Chapter 996

She was transferred from pediatrics and is now in charge of the VIP ward. She’s a senior nurse,” Lena explained, and Keira immediately understood.

“Rea, ever since you got yourself a man, you haven’t been coming around as often. The doctors and nurses have changed, and since nurses rotate throughout the hospital, many faces are probably new to you.”

That was true. The world was constantly changing, and very few people stayed in the same place forever. Just like Keira—she was now the owner of the courtyard house. Although she hadn’t given birth yet, Hayden was already extremely nervous, staying by her side 24/7.

By New Year’s Eve, there was still no sign of labor, and she was getting restless from staying in the hospital.

“Hayden, I want to go back and decorate the courtyard house. This is our first Spring Festival there.”

Keira had been looking forward to celebrating the New Year at the courtyard house for a long time. Lighting the big fireplace, hanging red lanterns everywhere, pasting festive window decorations, placing red chrysanthemums on the table, setting out all kinds of snacks and fruits, and gathering around for tea by the fire—it was the perfect New Year’s dream.

“We need to check with Lena first. If she agrees, then we can go,” Hayden said, clearly worried about Keira but also unwilling to let her down.

Life was a one-way journey. If you missed a moment, you couldn’t go back to experience it again.

Lena examined her and said, “There are no signs of labor yet, but childbirth is something only fate can decide. No one can predict it… You might feel fine now, but as soon as you get home, things could start happening.”

She had a point, but Keira still playfully smacked her arm. “Can’t you just say the baby will wait until after New Year’s?”

Lena chuckled. “Do you think I have a say in this? It’s up to the little one in your belly. Let’s see if they’re a good baby.” She lightly tapped her belly as if talking to the baby.

Since Lena said it was safe for now, Keira insisted on going home. Before they left, she gave Hayden some instructions.

“If anything happens, call me immediately.”

Hayden nodded and took out a red envelope. “Happy New Year.”

Lena stuffed her hands into the pockets of her white coat. “Hospital policy forbids us from accepting red envelopes.”

“This is just a New Year’s gift, and we’re all friends,” Hayden explained.

“Then at least hand it over somewhere else,” Lena reminded him.

Keira understood her concerns, so she tugged on Hayden’s sleeve. “We can give it to her when she visits the courtyard house.”

“Happy New Year! Come visit when you have time,” Keira said, pulling Lena into a hug.

“I probably can’t tonight. Mrs. Ace said our whole family has to go to my grandparents’ house for the New Year’s celebration, and my mom wants us to stay up all night to welcome the new year,” Lena said with a helpless expression.

I leaned in and whispered, “Oh? That means your Uncle Aaron will be there too.”

“I don’t want to see him,” Lena muttered, making Keira laugh.

She had once confided in Keira about the time she got caught wearing only Aaron’s shirt at a family gathering. Ever since then, she had been avoiding him like the plague, pretending not to know him even when they crossed paths.

“Don’t laugh,” she pinched Keira lightly. “But honestly, it’s been so long. I don’t even care anymore.”

Thick skin, it seemed, was something that got built up over time.

“I won’t walk you out. The hospital director has called us for a New Year’s gathering, so I have to go,” Lena said.

As Hayden and Keira left the hospital, they happened to run into Aaron at the entrance. Seeing him, Hayden, who was his close friend, rolled down the car window and greeted him.

Aaron knew they had been coming to the hospital for the baby, so he didn’t ask too many questions. Instead, he simply said, “It’s New Year’s, so I came by to hand out some benefits.”

Hearing that, Keira suddenly remembered he was a major sponsor of the hospital and a frequent VIP guest of the director.