Chapter 3

The next day, Diana showed up at the hospital with puffy eyes. When her colleagues asked what was up, she just shook her head, not in the mood to explain.

The hospital wasn't the place for chit-chat, especially for a busy surgeon like Diana.

She jumped into an emergency surgery, and by the time she was done, it was already early morning.

Just as she was about to leave, taking off her mask, the hospital director, Leonard Brown, barged into her office. "We've got an emergency. A patient's been shot in the abdomen, is in a coma, and has multiple stab wounds. He needs a blood transfusion and surgery ASAP. He'll be here in ten minutes by military helicopter. Diana, you're the lead surgeon."

Saving lives was a doctor's responsiblity.

Diana didn't hesitate. She put on a fresh mask and nodded, "Okay."

Outside the operating room, armed soldiers were everywhere. A guy who seemed to be in charge walked up to Diana, "Dr. Mellon, the patient's identity is top secret. Please save him."

He spoke like he knew her, which threw Diana off a bit, but it wasn't the time for questions. "Don't worry, I'll do my best," she said.

The surgical light shone on Stanley, lying on the table with his eyes closed and lips pale, but his sharp features still noticeable.

With the nurse's help, Diana got into her surgical gown and carefully removed the bullet from his abdomen, treating the other wounds.

Stanley's condition was critical; he had lost a ton of blood. The angle of the bullet and knife wounds screamed that someone wanted him dead.

If it weren't for Stanley's strong body and will to survive, he might not have made it if he had been brought in any later.

It took Diana hours to finish the surgery. After stitching him up, she staggered back, and a quick-thinking nurse caught her. "Dr. Mellon, it's almost dawn. You should rest."

Diana nodded, "Okay."

She was wiped out, her fingers too heavy to lift. She didn't notice Stanley's eyelids twitch on the operating table.

Stanley was moved to the ICU, and Diana slowly followed the group. The guy in the military uniform, who had quickly checked on Stanley, rushed to thank her. "Dr. Mellon, your skills are amazing! Thanks to you, Mr. Visconti is out of danger."

Diana waved him off, too tired to talk, "Call me when he wakes up."

She hadn't slept for a whole day and night.

The guy noticed Diana's pale face and quickly said, "Sure, go ahead and take some rest."

The hospital had a separate rest room, and Diana managed to crash on a narrow cot.

When she woke up, it was already two in the afternoon.

After freshening up, Diana came out, and the nurse on duty saw her, "Dr. Mellon, you're up? I heard you were busy all night. Thanks for your hard work."

"Why didn't you wake me? Has the patient in the ICU woken up?" Diana asked.

The nurse smiled, "He woke up early. He said not to disturb you and let you sleep until you woke up naturally."

Diana casually tied up her long hair and charged her phone. Missed calls and messages popped up.

All from Alex, wondering why she was MIA.

She frowned and turned off the screen in disgust.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Leonard came down from the ICU and greeted Diana, "You're up. Go see Mr. Visconti later. He wants to thank you in person."

Diana shook her head, "It's my job. He doesn't need to thank me."

She always hated dealing with formalities.

Leonard patted her shoulder, "Mr. Visconti is a big deal. It wouldn't hurt to build a good relationship. Besides, you'll be responsible for him until he's discharged. You'll meet eventually."

"I'll handle it when the time comes," Diana replied.

Leonard shook his head but didn't push it.

The hospital was always bustling.

Diana was too busy to think about the patient in the ICU until dinner time.

But that thought quickly got overshadowed by her hunger.

She hadn't eaten all day.

Just as she was about to head to the cafeteria, her office door slammed open, hitting the wall with a loud bang.

Alex stormed in.

Diana frowned, "What's up?"

Alex's eyes were dark and he stepped forward, grabbing Diana's slender neck and pinning her against the wall. "Bitch, you think you found a new backer? Can't wait to ditch me? Who's your lover?"

"What?" Diana coughed, tears welling up in her eyes, "What are you talking about?"

Alex was still handsome, but his eyes were filled with anger and madness, making him look somewhat sexy; but Diana only felt fear seeing Alex like this.

All the oppression and humiliation of the past three years came flooding back, leaving her with no strength to resist.

She used all her strength to try to pry Alex's hand off her neck.

Alex gritted his teeth, his lips close to Diana's ear, his words cruel and venomous. "You think the lover you seduced with your filthy body would be a good person? You want a divorce? Diana, I'm telling you, you'll never escape my control as long as I'm alive!"

Diana's vision blurred from lack of oxygen, feeling like the world was spinning.

And then she fell into a warm embrace.

A gentle voice sounded above her head, "Are you okay? Breathe slowly." The voice was so familiar.

Diana struggled to open her eyes, but a rough hand covered them, plunging her world into darkness.

Stanley's voice sounded again, cold but not directed at her. "Arrest him and lock him up."

Then there was the sound of a body hitting the ground and Alex's muffled cry.

Her tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and Diana fell into unconsciousness.

When she woke up again, she saw the familiar white ceiling of the hospital and smelled the disinfectant.

Diana sat up and saw Stanley quietly reading a book in a wheelchair nearby.

Hearing the movement, he looked up, revealing a deeply handsome face. "Dr. Mellon."

Diana got out of bed barefoot, her gaze at Stanley filled with scrutiny and caution.

Stanley was tall, even sitting in a wheelchair, he didn't look weak at all.

"You recognized me," Stanley said confidently.

Diana had recognized his voice the moment she heard it.

The man who had caused her three years of suffering and the stranger she had made love with not long ago.

"I haven't introduced myself. My name is Stanley Visconti." Stanley said.

"You..." Her voice was hoarse.

Diana instinctively touched her neck, the pain bringing her clarity. "What do you want?"

Stanley looked at her gently, but his tone was firm, "The floor is cold. Put on your shoes."

Diana curled her toes and put on the slippers by the bed, which were a bit big, clearly men's slippers.

She looked around the room, realizing it was the top floor ICU.

Stanley was always patient with Diana. He didn't rush to explain, letting her take her time.

"Thank you," Diana said.

Stanley raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear those words from Diana.

He had expected resistance and curses after revealing his identity.

Diana was softer-hearted than he had imagined.