Doctor Love

Chapter 26

DAVID’S POV

I took a step forward, ready to burst into the ward.

She was awake.

That was all I’d needed to hear. Every fiber in my body was screaming to see her, hold her hand, hear her voice and just know she was okay. But just as my foot crossed the line, a firm grip stopped me.

“Wait,” Dr. Bennet said, his hand clamped tightly around my arm.

I turned to him, my brow raised in confusion. “She’s awake. What—why are you stopping me?”

“There’s no more time,” he said quietly. “We have to act fast. There’s no delaying this anymore.”

My chest tightened. “What are you saying?”

He looked around. My father, Mr. Mason, Joana—they were all there. The silence was deafening. Only the beep of the monitor inside the room gave the hallway any sound.

Dr. Bennet continued, “We need to reach an agreement today. Tonight. Her vitals are dipping. That episode—what just happened? It was a warning.”

My heart dropped.

“She has very little time left,” he added. “And the earlier we leave, the better her chances.”

We all just stood there.

I could see the devastation return to Mr. Mason’s face. The way he clenched his fists, like holding something invisible was the only thing stopping him from falling apart.

“I’ll talk to her,” I said, already inching toward the door.

“No,” her father said, stepping forward and blocking my path. “Let me go in first.”

I nodded slowly.

He didn’t wait for my approval. He turned, opened the door, and disappeared inside.NI started pacing immediately. Back and forth across the tiled floor. My mind was racing.

Dr. Bennet placed a hand on my shoulder. “Sit down, David.”

“I can’t,” I muttered, but I eventually gave in, slumping into the nearest chair. My legs had stopped cooperating anyway.

“You need to book the flight,” Dr. Bennet said calmly.

I looked up at him. “You mean…?”

“Yes. We’re taking her,” he said, firm and decisive. “Whether she agrees now or not.”

My mouth parted in disbelief. “You’re serious?”

He looked me dead in the eyes. “Kate’s a rare kind of talent, David. Her compassion, her brilliance—it’s rare. I’m not willing to lose her.”

Hope exploded in my chest. I pulled my phone from my pocket so fast I nearly dropped it.

“I’ll book it now,” I said, thumbs flying over the screen.

Before I could even complete the search, my father cleared his throat beside me.

“No need,” he said. “You’re taking the jet.”

I froze.

“The what?”

“My private jet,” he repeated casually, as if he was offering me an extra sandwich. “I’ve already made the call. The crew’s prepping for takeoff. You’ll have medical support on board too.”

I blinked at him.

Was I dreaming?

This was my dad. The great Professor Richard Villa. The man who dictated every chapter of my life like he was the author and I was the character. And here he was… supporting something I chose.

I stood up slowly, swallowing the knot in my throat. “You’re serious?”

He nodded once. “This is important to you. That makes it important to me.”

That did it. I pulled him into a tight hug without warning. He stiffened at first, years of ego and pride, but then, for the first time in my life, he hugged me back, and it wasn’t just a pat on the back kind of hug.

It was real.

He squeezed my shoulder gently. “Bring her back safe.”

“I will,” I choked out.

The door opened just then, and Kate’s dad stepped out.

His face was unreadable. The tears were gone, replaced by something steadier. Resolved.

He looked at me and motioned with his hand. “She wants to see you.”

I nodded once, heart pounding in my chest. My legs felt heavy as I approached the door. I held the knob for a moment, took a breath, then slowly pushed it open. The room was quiet. The hum of the machines, the IV drip, and the soft rhythm of her breathing filled the space.

She looked… tired. Her eyes were fluttering open and closed, the sedation from earlier still dancing in her bloodstream.

I stepped closer.

“Kate?” I said softly.

Her eyes opened fully. And then, her hand reached for mine.

I took it instantly, pressing her fingers against my lips. “Hey,” I whispered.

She squeezed my hand. “David… promise me something.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Anything,” I said without hesitation.

“If I die… take care of my father.”

The words hit me like a knife straight through my ribs.

My throat tightened. “Kate—don’t say that. You’re not going to—”

“Promise me,” she insisted, her eyes growing wet, her grip tightening.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I promise.”

A smile appeared on her lips.

“Good,” she murmured. “And one more thing, David.”

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I’ll go for the treatment,” she whispered, eyes closing again. “but I don’t want you beside me when I breathe my last.”

My heart caught, and her hands wrapped around mine slipped as she fell into a into slumber.