Chapter 2 - Disappointment and reunions

Lila's pov

I scrubbed my hands under the surgical lights, feeling the cool water wash away the tension of the past few hours. The operation had been intense, but we’d pulled through, and that was what mattered. I glanced at the clock on the wall—time was ticking down, and I had an anniversary dinner to get ready for.

As I stepped out of the operating room, I spotted Sarah, my co-worker, leaning against the wall. She looked up from her phone, her face lighting up with a grin.

“There you are! I thought you might’ve decided to take a permanent vacation in O.R” she teased.

“Just another day at the office,” I replied with a weary smile. “But I’m done now. I need to get ready for tonight.”

“Ah, yes! The grand anniversary dinner with Mr. Handsome himself,” Sarah said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Any last-minute changes? Does he have some urgent crisis to save the world from?”

“Not that I know of,” I said, trying to sound hopeful. “He promised he’d be there on time this year.”

“Fingers crossed, right?” Sarah leaned in closer, lowering her voice playfully. “What’s on the agenda? A cozy dinner? Or is it another ‘I’ll grab a quick bite before I head off to save the city’ situation?”

“Just dinner at our favorite spot downtown. Nothing fancy,” I replied, glancing at the clock again. “I just want to enjoy the evening without interruptions.”

Sarah nodded, her expression turning serious for a moment. “You deserve that, Lila. You work too hard, and you need some time to enjoy life.”

“Yeah, well, let’s see if Alex actually shows up this time,” I said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.

“True,” she said, her tone lightening again. “So, how many years is it now?”

“Five years,” I replied, counting on my fingers. “Five years of constants interruptions”

“Well, hey, maybe tonight will be different. Just try to focus on the positive,” she said, sounding sincere but not overly pushy.

“Definitely. Just need to get through the evening” I chuckled lightly.

Just then, the overhead speaker crackled with an announcement for a staff meeting.

“Looks like I’m needed,” Sarah said, rolling her eyes. “Duty calls!”

“Go save some lives,” I urged, giving her a quick hug. “I’ve got to head home soon.”

“Enjoy your dinner! Don’t wait up for me to hear all about it!” she called as she hurried off, her voice echoing down the hall.

I took a deep breath, the weight of the day finally settling in. With the clock ticking down, I grabbed my bag and headed for the staff locker room.

As I changed out of my scrubs, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was a bit wild, and there were dark circles under my eyes. I needed to freshen up before heading out.

I quickly applied some makeup, hoping it would give me a bit of a glow for tonight. Tonight needed to be special. I grabbed my coat and headed out of the hospital.

As I stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapped around me, and I glanced up at the sky, hoping for a peaceful night ahead. I wanted to believe that tonight would be different—that this time, he’d be right by my side.

Few hours later

The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the table. I sat in our usual corner, where the world outside faded into a pleasant hum, but all I could feel was the tightening knot in my stomach.

I glanced at my watch for the fifth time, the seconds stretching into what felt like an eternity. Each tick followed my growing anxiety. The restaurant was alive with couples enjoying their evenings- that was all i asked for from Alex. Just a little time together.

A waiter approached with a friendly smile, placing a basket of warm bread in front of me. “Can I get you anything else while you wait?” he asked.

“No, thank you,” I managed, forcing a smile. I reached for a piece of bread, but it felt tasteless in my mouth.

With every passing moment, I could feel the hope starting fall through. I thought of Alex’s earlier message—a promise that he would be there on time. But time had slipped away“Maybe he got caught up,” I whispered to myself.

The waiter returned, and I glanced at the clock again. My heart sank. I could already sense the pity in his eyes. “Would you like to order something while you wait?”

“Maybe a glass of wine,” I replied. He nodded and moved away, leaving me alone once more.

I sipped the wine as it arrived,hoping it might ease the tension inside me. But even the comfort of the drink couldn't stop the anxiety in me with each tick of the clock.

Looking around, I caught i saw of couples leaning in closer, sharing soft laughter, and the sight made my heart ache. Was five years filled with moments like these too much to ask?

As I watched the door, a couple walked in, arm in arm, and I held my breath, but it wasn’t him. The disappointment pressed down on my chest. he always did this,he always made promises but never followed through.

“Where are you, Alex?” I murmured.

The waiter returned, looking at me pity,i forced another smile, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “I’m fine, thanks,” I said.

He gave a slight nod before moving on, leaving me to my thoughts. I glanced at the clock again.

Minutes crawled by and I kept trying to distract myself, but my mind drifted back to Alex. What if he was caught up in another crisis? One that kept him in a coma like the last time.The thought twisted like a knife in my gut.

I knew I should leave. But deep down, a small part of me was hoping that Alex would walk through the door any moment.

“Mind if I join you, Lila?”

I looked up, and there he was—Damon Wolfe. My heart raced. His dark hair was messy, and he looked more handsome than ever. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and that familiar smirk was just as charming as I remembered.

“Damon,” I breathed, a mix of surprise and nostalgia washing over me. “It’s been...what? Seventeen years?”

“Something like that,” he replied, leaning casually against the table. “You look amazing, by the way. That dress? It’s definitely a showstopper.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “Flattery will get you nowhere, you know.”

“Still showing off that strong side i see,” he teased, making my heart flutter.“But I’ve always had a weakness for strong women.”

Memories of our former relationship flooded back.We were young and reckless, navigating a world that felt too big for us. “Yeah, well, things have changed,” I said. “I’m just here to celebrate my wedding anniversary with Alex"

I caught the way his jaw tightened and how his eyes darkened slightly, revealing a bit of jealousy

“Anniversary?” He raised an eyebrow, a hint of playful dominance in his voice. “With Mr. Golden Boy himself? That’s...interesting. Does he know how lucky he is?”he added,with a hint of possessiveness.

“Sure,” I said, feeling the weight of disappointment settle in. “If he ever shows up.”

Damon leaned closer, his smirk widening. “Late again, huh? Classic Alex. Some things never change.Tou know, I always thought you deserved someone who would appreciate you more,” he continued

I smirked, shaking my head. “Oh, so you think I should trade in my ‘Golden Boy’ for a ‘Mysterious Bad Boy’? Because I’m not sure my marriage vows cover that kind of upgrade.”

Damon laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Hey, I’m just saying you could do better.

I shrugged playfully. “Maybe I just like a little suspense in my love life. Keeps things interesting, right?”

“Hey, I’ve got to get going,” he said suddenly, straightening up and running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight but I’ve got to run”

I felt a pang of disappointment. “Oh... okay. It was good to see you, Damon.”

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on mine. “You know I always cared about you, Lila. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.” He walked away.

“Thanks, Damon,” I replied, feeling the weight of his words. “It really was nice to catch up.”

As the minutes dragged on, my disappointment settled,I glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Enough is enough,” I muttered to myself. I grabbed my phone and checked for any messages from Alex—nothing. I made the decision to leave then.

As I walked toward the exit, my heart felt heavy. I held the tears in my eyes as the cold air of the night embraced me. I pulled my coat tighter around me,

The parking lot was dimly lit, and I hurried toward my car, my thoughts swirling. What had I been expecting? That Alex would drop everything for me? That we could be a normal couple for once? I was such a fool.

Just as I reached my car, a familiar whoosh filled the air above. I looked up and I spotted a dark figure flying through the sky, glinting under the moonlight . It was Alex, in his superhero costume.

He landed a few feet away from me. The sight of him filled me with frustration. “Lila!” he called out, his voice echoing across the parking lot.

“Nice of you to finally show up,” I shot back, crossing my arms.