Chapter 345 Bantering Silhouettes
"So, can you come now? We haven't yet agreed on the best surgical plan."
The main issue was that none among them was as skilled as Dr. Smith, and those on duty were just interns.
They had less experience than Dr. Smith. Though it was discussed as a group, ultimately, it was Dr. Smith who had the final say.
Dr. Smith also had no better solution. This case was unprecedented in the country.
The patient's family had already been to several hospitals and finally came to NYU Medical Center. If NYU Medical Center couldn't manage it, then probably no other hospital in the country would dare to undertake the surgery.
"The patient is in a critical condition." He wouldn't be calling in the middle of the night, disturbing the young lady's rest, if he wasn't absolutely sure.
"I'll be there right away."
Upon hearing Abella's words, Phillipe immediately pinched her fingers, his jealous eyes flashing a warning.
Abella patted his head, signaling for him to calm down, emphasizing the gravity of life-or-death situations was no child's play. But Phillipe turned his face away, seemingly a bit upset.
"Do you need any other doctor's assistance? I can call them for you, just tell me who you want and I'll have them over immediately."
It was night, and many doctors were not in, leaving only a few less experienced interns in the emergency room.
"No need, you alone will do."
You! Alone! Will! Do!
With that, someone's jealousy completely spilled over. Squeezing Abella's hand tightly, he challenged, "Say that again?"
"Should I ask a friend to pick you up from school?" Dr. Smith had to stay to monitor the patient’s condition, as at this hour, he was the only reliable on-call doctor the hospital could boast of.
"No need, I'll go myself."
Hmph. Quite proactive! Phillipe grew even angrier.
After Abella hung up the phone, she saw the man in a mood and took his hand, giving it a gentle shake.
The man who was just irritated, his anger subsided with her gesture, and his heart softened.
"Going on a date with a man late at night, leaving your fiancé behind? Do you think that's appropriate?"
"Phillipe..."
"No excuses." Phillipe seemed determined not to let her out.
"It's not what you think." Abella kept holding his hand, quickly explaining the situation.
Her small hand was soft, and with one pull, his anger unceremoniously melted away.
"The risk is indeed very high if I'm not there for the surgery, with only him in charge."
Although it wasn't a very difficult surgery, the staff at the hospital at this time just weren't reliable.
"You don't even take a salary from the hospital." Phillipe was still acting petulant, "Moreover, you should be resting properly during your period."
"I don't feel unwell." Abella, wanting him to feel involved and reassured, said, "You come with me."
"What can I do?"
He wasn't adept at wielding a surgical knife. Was he supposed to stand by and listen as they exchanged medical jargon and shared their expertise? Feeling left out like that would make him even more miserable.
"Go and keep an eye on me, to see if I behave improperly or flit eyes with any man."
Phillipe couldn't help but laugh at her remark.
Seizing the moment, Abella added, "He took good care of grandma in the past, and we have never dated privately. It was all about exchanging medical knowledge. No personal feelings were involved.”
"I know very well what Dr. Smith thinks of you."
Phillipe had noticed how Dr. Smith looked at Abella before, his gaze clearly contained affection that he struggled to contain, mixed with restraint and torment.
"Who dares to compete with you for your fiancée?" Abella got up, taking his hand and saying, "Come on, hurry and accompany me."
Or else the patient's condition may worsen.
It was far too late for Phillipe to seriously consider letting her drive alone. Last time she floored it to the NYU Medical Center; the speed she reached still sends shivers down his spine when he thinks about it.
Phillipe was slightly vexed, "It’s rare to have a day off, and it's all taken up by others."
Abella looked up with a smile, "I'll make it up to you later."
"How will you compensate?"
"Bend down."
As soon Phillipe lowered his handsome face, Abella unexpectedly kissed him.
All of Phillipe's irritation vanished, his presence softened completely. She kissed him! And she took the initiative!
He grew bold and said, "One isn't enough."
"I'll add more later."
"You said it; no take-backs." Phillipe’s mood cleared entirely, and while walking, he drew her into his embrace. "If you give me less later, I'll take it up with him. Do you hear me?"
"I got it."
When the two arrived at the hospital, Dr. Smith was clearly surprised to see Phillipe. Wasn't Abella at military training in school? How was she here with Phillipe? It was obvious, from the look in Phillipe's eyes, that he saw him as a rival.
"Dr. Smith, is this the expert you mentioned?" The patient's relative didn’t expect someone so young; she seemed to be just a teenager, but in that moment, desperate, the relative quickly approached and clutched Abella’s hand, pleading, "Doctor, I beg you... you must save him."
"Don't worry, I will." Abella then turned to Dr. Smith, "What are you spacing out for? Go get changed."
Abella quickened her pace toward the operating room.
Dr. Smith redirected his gaze from Phillipe, "What’s the plan?"
"Right middle cerebral artery M2 plaque debulking plus superficial temporal artery bypass plus multiple aneurysm clippings at the M1 bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery.”
Phillipe couldn't make out what she said next; she'd entered the OR, and the lights came on. He sat on the bench outside the operating room, and after about an hour, he saw the doors open, and Abella walked out.
The patient's relative rushed forward, tears streaming, "Doctor, how is it?"
"The patient is out of danger and can be moved to a general ward."
"Thank you, thank you so much." The relative was so grateful they almost kneeled in front of Abella.
She quickly steadied her, "No need for thanks, it's my duty. The anesthesia hasn't worn off yet; they're not awake."
"All right, thank you, doctor." The relative wanted to ask for Abella's name but then saw the patient being wheeled out and rushed over.
Abella walked towards Phillipe, "I’m going to change."
"You’ve worked hard, I'll give you a massage later."
Abella flashed him a smile. "I'm not tired."
Dr. Smith also stepped out of the operating room door. After briefing the situation, his team wheeled the patient away.
From a distance, his gaze met Phillipe's; neither spoke.
It wasn't until Abella emerged that she saw Phillipe standing there, thinking he was daydreaming.
"We can go now."
"Yeah." Phillipe arrogantly pulled her into an embrace and kissed her forehead. "My precious fiancée, you've worked hard."
Abella lifted a smile. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Not really, just getting a bit hungry now. I'm thinking about some perks."
Abella playfully hit him.
Dr. Smith watched their flirting figures disappear from view, his gaze dimming completely.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
