Tessa lay on the operating table. The bright, cold lights of the OR were blinding, the sharp smell of antiseptic so strong it felt like she could taste it. Her skin was as pale as the sheet covering her. Her breathing was short and rushed.Nathan Hale was already in a sterile gown, cap, and mask. Inside his chest there was a strange feeling, like an outsider had stepped into a sacred, terrifying ritual.“Mr. Hale, you can wait outside if that’s more comfortable,” the nurse said softly, her tone almost pitying. They normally didn’t allow anyone in except the medical team, but if Nathan Hale asked, they knew there wasn’t much they could do about it.For a split second, fear showed clearly in Tessa’s eyes. Her cold fingers clamped around Nathan’s hand, gripping so tightly it felt like she refused to let go.“Don’t,” Tessa panted. “Don’t leave.”Nathan didn’t think twice. His decision locked in. “I’m staying. I’m not going anywhere.”Inside him there was only one simple certainty. Nothing
Last Updated : 2026-01-08 Read more