"Mr. Tvojan, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. We've arranged for your father-in-law to receive VIP treatment in our private wing. A nurse will escort you to his room right away."

Sally looks at me in surprise. "How did you do that?" she asks.

"I've made some generous donations to this hospital in the past," I explain. "They're always happy to accommodate my requests."

The nurse leads us down the hallway to Sally's father's room. The private wing is immaculate, with plush carpeting and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

"This is amazing," Sally says, looking around in awe. "I can't believe they have all of this just for my dad."

"We're leaving nothing to chance," I reply, giving her a reassuring smile.

As we follow the nurse down the hallway, she begins to explain all of the benefits that Sally's father will now receive as a VIP patient.

"Your father will have his own private room, complete with a comfortable bed and a recliner for visitors," the nurse explains. "He'll also have access to our state-of-the-art medical equipment, including the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options."

Sally looks at me in amazement. "This is incredible," she says. "I can't believe you were able to arrange all of this so quickly."

I shrug modestly. "It's just a matter of knowing the right people," I reply. "I'm glad I could help."

“Still, thank you,” she says quietly. There’s a heaviness to her voice that I can tell means she’s trying not to cry. “This means so much to me.”

A small smile spreads across my face. “You’re welcome,” I say. Hoping it conveys just how much I mean it. It’s the least I can do for what she’s doing for me. That and seeing that smile on her face is worth it in itself.

The nurse continues her explanation as we walk. "Your father will also have a dedicated team of nurses and doctors who will be available to him around the clock," she says. "They'll be able to provide him with the highest level of care and attention."

When we enter the room, Sally's father, unconscious, is hooked up to a variety of machines, but he looks more comfortable than I expected. Sally rushes to his side, taking his hand and leaning in to whisper something in his ear.

Behind me, I hear footsteps and when I turn, I see an older woman with Sally’s brown eyes and upturned mouth.

The doctor looks over at the new arrival and smiles. "Mrs. Harte, I'm glad you're here. I was just about to explain your husband's condition to your daughter and Mr. Tvojan."

Sally's mother looks at him with a mixture of fear and hope. "Is he going to be okay?"

The doctor takes a deep breath and begins to explain. "We need to get the new liver in before we can fully assess how much damage has been done during the time he went without a fully functioning liver. There may be other issues we need to address depending on the severity, but the first step is to reduce the damage by getting the liver back up to par."

Sally's mother gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, God. So surgery might not be enough?”

The doctor's voice is steady and confident as he explains the situation. "It’s an excellent start, though. Your husband's surgery is a common procedure these days, and our team of surgeons has performed it many times with excellent results. We have the latest technology and equipment to ensure the best possible outcome."

I can see the relief wash over Sally's face as she listens to the doctor's words. But I'm not content to simply rely on statistics and reassurances. I want to make sure that everything possible is being done to ensure a successful surgery.

"Doctor, I understand that the surgery is routine," I say, my voice firm. "But I want to make sure that your team is doing everything possible to minimize the risks."

The doctor nods, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Tvojan. We'll be taking every precaution possible. Our team will be running a series of tests and evaluations to make sure that Mr. Harte is in optimal condition for surgery. And we'll be using the latest techniques and equipment to ensure a successful outcome."

I nod, satisfied. "And I want the best surgeon available to perform the operation. I don't care about seniority or tenure. I just want the person who is most qualified and experienced."

The doctor's expression becomes more serious. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Tvojan. And I can assure you that our team of surgeons is highly skilled and experienced. But if you have a preference, I can certainly make arrangements to have one of our top surgeons operate."

I nod, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Thank you, Doctor.”

Sally's mother looks from her daughter to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. I can tell that she's trying to piece together who I am and why I'm here.

“Of course, Mr. Tvojan,” Dr. Patel says with a nod. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. You’ll be informed of any updates or changes.”

The doctor strides out of the room, and the nurse quickly follows. Sally and I are left with her parents.

I step forward, extending my hand. "Mrs. Harte, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Drakar Tvojan. I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of arranging for your husband's care."