” Now, I can walk with help. I am fine now” Martin said.

Katherine glared at him and said, ” ” I know what to do. Just shut up” in a serious tone. Instantly he stopped talking as he knew about Katherine’s anger from his childhood.

Finally, they reached the hospital in the cab. She informed the receptionist about the purpose of their work and showed the visiting card of Dr. Luther. Katherine arrived at the practice, the receptionist ushered her to the examination room where Dr.Thomas was waiting for them.

Martin was walking slowly whereas Katherine went inside his cabin. When she saw him, Katherine was startled and halted, but Thomas was just as surprised to see her.

“Hello, Katherine.” He was greeted with a bit of shock and surprise.

A few seconds later, Martin entered into Thomas’s room and stood beside Katherine. Thomas looked at both of them skeptically.

Then he slowly asked her, looking at her , “, who is this?” 

Katherine was hesitant about answering, “He is my best friend, Martin”

Thomas glanced at him and then turned back to Katherine, “And, what does he need to be here?”

Katherine was lost for words, “He can’t come to the hospital for a checkup. He is just an ordinary patient who had some trouble with his leg.”

“Katherine,” Thomas began with a thread of concern in his voice, “Did Martin fall somewhere?”

Katherine shook her head, “Martin was paralyzed by accident. He was hit by a truck”

Thomas’s face was in disbelief, “What?”

Katherine nodded, “That’s when Martin started having problems with his leg. He was in a lot of pain and he couldn’t walk normally. His leg is paralyzed”

Thomas’s face turned white, “Why didn’t you come sooner? We could have done something about that right away!”

“I tried, Thomas, the moment I got the news, but it was too late. The damage was already done. Martin was in a lot of pain and he kept getting worse as we don’t have enough money for his treatment at that time” she said with guilt.

Thomas was surprised when she mentioned expenses for the treatment. As per his knowledge, she was the daughter of Billionarie. 

Thomas looked at her with sympathy, “I am very sorry, Katherine. I don’t know about your condition”

Katherine sighed.

Then he continued, “how long has Martin been in this condition?”

Katherine was startled by the sudden question, “Martin? He’s been in this condition for almost six years now”

Thomas nodded, “It’s good that he still has you to take care of him.”

Katherine looked at Martin, “I don’t think I would have been able to go through this if it wasn’t for him”

Thomas glanced at Martin, “He is lucky to have someone like you to look after him. He is lucky to have a family like yours.”

Katherine’s eyes met Martin’s and she smiled, “It is time for his checkup, let’s just get it over with”

Thomas nodded and looked at Katherine, “Follow me and Martin and let’s start the checkup”

Katherine followed after Martin and Thomas.

As they went, Martin looked at Katherine with grateful eyes. He knew she had risked her career many times for him. She was the one who kept on reassuring him during all those difficult times, and without her, he would have been lost. They had forged a strong bond over the past several years

Thomas and Katherine walked next to them. Thomas was peering at Martin’s leg, as Katherine looked at them.

Katherine frowned to herself as she saw how Martin was lying on the bed. He was lying in a half-sitting position. He was smiling, but she saw how his face was tight and drawn due to the excruciating pain. She looked away from him and shut her eyes before the tears came.

Thomas looked at her and put his hand on her shoulder, “You don’t have to be sad, Katherine.”

Katherine opened her eyes and looked at Thomas. She felt the tears fall as she saw the compassion in his eyes.

“I know you are sad for him. But, as a physician, I have a responsibility to make sure that he is well”

Katherine felt the same, “Yes, he has been in that condition for a long time now, and I will do my best to help him”

Thomas nodded in approval, “I think you are very kind for taking care of him. He is lucky to have a friend like you”

She smiled, “Thank you. He is the best friend I’ve ever had. ”

After the checkup, the nurse took Martin for the x-ray, Katherine and Thomas were alone in his practice room.

” Why do you leave, Adrian? Don’t you know how much he loved you? Why are you staying with Martin? ” Thomas questioned her.

Katherine sighed, “He is the only family I have. I can’t leave him like this. He needs me. I can’t abandon him”

” I didn’t mean to abandon your family. But what about your love for Adrian? Do you know how much he suffered when you left him? He became crazy in searching for you. I witnessed his pain with my eyes. ” Thomas said.

” But it was past. Now he is not a ordinary person but a popular businessman in the automobile industry. Everything changed in all these years.” She said, looking sad.

Thomas nodded, “I understand. I will be here for you and Adrian if you need anything”

Katherine could see the concern in Thomas’s eyes, “Thank you, Thomas. But we are not destined to be together”

Thomas looked at her with sad eyes, “I know. But, I still don’t want you to leave him. I knew about your relationship.”

“I have to, Thomas. It is the only way.” Thomas sighed and asked, ” Is it because of  Adrian’s mother?”

Her eyes opened wide when Thomas mentioned his mother’s name. 

” I was there when you came to meet Adrian at his home for the last time. I saw you leaving his home.” He said.

” Did Adrian know about it?” Katherine asked.