Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 90 ~ Critical

ATHENA

Isabelle's lips curl into a small but encouraging smile.

"Alright. I'll be there. But you, Dr. Dawson will be the one leading the operation."

My stomach drops at the thought.

"Lead? But I'm not ready for this. This is a complex case. I don't think-"

She raises a hand, cutting me off. "Listen. I know what you're thinking, but you've been trained for this moment. You know the procedures, the protocols, and the risks. You're ready. Don't let your doubts cloud your skills. I'll be there every step of the way, ready to back you up if needed. But you've got this. Believe in yourself."

I swallow hard, trying to push down the anxiety that's rising like a tidal wave in my chest. My palms feel clammy as I grip the file in my hands tighter.

"You can do this, Athena," Isabelle continues, her voice soft and reassuring. "I'm sure you've been through worse. This is no different. You've got the knowledge, and more importantly, you've got the heart. I'll be right behind you."

Her words give me a sliver of confidence, even though it's hard to shake the weight of Leah's words that felt like a trap. I'm slowly starting to get ready for this, and yet, somehow, my mind shifts into something more positive.

Mum and Dad, are you watching me from heaven?

Are you proud of me?

I'm about to walk into an operating room as the lead surgeon.

learned, every drill, every textbook, every piece of advice drilled into me by

with me that you can do this!" Isabelle gives me a brief nod and stands. "I'll meet you at 4. Get ready.

is cold and sterile, and the hum of the

in, my hands trembling slightly as I wash. The familiar scent of antiseptic does little

been walking me through everything, reminding me to stay calm, breathe, and take it one step at a time.

drapes that cover the patient. The monitors beep in the background. The anesthesiologist nods to me, confirming the patient is

It's my turn.

one deep breath, I

mistakes. I glance at Isabelle for reassurance, but she's focused, watching, waiting

placing the scalpel carefully. The

smooth cut.

hands aren't shaking

like the world slows

heart beating louder in my ears as I work.Dgo step-by-step,

away as I guide the sutures in thread after thread until the heart is once again steady, the blood pumping

relief. We're not

"Good work," she says quietly. "You've got it

For once, the weight of expectation doesn't feel like

---

the foot of the bed, watching the monitors as they beep. I can't help but smile, but