Chapter 6 Six

At the hospital, although it was particularly busy with the hustle and bustle, Olivia felt more alive there than she ever did at the Hilton mansion.

She entered Dr. Wilson's office to discuss an important matter. She found him there, frowning, clipboard in hand. He sensed her presence and looked up. The frown on his forehead disappeared in an instant.

"Olivia, I'm glad you're here. I've heard about last night. Are you sure you're okay to assist with the operation today?"

"I'm fine now, really," she assured him with a smile.

"If you're still unwell, you can rest. I can have another doctor fill your spot for today's surgery. I don't want to push you if you're not feeling well."

The kindness in his voice made Olivia feel a bit overwhelmed. Dr. Wilson had always treated her like a daughter. She could see the genuine care in his eyes. It was different from the cold criticism she faced at home.

"No, please. I'm fine, Doctor Wilson."

"Alright then." He could only sigh in defeat. "Just keep an eye on yourself. If you start to feel dizzy or unwell at all, you need to let me know immediately."

"Of course," she promised.

Dr. Wilson handed her the patient's file and adjusted his tie.

Olivia skimmed through the pages: male, early forties, spinal cord injury. Before she realized it, her thoughts were already painting a vivid picture of the patient in the operating room.

She and Dr. Wilson spent the next few minutes going over the details of the surgery. Once they wrapped up their discussion, he glanced at the clock and said, "Alright, let's get prepared. It is almost time."

In the operating room, Olivia played her role well. There was no one better than her when it came to handling the instruments and assisting with the procedure.

"Scalpel," Dr. Wilson commanded.

Olivia quickly handed it over. She knew what he needed before he even asked.

"Doctor, the patient's blood pressure is dropping rapidly!"

"Administer 10 milligrams of epinephrine immediately." Without turning to her, Dr. Wilson added, "Help me with the suction, Olivia!"

Olivia moved swiftly. Every ounce of her focus was directed toward the patient, who they could lose at any moment with one simple mistake.

She could barely feel anything during the surgery, not even the cramp in her legs or the sweat trickling down her forehead.

"Pressure's stabilizing!"

The surgery was able to continue without further complications. Olivia let out a small sigh of relief but didn't let her guard down. The patient wasn't out of the woods yet.

Five hours later, the surgery was a success.

Olivia emerged from the operating room. Only then did she feel the exhaustion hit her in full force. Her stomach grumbled, but she couldn't eat yet. The image of all the blood in the operating room was still fresh in her mind, making her feel a little queasy.

When she reached the doctor's lounge, she had some coffee and biscuits since it was all her stomach could handle without revolting.

After alleviating her hunger, she went on her rounds, checking on the patients and making sure everything was in order.

Around 2 PM, Olivia felt her stomach grumble again, reminding her that she hadn't had a proper meal since the early morning. She decided it was time for a much-needed lunch break.

She made her way to the doctor's lounge, hoping to find her lunch buddy, Nurse Jessy. However, Jessy was still in an important meeting, so Olivia resigned herself to having a solo lunch.

She remembered a small restaurant just a short walk away from the hospital. The food there was superb, and she could use the fresh air to clear her mind.

Stepping out of the hospital, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind, catching her by surprise. Looking up, she let out a startled stutter.

"C-Caleb?" She felt uncomfortable and instinctively pushed him away. "W-why are you here?"

A blush crept to his cheeks. He looked away for a moment, as though searching for the right words to express himself. When he finally turned to her, there was an intense look in his eyes. "You still haven't answered my question from last night...."

Olivia frowned. She thought that by now Caleb should have grasped the entirety of the situation after witnessing Clayton's proposal. But she underestimated his stubbornness. She should have known he wouldn't give up easily.

She sighed and rubbed her temples. "You are a good person, Caleb. You're kind, successful, and good-looking. Any woman would want you. But I'm getting married. I hope you understand that."

Caleb's lashes fluttered. His eyes became red-rimmed. He shook his head, as if he were hearing something he couldn't quite grasp. "I don't understand, Olivia. Perhaps I could understand you marrying another man... someone who loves and cares for you. But Clayton Bradford? That... that I cannot comprehend."

A lump formed in her throat. She gulped it down. "My adoptive parents want me to marry him. I... I cannot go against their wishes."

The corner of his lips twitched in disbelief. "You're giving up your own happiness for them?"

Olivia didn't answer because she had no idea what to say without hurting him even more. She was aware of how cowardly it was to simply accept the reality that had always been laid out for her. But what path could she take that wouldn't lead to hurting anyone?

Her lack of response seemed to be the answer for him. He took a few steps away and turned his back on her.

She lifted her hand to touch him, to say she was sorry for hurting him, but she'd been there before and knew that no amount of words could ease the pain. So, she stopped and let her hand fall to her side.

A minute passed before Caleb turned to face her, but he couldn't even look her in the eye. Olivia had expected his rage, his fury. After all, she deserved them. But what she saw took her by surprise. It was something she least expected. Tears.