novelraw Chapter 234 - 182: Happiness
Chapter 234 - 182: Happiness
"Didn’t you say you wanted to make it up to me? Didn’t you say you’d spend a lifetime proving you love me? How can you just leave me like this..."
At this, she was already sobbing uncontrollably. As she remembered the way he had looked at her so earnestly while whispering those sweet words, she couldn’t help but bury her face in his hand and whimper.
She had never prayed so fervently before. She was willing—willing to trade ten, even twenty years of her own life, just to see him wake up safe and healthy.
Thankfully, Felix Draper called to say that Aiden Grant and his wife, Leah Monroe, were willing to help. They would make some quick preparations and head to Wincastle immediately. At last, her heart eased, if only slightly.
It was after ten at night when Felix Draper arrived with his team. Leah Monroe was a beautiful woman, though she had a somewhat cold demeanor. Her husband, Aiden Grant, remained gently by her side, and it was obvious they were deeply in love.
The moment she arrived, Leah Monroe gathered the doctors who had diagnosed Julian Donovan that day for a consultation. After hearing their opinions, she decided to operate immediately and selected a few of the most capable doctors to assist her.
While Leah Monroe and the others were in the conference room, Naomi Shaw, Caleb Rhodes, Felix Draper, and Aiden Grant waited anxiously in an adjacent office. While the others sat on the sofa, she was too restless to stay seated. She walked over to the window alone and stared out at the sky, trying to empty her mind of all thought.
Someone came to stand beside her. It was Aiden Grant. He glanced at her lips, which she had nervously bitten nearly raw, and said softly, "She may seem a bit cold, but she’s actually very kind. The moment she heard about Julian Donovan’s condition, she decided to come right away."
Naomi Shaw knew he was talking about his wife, Leah Monroe. She glanced back at him and saw a thoughtful look on his face. "Actually, your story is quite similar to ours."
She was taken aback. He continued, "Except ours had even more twists and turns. We went through more than you have, but look at us now. We turned out just fine. So don’t worry. Everything will be alright."
With that, he turned and walked away. It was only then that she realized he had been trying to comfort her. Watching Aiden Grant go over to talk with Caleb Rhodes and Felix Draper, a faint warmth spread through her heart. ’Yes, everything will be alright.’ Although she didn’t know their story, she found herself inexplicably trusting his words—and trusting his wife, the seemingly cold but kind-hearted doctor.
When Leah Monroe emerged from the conference room with the other doctors, she looked at Naomi Shaw and said, "I hear you used to be an ICU nurse. I want you to join us in the operating room. I need a capable assistant."
"Me?"
Naomi Shaw pointed to herself doubtfully, then quickly shook her head. "I... I don’t think I can..."
’If it were any other patient, she would have agreed in a heartbeat. But with *him* as the patient, she couldn’t guarantee she could remain composed enough to properly assist in the surgery.’
Leah Monroe sensed her hesitation. She pointed a finger at Aiden Grant. "I’ve saved his life several times. All you need to do is remember that Julian Donovan is your man and you *have* to save him. That’s all the motivation you need."
Naomi Shaw froze. She had to admit, Leah Monroe’s words swept away all her reservations. ’That’s right, he’s my man. If I have the ability to do something for him, why can’t I find the courage to do it, even if I have to face whatever unknown outcome awaits his life?’ So she nodded her assent. A smile touched Leah Monroe’s lips. She walked over, took Naomi’s hand, and together they led the surgical team to go prepare.
Leah Monroe truly lived up to her reputation as a brilliant surgeon; the operation was a success. Naomi Shaw was on edge the entire time, her heart aching as she watched the man she loved so deeply endure this ordeal. She nearly broke down several times, but the determination to save him fueled her, and she gritted her teeth and held on.
The moment the final suture was in place, Leah Monroe turned to Naomi Shaw and said, "He’ll wake up in 24 hours. After that, he’ll just need to focus on recovery." As soon as those words were spoken, Naomi’s vision went black, and she collapsed. The combination of tension, worry, and sheer exhaustion had completely drained her of all strength.
Aiden Grant was waiting outside the operating room. When he saw Leah Monroe emerge, he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her cheek. "You worked so hard, sweetheart."
Leah Monroe just gave him a weary smile. With his arm around her, Aiden Grant bid farewell to Caleb Rhodes and the others. Caleb tried to persuade them to stay the night in Wincastle so he could properly thank them, but Aiden glanced at the woman in his arms and said, "There’s no need. It was the least we could do. Besides, our kids are waiting for us at home. We’ll get together another time!"