whose handsome face was now etched with concern. It reminded her of her grandfather. Damian was deeply worried about Astrid's condition. Given Damian's past help, treating Astrid was a small favor for Zelda. Without much hesitation, Zelda nodded and agreed, "Alright, I'll start giving her treatment from tomorrow onward." Damian's fingers twitched slightly, but he ultimately said nothing. Seeing the tense atmosphere between them, Astrid wanted to ease the mood. "It's fine, I'm okay. You don't need to be so anxious. Zelda, I'm sorry. My illness has been with me for a few years. I've seen many doctors, but none have been able to help." Zelda offered a warm smile and said, "Grandma, it's not a major issue. With proper care, you'll definitely get better." Astrid looked at Zelda's clear, sincere eyes and felt increasingly pleased. She suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to Damian. She asked, "Have you and Zelda arranged your wedding yet?" "Grandma, Zelda and I…" Damian started to explain but was interrupted by Astrid's frown. "A wedding is something every woman looks forward to. Since you're already married to her, you must honor the commitment. "Since Zelda is from Phoypolis, you should have a simple ceremony here. When you return, I'll personally handle the arrangements to make sure Zelda has a grand and proper wedding." Zelda understood that Astrid was considering her well-being, but she and Damian had no real feelings for each other. Their relationship was more about mutual benefit rather than anything romantic. Hence, there was no need for such a grand gesture. "Grandma, I appreciate your concern. But marriage is a matter between the two of us. There's no need for such extravagant arrangements," Zelda said thoughtfully. "No, it's unacceptable. Now that you're married to Damian, you shouldn't have to endure such hardship. If you're worried about the hassle, we can keep it simple. "Just invite a few relatives for a meal. You don't have to worry about the venue or arrangements. I'll handle those details." Astrid was firm on this point. Zelda looked at Damian for help. Seeing Astrid's insistence, Damian sighed and said, "Alright, we'll do it your way. But since Zelda doesn't have many relatives here, we'll keep the wedding simple for now. We can plan a more elaborate one when we're back to Daprien." He would probably take some time to return to Daprien. By then, he might no longer be with Zelda. Astrid's expression softened upon hearing this. "Alright, I've looked at the dates. Next Tuesday is a good day. Although it's short notice, it won't be too rushed. You just need to find a wedding dress. I'll take care of the rest." Damian didn't refuse. With Astrid's health declining, her greatest wish was to see him marry. From today's visit, it was clear that Astrid was very fond of Zelda, and Damian had no reason to refuse. "Alright, we'll do it as you wish," Damian said and agreed. Once Damian agreed, Zelda realized with shock that next Tuesday was also the wedding date of Faye and Virgil. She couldn't believe that she was going to have her wedding on the same day as Faye's.