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.

calm myself, remembering everything I've learned, every drill, every textbook, every piece of advice

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

the hum of the machines sends

as I wash. The familiar scent of antiseptic

at my side as we prepare. She's been walking me through everything, reminding me to stay calm, breathe, and take it one step at a time. and it's been working because

at the head of the table, my eyes flickering over the sterile drapes that cover the patient. The monitors beep in the background. The anesthesiologist nods to me, confirming the patient is stable for

It's my turn.

I make

We're working on a life, not a piece of machinery. I can't afford mistakes. I glance at Isabelle for reassurance, but she's focused, watching, waiting for me to take the lead. With a nod

carefully. The tissue yields under my

smooth cut.

aren't shaking

world slows down in

ears as I work.Dgo step-by-step, fixing the arrhythmia,

in thread after thread

of relief. We're not out of the woods yet, but

shoulder. "Good work," she says quietly. "You've

I realize she's right. I've done it. I've led the surgery. For once, the weight of expectation doesn't feel like a burden.

---

stable, and the surgery is a success. I stand at the foot of the bed, watching