Her Choice

Desi couldn't sit still in the dimly lit room, her mind racing with anxiety. She glanced at Lucas, who was standing by the door, watching her every move.

"I need time to figure this out," Desi said, her voice filled with emotion.

"You don't have the luxury of time," Lucas replied, his tone cold and unyielding. "My daughter's life is at stake."

Desi stopped and turned to face him. "Do you understand how tough this decision is for me? Can you grasp the seriousness of what you're asking?"

Lucas remained unfazed. "You don't have a choice."

"I always have a choice," Desi shot back, feeling frustrated.

Closing in on her, Lucas locked eyes with her. "No, you don't. Turning your back on this means giving up everything. Your career, your entire life's work—gone."

Desi's heart raced as she felt the weight of his words. "You can't hold my life and my career hostage like this."

"I can," Lucas said calmly. "And I have."

Desi felt trapped. There seemed to be no way out. Refusal would cost her medical license, perhaps even her life. Yet compliance meant being under the thumb of a mafia kingpin.

Her voice quivered as she spoke. "This is not how things should be. People shouldn't be coerced into such situations."

Arms crossed, Lucas remained resolute. "I couldn't care less about how things should be. My daughter's life is on the line, and I won't leave it in the hands of individuals I don't trust."

Turning away, Desi felt a sense of entrapment enveloping her. Lucas was not going to let her walk away unscathed, and even if she found a way out, her career would be irreparably damaged.

"I want access to all the records," Desi finally declared, her back turned to Lucas. "If I'm going to do this, I need full knowledge of Lily's condition."

"You'll have them by tonight," Lucas said, his tone softening slightly. "I'll ensure you have all the details you require."

Taking a deep breath, Desi's hands trembled. None of this felt right. However, allowing Lily to perish was unfathomable.

"I'll do everything I can to help her," Desi murmured quietly, her voice barely audible. "But it's not because you forced me—it's because I want to save her."

There was a moment of silence before Lucas responded, his voice taking on a softer, almost tender quality. "That's all I ask of you. Save her, and you will be free."

Desi turned back to face him, her eyes narrowed. "You better keep your word."

Lucas nodded solemnly. "I will.”

The room fell into an eerie silence as Desi and Lucas locked eyes. A mix of anger, fear, and resignation swirled within Desi as she took in her surroundings. She didn't trust Lucas one bit, but at that moment, Lily's well-being took precedence. Dealing with Lucas could wait.

"I'll start in the morning," Desi declared, shattering the silence.

"No, you'll start tonight," Lucas retorted, his tone cutting. "We can't afford to waste any time."

Desi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Tonight? I just arrived. I'm exhausted. I need rest, Lucas."

Shaking his head, Lucas remained firm. "You'll rest when she's stable. Not before."

Frustration clenched Desi's fists. "I won't be of any use if I collapse from exhaustion."

"I'll make sure you have coffee," Lucas stated, unmoved. "But you're not leaving that medical wing until you've made progress."

Desi locked eyes with him, fighting the urge to argue. She knew resistance would be futile. Lucas held all the cards, for now.

"Fine," she gritted out. "But I need full cooperation. I need a team."

"You'll have it," Lucas assured. "Everything you need."

"Good," Desi acquiesced. "I'll need blood tests, an echocardiogram, and a full set of scans. I can't work blindly."

Lucas nodded. "I'll arrange the tests."

Rubbing her temples, Desi felt the gravity of the situation bearing down on her. She didn't fully comprehend what she had gotten herself into, but there was no turning back.

"Where's Lily's mother?" Desi asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

A shadow crossed Lucas's face. "She's gone."

Uncertain whether to press further, Desi hesitated. "Gone?"

Lucas's jaw tensed. "Dead."

Desi's heart sank. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Lucas remained silent, turning away to stare out the window.

Guilt gnawed at Desi. She knew prying into Lucas's life wasn't her purpose, but the more she learned, the more convoluted everything became.

"I'll do everything in my power for Lily," Desi murmured, her voice softening.

Lucas didn't turn around. "That's all I ask."

For a moment, Desi lingered in the room, unsure of what else to say. Physically and emotionally drained, she understood she couldn't afford to stop now.

"Let me get to work," she finally spoke.

Lucas faced her again, his eyes unyielding. "I'll have the tests ready for you in an hour."

Desi nodded, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. As she stepped out of the room, her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. She didn't trust Lucas, and the situation she found herself in was far from ideal.