Chapter 207

Verena knew Isaac said that because he was worried about her health, yet she couldn't bear to let him wait any longer. Besides, in the early days of her pregnancy, nothing would be greatly affected.

With resolve glimmering in her eyes, she declared,'"No, your surgery must be done tomorrow."

Isaac parted his lips, wanting to argue, but before words could leave him, Verena softened her tone and continued, "Isaac, I know myself better than anyone. You don't have to worry about me. You've waited long enough-this is your moment. The surgery cannot be delayed a single day more."

Her voice was gentle, yet firm as iron wrapped in silk.

"I am a doctor. I know what is best for my patients, and what you need most right now is that surgery. You must regain your health."

She lifted her hand slowly, letting her palm rest on his cheek in a tender caress. "Trust me. My team and I are fully prepared. I promise I'll protect both myself and the baby before I even touch the scalpel.Alright?"

The warmth of her palm seemed to sweep away the storms in Isaac's heart.

After a long silence, he nodded faintly. "Alright, then the surgery will be tomorrow."

The next day, when news spread that lsaac would undergo surgery, not only Danica and Bobby,but his close friends also rushed to the hospital.

The corridor was thick with tension, yet beneath it ran a current of hope.

Cayden,Stevie, and Leonardo sat on the benches, eyes fixed upon the glowing sign above the operating room door.

Danica's face was drawn tight with worry, her hands clasped before her chest. Sometimes she closed her eyes to whisper silent prayers; sometimes she looked toward the door as though it might open any moment.

She trusted Verena's skills, yet anxiety still gnawed at her heart. She also knew Verena bore a double burden: operating while carrying new life.

Gratitude welled up in her chest like a tide she could not hold back.

Beside her, Bobby stood stiffly, his hands pressed against his hips, lips locked into a straight line. Sweat beaded on his forehead though the corridor was cool.

He raised his wrist again and again, checking his watch for what felt like the hundredth time.

"It's already been three hours," he muttered, anxiety creeping into his voice.

Every minute outside the operating room dragged like an hour.

Faces grew solemn, eyes flickering again and again toward the tightly sealed doors.

Inside the operating room, all of Verena's focus was on Isaac, lying under the bright lights.

Once, her hands had trembled at the mere touch of a scalpel after her grandmother's death,yet now they moved with the steadiness of stone, every cut and stitch precise.

She had no room for fear, no room for hesitation-only the unshakable thought that Isaac must make it through. The operating lamps shone harsh and white, the occasional clash of instruments echoing in the stillness.

Sweat beaded on Verena's forehead, and Julianna swiftly dabbed it away with a towel.

"Clamp," Verena ordered, her voice crisp and unwavering.

Julianna responded at once, placing the instrument in her hand.

The operation stretched past four hours.

When at last the lights dimmed and Verena stepped out, weary yet upright, everyone surged toward her.

Danica's voice trembled between hope and dread. "Verena, how is Isaac?"

All eyes fixed on her-Bobby's, Cayden's, Stevie's, Leonardo's. A faint smile curved Verena's lips. "The surgery was a success. Don't worry. With proper care, his recovery will be steady."

A collective sigh of relief broke through the corridor like a dam giving way.

Danica's eyes filled with tears as she clasped Verena's hands. "Thank you, Verena. Without you, Isaac might have been bound to a wheelchair forever."

Bobby's voice cracked as he brushed at the corners of his eyes. "Verena, it's a blessing you are here.When my brother wakes and learns he can soon stand tall again, he'll be overjoyed."

Cayden,himself a doctor, understood the weight of what Verena had carried, especially with her pregnancy.

His respect deepened as he spoke. "You need to rest. Hours on your feet-it must have taken so much out of you."

Stevie added quickly, "Yes, Verena, you can't overexert yourself. Think of the baby too."

Leonardo nodded solemnly. "That's right. Rest now-we'll let you know the moment Isaac wakes."

Verena hesitated, unwilling to leave Isaac's side, but Danica gently took her hand. Her voice was soft, yet full of motherly concern. "Go and rest for a while. You've carried out such a long surgery. I'll stay here and call you the moment he opens his eyes."

Looking into Danica's earnest gaze, Verena finally relented andnodded.

Surrounded by so many who cared, she could at last let herself pause.

Three hours later, Bobby pushed open the lounge door. "Verena, my brother's awake. He says he wants to see you." b

Verena rose at once.

At the ward entrance, Julianna hurried forward with a report. "Evelyn, his heart rate,blood pressure, and all other vitals have returned to normal. He is conscious, no complications." Verena nodded with quiet relief. "Good. Thank you."

She entered the room.

Isaac lay in the bed, his eyes filled with tenderness as they followed her every step.

For the first time after the accident, he felt he might truly stand by her side like any other man-able to hold,protect, and embrace her.

"Is it really possible?" His voice quivered, half question, half prayer."Can I truly recover fully... walk again like before?"

Verena sat beside him, her smile calm and reassuring. "Your body indicators are all normal. Don't worry.Once the surgical wounds heal, we'll begin rehabilitation. For now, you must rest and let time do its work."

She leaned forward to check the monitors carefully, and then kissed his forehead with quiet affection."Believe me, you will recover well."

Isaac's eyes reddened as emotion surged through him.

His lips trembled, his voice hoarse yet filled with devotion. "Verena... thank you."

In that moment, he vowed silently to give his all in recovery, to waste none of her sacrifice.

Knowing he needed rest, Verena stayed a little longer before stepping outside. Julianna approached swiftly. "Evelyn, there's something I need to report."

"What is it?" Verena asked.

"Our medical team is large, but many remain abroad. With the hospital now open and your name carrying weight, patients flood in daily. Yet our staff is too few-both doctors and nurses are stretched thin. We cannot sustain this pace unless tive recruit quickly."

Verena gave a thoughtful nod. "You're right. We need.more hands urgently. Handle the arrangements,butl want to personally review the final interviews."

Julianna inclined her head. "Understood. I'll begin right away."