Love's Redemption



The doctor hesitated for a couple of seconds before asking, “Why do you want to undergo an HIV screening? Are you feeling unwell, or have you recently come into contact with someone diagnosed with the disease?"

"I've been in contact," Yuna said softly, her voice tinged with unease. "I didn't know beforehand. I only found out recently, and it's been making me really anxious."

"Is it confirmed that the person you were in contact with has this disease? And what kind of contact did you have?" the doctor asked, pausing briefly before continuing. "HIV is indeed a serious condition, but it's not something you catch from casual contact."

After explaining the basics about HIV transmission, the doctor added, "If you tell me honestly, I can help determine if you're at risk and whether this screening is necessary."

"The infected person is a girl. She's from a difficult background and works in a karaoke lounge as a drinks promoter. About a month ago, she got sick, and I took care of her for a few days. During that time, we shared meals, lived together, and used the same bathroom.

"Last week, she had a high fever and went to see a doctor, where she was diagnosed with. HIV. Over the past two weeks, I've been experiencing discomfort down there, so I started to suspect that I might be infected," Yuna admitted, her words sinking heavily into Keira and Hayden.

Even with humanity's limited understanding of HIV, the circumstances she described suggested there might indeed be a risk of transmission. The doctor patiently repeated what they already knew but reassured her. "Since you're concerned, it's wise to do a blood test. However, you don't need to be overly worried. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. The likelihood of transmission through casual contact is extremely low-almost negligible."

"Still, I'd like to get tested," Yuna insisted.

The doctor nodded, writing out an order for the blood test, then asked, "That girl at the karaoke lounge... was she involved in, well, that kind of work?"

"No," Yuna denied quickly. "She's a decent girl. A year ago, she was drugged and assaulted."

The doctor fell silent for a few seconds before replying, "Encourage your friend to seek proper treatment. There are plenty of antiviral medications available now."

Yuna said nothing in response, and shortly after, we saw her step out of the consultation room holding the test order.novelbin

She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice Hayden and Keira sitting nearby.

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Keira grabbed Hayden's hand, finding it ice-cold. “Let's wait for the test results before jumping to conclusions," she whispered.

Lena, who had been listening from the adjacent room, joined them after Yuna left. Keira's first question to her was, "Is it really unlikely for her to be infected?"*

"If her contact with the infected person was as she described, the likelihood of infection is extremely low-less than one in ten thousand. But the real question is whether she's being entirely truthful," Lena said, casting a glance at Hayden. "She seems emotionally distraught. You should keep a closer eye on her in the coming days."

Hayden's expression remained heavy, his thoughts visibly weighed down. Keira could sense his turmoil, but there were no words of comfort that could truly help. All she could do was hold his hand tightly in silent support.

Keira proceeded with her prenatal checkup. Lena handled everything swiftly, handing her the necessary forms.

Despite the size of the hospital, fate seemed to have a sense of humor. Hayden and Keira crossed paths with Yuna again. This time, she was speaking to someone: Nate.

"Have you been feeling unwell lately?" Nate's voice was calm and gentle.

Yuna shook her head. "No, I'm fine."

"That's good. But you must still get regular checkups, even if you're feeling well," Nate reminded her.

"Professor Neumann," Yuna clutched the straps of her bag tightly, her voice hesitant. "Can I add you on WeChat or get your phone number?"

It was only then that Keira realized Yuna and Nate hadn't had any prior interaction- everything had been mediated through Lena and her.

Nate pulled out his phone and exchanged contact information with Yuna. As she put her phone away, she suddenly asked, "Professor Neumann, if I don't want this heart anymore, can I donate it to someone else?"

Her words froze Keira and Hayden in place.

Nate's expression didn't change visibly, but his voice softened. "Why would you want to give up your heart? It's already part of you now You should cherish it and live well for the donor who gave it to you.

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Yuna lowered her gaze and didn't respond, her expression unreadable. Keira exchanged a

worried glance with Hayden, his jaw tightening in silent frustration.