5
325words
A patient gasped. "Dr. Evelyn Reed?"
She offered a polite smile. "Yes."
The patient beamed. "I can’t believe it! Dr. Reed!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Who is she?"
"Dr. Evelyn Reed! Look her up! Top nephrologist!"
"Seriously? Better than anyone here?"
"Absolutely."
Harrison stepped forward, hand outstretched.
She ignored him completely.
Walking straight to me, she said, "Ethan, it’s arranged. Transfer Noah to OR 8."
Tears pricked my eyes. I nodded.
Evelyn and I grew up together. We should have married.
But one drunken client dinner… I woke up with Amanda beside me.
I had a ring ready for Evelyn. Three days later.
Fate intervened. Evelyn left for her studies abroad. I married Amanda out of duty.
Harrison watched, stunned, as nurses moved Noah’s gurney.
Amanda, prompted by his glare, blocked the path. "No!"
"I’m his mother! What I say goes! I want Harrison operating! He’s better!"
Snickers erupted from the hallway.
"Seriously? Better than Dr. Reed?"
"Harrison’s good, but not that good!"
The derision was palpable.
Harrison flushed, yanking Amanda back, silencing her.
The OR light turned red. I waited.
"Family of Noah Miller?"
I jumped up. "Yes! Me!"
After verifying, the nurse helped me wheel Noah back to his room.
Seeing color returning to his lips, the weight lifted.
Evelyn entered. "Surgery was flawless, Ethan. Full recovery expected."
I nodded, overwhelmed. "Thank you."
She smiled, nostalgia in her eyes. "I didn’t think you’d ever call."
I couldn’t meet her gaze. "I… didn’t know how..."
She waved it off. "No blame."
She paused, her expression turning serious. "I heard… about Amanda and Dr. Sterling…"
I cut her off with a bitter smile. "I know."
Her eyes widened. "Then…?"
"Noah came first. Now, I’m going to file for divorce."
Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "What about Aunt Helen? She’s a powerhouse divorce attorney."
I looked down at Noah.
Should I call her?
