Page 44 of The Don’s Omega

“No,” I agree, trying to come up with another reason we have the funds. “But there are a lot of people out in the world with extra money who are willing to help people like us.”

He lifts his brows. “You mean you found like an angel investor or something?”

More like a Devil investor.

“Yeah, something like that.” I give him a reassuring smile. “You need to trust me and not worry so much. Haven’t I always handled everything? Haven’t I always taken care of you?”

His eyes soften. “You have. But who takes care of you, Elio?”

His question catches me off guard. “I don’t need taking care of.”

“Everyone needs that sometimes.”

My chest squeezes at the concern in his voice. “Look, you don’t need to worry about me right now, okay? Now is the time for you to focus on getting stronger, so you can have the surgery. Once you’re healthy again, I’ll explain everything to you.”

“Will you?”

“Yes. I’ll give you all the boring details. But right now, your only job is to rest up and build your strength for the surgery, okay?”

“Okay.” He gives a hesitant smile.

“You trust me, right?”

“Yeah, I trust you, Elio. I trust you more than anyone in this world.”

“Good. That’s what I want to hear.”

A knock at the door saves me from any more questions. Dr. Ashworth steps in. I met him once before very briefly. He’s a tall alpha in his fifties, with graying temples and wire-rimmed glasses. He has a steady, unhurried manner that I find calming.

“Elio, I’m glad you’re here. I can tell you and Fabio the news at the same time.” He moves closer, studying a clipboard in his hands. “I’ve completed my review of all the pre-operative testing.”

“Have you?” I ask warily. I can’t read his expression so I’m not sure if it’s good news or bad.

“Yes. I’ve looked over the echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, the full blood panel. I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing.”

Fabio and I share a relieved glance.

“The obstruction is significant, as we expected,” Dr. Ashworth says. “But the surrounding cardiac tissue is healthy and responsive. Kidney and liver function are excellent. Blood pressure has stabilized well on the beta-blockers. Fabio is an excellent surgical candidate. I’m confident we’re going to get a very good outcome.”

“That’s fantastic,” I say, patting Fabio’s arm. “When do you think you can do the surgery?”

“Well, my surgery schedule was booked solid.” He clears his throat. “But… uh… at Mr. Foschini’s insistence, I’ve been able to move a few things around. We’ll be able to fit Fabio in within the next three weeks.”

“Really?” Fabio squeaks. “That soon?”

“Yep.” Dr. Ashworth nods.

“That’s really good news,” I say, beyond relieved. I didn’t miss the part about Mr. Foschini’s insistence. Marcello is the only reason things are moving so quickly, and I feel a surge of gratitude for him.

Dr. Ashworth smiles. “Yes. That gives us time for one more round of imaging and to fine-tune Fabio’s medications before surgery.”

“How long is the actual surgery?” I ask.

“The septal myectomy itself usually takes three to four hours. Afterward, your brother will go to the ICU, probably overnight, possibly longer depending on how he does. Then he’ll move to a step-down unit. If recovery goes smoothly, we’d hope to discharge him within five to seven days.”

“And after that?” Fabio asks. His voice is steady, but his knuckles are white where they grip the blanket.

“Cardiac rehabilitation. Plan on several weeks to three months of structured recovery. How quickly you rebound all depends on you, Fabio, and the work you put in. You’ll need to rebuild your strength. To help you do that you’ll have supervised exercise, monitoring, gradual rebuilding. It’s demanding, but patients your age with your overall profile often do very well.” He looks at Fabio directly. “You’re young, otherwise healthy, and clearly motivated. Those are three things I like to see in a surgical patient.”