Chapter 337: My Lady
Less than an hour later, the results everyone had been anxiously waiting for finally came back.
Cecilia’s blood was compatible with Jaime’s.
The confirmation brought an immediate wave of relief to everyone. Her blood type had already given them reason to hope, but the completed testing and crossmatch confirmed what they desperately needed to know.
No incompatibility had been detected, which meant Cecilia could safely provide blood for her grandson.
While the testing had been underway, Cecilia had wasted no time. She had made a call and ordered her entire emergency blood reserve brought to the Takahashi estate, insisting that every available unit be delivered as quickly as possible.
True to her word, the blood arrived before the hour was even up.
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor, drawing everyone’s attention as Hannah and Kim appeared with an older woman none of them had seen before.
She appeared to be in her sixties, dressed neatly and conservatively, with silver beginning to thread through her carefully styled dark hair. There was something naturally composed and dignified
about her.
A few steps behind them, Lee and Max carefully carried a secured medical transport case
between them.
Cecilia immediately rose from her chair.
“Nora.”
The older woman’s expression softened with visible relief.
“My Lady.”
She crossed the remaining distance in a few hurried steps and stopped in front of Cecilia, her concerned eyes moving over her as though she needed to assure herself that she was truly
unharmed.
“Thank goodness,” Nora breathed. “When I received your call…”
Her voice trailed off as emotion briefly overtook her.
Cecilia reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m all right.” Nora still looked unconvinced, but before she could respond, her attention shifted beyond Cecilia and landed on Maya. Something in her expression changed as she stared at Maya, recognition slowly replacing the concern on her face. Her eyes moved over Maya’s features, taking in the resemblance that was impossible for someone who had known Malia so well to miss. Cecilia followed her line of sight and immediately understood. Her expression softened as she turned toward Maya. “Nora,” she said gently, “I’d like you to meet my granddaughter, Maya.” Nora continued staring at Maya, seemingly unable to find her voice. Tears slowly gathered in her eyes as one hand rose to cover her mouth. “Good heavens,” she whispered. “She’s… she’s…” The words failed her. For a moment, Nora seemed completely lost in the sight of her. Then, as though suddenly remembering herself, she straightened, quickly composed her expression, and dipped into a respectful curtsy. “My Lady.” Maya’s eyes widened. “Oh, ma’am, please, don’t do that.” She immediately stepped forward and reached for Nora’s hands, gently urging her upright. “That’s completely unnecessary.” Nora looked startled by the reaction, but as she took in Maya’s obvious discomfort, a flicker of understanding crossed her face. Of course. Maya hadn’t grown up surrounded by royal titles and formalities. To her, there was nothing natural about someone bowing before her. Cecilia approached them with a small smile. “Maya, this is Nora. She has been my personal attendant and one of my most trusted companions. She’s been with our family for over four decades now.” A faint smile touched Nora’s lips through her tears. Cecilia’s expression softened further as she looked at Maya. Chapter 337 My Lady 13 “She was also very close to your mother. Nora helped me care for Malia from the time she was a little girl and remained by her side as she grew up.” Nora’s attention returned to Maya, and the emotion she had tried so hard to contain rose to the surface once more. “Oh, my Lady,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “Please forgive me for becoming so emotional. It’s just… seeing you standing here in front of me, it feels as though I’m looking at Lady Malia when she was young again.” Maya’s expression softened at the mention of her mother. She gave Nora’s hands a gentle squeeze, hoping to ease some of the emotion overwhelming her. “Please, call me Maya.” Nora blinked, clearly taken aback. “My Lady, I couldn’t possibly…” Maya assured her with a gentle smile. “I’d actually prefer it.” Nora looked at Cecilia almost instinctively, as though seeking permission after a lifetime of following royal protocol. Cecilia smiled and gave her a small nod. Nora turned back to Maya, still visibly hesitant. “Maya,” she finally said. Maya’s smile warmed. “Much better.” Nora continued looking at her for another moment before finally turning her attention toward Dahlia. Recognition immediately lit her eyes. “Lady Dahlia.” Dahlia smiled as Nora approached her. “Nora. It’s been a long time.” “Far too long, my Lady.” Dahlia took over the introductions, naturally beginning with Damien before moving on to Harper, Nick, and the others gathered in the corridor. Nora greeted each of them warmly, but there was barely enough time for the introductions to settle before Dr. Brown and Nurse Sophia suddenly hurried past them toward Jaime’s room. Maya’s heart dropped. Chapter 337. My Lady She instinctively moved to follow them, but Damien caught her hand before she could reach the door. Her frightened eyes flew to his. “Damien, something’s wrong. I need to find out what’s happening. I need to check on Jaime.” “I know.” His fingers loosened around hers. “But let them do what they need to do first. I’m sure they’ll tell us what’s happening as soon as they can.” Maya understood. She gave a reluctant nod, although her heart continued pounding as she watched the door close behind them. A few moments later, the door to the adjoining room opened, and Nurse Emily emerged carrying a bag of blood before hurrying toward Jaime’s room. Maya immediately rushed over to her. “Excuse me, Nurse Emily. What’s going on?” Nurse Emily slowed just enough to answer her. “Jaime’s hemoglobin has dropped, and he needs another transfusion.” Maya’s face immediately paled. “Is he… is he okay?” “He’s stable, Ms. Maya. Please excuse me, but I need to get this blood to Dr. Brown. Don’t worry, he’ll explain everything to you as soon as he can.” Maya nodded in understanding and immediately stepped aside, not wanting to delay her any further. “Of course. Please, go.” Nurse Emily gave her a quick, reassuring nod before hurrying into Jaime’s room. Maya returned to Damien’s side, and he immediately reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers as they waited. The brief warmth that had filled the corridor only minutes earlier had disappeared, replaced by a quiet tension as everyone waited for news. Maya kept her eyes fixed on the closed door, her heart pounding with worry for her brother. It wasn’t long before the door finally opened and Dr. Brown stepped out. Maya immediately rushed toward him. Chapter 337 My Lady “Dr. Brown, how’s Jaime? Is he okay?” Clare “His hemoglobin has dropped again,” Dr. Brown explained. “Considering the amount of blood he lost earlier, another drop isn’t entirely unexpected. The important thing is that he’s stable. We’ve already started the transfusion using the last compatible unit from our original reserve.” Relief washed over Maya so quickly that fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. “Thank you. Thank you, Doctor.” 3 10 Thenjiwe Mofokeng