No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



Emma was cornering Yates. This time, Yates didn't push back. Despite his own talents, he knew the complexities of the world all too well-how many bright stars go unnoticed. Emma didn't want to make things difficult for Yates. Even though some of what Mia said might have been exaggerated, it was better to err on the side of caution. After all, if their relationship ended up jeopardizing Yates's future, it could create a rift between them.

“Mia has made her point, Yates. You should go," Emma conceded. It wasn't Mia's words that swayed her; she was thinking of Yates. Yates's lips moved slightly as he gently stroked Emma's cheek, "I'll come find you as soon as I'm free. It won't be long."

“Okay!" Emma agreed. Yates leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, "Wait for me." Emma pressed her forehead to his, "Go on, but come back soon." As Yates walked away, Mia nodded to Emma before leaving with him. Under the starry night sky, Emma watched them go. Even though she had agreed, a chill of unease settled in her heart. At that moment, she didn't feel like going back, so she turned and headed to her lounge.

"Dr. Harper, is everything okay?" The night nurse was surprised to see her. Emma gave a soft smile, "I wanted to check on the new mother from yesterday. How is she doing? Does she have any family with her?"

Upon hearing this, the nurse leaned in, "Don't even mention it. Her husband's family hasn't shown up at all. It's just her mother here, crying her eyes out." The nurse shook her head, "Dr. Harper, seeing how cold and unfeeling some people can be makes me rethink marriage and having kids."

Emma gave a wry smile. As the department head, her role sometimes included offering comfort, "These cases are rare. Don't lose faith in love and marriage."

"If only we could all be as lucky as Dr. Harper, with a loving boyfriend," the nurse said enviously. Emma thought of her long-distance relationship with Yates. Even now, when they had a chance to meet, work still pulled him away, leaving a bittersweet feeling.

Just then, Emma's phone rang. It

etProperty belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

was her mother, "Emma, you're off tomorrow, right? Come with me to visit your grandparents. They've been missing you and asking about you." She had planned to spend tomorrow with Yates, "Let's talk about it later. I've got plans tomorrow. I'll visit them in a few days."

"You always have an excuse..." her mother began. "Mom, Dad, I've got to go. Bye!" Emma quickly hung up, avoiding the topic of marriage-a discussion bound to arise at her

e

grandparents'. The thought

of

discussing her relationship with

Yates, which could be easily counted on one hand in terms of duration, weighed her down.

With a heavy heart and a sigh, she adjusted her breathing and walked toward the new mother's room, only to find the woman sitting up in bed, staring out the window with a look of desolation. Emma felt a pang in her heart at the sight and took a deep breath, preparing to enter and offer some comfort. But just as she was about to push the door, she sensed someone approaching from behind.

Instinctively turning around, she barely caught a glimpse of the person behind her before a hand reached out, covering her mouth and nose. As a pungent smell filled her senses, everything went black.