Chapter 6 - The Longest Night
The surgical lights in Operating Room 2 burned for six grueling hours.
Ethan sat in the waiting room with Lucy curled up on his chest, asleep under a warm hospital blanket. Uncle Thomas sat across from them, reading through legal briefs on his tablet.
"Victoria's father tried to post bail an hour ago," Thomas said softly, looking up at Ethan. "The judge denied it. We uncovered offshore accounts linked to human trafficking and corporate espionage. The Hale family empire is done, Ethan."
Ethan didn't feel triumph. He felt only a hollow ache, praying that the justice came in time to save the woman he loved.
"What about Pierce Logistics?" Ethan asked.
"Your board of directors called an emergency meeting," Thomas replied. "When they heard what Victoria did, they voted unanimously to sever all contracts with Hale Enterprise. Your stock actually went up fifteen percent this morning because of the public support."
At 11:00 AM, the heavy doors of Operating Room 2 swung open.
Dr. Harrison walked out, pulling off his surgical mask. He looked exhausted, his scrub gown stained, but his eyes were bright.
Ethan stood up so fast he almost woke Lucy. "Doctor?"
Dr. Harrison smiled—a warm, genuine smile. "The transplant was a complete success, Ethan. Her body accepted the new lungs immediately. Her vital signs are stronger than they’ve been in five years."
Ethan let out a breath he felt like he had been holding for twelve years. Tears rushed to his eyes as he held his face in his hands.
Lucy opened her eyes, looking up at Dr. Harrison. "Is my mom okay?"
Dr. Harrison knelt down to Lucy's height. "Your mom is a fighter, sweetheart. She's in recovery right now, and she's going to breathe just fine."
May you like
Lucy burst into tears, throwing her arms around Ethan’s neck. "Thank you, Dad! Thank you!"
Ethan held his daughter tight, looking up at the ceiling of the hospital, feeling a profound peace wash over his soul for the first time in his life.
